Ancient Triangle

You are greeted upon arrival in Istanbul and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this amazing city.

Today, choose between private and small group sightseeing options and explore Istanbul’s Ottoman Heritage. During its 500-year presence in Istanbul, the formidable Ottoman Empire constructed magnificent mosques and palaces, many of which still stand today. Explore Topkapi Palace and its Harem, with imperial family quarters as well as government sections. Visit the Blue Mosque to witness the elegant tile work, and the Museum of Islamic Arts, which was once home to the Grand Ottoman Vizier in the 16th century. You may also want to visit the Underground Cistern, St. Sophia and shop in the Grand or Spice Bazaars.

Weather permitting, we recommend taking a Bosphorus cruise today. Cruise along the Bosphorus waterway and view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus' wooded shores: mosques, mansions of the Ottoman elite, the Sultan's fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges, and a fortress built by Fatih the Conqueror. In the evening, you may want to enjoy an optional Turkish dinner including a belly dancing show and an Anatolian cultural performance.

You will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Athens (flight tickets are not included and are available on request). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this historical city.

Today, explore the city on your own or take one of the recommended private or small group optional tours. Get acquainted with the ancient heart of Athens and its most iconic archeological landmark. The Acropolis, the ancient citadel located on a high, rocky outcrop above the city, contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance. Other major attractions include the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Presidential Palace, Hadrian's Arch, the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, the University, the National Library and the Temple of Nike. Consider joining an optional tour to Cape Sounion in the afternoon.

Enjoy this day at your own pace to explore this fascinating city of history or consider joining an optional cruise to the three Saronic Islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, or an optional full-day tour to Delphi.

You will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Cairo (flight tickets are not included and are available on request). Upon arrival, meet your driver for a private transfer to your selected hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore mystical Cairo.

Today, we recommend a private or small group tour to the ancient capital of Egypt. During the 1st Dynasty, Memphis served as Egypt’s capital, after King Menes had united Upper and Lower Egypt. You can see the famous Alabaster Sphinx and the magnificently carved statue of Ramses II. Leave Memphis for Sakkara to witness the first massive stone edifice known to history - Step Pyramid of Djoser. Continue to the Three Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, you may choose to enjoy dinner aboard a Nile cruise boat.

Today, consider joining a private or small group tour to Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to King Tut's renowned treasures. In the afternoon, consider joining an optional tour of the Citadel of Saladin, the Mohamed Ali Mosque and the Old Bazaar.

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your next destination.