14 Days Egypt, Istanbul, & Gobeklitepe Tour

Giza Pyramids

The Giza Pyramids Complex is a monumental gateway to ancient Egypt, rising from the golden sands since around 2600 BC. It was created by the royal family of the 4th Dynasty. This sacred plateau stands as the eternal symbol of power, ambition, and celestial legacy. The exploration continues with:

The Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid of Giza is an infinite masterpiece of wonder that was built around 2570 BC as the final resting place of Pharaoh Khufu (2609 BC - 2584 BC). It stands at approximately 147 meters (481 feet) with a total weight of 6 million tons. This ancient wonder was once clad in brilliant white limestone casing stones and aligned perfectly with the four cardinal directions. Its interior, featuring the King’s Chamber, the Grand Gallery, and the Queen’s Chamber, remains one of humanity’s most extraordinary architectural achievements. 

The Great Sphinx

The Golden Sphinx is the golden protector of the plateau, presenting the serene face of Pharaoh Khafre (2558 BC - 2532 BC) upon the mighty body of a lion. Measuring 73 meters in length, 20 meters in height, and 19 meters in width, this iconic sculpture continues to inspire awe with its silent tales of power, divinity, and ancient artistry.

The Valley Temple

The Valley Temple is a remarkable structure of the 4th Dynasty, which served as the center of purification and mummification rituals. Within these walls, the legendary “Opening of the Mouth” ceremony prepared royal figures for their journey into eternal life, ensuring rebirth and immortality.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

The incredible Grand Egyptian Museum is a gigantic sanctuary of history and culture built at a cost of one billion dollars. It spans nearly 490,000 square meters and is aligned with the Giza Pyramids. The museum houses more than 100,000 artifacts celebrating Egypt’s 5,000-year legacy. Highlights include the Hanging Obelisk, the colossal 11-meter statue of Ramses II, and the complete collection of over 5,000 treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Advanced conservation labs, research centers, and educational facilities make this one of the world’s leading institutions for heritage preservation.

Lunch Time

A delicious lunch will be served at a local restaurant before continuing the journey.

Overnight

Following the meal, a domestic flight will be taken to Luxor, the city of ancient wonders. Arrival at the Luxor hotel marks the end of the day, with overnight accommodation provided for rest and relaxation.

Karnak Temple

The Karnak Temples Complex is a mythical sanctuary of worship built between 1970 and 30 BC to honor the Theban Triad; Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. It holds a space of more than 100 hectares (274 acres), and the complex features some of the most extraordinary archaeological achievements ever created. Its crown jewel, the Great Hypostyle Hall, covers 54,000 square feet (5,000 square meters) and contains 134 colossal columns reaching up to 80 feet (24 meters). Every wall, column, and passage is adorned with intricate reliefs and hieroglyphics that offer deep insight into ancient beliefs, ritual practices, mythology, and the cultural brilliance of the New Kingdom.

Lunch Time

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before continuing the journey to:

Luxor Temple by Night

The miraculous spectacle of Luxor Temple is a spectacular chef-d'oeuvre of divine allure that glows brilliantly under the night sky. Once a ceremonial center for royal coronations and grand festivals, the temple was constructed by Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and later expanded by Alexander the Great. This living miracle was completed around 1400 BC, in order to serve as the heart of the Opet Festival, symbolizing renewal, kingship, and divine connection. The temple’s alignment with the majestic Avenue of Sphinxes enhances its spiritual power and architectural harmony.

Overnight

The day concludes in Luxor with an overnight stay, providing time to rest and absorb the wonders of this ancient city.

Valley of the Kings

The Golden Valley of the Kings is a golden necropolis where the echoes of ancient pharaohs still linger within the heart of a hidden underground desert hill. This sacred valley houses 63 royal tombs belonging to the rulers and nobles of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties of the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BC). Every chamber is adorned with vivid frescoes, symbolic carvings, and storytelling scenes that reveal profound beliefs about the afterlife and the journey of the soul.

Lunch Time

You will have your lunch at a local restaurant, then head with your tour guide to:

Hatshepsut Temple

The Hatshepsut Temple is a majestic structure rising harmoniously from the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. It came into existence to honor Queen Hatshepsut (1507–1458 BC). The temple features three terraced levels linked by ramps, colonnades, and sanctuaries. Its beautifully carved reliefs illustrate the queen’s divine birth, her rise to power, her trading expeditions, and her role as the priestess-wife of Amun. The fusion of architecture and nature makes this monument one of the most striking achievements of ancient Egypt.

Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are two gigantic statues that once guarded the entrance to the now-lost mortuary temple of Amenhotep III (1386–1349 BC). It has a height of 60 feet (18 meters), and each statue depicts the pharaoh seated on his throne. Throughout history, the colossi became famous for producing mysterious musical tones at dawn, an ancient phenomenon believed to be the divine greeting of the legendary hero Memnon to his mother, Eos, goddess of the dawn.

Overnight

The day concludes with your return to your hotel in luxor where an overnight stay will be provided.

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is an iconic cultural treasure established in 1901 in the heart of Cairo. Within its historic halls, the legacy of the pharaohs comes alive through extraordinary artifacts that showcase the artistry, craftsmanship, and daily life of ancient Egypt.

The Hanging Church

The Hanging Church", also known as Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is a true living miracle dating back to the 3rd century AD, that stands above the gatehouse of the Roman fortress of Babylon, traditionally believed to be a refuge for the Holy Family. The church is celebrated for its distinct Coptic architecture, exquisite icons, masterful woodwork, and serene spiritual ambiance.

Lunch Time

You will have your lunch at a restaurant found in the heart of golden Cairo, then head with your tour guide to:

Al Muizz Street

Al Muizz Street is is a captivating open-air museum known to be one of the most vibrant and historically significant avenues in Islamic Cairo. It was established around 970 AD, in the shape of one-kilometer stretch that is lined with architectural masterpieces, including mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and monumental structures such as the Sultan Qalawun Complex and Al-Hakim Mosque.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

The miraculous Khan El-Khalili is loaded with precious treasures from the golden age in every corner, which has earned it the title of being one of the oldest and most renowned bazaars in the Middle East. It was founded between 1382 and 1389 AD, as a golden marketplace made of a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with the aromas of spices, gleaming jewelry, traditional handicrafts, antiques, textiles, and timeless treasures. Its atmosphere reflects centuries of Cairo’s cultural and commercial heritage.

Overnight

The day concludes with an overnight stay in Cairo, offering time to relax and unwind before the journey home.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a living miracle of pure spiritual and architectural brilliance. This eighth wonder of the world was completed in 537 AD, This celestial monument has served as a Byzantine basilica, an Ottoman mosque, and now a celebrated museum. Its immense dome appears to float effortlessly, while the interior radiates with Byzantine mosaics, majestic Islamic calligraphy, and sacred Christian symbols, a profound fusion of civilizations across centuries.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is a shining symbol of Ottoman imperial splendor that was constructed in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II. It remained the royal residence for nearly four centuries. Elegant courtyards, ornate pavilions, and sweeping views of the Bosphorus reflect the magnificence of the royal era. Within its walls lie priceless jewels and sacred relics in the Imperial Treasury, while the Harem reveals a world of refined traditions and courtly life.

Lunch Time

Following lunch at an authentic local restaurant, the exploration resumes with another treasure of Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is an enchanting architectural triumph distinguished by its six soaring minarets and cascading domes. It was completed in 1616, as a serene sanctuary that glows with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence. As both a UNESCO World Heritage treasure and an active place of worship, it remains one of the most admired structures in the world.

The Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople holds the power of the past, reaching the skies since it was built in 203 AD and expanded by Constantine the Great. Once the grand center of public life, the Hippodrome hosted chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and grand celebrations. Today, its standing monuments, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column, serve as silent guardians of Byzantine grandeur.

The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a vibrant universe of color and craftsmanship. It was established in 1461 as one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, offering more than 4,000 shops filled with handwoven carpets, sparkling jewelry, fragrant spices, ceramics, and countless artisanal treasures.

Overnight

As evening arrives, a comfortable transfer returns travelers to the hotel, bringing this exceptional day of exploration to a graceful close. An overnight stay in enchanting Istanbul awaits.

Arsameia

Arsameia is a magnificent city situated along the slopes of Mount Nemrut, made by King Arsames in the 3rd century BC and later transformed into a royal sanctuary under King Mithridates I. Arsameia reflects both political strength and spiritual devotion and is celebrated for its monumental rock inscriptions which are the longest known Greek inscription in Anatolia alongside remarkable reliefs depicting Commagene kings in the presence of gods. These intricate carvings beautifully blend Persian, Greek, and local artistic traditions, offering a profound glimpse into the cultural richness of ancient Commagene.

Lunch Time

You will have your tasty lunch at a local restaurant, then head to:

The Karakuş Tumulus

The Karakuş Tumulus is a dignified funerary commemoration from the 1st century BC dedicated to the royal women of Commagene, including Queen Isias and Princesses Antiochis and Aka. The most striking feature is a towering column crowned with an eagle, symbolizing royal authority and divine guardianship. This site provides valuable insight into burial customs and the honored position of royal women within the kingdom.

The Cendere Bridge

The Cendere Bridge is an exceptional Roman feat of engineering constructed in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. It was created entirely of limestone blocks without mortar, and the bridge has endured for nearly 1,900 years. Its elegant single-arch design stands as a testament to Roman architectural mastery and the region’s strategic importance as a crossroads of ancient commerce and culture.

The Mount Nemrut

Mount Nemrut has gained the reputation of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its monumental significance. It was established in the 1st century BC by King Antiochus I. This sacred complex features colossal statues of gods and the king, their heads now resting dramatically before their stone thrones. The site is famous for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset vistas, where golden light illuminates the statues, creating a mystical and unforgettable atmosphere.

Overnight

Following this extraordinary exploration, a private transfer leads to Şanlıurfa for an overnight stay, offering time to reflect on the remarkable ancient wonders encountered throughout the day.

Sanliurfa

Şanlıurfa is a blessed destination that showcases spiritual energy and ancient heritage since the dawn of time, which became known as the City of Prophets. Şanlıurfa is among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on Earth, with a history stretching back over 12,000 years. Located in southeastern Turkey, it holds deep religious and cultural significance and is traditionally associated with Prophet Abraham. 

The Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum

The Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum is an exceptional institution showcasing one of Turkey’s largest collections of prehistoric and early Mesopotamian artifacts, dating from 10,000 to 4,000 BC. Exhibits include pottery, tools, statues, jewelry, and intricate Neolithic carvings. A centerpiece of the collection is the renowned Urfa Man, the world’s oldest known life-sized human statue, illuminating the sophistication of early human culture in this region.

Göbeklitepe

Göbeklitepe is a groundbreaking archaeological phenomenon that predates Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids by millennia, known as the zero point of time. It dates back more than 11,000 years, which was recognized as the world’s first-known temple complex. The site has transformed modern understanding of early civilization and is even believed by some traditions to be the place where Noah's Ark came to rest after the great flood. Its monumental T-shaped pillars, arranged in circular formations and carved with striking animal motifs, demonstrate that complex spiritual structures emerged long before the rise of agriculture. 

Lunch Time

You have your tasty lunch at a local restaurant before visiting:

Balikligol

Balıklıgöl (the Pool of Abraham) is a revered spot containing many incredible traditions of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish origins. Many believe it is the place where Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire by King Nimrod, only for the flames to transform into water and the burning logs into sacred fish. The pool is loaded with protected carp, which is surrounded by serene gardens and historic mosques such as the Rizvaniye Mosque, creating an atmosphere of peace and devotion.

Overnight

The day concludes with a transfer to Şanlıurfa Airport for the flight back to Istanbul. An overnight stay in Istanbul provides time to reflect on the profound historical and spiritual experiences gathered throughout this meaningful journey.