ADVENTURE IN TWO CONTINENTS: FROM TURKEY TO EGYPT

Welcome to Turkey, a country full of culture, history, and unique experiences, where the differences between East and West come together. Get ready to enjoy an extraordinary vacation. Arrival on an international flight at the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST). Opened in April 2019, it is now the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, going through immigration, and collecting your luggage, you will need to head to our meeting point (check your voucher), where our team will be waiting for you. Following this, you will meet our drivers for your transfer to the hotel. Arrival and check-in. Free time to relax. Accommodation.

At the indicated time, departure for the excursion “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” Approx. departure at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek quarter in Fener, and enjoy magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which has the largest dome of all mosques in Istanbul. Next, head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with a special charm due to its color and aroma, the perfect spot to buy teas, herbs, dried fruits, traditional sweets, and of course, spices. The tour concludes with a boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait, which divides the city between Europe and Asia. Enjoy wonderful views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges connecting both sides of this vibrant city. Transfer back to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Free day. Accommodation. Optional excursion "JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE" available (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Departure approximately at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) for a tour of the historic center of the city, where you can observe the variety of vestiges from the different empires that shaped modern-day Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years, where you will also learn about the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain; the Blue Mosque, with its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik; enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and also a museum. From the outside, the structure impresses with its enormous dome, which was an astounding technical achievement for its time and remains one of the largest domes in the world. We then proceed to the majestic Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for more than 400 years, where we will visit the beautiful royal gardens, kitchens, and the royal treasure halls. Discover the mysterious Harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived, famous for its luxurious decoration. Next, we will visit the Church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine church that never became a mosque, and finish our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where bargaining is a tradition.

Note: For entry to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, please check with the guide for any additional fees on-site.

Departure towards Ankara to visit the capital of Turkey and the Mausoleum of the Republic's founder. On the way to Cappadocia, you will have the opportunity to admire the Salt Lake, where a stop will be made for photographs at this spectacular location, followed by a visit to a Caravanserai, a historic Silk Road inn. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Visit this marvelous region with its fascinating and unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Starting with the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Then, heading towards the stunning valleys of the region with their "otherworldly" landscapes, you’ll get to appreciate the views of the region’s geological formations, the famous "Fairy Chimneys." A stop will be made to enjoy the incredible and vast panoramic view of the volcanic rock valleys with their spectacular shapes. Continue to the underground city of Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces, which are true treasures, and a gemstone center featuring exclusive regional jewelry designs. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Optional activities in Cappadocia (not included):

• TURKISH NIGHT: Enjoy folk dances in a typical cave setting with local drinks.
• JEEP SAFARI: Venture through the mystical valleys of the region with stops for the best photo opportunities.
• HOT AIR BALLON RIDE: Take off in the morning to admire one of Earth's most beautiful landscapes.

At the designated time, departure to Pamukkale to visit the ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder with a giant waterfall, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek and means "sacred city," referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that once existed there. One of the most notable features of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which could accommodate thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white calcite pools. These mineral-rich waters created impressive natural terraces and waterfalls known as "Pamukkale," which means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their historical significance and natural beauty. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to explore locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

At the scheduled time, we will depart to visit the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill. This place is revered as the final home of the mother of Jesus, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her last years in Ephesus under the care of the Apostle John. Today, the house is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it a sacred place. We will pass through Selçuk for a panoramic tour of the city, which has a rich history, appreciating the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, which has made Ephesus an important religious and cultural center of antiquity (entrance fees not included). We will continue the visit to a showroom specializing in leather goods, where you can see high-quality products made from lambskin, known for their light and durable pieces. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

*Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kuşadasi, depending on the season.

Free day. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay. Optional excursion "CHIOS – A GREEK PARADISE" available: Departure approximately between 06:00 and 07:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide). The day begins with a transfer from the hotel to the Çeşme port. After passing through immigration, we will embark on a ferry to the charming island of Chios. Upon arrival, we will begin our tour by visiting the picturesque village of Mesta, a fascinating maze of narrow, cobblestone streets dating back to the Byzantine era. Next, we will head to Pyrgi, one of the most distinctive villages on Chios. Its houses are decorated with black and white geometric patterns, known as "xysta," which create a visually striking and unique contrast. Pyrgi is not only famous for its architecture, but also for its history and traditions, which remain alive to this day. We will continue to the Mastic Museum, dedicated to the resin unique to this area, harvested from trees that only grow here. Visitors can learn about the collection and production process of this resin, which has been valued since ancient times for its many uses. To end the day on a high note, we will visit a beautiful beach on the Aegean Sea. Here, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and serene landscape that characterize this region. Finally, we will return to the port for the journey back to Çeşme, Turkey. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

*Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kuşadasi, depending on the season.

Departure to Bursa and panoramic visit of this important city, which was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum, symbols of the city named for their rich decoration of Iznik tiles. Continuing towards Istanbul, arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be assisted by our Spanish-speaking representative, who will provide a transfer to the hotel. Overnight st

In the morning, visit the three Pyramids of Giza, located just 20 km from Cairo. This iconic necropolis is a must-see in Egypt, featuring the great pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, as well as the Sphinx. In the afternoon, explore the Egyptian Museum, where you can view the gold treasures of King Tutankhamun, including his famous gold mask, coffins, sarcophagi, and many other artifacts. (Lunch not included) Return to the hotel for accommodation.

Free Day. Accommodation.

Cairo offers numerous interesting activities to enjoy on a free day. Here are some suggestions:

• Stroll through Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Explore this vibrant traditional market, perfect for buying souvenirs, crafts, and experiencing local culture.
• Visit the Citadel of Saladin: This historic complex provides panoramic views of Cairo and houses the impressive Mohamed Ali Mosque.
• Tour the Coptic Quarter: Discover the history and architecture of this ancient area, including the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum.
• Explore the Islamic Quarter: Walk through its historic streets and visit Ibn Tulun Mosque, one of the oldest and best-preserved in Cairo.
• Islamic Art Museum: View a rich collection of Islamic art, including textiles, ceramics, and manuscripts.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to the dock. Time for boarding, followed by a visit to the Temple of Philae and the Aswan High Dam. Dinner and overnight on board in Aswan.

Meals included (excluding beverages) on board the cruise. Begin sailing to Kom Ombo. Visit the Temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Edfu. Night aboard.

Meals included (excluding beverages) on board the cruise. In the morning, visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Sail to Esna; after crossing the lock, continue to Luxor. Night aboard.

At the scheduled time, disembark and meet the guide to cross to the West Bank of the Nile. Visit the Theban Necropolis: the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. After the tour, transfer to Luxor Airport for the flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight. (Flight not included)