EGYPT AND TURKEY SENSATIONAL

Día 1°: (Viernes) BOGOTA – ESTAMBUL

Presentarse con 3 horas de antelación en el aeropuerto internacional El Dorado de Bogotá para abordar vuelo con destino a Estambul. Noche a bordo.  

Day 2 : (Saturday) ISTANBUL - CAIRO

At the appointed time you will take your connecting flight to Cairo, welcome to Egypt! Arrival at Cairo International Airport, Spanish speaking assistance at the airport by our representative before passport control. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.

Day 3 : (Sunday) CAIRO Breakfast.

Half day visit to the Three Pyramids of Giza; Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos, the Eternal Sphinx and the Temple of the Valley of Chephren "does not include entrance to the interior of the Pyramids". Afternoon at leisure, possibility of optional visit to the Necropolis of Saqqara and the City of Memphis, Capital of the Ancient Empire. In the evening, optional visit to the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 4 : (Monday) CAIRO - LUXOR

Half board. Day at leisure, or you can fly direct to Luxor. Morning optional full day city tour of Cairo; Egyptian Museum of Pharaonic Art, Saladin Citadel with its Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Coptic Quarter and Khan el Khalili Market. In the afternoon, transfer to Cairo International Airport and domestic flight to Luxor. Arrival in Luxor. Transfer to the ship. Overnight on board.

Day 5°: (Tuesday) LUXOR - ESNA - EDFU

Full board. In the morning, visit to the East Bank in Luxor; the Temples of Luxor and Karnak. In the afternoon, optional visit to the West Bank in Luxor; the Necropolis of Thebes; the Valley of the Kings, the Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut known as El-Deir El-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. At the scheduled time, we will set sail for Esna. We will cross the Esna Lock and continue sailing to Edfu. Overnight on board.

Day 6 : (Wednesday) EDFU - KOM OMBO - ASSUAN

Full board. Arrival at Edfu and visit the Temple of Edfu dedicated to the god Horus. Navigation to Kom Ombo. Arrival at Kom Ombo and visit the Temple of Kom Ombo the only one dedicated to two divinities: The crocodile-headed god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Haroeris. Sailing to Aswan. Overnight on board.

Day 7°: (Thursday) ASUAN

Full board. In the morning, possibility of optional excursion to the famous Temples of Abu Simbel. Also, we will take a ride in a Falucca on the Nile River (typical Egyptian sailboats) from where we can admire and enjoy a panoramic visit to the Mausoleum of Agha Khan, the Elephantine Island and the Botanical Garden. Then visit the High Dam of Aswan and the Temple of Philae. Overnight on board.

Day 8 : (Friday) ASSUAN - CAIRO

Breakfast and disembarkation. At scheduled time, transfer to Aswan International Airport and domestic flight back to Cairo. Arrival in Cairo. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening, possibility of an optional visit of Buffet Dinner with Show on a boat on the Nile River. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 9°: (Saturday): CAIRO - ISTANBUL

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport and departure to Istanbul. Arrival at Istanbul airport. Reception by our staff and transfer to the hotel. Time for rest or personal activities. Lodging.

Day 10: (Sunday) ISTANBUL

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, under the sky of Istanbul, a unique opportunity opens up. We will depart for a panoramic tour in one of the oldest areas of the city, where we will see the Roman Aqueduct. We will continue to observe the Walls of Constantinople, cross the Galata Bridge over the "Golden Horn", offering a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the Galata Tower and the Asian side of the city.

There is the option to join the optional excursion ''THE COLORS OF ISTANBUL'' (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Visit to the historic Eyüp Mosque, an important Muslim pilgrimage site located near the Golden Horn, built in the 15th century. From there, we will drive to the ancient Jewish quarter of Balat. We will stroll through its charming cobblestone streets, adorned with colorful wooden houses and vibrant antique stores. Next, we will walk to the nearby Greek quarter of Fener. This picturesque neighborhood is known for its Orthodox churches, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. We will explore the streets full of history and admire the Byzantine architecture that characterizes this area. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar). This vibrant market is a feast for the senses, with its stalls filled with spices, sweets, nuts and a variety of local products. To culminate our day, we will embark on a relaxing boat ride on the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, enjoying the wonderful views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas and the bridges that connect both sides of this vibrant city. Transfer to the hotel. Lodging.

Day 11: (Monday) ISTANBUL

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day with the possibility to take advantage of an optional full day excursion with lunch ''THE OTOMAN JEWELS''. We will start our day exploring Sultanahmet Square, where the Blue Mosque will amaze us with its impressive tiles. We will continue to the Roman Hippodrome, a former venue for sporting and political events in Byzantine times. Then, we will admire the exterior of the majestic Hagia Sophia, a monument that has witnessed centuries of history and has been transformed from a church to a mosque. We will continue to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch, where you will taste typical dishes of Turkish cuisine. Later, the Grand Bazaar will tempt us with its thousands of stores and treasures waiting to be discovered. After a day full of exploration and experiences, we will return to the hotel, taking unforgettable memories of Istanbul with us. Accommodation.

Day 12: (Tuesday) ISTANBUL - ANKARA - KAPADOCIA

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we bid farewell to Istanbul and head to Cappadocia, one of Turkey's most fascinating regions. On our way, we will make two notable stops. The first will be in Ankara, where we will visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, to pay tribute to his historical legacy. Then, we will continue to the impressive Salt Lake, one of the largest salt lakes in the world. You will have the opportunity to walk on its shimmering salt waters and admire its unique beauty. After these enriching experiences, we will continue our journey to the magical Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight.

Día 13º: (Miércoles) CAPADOCIA 

Al amanecer podremos realizar la excursión opcional en globo aerostático para sobrevolar las “Chimeneas de Hadas”. Los paisajes surrealistas cautivarán sus sentidos.

Desayuno en el hotel. Hoy nos adentraremos en la maravillosa Capadocia, donde las rocas talladas por siglos narran historias secretas al viento, comenzamos nuestro viaje mágico. Castillo de Ortahisar, la fortaleza esculpida en la roca, se alza como un faro de la historia. Luego, Valle de Güvercinlik, los acantilados abrazan a las palomas en sus nichos, nos sumerge en la belleza atemporal. Castillo de Uçhisar, tocando el cielo con sus agujas de piedra, revela vistas que despiertan los sueños. Devrent Vadisi, el "Valle de la Imaginación", despierta la fantasía con formaciones rocosas caprichosas, las rocas parecen haber sido esculpidas por hadas. Valle del Amor, donde el amor se entrelaza en cada rincón, nos envuelve en su romántica ensoñación. Entre estas maravillas, visitaremos talleres de alfombras y onyx, donde la artesanía cuenta historias ancestrales. Este día es un poema vivo, una sinfonía de rocas y sueños que se inscribe en el alma, donde la magia y la cultura de Capadocia nos abrazan en cada rincón. Cena y alojamiento.

Day 14: (Thursday) CAPADOCIA - PAMUKKALE

Breakfast at the hotel. We drive to Pamukkale, known for its travertine terraces and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Upon arrival, we will explore Hierapolis, an ancient city that was an important thermal center in Roman antiquity. We will admire the well-preserved ruins, including its Roman theater, Domitian's gate and the famous Cleopatra's thermal pools. Free time to take advantage of the natural cotton castle pools. Afterwards, we will arrive at our hotel in Pamukkale, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the facilities and relax. You can soak in the hotel's thermal pools or simply rest and recharge your batteries before continuing our trip. Dinner and overnight.

Day 15: (Friday) PAMUKKALE - EFESO - KUSADASI OR IZMIR

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will immerse ourselves in rich history and spirituality as we visit two extraordinary sites. We will begin in Ephesus, an ancient Roman city that was once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the ancient world. Here, we will explore its well-preserved ruins, including the theater, the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Next, we will head to the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site for people of all religions, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years. This sacred place exudes a spiritual peace that touches the hearts of visitors. We will also stop at a leather production center. Dinner and overnight.

Day 16: (Saturday) IZMIR - OPTIONAL (TURKISH TUSCANY OR GREEK ISLAND)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day with the possibility to take advantage of an optional "2 countries in 1 day" excursion in Greece. Today we provide you with an exciting opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Chios. Known for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches and rich history, Chios awaits you for a unique experience. You will explore charming villages, discover the local culture and taste unique culinary delights. Free time for lunch. In addition, you will have time to relax on its pristine beaches or explore its historical sites. Return to Turkey and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

-Greek Island Chios - Description: Applies March to October

° The Greek island of Chios. Known for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches and rich history, Chios awaits you for a unique experience. You will explore charming villages, discover the local culture and taste unique culinary delights. Free time for lunch. In addition, you will have time to relax on its crystal clear beaches or explore its historical sites. Return to Turkey.

° (This tour requires a minimum of 10 pax. In case of not reaching 10 pax it is substituted with the tour 'Turkish Tuscany')

-Turkish Tuscany (with lunch) Description: Applies November to February

° As in many places bathed by the Mediterranean, the climate becomes especially favorable for wine production, as is the case in Italy, Spain and also in Turkey. The Aegean Sea region, an arm of the Mediterranean, is a major producer of quality wines. Departure to the Isa Bey Mosque, an impressive example of Seljuk architecture, dating back to the 14th century. We will continue our tour with a panoramic view of the Basilica of St. John from the outside, where the tomb of this important apostle is located. We will then drive to the charming village of Sirince, famous for its architecture of white houses of Turkish-Greek design. In Sirince, we will enjoy a wine tasting, sampling the delicious local wines made from fruits such as apples, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, melons, watermelons, cherries and many others. After the tasting, we will have free time to explore its narrow streets, where handicrafts of all kinds and local olive oil production are sold. We will make a brief stop to capture some photos at the famous theater of Miletus, known to have been visited by St. Paul. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the unique flavors of Aegean cuisine. In the afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Apollo in Didim. This temple is one of the most famous oracles of the ancient world and was built in honor of Apollo, the god of prophecy, music and poetry. After exploring this fascinating archaeological site, we will return to the hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Day 17: (Sunday) KUSADASI/IZMIR - BURSA - ISTANBUL

Breakfast at the hotel. On this last day of our Anatolian tour, we will depart early from Izmir for the charming city of Bursa, known as the "Green City" of Turkey. Bursa will greet us with its rich history and natural beauty. We will visit the Great Silk Bazaar, where you can explore and purchase unique souvenirs. During our tour, we will also visit the Green Mosque. After a day full of discoveries, we will return to Istanbul. Overnight stay.

Day 18º: (Monday) ISTANBUL - BOGOTA

We hope you have enjoyed this trip full of history, culture and Turkish beauty! At the agreed time transfer to Istanbul airport to take your flight to Bogota.