Istanbul, Egypt & Nile Adventure

Depart on your flight to Istanbul, the first of your two destinations on your 13-day vacation. After landing at Istanbul International Airport, meet our English-speaking representative and enjoy an air-conditioned transfer to your hotel. Once the capital of the Roman-Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and formerly called Constantinople, Turkey’s largest city is bisected by the Strait of Bosphorus, whose lapping waters divide Europe and Asia. This location, along with its checkered past, makes the city a crucible of cultures, traditions, religions and cuisine. This evening, look forward to enjoying some of the best tours in Istanbul over the next two days: discovering everything from its Roman ruins, Byzantine showpieces and Ottoman palaces to its medieval bazaars and buzzing squares.

After breakfast, meet your Istanbul travel guide at 9 am. in the hotel lobby, The tour begins in historical Sultanahmet area, once the social centre of Constantinople and rich Roman and Byzantine landmarks. Stroll around the Hippodrome, the setting of Byzantine-era chariot races and then, with your Istanbul guide, tour the 17th-century Blue Mosque and UNESCO-protected 6th-century Hagia Sophia, the great cathedral built by the Emperor Justinian which was later converted to a mosque. Admire its glorious interior as your Istanbul travel guide explains its history and architecture. Next, pay a visit to the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, the world’s biggest covered marketplace—following its winding corridors to browse some of its 4,000-plus shops hawking everything from Turkish carpets and jewelry to antiques and spices. 

Enjoy the rest of your evening free at leisure or option to join our Landmarks of Istanbul tour. Visit the Topkapi Palace, the one-time residence of Ottoman sultans, to see its imperial treasures, gardens and harem. Explore the vibrant Taksim and Galata districts and stroll along the traffic-free Istiklal Street.

Today is yours to explore and enjoy Istanbul as you please. Alternatively, discover the sights, colors and flavors of Istanbul on our optional Treasures of Istanbul tour.  This half-day excursion will take you to the aromatic Spice Bazaar and the famous Rustem Pasha Mosque. Finish with a shared motorboat ride on the Bosphorus to see its waterfront sights before transportation back to the hotel.

After an airport transfer, board your international flight bound for Cairo, Egypt's capital and Africa's largest metropolis. Prepare for an exciting adventure exploring Egypt's ancient marvels. Touch down at Cairo International Airport. Meet your Affordable World representative at the airport arrivals hall and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your Cairo hotel, home for the next 3 nights. Enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure, perhaps relaxing at the hotel or exploring this dynamic city independently.

Begin your day with a tour of this extraordinary city, whose origins date back to 2,000 B.C. Enjoy a comfortable ride as we make our way to Cairo's famous Grand Egyptian Museum. Take in the ever-changing scenery, where tradition and modern life coexist, all set against the backdrop of the timeless Nile River, flowing through the heart of Egypt’s capital. Step into history at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where 12 newly opened galleries unveil the splendor of ancient Egypt. Showcasing artifacts from the Old, Middle, and Late Kingdoms, these galleries bring to life the rich tapestry of Egyptian society, religion, and doctrine. Among the treasures are statues of the "Elite of the King", the esteemed royals and officials who once shaped an empire. Ascend the Grand Staircase, flanked by towering statues of Egypt’s most powerful rulers, standing as silent sentinels of a glorious past. Witness the treasures of Tutankhamun and other artifacts, including ancient animal mummies, household goods, and more, further enriching this extraordinary journey through one of history’s greatest civilizations. Return to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the afternoon free at leisure. 

For those seeking a deeper connection to Egypt’s ancient wonders, our Memphis & Sakkara optional tour with lunch offers an unforgettable experience. Explore Memphis, the ancient capital founded around 3100 B.C., where the mighty Ramses II once ruled. Here, you’ll encounter the awe-inspiring statue of Ramses II, a monumental reminder of Egypt’s grandeur. 

The journey continues to Sakkara, a vast archaeological site that is home to the stunning Step Pyramid of King Zoser, one of the oldest and most significant stone structures in the world. Standing before this magnificent pyramid, you’ll witness the beginnings of Egypt’s pyramid-building era, an architectural wonder that has stood the test of time. Indulge in a delightful lunch along the way, savoring local flavors before returning to your hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the unforgettable sights and stories of the day.

*The artifact displays at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) are subject to museum availability, as pieces are gradually being relocated from the old Egyptian Museum. The pieces listed on the itinerary are for reference only and may or may not be available during your visit.

Today offers the opportunity for you to explore Cairo at your own pace, or, for those wishing to dive deeper into the wonders of ancient Egypt, you can join our Optional half day Pyramids Tour—a truly mesmerizing experience that will take you on a journey back to a time over 4,000 years ago.

The first stop on this unforgettable excursion is the UNESCO-listed Great Pyramids of Giza where you will stand in awe before the monumental Pyramid of Cheops. This colossal structure, originally reaching a height of 496 feet, is the largest pyramid ever built and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As you gaze up at its massive stone blocks, you’ll feel the weight of history and the incredible achievement of the ancient Egyptians who constructed this marvel without the technology we have today. You’ll also encounter the Great Sphinx, a mysterious guardian with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, its stoic gaze having watched over the pyramids for thousands of years. The Sphinx is a symbol of Egypt’s grandeur, steeped in legend and intrigue. After exploring the pyramids, step into the world of Papyrus—the ancient paper used by Egyptians for writing and preserving their culture for millennia. The tour culminates with a panoramic view of Cairo, offering sweeping vistas that stretch across the city, with the majestic pyramids in the distance and the meandering Nile River cutting through the landscape. After a day filled with history and wonder, return to your hotel to enjoy your evening free at leisure.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor. Step aboard your cruise ship on the Nile -- Egypt’s lifeblood for thousands of years. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch on board. Join your guide for an afternoon of sightseeing, visiting the ancient relics of the Karnak Complex and the Nile’s East Bank, and wandering the huge pillars and sanctuaries. Stroll the halls and courts of Luxor Temple as your guide sheds light on the pharaohs who built them. Back to our ship for dinner and overnight.

*For travelers with an early flight departure, a breakfast box may be provided.

After a leisurely breakfast aboard your Nile cruise, enjoy the day on board at your own pace.

Alternatively, for those seeking to explore more of Egypt's rich history, our optional excursion to the West Bank offers a captivating journey through some of Egypt’s most extraordinary archaeological wonders, each offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient civilization. Explore the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of Egypt’s great pharaohs, where intricately carved tombs reveal vibrant artwork and hieroglyphs that have endured for thousands of years. Explore the Valley of the Queens, where the tombs of royal women are adorned with mesmerizing frescoes depicting their divine journey to the afterlife. Admire the breathtaking Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, honoring Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh. Visit the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that once guarded the grand temple of Amenhotep III. Standing tall against the backdrop of the Theban desert, these silent sentinels continue to inspire awe, serving as a lasting testament to Egypt’s ancient glory.

Return to your ship for a delightful lunch as we sail towards Edfu via Esna Lock. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the sun deck with tea service, admiring the panoramic view of the Nile’s picturesque landscapes. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by a delicious dinner onboard. Relax and enjoy the calm waters of the Nile as we dock in Esna for the night.

After breakfast, embark on a charming horse-drawn carriage ride to the Temple of Edfu, one of ancient Egypt’s most beautifully preserved sanctuaries. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this magnificent temple features towering walls adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and sacred halls that evoke the grandeur of a bygone civilization. Enjoy lunch on board as the boat glides along the river towards Kom Ombo, bask in the serene atmosphere, with lush palm groves, peaceful villages, and the timeless landscapes of Egypt unfolding before you. 

Upon arrival in Kom Ombo, explore the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Haroeris. This remarkable temple is symmetrically designed, with its twin sanctuaries and hallways dedicated to each deity. Admire the exquisite carvings of gods, kings, and daily life, including an ancient surgical instrument list believed to be the earliest medical texts. Discover how the temple was once a center for healing and worship, offering insights into Egypt’s rich spiritual and scientific heritage.

After exploring Kom Ombo, rejoin your ship and cruise to the ancient city of Aswan. Enjoy dinner followed by a lively Galabiya Party, where Egyptian music and cultural festivities bring the night to life. Drift into the evening aboard your cruise, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the river, as you continue your journey to Aswan.

After breakfast, enjoy your morning free at leisure, or make the most of your time and embark on an unforgettable optional excursion to Abu Simbel, traveling through the breathtaking Nubian Desert to witness the awe-inspiring rock temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. The Great Temple, adorned with four towering statues of Ramses II, tells tales of gods and conquests through its exquisite carvings and hieroglyphics. Nearby, the Temple of Queen Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, radiates grace and reverence, offering a rare tribute to the powerful queen. Admire the temple’s enormous Ramses II statues and explore inside as you hear how it was rescued from the rising Nile during the late 20th century. After marveling at these wonders, return to Aswan. 

After lunch on board, drink in the beauty of the Nile as a wooden 'felucca' sailboat ferries you around the Agha Khan Mausoleum. Admire the graceful silhouette of the Agha Khan Mausoleum perched atop a hill, standing as a symbol of elegance and history. Dinner and overnight on board in Aswan.

Enjoy breakfast aboard the Nile cruise before disembarking in Aswan. Spend the morning at your leisure, taking in the tranquil beauty of this riverside city, or join our optional Landmarks of Aswan Tour. We'll visit the Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous monument left incomplete due to a flaw in the stone. This ancient site offers fascinating insight into the advanced stone-cutting techniques of the Egyptians. Standing at a colossal 42 meters long, the obelisk would have been the largest ever erected had it been finished. It provides a glimpse into the extraordinary skill and ambition of the ancient builders. Continue to explore the stunning Philae Temple, one of Nubia's most important monument sites saved from a watery grave by UNESCO's rescue project during the building of the Aswan High Dam. Set on a picturesque island in the Nile, this temple is known for its elegance and beauty. As you wander through the temple complex, you’ll feel transported to a time when this sacred site was a major center of worship, particularly during the Greco-Roman period. We'll also visit the awe-inspiring High Dam, one of the most significant engineering feats of the 20th century. The dam stands as a symbol of modern Egypt’s engineering prowess and is a testament to the country’s ability to harness the power of the Nile for both agriculture and energy. After a day of wonders, board a short flight to Cairo for your final night in the city.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home, bringing back unforgettable memories of Egypt’s ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

*For travelers with an early flight departure, a breakfast box may be provided.