Highlights of Istanbul & Egypt

This magnificent and luxurious hotel is set in a very practical position, very close to the main business, shopping, convention, cultural and entertainment area of the city. Located within walking distance to Taksim Square, this is the ideal choice of accommodation either when travelling for leisure or for business. This hotel's location is also very convenient as it is only 25 kilometres from Ataturk Airport. All this hotel's guest rooms and suites feature a neo classical and baroque style with refined and elegant furniture that will help its guests to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests will have the opportunity to taste delicious culinary specialities at the on-site restaurants and completely unwind at the exclusive health and fitness centre. Business travellers might appreciate the state-of-the-art meeting facilities to celebrate any kind of event.

Today you will visit Hippdrome Square, the scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life, St. Sophia Museum, the world's fourth largest church after St. Paul's in London, St. Peter's in Rome and Duomo in Milan, the Blue Mosque, known for its magnificent interior decoration with blue Iznik tiles, and the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered "souk" in the world grouping 4,400 shops under one single roof.

On this shared half day tour, you will drive to the pier in Eminonu for a short visit to historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). This bazaar was built in 1664 as a part of Yeni Mosque complex situated nearby and is named Egyptian Bazaar because spices and herbs brought from or via Egypt were sold in it. Then, board a regular boat for the cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia connecting Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. During the Byzantine and early Ottoman days, there was little settlement on both sides of the Bosphorus but as of the 18th century, it became the favorite place for the sultans and their entourage where they built their kiosks and waterside residence.

Catch an early flight to the city of Izmir on the Aegean coast, then drive south to the antique city of Ephesus. This is one of the world's richest and most rewarding archaeological sites with impressive ruins dating from the Classical Greek, Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine periods. Among the highlights of our tour of Ephesus will be the antique theatre, the famed Library of Celsus, the brothel, the vast Basilica of St. John, the Mosque of Isabey, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and a group of recently excavated early Byzantine mansions that feature incredibly well-preserved floor mosaics and frescoes. Finally make a short pilgrimage to the House of the Virgin Mary, which stands high on a mountainside overlooking the Aegean Sea and the Greek island of Samos.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

The Cairo Marriott Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino is the perfect destination for weekend getaways, vacations and business travel. The hotel is actually situated on an island in the middle of the Nile River which is connected to the mainland. A stay at this 5-star hotel in Cairo ensures that you will enjoy all that Cairo has to offer. Nearby attractions include Pyramids of Giza, Khan el Khalili, Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and Cairo Opera House. Unwind at the hotel's pool which is one of the largest pools in the city or enjoy a drink at Cafe Promenade. The hotel is in close proximity to the Giza Pyramids, 'old' Cairo center, Egyptian Museum, Cairo Zoo and the opera house.

Today your food discovery tour begins at the historic Tahrir Square and continues through the Haussman-inspired streets of Downtown Cairo. There will be four stops for different foods and drinks, where you will discover more about Egyptian food and history. You'll try a variety of different food including kushari (a popular Egyptian dish with pasta, rice and lentils), fresh juices and local baklava during this two hour tour. Make sure you're hungry when you start as you'll be very full by the end!

Today you will be taken on a full day tour that will first take you to the Pyramids and Sphinx which were reckoned by the Greeks to be one of the seven wonders of the world. A single pyramid is built of 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing an average Of two and one-half tons. In the face of such immensity, one cannot help but feel the wonder and awe that so many writers and artists have sought to convey over the centuries. The Cheops Pyramid is especially interesting since its interior burial chambers are open for inspection by the public. Not far from the Pyramids is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which dates from the time of Chephren (2620BC).

Hewn from natural yellowish limestone; standing 65 feet high and 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lion's body. You will then head off to Memphis which served as the capital of Upper and Lower Egypt some 5,000 years ago during the 1st Dynasty. Menes, the first pharaoh of this dynasty, built a great white-walled palace and the Temple of Ptah here. Then onto Sakkara one of the most exciting historical and archaeological area in all of Egypt is Sakkara , situated about 12 miles South West of Cairo. The site is dominated by the famous step pyramid of King Zoser. It was the first pyramid to be built in ancient Egypt, preceding those at Giza by many centuries and is the work of the famous pharaonic architect, Imhotep. You will have the opportunity to stop for lunch at a local spot during the day.

The Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor redefines magnificent contemporary style. The hotels classical elegance and contemporary decor is reflected throughout the 322 guest rooms and suites, combining style with generous comfort. All guest rooms feature well-appointed richly marbled bathrooms, in-room business facilities, and separate sitting area.
The hotel boasts a sweeping terrace with majestic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail.

Drive to the Luxor temple where many festivals were celebrated in Thebes. The Temple of Luxor was the center of the most important one, the festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the temple served as a setting for the rituals of the festival, which was held to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with his divine office. The procession of images of the current royal family began at Karnak and ended at the Luxor temple.

Karnak Temple was erected in 1928 BC as a small shrine dedicated to Amun, the god of Thebes. The Temple of Karnak comprises three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples all constructed over 1300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Monthu, and Amun, are enclosed in enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun at the center. Karnak is now the largest and oldest temple compound on earth.

You will cross the newly constructed Luxor Bridge to visit the Valley of the Kings, which includes the tombs of the Theban rulers, as Seti I and Tutankhamen. Next, tour the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. Hatshepsut Temple which is the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty, but in ancient times the temple was called Djeser-djeseru, meaning the sacred of sacreds. The female pharaoh chose to build her temple in a valley sacred to the Theban Goddess of the west, on a direct axis with Karnak Temple of Amun on the East Bank. Next, proceed to valley of the queens to visit the burials of some royal consorts and offspring including between 75 and 80 tombs. These tombs belong to queens of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. Among these is the famous tomb of Nefertiti, one of the five wives of Ramses II. Nefertari was said to be Ramses favorite wife, and her tomb is regarded by many as the most beautiful in Egypt. Continuing your tour, visit the tombs of the ancient Theban Nobles which are located in a number of distinct areas on the West Bank, including most importantly Sheikh Abd El-Korna, named after the modern village that was built on the top of the mountain. The site is home to 146 numbered tombs of noblemen and high officials who served the pharaohs, mostly during the 18th Dynasty. Next up, enjoy a visit to the mortuary temple of Ramses II known as the Ramasseum as well as the Village of ancient workers and artisans named Deir El medina.The tour concludes with a panoramic stop at the Colossi of Amenhutep III named the colossi of Memnon by the Greeks.

Depart from your Luxor hotel early this morning for your drive to Aswan. The first stop is at Edfu Temple. Dedicated to the falcon-headed Horus and his family, this temple is the best preserved of all Ptolemaic Temples. After touring the temple, continue driving towards Aswan to Kom Ombo. Located just 45 Kms north of Aswan, you will visit the Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god of ancient Egypt. The Temple, dating to the Ptolemies, is built on a high dune overlooking the Nile. Continue your journey to Aswan, with drop off at your hotel early this afternoon.

Located on Elephantine Island in the middle of the Nile, Movenpick Resort Aswan offers accomodation in an enchanting natural setting.

The 220 guest rooms are all spacious and modernly furnished. The rooms have balconies or terraces that have panoramic views of the Nile River.

The Movenpick Resort Aswan is located close to the Aga Khan Masoleum, Aswan Nubian Museum, the High Dam and the Philea Temple.

Each evening the spectacular sound and light show enchants spectators with melodious music all while bringing the ancient world to life around you. The show includes projections onto the temples that depict how they once looked. The program is presented in a number of languages on headsets that are provided.
It is an experience not to be missed.

A short trip on a motorboat will bring you to a magnificent vista of the island, before landing at what would have been the ancient quay on the south side. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and has many legends connected to it. The most well known legend tells the story of how Isis found the heart of Osiris here after his murder by his brother Seth.

The Cairo Marriott Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino is the perfect destination for weekend getaways, vacations and business travel. The hotel is actually situated on an island in the middle of the Nile River which is connected to the mainland. A stay at this 5-star hotel in Cairo ensures that you will enjoy all that Cairo has to offer. Nearby attractions include Pyramids of Giza, Khan el Khalili, Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and Cairo Opera House. Unwind at the hotel's pool which is one of the largest pools in the city or enjoy a drink at Cafe Promenade. The hotel is in close proximity to the Giza Pyramids, 'old' Cairo center, Egyptian Museum, Cairo Zoo and the opera house.

The Egyptian Museum is the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world. It features artifacts from the Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman periods, including the celebrated mummies of ancient Egypt's king and Tut Ankh Amun treasures.

The Citadel situated on a highly visible spur of the Mokattam Hills of Old Cairo, was the nerve center of Egypt for almost 700 years. Construction of the grand structure began in 1176 and was completed by Muhammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Egypt in the late 19th century.

Mamluk sultans and Turkish governors resided in the Citadel, which is among the world's most splendid monuments of medieval warfare. Facing the Citadel is the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363 and perhaps the most majestic monument of Arab architecture in Egypt and the Mosque of Al Rifai was constructed in two phases over the period between 1869 and 1912, when it was finally completed.

The tour also includes a visit to Khan ElKhalili, known as the Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman period, was built in 1382 by Emir Djaharks ElKhalili, in the heart of what was then Fatimid City. Until this day, the bazaar is a center of trade and communion in the city, and offers a wide array of antiques, handcrafts of gold, silver and copper as well as numerous old coffee shops and local restaurants which attract both Egyptians and tourists alike.