Days
20
Price from
Combine ancient treasures and Mediterranean relaxation in the Middle East
Combine the highlights of Egypt with the delightful lifestyle of coastal Turkey on this 20-day overland and Adventure Cruising combination tour. Explore the famed and mysterious marvels of ancient Egypt, cruising along the Nile and alighting at temples and tombs. Fly to Istanbul and board a classic Turkish gullet to discover ancient ghost towns, tiny islands and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Find history around every alleyway corner and riverbend, all while soaking up the best of Nubian and Turkish cuisine and hospitality, on this unforgettable journey into the Middle East.
- Code
- PENVC
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 32
Why you'll love this trip
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A day spent among the incredible Pyramids of Giza is only the beginning. Your time in Egypt packs an impressive number of ancient highlights without compromising on comfort.
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A four-night river cruise is the ideal way to experience the Nile. Rest and relax on the sun deck and in the pool while local riverside life streams by.
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Explore the vibrant city of Istanbul, where east blends beautifully with west, and discover hidden gems on a guided walking tour with your expert local leader.
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Swim and snorkel in the crystal-blue waters that surround the sunken city of Kekova, then enjoy an afternoon tasting delicious Turkish cuisine.
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Select a fish of your choice from the market in Fethiye before visiting a restaurant to have it cooked to your liking by the local chefs.
Is this trip right for you?
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This trip embraces early starts to beat the heat and avoid the crowds. Egypt can get incredibly hot year round, particularly in July and August. Please consider your suitability to the season you wish to travel in.
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Some of the sites you will visit on this tour involve walking on rocky or steep hillsides and there is often little or no shade. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and a hat are essential to take part.
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Accommodation aboard the Nile riverboat is full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner are included but drinks from the bar incur an additional cost. An evening program is also available.
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Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins which convert to bunk beds. All bedding is provided on board and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.
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The cruising portion of this trip in Turkey takes place on a traditional gulet with up to 31 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but the itinerary focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about and Wi-Fi is available for a small charge.
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The cabins on the M/S Grand Admiral gulet have ensuites and are comfortable, but quite small. It is advised to keep luggage to a minimum and use a soft bag for easier storage. The vessel has air conditioning; however it does not run at night to limit noise from the generator.
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There are no lifts (elevators) on board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs (fitted with handrails) to access all the decks.
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Our ship use engine power, with the occasional opportunity to hoist the sails, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
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This is a combination trip of two of our most popular trips. Please note you will spend two nights in hotel accommodation in Cairo in between the two trips unescorted. The flight from Cairo to Istanbul is included and is also unescorted.
Gallery
Boats
MS Grand Admiral
Explore the coast of Turkey in traditional style aboard the Grand Admiral
- Passengers
- 32
Itinerary
Arrive at Cairo International Airport and be transferred to your hotel. This is simply an arrival day, so you may arrive in Cairo at any time. Note that hotel rooms are generally only available after midday. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city, but an important welcome meeting will be held at 6 pm this evening. Please check the hotel reception for details. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can perhaps be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In free time perhaps get out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts, where you can see donkey carts and expensive cars, medieval slums and modern shopping malls.
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (Min 2 customers)-Transfers/Entry-p/p - EGP700
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.Please note that your hotel for the tonight, usually the Novotel El Borg, is a dry hotel. However there are a number of great options to grab a drink and a meal in the surrounding Zamalek area.
This morning after breakfast drive out to Giza, home to perhaps the greatest iconic structures ever created by man – the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Instantly familiar yet retaining a mystique and power, getting up close to these incredible pharaonic tombs is captivating. For an additional charge you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops), although occasionally it may be closed to visitors. The Egyptian Museum is simply one of the world's great museums, home to a stupendous collection of antiquities and the perfect introduction to your tour, exhibiting many of the region's treasures. You will head there after lunch and your expert guide will take you through Egypt's rich and fascinating dynastic history. You will then have some free time to explore on your own; you may wish to visit the Royal Mummy Room (optional and at extra cost). Afterwards you will return to your hotel, where there is plenty of time to freshen up before you are transferred to the railway station for the overnight sleeper train to Luxor.
Accommodation
- Sleeper Train (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
- Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
Optional Activities
- Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre - Entry Fee - EGP100
- Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops - Entry Fee - EGP400
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins which convert to bunk beds. All bedding is provided on board and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. Your bags will be stored in your cabin, where airline-style dinner and breakfast will be served. However it may be worth bringing some additional snacks, especially if you are vegetarian or have dietary requirements. Your tour leader can help you to arrange this. Despite being a tourist class train facilities are basic. Please also keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.
After an early breakfast on board, the train rolls into Luxor. It's a vibrant place with an excellent bazaar, situated close to some of ancient Egypt's most important and extraordinary sights. Travel to Karnak, one of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, built over a period of some 200 years, and some of it dating back to 2055 BC. Your guided tour of the temple reveals its finest sections. Later you will be transferred to your Nile cruise boat, which will be your home for the next four nights. You can relax by the pool on the boat or explore the town. For the rest of the afternoon and evening you will be free to relax, shop in the bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local tea house.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Luxor - Sound and Light Show at Karnak -Entry Fee - EGP300
- Luxor - Luxor Museum -Entry Fee - EGP140
- Luxor - Luxor Temple -Entry Fee - EGP160
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Please note that audits were carried out on balloon operators within Egypt to confirm the safety of their operations, unfortunately we were not able to ascertain the safety standards of these balloon operators therefore, we are not able to recommend or assist in the booking of any balloon excursions.
Rise early this morning and head into the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. Explore this sprawling and spectacular place where discoveries are still being made. Tutankhamun's final resting place is also located here, and you'll have free time to visit it. Your guide will explain the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. You will visit three royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Your final stop is the Colossi of Memnon – giant statues that were once part of an impressive colonnade. Enjoy lunch upon your return to the boat. There is time to relax on deck or in your cabin before you set sail for Edfu. Generally the journey from Luxor to Edfu is from 1 pm to 11 pm. Departure time may vary, depending on river traffic – please refer to the Essential Trip Information regarding cruise schedules in the 'Other Information' section. You will pass through Esna Lock, which can sometimes be a slow process depending on the number of vessels waiting to get through, and continue your journey upstream.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
Optional Activities
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens -Entry Fee - EGP100
- Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee - EGP80
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Morning finds you moored near Edfu, a beautifully preserved temple dedicated to Horus. Please see the special information below regarding visiting the temple.Continue travelling upriver, relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working their land. This afternoon we will arrive at Kom Ombo temple (about 45 km north of Aswan city) which sits picturesquely ruined on the river's edge and provides an interesting insight into the Greco-Roman period. The temple was built in approximately 181BC and is dedicated to 2 Gods: Horus the protection god and Sobek fertility god linked to the Nile Water . The temple consists of 2 identical northern sections the North and South each dedicated to either god. In the Sobek section recent discoveries have been made of mummified Crocodiles, which are now displayed in the Crocodile museum attached to the temple - don't miss it! Board your boat again at around 6 pm and continue to Aswan, arriving at around 9.30 pm.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The only mode of transport available to visit the Edfu temple is by locally managed horse and carriages. As a responsible travel focused business, animal welfare is extremely important to us and we want to ensure that we are not promoting any activities where the working animals are not properly cared for. Unfortunately, some operators of the Horse and Carriages have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and it is, for this reason, we will no longer including the visit the Edfu Temple.In addition to the animal welfare concerns, we have had a substantial amount of feedback suggesting that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the pushy nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. While we recommend that you do not use the horse and carriage to visit the Temple, the decision is ultimately up to you. Edfu is an included port stop on the Nile River cruise schedule.
Explore Aswan today, Egypt's southernmost city. Its easygoing charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom) that was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island (alternatively you will visit it tomorrow). It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt. Access to the temple is by small motorboats. The rest of your day will be free to wander, and Aswan is a great place for it. The Nubian Bazaar is a must, while the excellent Nubian Museum is recommended by many. The waterfront promenade, or Aswan's 'corniche', runs alongside one of Nile's most appealing stretches and is the perfect place to stop for a mint tea. Watch the waterfront come alive at dusk, as families are out strolling, socialising and relaxing along the corniche.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Aswan - Felucca Ride
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
We depart early this morning to visit the iconic Abu Simbel by plane. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. The rest of the day is free for you to make your own discoveries. A popular afternoon option in Aswan is a sailboat ride around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Alternatively travel to the Monastery of St Simeon, an abandoned seventh-century fortress monastery located in the desert on the Nile's west bank. Your tour leader will be on hand to help you arrange any excursions. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply relax by the hotel pool or do some shopping in the local bazaar. In the evening you will visit a Nubian village and enjoy the warm hospitality (and cuisine) of these locals. You will also be treated to some Nubian dancing, and may even have the chance to try some moves yourself.Â
Accommodation
- Hotel Basma or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
- Abu Simbel - Flights to and from Abu Simbel
Optional Activities
- Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk -Entry Fee - EGP80
- Aswan - Nubian Museum -Entry Fee - EGP140
- Aswan - Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple -Entry Fee - EGP300
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Your included flight to Abu Simbel will be at around 7 am from Aswan. You will have two hours on site which includes transport to and from the temple. Expected arrival back to Aswan is midday. Due to flight scheduling and availability, these times may change.On rare occasions the group may be split over several flights OR this included activity may take place yesterday. If this occurs an additional local guide is contracted to ensure that full guiding services are included at the temple for the entire group.
After breakfast you will be transferred to Aswan airport for the short flight back to Cairo (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) where you will be met and taken to your hotel. Today you will dive into another layer of Egyptian history: medieval Cairo. Head to Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo's oldest mosque and the Gayer-Anderson Museum. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. It retains a distinctly medieval feel. You will explore the gold market, 'perfume street' and the spice market, where heady aromas hang in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth (which can be purchased next door in the cloth market). The gorgeous 9th-century Ibn Tulun Mosque is one of the oldest and largest in Egypt, possibly its most beautiful too. Its perfectly proportioned courtyard and distinctive minaret make it a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Nearby stands the Gayer-Anderson Museum, housed in two fine old villas and vaunting a fascinating collection of Arabic artefacts, furniture and memorabilia. Also don't miss the chance to drink Arabic coffee or mint tea from Cairo's oldest cafe, it has a long history and fantastic atmosphere. This evening you will get to share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. Visit a family home, chat with the local family members about life in the Middle East, and learn some of your favourite traditional Egyptian dishes while enjoying a delicious dinner.
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - Gayer Anderson
- Cairo - Home Cooked Meal
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
For the flight from Aswan to Cairo, the baggage allowance is up to 23 kilograms for checked in luggage and 7 kilograms for carry on baggage, subject to the airline's discretion.
The first part of your trip comes to an end today and many of your fellow travellers will be departing from Cairo along with your leader. You have the next two days free in Cairo and will be unescorted during this time. There are many optional Urban Adventures tours you could do during this time, or this could be a day to relax with a good book or people watch as you wander through this fascinating city.
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location. You will have two full free days in Cairo which will be unescorted.
Today is another day free for you to do as you wish and you will be unescorted during this time. Perhaps go on an optional Urban Adventures tour to the crowd-pleasing city of Alexandria. See one of the world's largest Roman burial sites, nerd out at the Alexandria Library, and receive a reprieve from the Cairo heat with a fresh dose of Mediterranean sea air. Alternatively, wander the backstreet bazars for a special souvenir to take home or spend the afternoon relaxing in one of the many coffee houses in Cairo.
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location. You will have two full free days in Cairo which will be unescorted.
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Please note you will be unescorted during this time.
Merhaba! Welcome to Istanbul, the eclectic city that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. The rest of the day is free until your welcome meeting at 6 pm in the hotel lobby. After the meeting, you may wish to join your new group and local leader for dinner to get to know each other before your adventure begins.
Merhaba! Welcome to Istanbul, the eclectic city that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. The rest of the day is free until your welcome meeting at 6 pm in the hotel lobby. After the meeting, you may wish to join your new group and local leader for dinner to get to know each other before your adventure begins.
Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman Hotel, or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Hit the streets of Istanbul early to beat the crowds and head to the Hippodrome, known today as Sultanahmet Square. Visit the ruins and monuments in the square, then continue to the Hagia Sophia Museum, a historic building used as both a cathedral and a mosque since it was built in the sixth century. Head back to the hotel to gather your belongings, then transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Dalaman Airport. Upon arrival, board a private vehicle and transfer to Fethiye Port. Climb aboard a traditional gullet, settle in and enjoy dinner on board. Spend the evening at port.
Accommodation
- M/S Grand Admiral (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Today you will cruise to Oludeniz, where you’ll anchor for lunch and a swimming break. From here, the next stop will be Gemiler Island where you can get off the boat for an early evening walk and pay a visit to Kayakoy. Kayakoy was once a thriving village but since the 1920s the ancient stone houses have been abandoned. Now protected by the Turkish government, it provides the opportunity to enjoy a quiet, traditional Turkish lifestyle. Open 24 hours, the ghost village has an entrance fee which helps towards the upkeep of the paths and rubbish clearance. One church in the lower area of the village, Kataponagia, is of particular interest due to a room out the back – it was used to collect the bones of the dead! Wander the ruins, enjoy the solitude, or play backgammon and sip tea with the locals. Dinner is included on the gulet and you will stay overnight in the Gemiler Strait.
Accommodation
- M/S Grand Admiral (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kayakoy village visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
This morning you’ll cross Yedi Burunlar (Seven Capes) smoothly before anchoring at Yesilkoy Bay, close to Kalkan for breakfast and a swimming break. Then you’ll cruise to Kas Harbour, where you’ll anchor until tomorrow. Being one of the most important ancient Greek towns of Lycia, Kas gained importance in Roman Times and eventually became the centre of Episcopacy in Byzantine times. After lunch, you’ll head in to Kas where your local leader will take you for an orientation walk to see the monumental tombs from Lycian times as well as hidden shops, cafes and restaurants. After free time in town, your leader will take to the Ancient Theatre where you can watch a beautiful sunset while enjoying a local wine. Have a local dinner in one of Kas’ restaurants before heading back to the boat.
Accommodation
- M/S Grand Admiral (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kas orientation walk
- Sunset drinks at Kas ampitheatre
- Kas local dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll cruise to the sunken city of Kekova, where you can swim and snorkel in crystal blue waters. Enjoy lunch at Tersane Bay where you will see an old shipyard from the Roman Period and a church from the Byzantine times. Spend the afternoon tasting fabulous local cuisine, floating over an ancient sunken city or exploring Lycian tombs. For dinner, you will meet a local host who will run a simple cooking class so you can learn how to cook local specialties.
Accommodation
- M/S Grand Admiral (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sunken city of Kekova
- Turkish cooking class
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll anchor at Kalekoy and spend the morning visiting a crusader fortress. As a mid-morning snack, you’ll have a chance to try local, homemade ice cream in the ancient ruins of Simena. From here, you’ll cruise to Demre for lunch and swimming break before heading off on a tour from Cayagzı Bay to the ruins of Myra, a Lycian city. Tonight, you’ll anchor in Gokkaya Bay for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation
- M/S Grand Admiral (1 night)
Included Activities
- Myra Lycian city visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
This morning you’ll begin cruising early in the morning to Liman Agzi Bay with breakfast being served on the way. On arrival, it will be time for lunch and a swimming break. After lunch, you’ll head to Kalkan and, weather permitting you’ll visit Kaputas beach, one of the biggest man-made beach in Turkey. Anchor in Firnaz Bay for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation
- M/S Grand Admira (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
An early start today will enable you to cruise to Turunc Pinari Bay for lunch, with a swimming break at Butterfly Valley on the way. After lunch, you’ll head back to Fethiye Harbor and get off from the boat for a walking tour in Fethiye. You’ll get to visit Fethiye Museum to see King Midas’ Monumental Tomb before wandering the streets of the town for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Next, you’ll head to the Fish Market where you can buy fish of your choice for the kitchen staff of a local restaurant to prepare for your dinner. There will be street musicians walking around, serenading you with local music.
Accommodation
- M/S Grand Admira (1 night)
Included Activities
- Fish market and local dinner
- Fethiye walking tour
- Butterfly Valley swim
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Please note that the swim stop at Butterfly Valley is weather dependent.
This morning you’ll have breakfast on board before saying goodbye to your amazing crew. After docking, you’ll head back to Dalaman Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. You’ll make your way straight to the hotel to check in and can then enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring. There are so many wonderful things to see and do, including a visit to the Spice Bazaar or the Blue Mosque. If you and the group would like to head out for a final dinner together, your leader will be able to recommend some brilliant local restaurants.
Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman Hotel, or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today marks the end of your journey. You can head off any time after breakfast, whether you’re heading onward or spending more time in Istanbul.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
19 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 14 dinnersTransport
Gulet, Plane, Private air con bus, Riverboat, Sleeper trainAccommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Traditional Gulet (7 nights), Cruise ship (4 nights Feature Stay), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)Included Activities
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
- Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
- Aswan - Felucca Ride
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
- Abu Simbel - Flights to and from Abu Simbel
- Cairo - Gayer Anderson
- Cairo - Home Cooked Meal
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
- Kayakoy village visit
- Kas orientation walk
- Sunset drinks at Kas ampitheatre
- Kas local dinner
- Sunken city of Kekova
- Turkish cooking class
- Myra Lycian city visit
- Fish market and local dinner
- Fethiye walking tour
- Butterfly Valley swim
Important notes
SINGLE TRAVELLERS - Turkey Adventure Cruise section of your trip
There are 2 dedicated single cabins on board in Turkey for single travellers. If these cabins are fully booked, a single passenger cannot be booked or confirmed in a double cabin unless a single supplement is paid.
SINGLE TRAVELLERS - Egypt section of your trip
An optional single supplement is available on this trip. Please refer to your booking agent for further information.
Following recent safety incidents we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Egypt before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/travel-alerts
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information