Legends
of Turkey , Greece Egypt and the Nile
The Ultra Deluxe Private Touring Edition
With the Hot Air Balloon Flight over Cappadocia
A Grand 18 days Mediterranean Dream Vacation
Exploring "Imperial Constantinople "
Istanbul , Greece
Athens , Cairo , an Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruise in Egypt
All Business class air between Istanbul , Athens and Cairo
Private Egyptologist. Private Transfers
Boarding
the Nile Cruise in Aswan
compare
with the 20-Days Grand Tour of the East Mediterranean
Among
the most treasured memories of many travelers are a trip to Istanbul
, the Greek Isles and a journey on a Nile steamer. In this trip you
will experience them all .
DAY
1 -- Arrive ISTANBUL- Daily - Any day year round - Choose
your own date
Private Transfers- Tour starts daily in Istanbul. Private
transfers, private touring.
Our staff meets your flight and escorts you to your hotel ; The Inter.Continental
or Ciragan Palace Kempinski Welcome fruit basket at your room, with
our compliments.
This
tour starts daily in Istanbul, yet please keep in mind that we keep
the right to substitute some site based on the following: Topkapi Palace
is closed on Tuesday. Ayasofia is closed on Monday. Kariye Museum is
closed on Wednesdays. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
DAY
2 -- ISTANBUL - Private Guide. Private Car & Driver (BL)
We dive right into this fascinating city with visits to its top sights:
Topkapi, the palace of the Sultans for centuries; Hagia Sophia,
the greatest church in Christendom for a thousand years; the Blue
Mosque, with its exquisite blue tiles; the Byzantine Hippodrome,
scene of chariot races and gladiator combat; and the eerie Sunken Palace
cistern beneath it. Then a drive through modern neighborhoods brings
us to the ancient city walls and the Kariye Museum (Chora Church),
filled with brilliant Byzantine mosaics. Breakfast at the hotel daily
. Lunch is included today at a charming local restaurant .
DAY
3 -- ISTANBUL - Private Guide. Private Car & Driver (BL)
ISTANBUL- "Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque"
(late 19th century), the exotic romance of the "Paris of the
East:"
Morning walking tour : We start with our guide in Karaköy where
the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then
take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish
tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates),
and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the
famous Pera Palace Hotel.
Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in
the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and
be picked up for the afternoon tour. In the afternoon the tour visit
Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz,
and finish up with a visit to the Military History Museum in Harbiye
in time to hear the "Mehter," or Ottoman military band (mid-afternoon).
Then go on a shopping spree at the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar.
Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY
4 - ISTANBUL to CAPPADOCIA
(BD)
A morning flight takes us across Anatolia ("Great Mother" in Turkish)
to Kayseri, from which we drive into the eerie volcanic landscape of
biblical Cappadocia.
We settle in at one of the deluxe cave style hotels ( Or more contemporary
ones based on your preference). For Deluxe we use Museum Hotel, Cave
Suites or Gamirasu Cave Hotel or similar . If you do not prefer cave
hotels, then we will use Kapadokya Hotel. In the afternoon, we explore
the foremost sights in this historic, visually striking region. Our
first stop is the Göreme Open Air Museum, with its dozens of ancient
cave-churches carved from the soft volcanic stone. Many still contain
their beautiful colored fresco decoration. Next we explore the monastic
valley of Zelve, where whole monasteries were carved into the rock.
In the Pasabag and Dervent valleys we view the "fairy chimneys," pinnacles
of volcanic rock formed by wind and water erosion over millennia. We
enjoy a panorama of the Red and Rose Valleys before we head back for
our hotel to enjoy a typical Turkish dinner.
Day
5 - EXPLORING CAPPADOCIA (BLD)
We drive across the rolling steppe of Central Anatolia to the town of
Derinkuyu and descend into an underground labyrinth carved thousands
of years ago. Hundreds of cave-rooms and passageways descend eight levels
into the earth. Storerooms, kitchens, larders, and churches show that
this "underground city" was capable of housing thousands of people when
danger threatened. On our way back to our hotel we stop at the striking
Agzikarahan Caravansaray, built by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century
as a way-station for the rich camel caravans plying the Silk Route between
Europe and Asia. Late afternoon drive to Avnos , a traditional potter-
making town to visit the local artisans, and admire the fine detailing
of the famous Iznic ceramic designs. In the evening we visit an underground
restaurant for a traditional Turkish folklore show, with dances and
costumes from several regions rich in folklore, including Gaziantep,
the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. The mysterious and alluring art
of belly-dancing, and an enjoyable evening of traditional Turkish dance.
Private
air conditioned vehicle/Private guide .
Private
chauffeur, private guide private air conditioned vehicle for all your
touring today.
DAY
6 -- Hot Air Balloon Flight over Cappadocia
Kayseri - Istanbul - IZMIR (B) /
Selcuk ( Seljuk) or Kusadasi
Breakfast
is included after the flight
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE:Transfers from/to your hotel are always included.
Balloon flight is one of the best activities that you can join in Cappadocia
and probably an experience of a lifetime.
At five in the morning, smoke is beginning to rise from the village
chimneys below you. The barking of dogs, startled by the balloon, attracts
sleepy villagers outside to wave enthusiastically. The weird twisted
landscape of corroded rock to which you have partially become accustomed
from the ground level, becomes even more unearthly when viewed from
several hundred feet above. A 90-minute hot air balloon flight culminating
in a champagne breakfast on landing. In two words? Breathtaking and
Unforgettable!
This is by Kapadokya Balloons
www.kapadokyaballoons.com. They are the best in Cappadocia. Lars and
Kaili, the owners of the company, are probably the best balloon pilots
in Europe and they operate and fly the deluxe (90 minute) flights. Please
note that breakfast is offered only after the flight.
<<
Kapadokya Balloons www.kapadokyaballoons.com
As the company that pioneered ballooning in Cappadocia we would love
to share with you an adventure that will surpass your highest expectations.
It
is our passion for ballooning, tempered with more than 20 years of experience
flying balloons in the area that has helped us maintain our position
as the best ballooning operator in Turkey. Every flight is a fantastic
adventure as we float intimately amongst the fairy chimneys and soar
over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape. Join us for the best ballooning
adventures on earth! Please rest assured, when flying with our pilots
you will feel secure and be well cared for, and have the chance to share
this deep passion for ballooning in Cappadocia! In our web site you
will find detailed information about us, the Cappadocia region and ballooning
fun. Please have a look around >>
FAQ
And more Details : Please click here .
Proceed by private car to Kayseri, board your flight on to Istanbul
and connect onward to Izmir, where our local rep. will be waiting with
a sign in your name at Izmir Airport , private transfer to Selcuk (
Seljuk) or Kusadasi as you wish and your hotel. Remainder of the day
at leisure. Air fare is included in economy class with tax, if the plane
offers business class configuration, then you will be in business class
.
Overnight at Kalehan Hotel in Selcuk. For Deluxe : Kismet Hotel .
DAY
7 - Ephesus including Terrace Houses
(BL)
Today we first drive to the Virgin Mary's House; after that we visit
Ephesus which was founded in the eleventh century BC by the Ionians.
Strolling through the streets of Ephesus, we will witness the perfection
of the Greco-Roman Art. Later in the afternoon we will visit St John's
Basilica, believed to be the tomb of the Apostle John, Christ's beloved
disciple. From the basilica, we will be able to look down on the remains
of the temple of Artemis. We end the day with our visit to the Isa Bey
Mosque. We will tour as well the Terrace Houses , the
Odeon, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath, Celsus Library, Marble
Street and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people.
See the Terrace Houses , the newly excavated site in Ephesus, excavation
site for the ancient homes of richest ephesians.
Afternoon
tour : Sirince Village. For an additional :
This old Orthodox Village, 30 kilometers from Kusadasi, was once "Cirkince"(ugly).
Indeed its inhabitants gave this name on the purpose as they did not
want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village.
Still after years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly
and called it "Sirince" (pretty). Today the village is a perfect
synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture as of the 1920's; after the Turkish
Independence War, people exchange between Greek and Turks has occurred
and all the typical Greek houses, though they kept their original outside
characteristics, have received the local layout inside. At Sirince Village
you will have chance of seeing the local life at a village and purchasing
some small local souvenirs and handicrafts. The village is also famous
for its local grape and other fruit wines. During the lunch, mingle
with the local people of the village as you will be a guest in their
village for a simple cup of traditional Turkish coffee at the main coffee
house of the village. Depending on the number of guests, a gypsy woman
may read your fortune after you finish your coffee .
Private
Transfers. Private Guide . Private air conditioned Vehicle .
Private chauffeur, private guide private air conditioned vehicle
for all your touring today.
DAY
8 - Istanbul / Athens - Private Transfers . Private Car & Driver(B)
Our local rep will assist you with the transfer to Istanbul airport
for your flight to Athens . Breakfast is included at the hotel
in Istanbul
Air fare is included Istanbul Athens in Business Class .
Hotel in Athens : King George or Grand Bretagne Hotel .
In Athens Our local personnel meets you at the airport and escorts
you to your hotel. Athens is yours and you may wish to cover
on your own the high points of the city, especially the towering Acropolis
and the adjacent museum.
DAY
9 - ATHENS- Private
Guide. Private Car and Driver (BL)
On your first morning in Athens we show you the top sights: the Acropolis
and its museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Theater
of Dionysus, and more.
The afternoon is for a leisurly walking tour of the Plaka ancient district
or plunge into the city as you like for sightseeing and shopping . Car
& driver is at your disposal at no additional charge untill 6 PM
. Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant
DAY
10 - Athens Markets - BYZANTINE
Churches - Classy Subways !! - (BL)
Ride the new Athens Subway alongside the locals today ( always escorted
with your English speaking Guide) ! We take pride in affording you this
experience, some by public transportation, and some with an authentic
Athens' local cab !!! You'll get to tour Athens fascinating vegetable
and fruit markets by subway and/ or private car .
Enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant ( included ) before we head
back to the hotel . Markets days/dates are subject to change, we may
have to change your program in Athens to accommodate such changes.
After lunch we
will tour one of Athens major Byzantine churches ,then visit the Jewelry
museum (LALAOUNIS) .
DAY 11 - ATHENS , CAIRO - Private Transfers (B)
Our Athens-based personnel will take you to the airport to catch
your flight for Cairo, Business class ,
tax included . In Cairo our local rep. whisks you through the excitement
and hubbub of Cairo Traffic , and onward to your hotel Four
Seasons Hotel standard room , or similar
such as Semiramis Inter.Continental Cairo Hotel ( Club level room).
Visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport
for a limited number of citizens such as : American, EU , Canadian ,
EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. For Americans , please pay the
$ 15 USD fee in cash upon arrival . You are responsible for having your
passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your
arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. meets with a sign that carries your
name you after you clear the passport and customs formalities . After
exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private
vehicle) to the hotel . Private chauffeur, private air conditioned
vehicle for all your airport transfers .
DAY
12 - CAIRO - Private Egyptologist -Private Car & Driver (BLD)
Today, you'll explore the wonders of the Egyptian Museum, with its
treasures of the ancient pharaohs: mummies, statuary, precious stones
and metals. Travellers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these
sights, but your day has just started. You'll also see the Citadel of
Saladin and the alabaster mosque of Mohammed Ali. In Giza, on the edge
of the desert, you'll gaze in awe at the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids
, for those interested a complimentary ticket is included for entry
to the King's chamber inside the Pyramid, you must be physically fit
to be able to climb.
The Great Pyramid of Cheops . . . Are You Up to the Adventure?
A journey into the heart of the Great Pyramid
is a real-life Indiana Jones adventure. But it can also be a taxing
and frightening one.
You'll follow claustrophobic passages cut into the heart of the pyramid,
feel the pull of the mass of stone directly above. For better or worse,
you have placed yourself in the hands of the engineering expertise of
the ancients.
As
you continue along the unventilated passages, the oxygen becomes depleted,
the air becomes noticeably warmer and more pungent. The ascent of steep
stairways consumes more energy than you imagined, and you find yourself
short of breath. Lighting is dim, every footstep must be carefully calculated.
Low passageways repeatedly oblige you to advance while bent down, and
your muscles protest. Where walls disappear into the dark above, you
feel wedged into a shaft. Despite warnings, and your own resolve, claustrophobic
feelings are hard to suppress.
Finally,
you behold the King's Chamber at the heart of the Great Pyramid. The
effort to reach it has made the reward more exhilarating than you imagined.
If only you can face the return.
Is
the King's Chamber for you? If you're not used to bending and regular
exercise, you might find the challenge beyond your capabilities. Turning
back is more difficult the farther you go, and the experience could
leave you aching for days afterwards.
Be
realistic about yourself, your abilities, and your disposition. And
remember that there are many other rewarding sights and adventures at
Giza, without the physical challenge and risks of the King's Chamber.
The
decision is up to you.
Dinner
Cruise and folk show is included on board the Hyatt cruise or similar
DAY
13 - ASWAN ( or Luxor ) - Board Your Nile Cruise
Private Egyptologist -Private Car and Driver (BLD)
Our Cairo local rep. will escort you to the airport to board your
flight to Aswan in Upper Egypt.
Lunch will be served aboard your Nile cruiser. Welcome fruit basket
awaits you on board.
We'll have the opportunity to experience Egypt at its most authentic,
as we sail the Nile in a graceful felucca. If you wish, try your hand
at camel riding! We'll take a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with
Nubian villagers.
DAY
14- Private Egyptologist -Private Car & Driver
-
ASWAN, KOM OMBO (BLD)
After breakfast on board, we'll visit the dams at Aswan,
including the High Dam, a modern wonder in this ancient land. At the
ancient granite quarry, we'll see an obelisk left unfinished, then board
a launch on Lake Nasser to visit the Temples of Philae, rescued from
rising waters. Back aboard our cruiser, Ancient Goddess ISIS :
The
Mystery of Isis : Two millennia ago the Mediterranean world was enthralled
by the mystery of Isis:
"I,
Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; no mortal man hath
ever seen me unveiled."
Called
Aset by the ancient Egyptians, the goddess was a Madonna in the Mediterranean
tradition that stretches far, far back to the primitive Mother Goddess
from Anatolia, home to some of the oldest human communities on earth.
Isis
was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun
God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and
Horus as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was
also the mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction
of him on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra!
Because
of her wisdom and skill at protection, she was admired as a good magician
capable of healing the sick and protecting the dead in their journey
to the Underworld.
Isis
is portrayed regally, as a queen seated on a throne (which may be the
meaning of her name), often holding her son Horus as a baby. Other images
show her with broad, magnificent gilded wings able to protect the world.
Isis,
the great Mother Goddess. Come explore her mystery in timeless Egypt
when you Travel in Style!
We'll
sail northward down the Nile at a stately pace, disembarking for a visit
to Kom Ombo, the twin temple dedicated to the crocodile river god, Sobek.
Cabin
amenity : 2 Large bottled water.
DAY
15 - Private Egyptologist -Private Car & Driver
-
EDFU, ESNA (BLD)
Horse-drawn carriages or vans meet us at riverside to take us through
Edfu to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. Later,
we'll cruise to Esna, and by evening, we'll be in fabled Luxor.
Cabin amenity: Egyptian Sweets platter.
DAY
16 - Private Egyptologist - Private Car and Driver -
LUXOR (BLD)
We'll cross the Nile to view an array of ancient splendors: the
tomb chambers of the Valley of the Kings, we always include King
Tut's Tomb in our tour ; the imposing tomb-temple of Queen
Hatshepsut in the Valley of the Queens; and the Colossi of Memnon.
Afterward,
we'll continue on Luxor's west bank to get a totally different perspective
on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers' settlement of Deir
el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of
Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives
us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed
and decorated the tombs. Here
we'll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic
animals. These quarters were surprisingly large, with three good-sized
rooms, courtyard, kitchen, and even storage cellars. While ancient Egypt
might not have been a workers' paradise, we'll see that artisans and
builders were highly regarded in their community. We are proud to be
the only operator to offer regular visits to this singular ancient settlement
in its tour and cruise programs.
All
transfers and tours are always on a private basis .
Evening
farewell dinner & a belly dance show: Complimentary Galabya
will be delivered to your cabin with our compliments.
DAY
17 -Private Egyptologist -Private Car & Driver
- LUXOR, CAIRO, Home Hosted Dinner (B)
We'll visit the imposing Great Temple of Amon at Karnak and the
great Temple of Luxor before heading to the airport to catch our flight
to Cairo. After we settle you into your hotel, you'll have your last
opportunity to experience the excitement of this great city and, of
course, do some last-minute shopping.
Tonight you are invited to meet the local, and enjoy dinner with our
compliments , you'll be honored guests at a local family home, if you
prefer to have a quite evening on your own , please do let's know.
A
complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals,
you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family (
T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This
evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right
into the homes of some of the people of Cairo ! You'll be invited to
a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties,
you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way
of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your
new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background.
Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that
you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may
enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know
your preferences. All
transfers and tours are always on a private basis . Four
Seasons Hotel standard room , or the Grand Hyatt or Conrad Hotel - Club
Level rooms .
DAY
18 -Private Car & Driver - Departure from Cairo (B)
Our Cairo-based staff escorts you to the airport
for your flight home. Bon Voyage.
Rates are per person in double occupancy in US$ : $ 13,660
.
Rates
per person in triple occupancy in US$ : $ 13,450 .
All your transfers in Turkey , Greece
and Egypt are always on a private basis !!
Rate
includes:
- Travel
guide books for Turkey ,Greece and Egypt
- Five
day ultra deluxe Nile cruise, including all meals , afternoon tea
served on deck daily , and shore excursions.
M/S Amarco ( suite ) , M/S Moon Goddess : state room with private
balcony . Mövenpick Royal Lotus ( suite) , Mövenpick Royal
Lily ( suite) , or suite on M/S Mojito or M/S Monaco . For the cruise
shore excursions : Private Egyptologist. Private Transfers
, private air-conditioned vehicle, private
chauffeur .
- One
large bottled water per person delivered to your cabin daily while
you are on board the Nile Cruise . Plus a small bottle of water with
each & every meal on board the cruise
- Tea
or coffee and water with each & every meal while you are on board
the Nile cruise.
Welcome drink upon arrival on board the Nile Cruise.
Welcome fruit basket on board the Nile Cruise, awaits you in your
cabin with our compliments.
- Hotel
accommodation as mentioned in Istanbul , Greece, and Cairo, including
tax and service charges, and breakfast daily.
In Athens : Rate is based on a :
" Classic room" at King George Hotel in Athens, or a:
" Deluxe Room at the Grand Bretagne Hotel
For staying in a Deluxe room at the King George, the supplement is
USD $ 230. per person
For staying in a Deluxe room with Acropolis view at the King George,
the supplement is USD $ 410. per person.
For staying in a Deluxe room with Acropolis view at the Grande Bretagne,
the supplement is USD $ 460. per person.
- Meals
as indicated, with preset menu (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Airport
greeting and assistance . private Transportation between airports,
hotels, and port.
-
One-way air transportation from Istanbul to Athens to Cairo
" C " business Class .
- All
hotel ,and Nile Cruise taxes.
-
Domestic air transportation in Egypt and Turkey in "
C" business class , if the plane configuration doesn't
have business class, then it will be economy.
Note
on some " Early Booking Discounts " offered by some cruises
on their own web sites :
Advance purchase rates for these early booking
discounts require full pre-payment, are non-refundable, no change dates
and non-cancelable, Once booked, Cabin rate and tax for your entire
stay will be charged to the credit card used to confirm the booking
, we do not offer these discounts due to possible complications in case
our guests wish to cancel or change dates due changes in their own schedule,
and in most cases failed to take out trip cancellation insurance.
Not
Included:
- Trip
interruption and cancellation insurance
- International
air fare.
- Turkish
and Egyptian Visa fee, please secure in your home country or upon
arrival in Istanbul ( Cash only) , please check with the Turkish consulate
near you.
- Additional
personal expenses, beverages, and meals not specifically mentioned
in the itinerary.
- Tips
- Visa
for Egypt may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited
number of citizens such as : American, EU , Canadian , EU Singaporean
and Japanese citizens. For Americans , please pay the $ 15 USD fee
in cash upon arrival . You are responsible for having your passport
in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival
in Cairo. Our local rep. meets with a sign that carries your name
you after you clear the passport and customs formalities .
More
choices :
The Imperial Seal of the Grand Ottoman Sultan Mustafa
the 4th
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