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A Solo Female Traveler with long blonde hair, sitting on a camel and looking toward the Pyramids of Giza in the background, led by a guide in the desert sand.

A Solo Traveler stands facing a brightly lit wall of detailed ancient Egyptian carved reliefs at the Temple of Kom Ombo, featuring figures of pharaohs and gods.

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Close-up view of the Great Sphinx of Giza with the Pyramid of Khafre in the background.

A breathtaking Aerial View of the three great Giza Pyramids Complex and Queen's pyramids, set in the desert sand with the sprawling city of Cairo visible in the distance.

The Great Sphinx of Giza with the Pyramid of Khafre rising behind.

View through the Valley Temple of Khafre gates to the Pyramid of Khafre at Giza.

A modern Woman poses between the huge, polished stone pillars of the ancient Valley Temple of Khafre in Giza, Egypt, with other tourists in the background.

A colossal statue of Ramesses II stands on a podium in the modern, expansive atrium of the Inside The Grand Egyptian Museum GEM, surrounded by sleek architecture and reflective floors.

Rows of ancient stone statues of pharaohs and deities displayed on modern steps in the grand, light-filled atrium Inside Grand Egyptian Museum Giza.

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An aerial view of the Aswan High Dam and its immense reservoir, Lake Nasser, showcasing a modern engineering marvel in Egypt.

An aerial View of The temple of philea in egypt, showing the complex of buildings relocated on Agilkia Island, surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Nile.

An aerial view of the Philae Temple complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis, situated on Agilkia Island in the middle of the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt.

Tourists walking around the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, a massive stone carving still attached to its quarry.

The Kom Ombo Temple at sunset, with its columns and walls as seen from the Nile River, with palm trees and a sandy bank in the foreground.

Pillared hall of the ancient Temple of Horus in Edfu Egypt Ptolemaic architecture photography

The impressive Hypostyle Hall inside the Edfu Temple, featuring towering columns adorned with intricate carvings and illuminated by soft lighting.

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Woman tourist exploring the Avenue of Sphinxes in Karnak Temple Luxor Egypt ancient architecture

The illuminated entrance to Luxor Temple at Sunset, showing the massive facade, an obelisk, and statues of Ramesses II bathed in the warm light.

The weathered stone statues and monumental pylons marking the entrance to the Ruins Of Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt, under a clear blue sky.

Colossal Stone Figures RamsesII As Osiris In The Karnak Temple Complex, viewed from a low angle against a blue sky, showcasing the ancient carvings.

A long hallway inside the tomb of Ramses III in the Valley of the Kings.

Tourists walking through a long, illuminated hallway with ancient hieroglyphics carved into the walls, a common sight at the Valley of the Kings.

A mummy displayed in a Glass coffin inside a brightly lit room at the Valley Of The Kings exhibit in Luxor.

A tourist in a wide-brimmed hat and flowing shirt walking up the steps towards the majestic Hatshepsut Temple.

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Travelers at Temple of Hatshepsut, with its three terraced levels and grand ramps, is nestled on the West Bank of Luxor.

Hot air balloon flight over ancient Egyptian Colossi of Memnon Luxor sunrise photography

An aerial View of the two massive, seated statues known as the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor, Egypt, standing alongside a busy road.

The modern entrance of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) building with a water feature and clear blue sky.

The interior of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) with a large circular display featuring illuminated ancient Egyptian symbols and hieroglyphs.

Tourists viewing an elaborately painted ancient Egyptian sarcophagus at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo.

A Sideview Of Citadel Salah Eldin in Cairo, showing the massive, round-towered fortress walls towering over a lush green garden area with palm trees.

A wide shot of the Citadel of Salah El Din, Cairo, showing the prominent Mosque of Muhammad Ali with its domed roof and twin minarets, towering above the surrounding stone walls and a courtyard filled with tourists.

The intricately carved ablution fountain in the courtyard of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha in Cairo, under a clear sky.

A couple of tourists smiling at the camera in front of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha at the Citadel of Cairo.

A woman strolls through Cairo's lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar, surrounded by vibrant stalls of lamps, textiles, and traditional goods.

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Tour Details

Duration	12 Days / 11 Nights
Tour Location	Cairo / Aswan / Kom Ombo / Edfu / Luxor / Istanbul / Mount Nemrut / Gobeklitepe
Tour Type	Daily Tour
Pickup	Cairo Airport or Istanbul Airport

Archaeological 12 Day Egypt and Turkey tour With Cruise, Gobeklitepe & Nemrut

This 12 day Egypt and Turkey tour is the only itinerary that combines a classic Nile Cruise through the heart of ancient Egypt with both Gobeklitepe, the world's oldest known temple complex, and the colossal stone heads of Mount Nemrut in southeastern Turkey. As one of our exclusive Egypt multi destination tours, it is designed for travelers passionate about archaeology and ancient civilizations, connecting two of history's greatest cultural landscapes in a single seamless vacation.

Your classic journey begins on Day 1 with a Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo. Day 2 explores the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum before flying to Aswan. On Days 3–6, sail the Nile from Aswan to Luxor, visiting the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Day 7 returns to Cairo for the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Salah El-Din Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Al-Muizz Street, and Khan El-Khalili Bazaar before flying to Istanbul on Day 8.

Why Book This Tour

Built for Ancient Wonders, Not Ordinary Tours

The Only 12 Day Egypt & Turkey Tour Combining a Nile Cruise, Gobeklitepe & Mount Nemrut
Private Licensed Egyptologist Throughout Egypt
Private Licensed Local Guide Throughout Turkey
Private Air-Conditioned Transportation Across Egypt
Private Vehicle Transfers and Touring Throughout Turkey
Stay in Comfortable Hotels Across Egypt
Sail for 3 Nights on a Nile Cruise
Comfortable Hotel Across Turkey
Domestic Flights Included Within Egypt and Turkey
Entrance Fees Included for All Scheduled Attractions
Fully Customizable Itinerary with 24/7 Travel Support

Only on this route

The only 12 day Egypt and Turkey tour that combines a full pharaonic Nile Cruise with Göbeklitepe and Mount Nemrut pairing Egypt's Nile Valley temples with Turkey's oldest archaeological sites in one itinerary.

What You Get

Inclusion & Exclusion

Included

Meet and assist with the Tripidays representative at the airports
2 Nights of accommodations in Cairo hotel
1 Night of accommodations in Aswan hotel
3 Nights of accommodations on a Nile Cruise
1 Night of accommodations in Luxor hotel
3 Nights accommodation in Istanbul hotel
1 Night accommodation in Sanliurfa hotel
Professional Tour Guides throughout your tours in Egypt and Turkey
Private Air-Conditioned Transportation
Domestic Flight tickets Cairo → Aswan, Luxor → Cairo, Istanbul → Adiyaman, Sanliurfa → Istanbul
Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the Itinerary
One free bottle of water during the tours
Meals are provided as mentioned in the itinerary
Our assistance during your stay

Excluded

International Flights to Egypt and Home from Turkey
The Cairo → Istanbul international flight
Egypt Entry Visa
Turkey e-Visa (Where Applicable)
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Tips and Gratuities
Optional Tours and Activities

Highlights

Giza Attractions

Pyramids of Giza
The Great Sphinx
Valley Temple of Khafre
Grand Egyptian Museum

Aswan Attractions

Aswan High Dam
Unfinished Obelisk
Philae Temple
Kom Ombo Temple
Edfu Temple

Luxor Attractions

Luxor Temple
Karnak Temple
Valley of the Kings
Hatshepsut Temple
Colossi of Memnon

Cairo Attractions

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Salah El-Din Citadel
Mohamed Ali Mosque
Al-Muizz Street
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Istanbul Attractions

Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace
The Grand Bazaar
The Hippodrome

Adiyaman Attractions

The Arsameia
The Karakuş Tumulus
The Cendere Bridge
The Mount Nemrut

Sanliurfa Attractions

The Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum
The Gobeklitepe
The Balikligol

Day by Day

Itinerary

Arc I · Cairo Arrival
Landing in Cairo — then straight to Giza's Pyramids and Museum
A private representative welcomes you at Cairo International Airport and escorts you by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel. After time to relax, your first evening in Egypt begins with a memorable dinner cruise along the Nile.
Nile Dinner Cruise
Stepping aboard the elegant riverboat, the Nile Dinner Cruise introduces you to Cairo from the water as the city's illuminated skyline reflects across the Nile. During the two-hour cruise, you enjoy dinner while live entertainment creates the perfect welcome to Egypt.

Meals
Dinner
After breakfast, your private Egyptologist guide takes you across the Giza Plateau before visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum. In the evening, you board your flight to Aswan to begin your Nile adventure.
Pyramids of Giza
Arriving at the legendary Pyramids of Giza, your first view is the Great Pyramid dominating the desert horizon. Built from around 2.3 million limestone blocks, it remains the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
The Great Sphinx
A short walk brings you face-to-face with the Great Sphinx, whose massive limestone body stretches 73 meters across the sands while guarding the pyramids after more than 4,500 years.
Grand Egyptian Museum
Inside the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, your guide introduces galleries displaying thousands of priceless treasures, including the complete collection of more than 5,000 artifacts recovered from Tutankhamun's tomb.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Arc II · Aswan to Luxor
Aswan to Luxor by Nile Cruise, stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu
After breakfast, your guide introduces Aswan's remarkable monuments before you board your Nile Cruise, beginning a timeless journey north toward Luxor. If you're planning a faster itinerary, consider our shorter Egypt & Turkey with Abu Simbel, which includes the magnificent temples of Ramses II while reducing the overall trip length.
Aswan High Dam
Standing atop the impressive Aswan High Dam, you overlook Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest artificial lakes. Completed in 1970, the dam transformed Egypt's agriculture and protected the Nile Valley from annual flooding.
Unfinished Obelisk
Walking through the ancient granite quarry, the enormous Unfinished Obelisk still rests where ancient craftsmen abandoned it. Had it been completed, it would have reached nearly 42 meters in height.
Philae Temple
A short boat ride takes you to the beautiful Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, where the Temple of Isis was carefully reconstructed stone by stone after the creation of Lake Nasser.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As your cruise sails north, it reaches Kom Ombo for a morning visit before continuing along one of the Nile's most scenic stretches.
Kom Ombo Temple
Standing directly beside the Nile, Kom Ombo Temple is Egypt's only perfectly symmetrical double temple, dedicated equally to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you travel by horse-drawn carriage to Edfu Temple before returning to your cruise and sailing toward Luxor, where the city's ancient sanctuary awaits beneath the evening lights.
Edfu Temple
Your guide leads you through the magnificent Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to Horus, it was constructed between 237 and 57 BC during the Ptolemaic period.
Luxor Temple
As darkness falls, the illuminated Luxor Temple reveals its towering columns and monumental statues. The famous Avenue of Sphinxes stretches northward, connecting the temple with Karnak.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, you disembark from your Nile Cruise and spend the day exploring the treasures of ancient Thebes with your private Egyptologist before checking into your Luxor hotel. If you'd like to add Siwa Oasis to your Egypt & Turkey ancient wonders journey, our 15-day itinerary extends this archaeological adventure beyond the Nile Valley to Egypt's legendary Western Desert before continuing to Turkey.
Karnak Temple
Exploring the vast Karnak Temple Complex, you walk through colossal columns, sacred lakes, towering obelisks, and monumental gateways created by generations of pharaohs over more than two thousand years.
Valley of the Kings
Hidden within the Theban cliffs, the famous Valley of the Kings reveals beautifully decorated royal tombs where Egypt's New Kingdom pharaohs prepared for eternity. More than sixty royal tombs have been discovered here.
Hatshepsut Temple
Built against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, the elegant Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut rises across three impressive terraces, celebrating the achievements of Egypt's greatest female pharaoh.
Colossi of Memnon
Before leaving Luxor's West Bank, you stop beside the towering Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Amenhotep III that have stood watch over the Theban plain for more than 3,400 years.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, you fly back to Cairo, where your guide introduces you to the city's Islamic heritage before ending the day in its vibrant medieval markets.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Inside the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, you journey through Egypt's complete history while visiting the celebrated Royal Mummies Hall, home to many of the country's greatest rulers.
Salah El-Din Citadel
Standing high above Cairo, Salah El-Din Citadel has guarded the capital since the 12th century and remains one of the finest examples of medieval Islamic military architecture.
Mohamed Ali Mosque
Dominating the citadel skyline, the magnificent Mohamed Ali Mosque showcases elegant Ottoman architecture with its soaring domes and graceful twin minarets.
Al-Muizz Street
Walking along historic Al-Muizz Street, you pass centuries-old mosques, madrasas, palaces, and traditional houses that preserve the architectural heritage of Fatimid Cairo.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
The colorful lanes of Khan El-Khalili Bazaar invite you to browse handcrafted souvenirs, spices, jewelry, textiles, and traditional Egyptian treasures inside one of the Middle East's oldest marketplaces.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Arc III · Two Continents
Cairo to Istanbul — then Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
After breakfast, you transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, a local representative welcomes you and escorts you to your hotel, leaving the remainder of the day free to begin discovering Turkey. Travelers looking for a broader Egypt & Turkey experience in 13 days can choose an extended itinerary that includes additional cultural landmarks and more time exploring both destinations.

Meals
Breakfast
After breakfast, your private guide introduces the remarkable monuments of Istanbul's Old City, where Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations shaped one of the world's greatest capitals.
Hagia Sophia
Entering magnificent Hagia Sophia, you stand beneath its soaring central dome, an architectural masterpiece that has inspired visitors for nearly fifteen centuries.
Blue Mosque
The elegant Blue Mosque welcomes you with six graceful minarets and an interior decorated with more than 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles.
The Hippodrome
Your guide reveals the fascinating history of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, where emperors once watched thrilling chariot races surrounded by monumental obelisks.
Topkapi Palace
Exploring Topkapi Palace, you wander through imperial courtyards, royal chambers, and the famous Imperial Treasury, once home to the Ottoman sultans.
The Grand Bazaar
You conclude the day inside the legendary Grand Bazaar, where thousands of traditional shops fill its covered streets with Turkish crafts, spices, carpets, jewelry, and leather goods.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Arc IV · Ancient Anatolia
Fly to Nemrut and Göbeklitepe, then depart from Istanbul
Following an early flight, you travel through southeastern Turkey, Adiyaman, to explore the remarkable legacy of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene before reaching Mount Nemrut for sunset.
Cendere Bridge
Crossing historic Cendere Bridge, you admire one of Turkey's finest surviving Roman bridges, constructed nearly 2,000 years ago without mortar.
Karakus Tumulus
The impressive Karakus Tumulus stands as the royal burial monument of the queens and princesses of Commagene, identified by its distinctive eagle-topped column.
Arsameia
At the ancient city of Arsameia, your guide explains how this former summer capital served the powerful rulers of the Kingdom of Commagene during the 3rd century BC.
Mount Nemrut
Reaching the summit of Mount Nemrut at sunset, you stand among the colossal stone heads of ancient gods and kings overlooking the surrounding mountains from 2,134 meters above sea level.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, your guide introduces the remarkable archaeological heritage of Sanliurfa before your afternoon flight returns you to Istanbul.
Gobeklitepe
Standing among the remarkable stone pillars of Göbeklitepe, you visit the world's oldest known temple complex, dating to around 9600 BC and predating Stonehenge by almost six thousand years.
Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum
Inside the impressive Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum, you discover extraordinary artifacts from southeastern Turkey, including the famous Urfa Man statue, one of the world's oldest life-sized human sculptures.
Balikligol
Your journey continues to peaceful Balıklıgöl, the sacred Pools of Abraham, where protected carp swim beneath centuries-old traditions surrounded by historic mosques and gardens.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, you transfer to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable journey through the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Turkey to a memorable conclusion.

Meals
Breakfast

Notes:

* You can let us know if you'd like to customize your tour itinerary to meet your needs. We value your input and aim to accommodate your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is the only Egypt & Turkey tour that combines a 4 day Nile Cruise through Upper Egypt with both Göbeklitepe, the world's oldest known temple complex dating to around 9600 BC, and the monumental stone heads of Mount Nemrut. It connects the civilizations of the ancient Pharaohs with two of Turkey's greatest archaeological sites in one seamless itinerary.

The tour includes a comfortable accommodation, a 4 day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, private airport transfers, private sightseeing tours, a licensed Egyptologist and local guides, domestic flights within Egypt and Turkey, entrance fees to the attractions listed in the itinerary, and selected daily meals. The international flight between Cairo and Istanbul is not included.

The Egypt leg covers Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor. Highlights include the Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Salah El-Din Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Al-Muizz Street, and Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

The Turkey itinerary begins in Istanbul, where you'll visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. The journey continues to the ancient Kingdom of Commagene with visits to Cendere Bridge, Karakuş Tumulus, Arsameia, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Nemrut, before concluding in Şanlıurfa with Göbeklitepe, the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum, and Balıklıgöl.

Göbeklitepe is the world's oldest known temple complex, dating to around 9600 BC, making it more than 6,000 years older than Stonehenge and thousands of years older than the Egyptian pyramids. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the earliest monumental religious sites ever built by humanity.

What to Pack

Hat Backpack Comfy Shoes Powerbank Medical Kit Comfy Clothes Sunglasses & Sunscreen Personal Hygiene Products Valid Passport For 6 Months

Tour Locations

From:

4.9 800+ travelers

Travel Date (approx.)

08/10/2026

Adults

Over 12+

Children

Under 12

What Our Customers Say

Hear from our satisfied customers about their travel experiences with us.

We booked this because my husband is obsessed with anything pre Roman, and the Nile Cruise plus Göbeklitepe combination isn't something we found on any other Egypt and Turkey itinerary. The Egypt side ran smoothly our guide in Luxor knew when to skip the crowds at Karnak and go to Hatshepsut's temple instead first thing in the morning. Istanbul was a bit rushed with five sites in one day, so pace yourselves. Mount Nemrut was the highlight for us; we got there just before sunset and had maybe fifteen other people up there with us, not the hundreds I'd read about elsewhere. Göbeklitepe the next day was smaller than I expected, but the guide's explanation of the dating made it worth the early flight.

Helen R.

Manchester, United Kingdom

Twelve days sounds long until you realize how much ground you're covering. The Grand Egyptian Museum alone took us most of a morning, and I'd have happily stayed longer. The Nile Cruise cabins were smaller than the marketing photos suggested, but the food was solid, and the included stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu broke up the sailing nicely. My one complaint is the Cairo to Istanbul travel day is basically a wash you land, check in, and that's it, no shore excursions. Worth knowing going in. Şanlıurfa surprised me more than Istanbul did, honestly, especially the museum before Göbeklitepe. Our guide in Turkey drove us himself between Nemrut and Şanlıurfa, which felt more personal than the bus groups we passed.

Mark T.

Austin, Texas, USA

Coming from Australia, any international trip is already a commitment, so we wanted something that wouldn't feel like two half tours stapled together. This one didn't. The guides in both countries clearly knew the archaeology, not just the tourist script. Our Cairo guide spent a good ten minutes at Saqqara explaining construction techniques before we'd even asked. Kom Ombo and Edfu were quick temple stops but well-timed with the cruise schedule. Mount Nemrut required an early flight and a fair bit of driving, and by the time we reached Göbeklitepe the next day we were tired, but standing next to those T shaped pillars made up for it. Khan El-Khalili on the last day in Cairo was chaotic in a good way, with plenty of time to actually browse rather than being rushed through.

Sarah K.

Melbourne, Australia

This isn't a beach-and-buffet tour, so know what you're signing up for. We're both retired teachers and wanted the archaeology angle, and this delivered Valley of the Kings, Karnak, then straight into Göbeklitepe and Nemrut on the Turkey side. Aswan in particular was hot even in shoulder season, so pack accordingly. The Nile Cruise nights were a nice break from the pace of the land touring. Istanbul felt like a highlight reel rather than a deep dive, five sites including the Grand Bazaar in one day is a lot, but the private car meant no time wasted waiting on other travelers. Cendere Bridge and the Karakuş Tumulus on the way to Nemrut were unexpected bonuses we hadn't read much about beforehand.

David L.

Toronto, Canada

What I appreciated most was how the logistics between Egypt and Turkey were handled without us having to think about it flights, transfers, and guides all lined up on both ends. The Cairo return day with the Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Al Muizz Street was a good way to close out the Egypt side after the cruise. Göbeklitepe was the reason we booked this specific tour over other options, and it didn't disappoint, though I'd have liked a bit more time there rather than fitting it in before an afternoon flight. Communication before the trip was clear about what to expect at each stop. Would recommend to anyone who wants the Nile and Anatolia in one trip rather than picking one country.

Julia B.

Munich, Germany