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ANZAC Day & Tutankhamun 2024

13 days

ANZAC Day Gallipoli 2024. Starts: 23rd April. Combine ANZAC Day in Turkey with the wonders of ancient Egypt in 13 days. From Istanbul's enchanting Old Town spend the ANZAC Eve vigil and evocative Dawn Service at the Gallipoli Peninsula before heading to the legendary Pyramids of Giza, Nubian Aswan and Luxor's tomb strewn Valley of the Kings.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Accommodation Standard

Prices

Tour Overview

Duration

13 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Cairo

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour guide in Egypt. No guide in Turkey

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 32

Minimum age

18 yrs

Departs

23rd April 2024

Hotel Rating

4-5 star

Countries

ANZAC Day, Egypt, Turkey

Arrival Transfer

Yes (Sabiha Gokcen at 11am & 3pm)

Departure Transfer

Not in Istanbul, but in Egypt yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
Per person from
Total From

Accommodation Standard

Prices

Tour Highlights

Cairo - Gaze in awe at the ancient Pyramids of Giza, explore the Necropolis of Saqqara and see King Tut's treasures at the new Egyptian Museum
Aswan - Take a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island to explore romantic Philae Temple and wander around the colourful souqs
Nile felucca cruising - Sail the River Nile on board a traditional felucca and spend two nights sleeping under a blanket of stars (or upgrade to a 5 star Nile Cruise)
Kom Ombo - Visit the Nile side Temple of Kom Ombo
Istanbul - Independently explore this captivating city, home to the iconic Blue Mosque and the bustling Grand Bazaar
Luxor - Roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night
Gallipoli Peninsula - Pay your respects at the Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair memorial site
Luxor West Bank - Discover exquisite tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the towering Colossi of Memnon and the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
ANZAC Service Site - Attend the ANZAC eve vigil on the Gallipoli Peninsula and commemorate at the Dawn Service
The Bosphorus Strait - Cruise the Bosphorus, taking in views of the city skyline, Ottoman architecture and waterside palaces

Included

11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
7 nights 4-5 star hotels, 2 nights aboard felucca (open deck). If booking our Nile Cruise Upgrade: 6 nights 4-5 star hotels and 3 nights 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin)
2 overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo (Private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
1 night at the Dawn Service site
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 from Istanbul International airport at any time or from Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 11am and 3pm only. Cairo Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 4 and 13 - you must provide your flight details from Istanbul to Cairo
Egypt - guided sightseeing in Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan and Luxor
Morning Cruise along the Bosphorus in Istanbul
Escorted by an degree qualified Egyptologist in Egypt. Services of an English speaking tour organiser in Turkey
All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned touring coaches/ vehicles
Maximum Group Size: 32 persons

Not Included

Flight from Istanbul to Cairo, all other international flights and visas
Tip for your tour guide in Egypt - we recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller. Tip for your tour organiser and driver in Turkey: we recommend you budget EUR €3 - 5 per day, per traveller for your tour organiser and EUR €2 per day, per traveller for your driver. These tips are an entirely personal gesture
Attendance Pass for ANZAC. Please see the Trip Notes for information on how to obtain your attendance pass - these are free of charge but need to be registered for in advance.
Entrance Fees: USD$90-110pp, paid in local currency (Egypt)
Tipping Kitty: EUR€25-35pp, paid in EUR (Turkey) | USD$55-75pp, paid in local currency (Egypt)
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Accommodation Standard

Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul

Tue 23 April 2024. Welcome to Turkey. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the incredible city of Istanbul. Istanbul is easy to get around on foot and there are plenty of attractions dotted about the old city known as Sultanahmet. Maybe head to the Grand Bazaar or the Egyptian Spice Market, both open today! This evening after our welcome meeting opt for a drink in the bar, a great way to break the ice and meet fellow travellers.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 - ANZAC Eve - Gallipoli

Istanbul - Gallipoli. Spend the morning at leisure in Istanbul. This afternoon we drive to Gallipoli. En route to the peninsula we'll stop for a bite to eat, stretch our legs and stock up on supplies for the evening ahead. Upon arrival (exact time subject to Dawn Service Site opening hours) you will be given instructions about where to meet with your coach on 25 April, after the services have concluded. Once we're in Anzac Cove you are free to visit the memorials and trenches that dot the area before taking our places amongst the many at the Dawn Service site for the atmosphere-charged ANZAC Eve vigil.

Overnight: Dawn Service site (ANZAC Cove)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - ANZAC Day - Gallipoli

Gallipoli - Istanbul. A poignant bugle call along with first light heralds the start of the Dawn Service. Lasting around an hour, the service is a special and moving experience and it's possible to lay a wreath at ANZAC Memorial site after the service has concluded. Later this morning Australians have the opportunity to pay their respects at the Lone Pine Memorial Service, while New Zealanders can attend the service at Chunuk Bair. After the Chunuk Bair service we anticipate an early afternoon departure time from Gallipoli, for our return journey to Istanbul. Please note: the 2024 national memorial services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair are subject to confirmation.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 4 - Istanbul to Cairo - free time

Friday 26 Apr 2024. Istanbul - Cairo. Our ANZAC tour of Turkey comes to an end today and our Egypt adventure begins. Please Note: The flight from Istanbul to Cairo isn't included in the cost of the tour. Turkish Airlines offers flights from Istanbul to Cairo and open jaw tickets are available into Istanbul and out of Cairo. If you require assistance we can arrange flights on your behalf. Please provide us with your incoming flight details to Egypt and we will be there to meet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to our hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Upon arrival to Cairo the remainder of the day is at your own leisure before the restof your Egyptian adventure. Perhaps relax by the hotel pool or for those that are arriving before 8.30am, join our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am (best booked prior with your travel consultant). This optional tour takes you off the beaten track in Egypt's bustling capital, visiting Downtown Cairo, the exquisite mosques and monuments of El Moez Street in Islamic Cairo, Garbage City and the incredible Cave Church of St. Simon.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Pyramids of Giza

Discover Egypt’s main attraction today as we visit the incredible Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The largest of the pyramids, Cheops, was the tallest man-made building on Earth for 3,800 years. Experts still can’t agree how the ancient Egyptians constructed the pyramids with their limited technology - it remains a mystery. A stop will be made at a government supervised papyrus emporium, then we will continue to the necropolis of Saqqara, home to the famous Pyramid of Zhoser. This ancient monument dates back to around 2700BC and is surrounded by countless tombs and burial sites. After our tour, we return to Cairo for the evening.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Grand Egyptian Museum

Cairo - Aswan. Today we embark on a guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, an extraordinary 490,000 sq.m complex that houses over 100,000 artefacts and will eventually showcase a giant exhibition featuring the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Many of the items on display are being exhibited for the first time, with artefacts gathered from across Egypt and the world.

Next, we visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, home to an extensive collection of statues, jewellery, and sarcophagi. Among its treasures are several remarkably well-preserved mummies, including those of Yuya and Thuyu, high-ranking nobles and the great-grandparents of King Tutankhamun. These mummies showcase incredible preservation, with thick locks of hair, visible fingernails, and smooth, blackened skin offering a fascinating glimpse into Egypt's ancient past.

Returning to the hotel there's time to relax by the pool before we board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan this evening.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Aswan & the Philae Temple

We arrive in Aswan and visit the beautiful Philae Temple this afternoon. Take a leisurely boat trip to Agilkia Island in the Nile and explore the site, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Our last stop today is the perfume oil emporium, where the use of essential and perfumed oils in Egypt dates back to 2700BC. Enjoy free time this evening to explore Aswan’s vibrant market and shop in the bustling souqs.

Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Felucca sailing & optional Abu Simbel

Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. This morning there’s an optional excursion to Abu Simbel. This famous temple of King Ramses II is guarded by 4 colossal statues of the great pharaoh himself. Later, we board our traditional felucca for a 2 night cruise down the mighty Nile. If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise, please see the tab above for prices. For more information about Nile Cruising please click here.

Overnight: Felucca Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Felucca Sailing & Kom Ombo

Nile felucca cruise - Kom Ombo. Relax and sunbathe on deck or go for a swim as our felucca sails to Kom Ombo. We’ll explore the famous symmetrical temple, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus before we return to the felucca and continue our journey downriver.

Overnight: Felucca Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Luxor & optional visit to Luxor Temple

Kom Ombo - Luxor. This morning we disembark our felucca and drive to ancient Luxor, where the rest of today is at leisure. There's an optional excursion to Luxor Temple tonight, when the site is beautifully illuminated by hundreds of lights.

Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Valley of the Kings

Luxor - Cairo. 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its very best and this morning we visit Luxor’s famous West Bank. Our first stop is the famous Valley of the Kings, which is studded with beautifully decorated tombs, including the tombs of Ramses II, Seti I, Amenhotep II and of course, King Tutankhamen. After exploring this incredible site we travel on to visit the beautiful limestone, colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut, who was one of only three Egyptian ruling queens. On the West Bank we also see the imposing 18m-high Colossi of Memnon, which are all that remains of the temple of the hedonistic Amenophis III. Returning to the hotel at around midday, there's time to have lunch and relax by the pool before we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak later this afternoon. Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Free time in Cairo

Arrive in Cairo this morning for a free day to explore Egypt’s bustling capital. Visit the famous Khan el Khalili bazaar or admire the imposing Citadel of Saladin.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Cairo

Sunday. Our Egyptian adventure comes to an end today with an included departure transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

Prices

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Golden Tulip Istanbul Bayrampasa
Istanbul

Golden Tulip Istanbul Bayrampasa is a modern 5 star hotel, with scenic views of Istanbul and the Marmara Sea. Comfort is guaranteed in the spacious guest rooms, which benefit from large windows and free high speed WiFi. These well-appointed rooms also offer an en suite with rain-fall walk-in shower, hair dryer, LCD TV, minibar, in-room safe and complimentary coffee & tea making facilities. Guests can enjoy tasty Turkish and international cuisine at hotel's restaurant and bar which is open from early morning to late night. The property also features an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and spa with a Turkish Bath and sauna - perfect for some R&R after a busy day of sightseeing in the city! This luxurious hotel is located in Bayrampasa, a peaceful suburb of Istanbul, which is a short 6-minute walk from Topcular metro station, offering easy access to the rest of the city.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Grand Hotel Halic
Istanbul

Conveniently located in the central Beyoglu district of Istanbul, the modern Grand Hotel Halic is within walking distance of popular sites such as Taksim Square and the Galata Tower. Guest rooms are well-appointed with a seating area and modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Delicious Turkish mezes can be enjoyed at the Adali Restaurant on the top floor, with fabulous views across the famous Golden Horn of Istanbul, while Raki aniseed spirit can be sampled in the bar with billiards, while listening to live music. The hotel also benefits from an indoor swimming pool and spa, with a traditional hammam, dry sauna and massage facilities.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi
Cairo

Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Holiday Inn City Stars
Cairo

The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the modern and historic attractions of Egypt's capital. Rooms are spacious, offering a flatscreen TV and private bathroom. There are restaurants on site, including the rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the city.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Sleeper Train
Cairo

When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
Sonesta Hotel, Towers & Casino Cairo
Cairo

The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Tolip Hotel
Aswan

Set in manicured gardens, the Helnan Aswan is an elegant hotel with impressive views of the Nile. Guest rooms are spacious with modern interiors and located next to the beautiful pool. Wi-fi is available in the lobby and by the pool. There are also two restaurants and bars, a bowling alley, a swimming pool and a cinema. Why not relax by the pool before exploring the rest of Aswan.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Felucca Sailboat
Felucca Cruise

Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 10 - 12 passengers comfortably. The boat’s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. A support boat travels alongside your felucca and is on hand if you need to use the toilet. The support boat is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet (or hire for a nominal cost) and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
N/A
Sonesta St. George Hotel
Luxor

An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel
Steigenberger Nile Palace
Luxor

The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel

Accommodation Standard

Prices

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour.'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

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