Day 1: Arrival and Turkish Night Show – Transfer to your hotel in Sultanahmet area. If time permits tonight we’ll experience a folklore dinner show. (D)

Day 2: Walking Tour of Old City - After breakfast we’ll set off to explore the streets of this amazing and historic city. We’ll take in the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace the Hippodrome, Basillica Cistern and the amazing Aya Sofya museum. We’ll stop in little cafes for a traditional cup of ‘cay’ (tea) and ‘simit’ (Turkish pretzel) We’ll finish the day off with a uniquely Turkish experience the Turkish Bath in one of Istanbul’s beautifully restored Hammams. (B)

Day 3: Bosphorus Tour and Bazaars - We walk the ancient streets down to Eminonu where we board one of the local ferries and journey along the magnificent Bosphorous. We’ll take in the site of magnificent mansions, historic buildings and life along this ancient waterway. At Sariyer we will disembark finally and head back by private transport to Eminonu where your guide will treat you to a famous treat, the famous fish sandwiches prepared and bought straight off the water in small boats. After our lunch we’ll walk through the Egyptian (spice) Bazaar then through the crowded backstreets until the incredible Grand Bazaar. Lots of bargaining will see out the day. You can return to the hotel at your own pace, you may even want to try a traditional water pipe or nargile at one of the famous ancient cafes in Beyazit. (BL)

Day 4; Departure
Tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to the airport to meet your outbound flight. The staff at Road Runner will be on hand to offer you any assistance and advice on further travel out of Istanbul. We hope you had a wonderful time in Europe’s Cultural Capital for 2010 and hope to see you again. (B)

Some historical notes……………………….

Aya Sofya or Hagia Sophia

Built on the site of Byzantium’s acropolis by the emperor Justinian I (completed AD 548), it was the greatest church in Christendom until 1453 when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Empire. It was transformed into a mosque and remained so until 1935 when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk turned it into a museum.

Blue Mosque

Constructed between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmed the First. The mosque was built on the site of the palace of the Byzantine emperors, facing the Hagia Sophia (at that time the most venerated mosque in Istanbul) and the hippodrome, a site of great symbolic significance. Large parts of the southern side of the mosque rest on the foundations, the vaults and the undercrofts of the Great Palace. Several palaces, already built on the same spot, had to be bought (at considerable price) and pulled down, especially the palace of Sokollu Mehmet Paşa, and large parts of the Sphendone (curved tribune with U-shaped structure of the hippodrome).

Topkapi Palace

Initial construction began in 1459, ordered by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Byzantine Constantinople. The palace is a complex made up of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. At the height of its existence as a royal residence, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people, formerly covering a larger area with a long shoreline. The complex has been expanded over the centuries, with many renovations such as after the 1509 earthquake and 1665 fire. It held mosques, a hospital, bakeries, and a mint. The name directly translates as “Cannon gate Palace”, from the palace being named after a nearby, now destroyed, gate.

Basillica Cistern

The name of this subterranean structure derives from a large public square on the First Hill of Constantinople, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was originally constructed. According to ancient historians, Emperor Constantine constructed a structure which was later rebuilt and enlarged by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532. The enlarged cistern provided water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and continued to provide water to the Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and into modern times.

· Airport transfers

· 3 nights in a boutique style hotel.

· Turkish folklore show including dinner and two drinks

· Guided tours of Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Spice and Grand Bazaars.

· Bosphorus cruise. Simple lunch in Eminonu.

· Traditional Turkish Bath

· All entrance fees

· Meals included as part of the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)

Highlights:

Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Goreme Open Air Museums and Zelve, Ihlara Vallet, Selima Monastery, Devrent Valley, Sunset and winetasting. Incredible carved rock houses and Churches

Day 1, Overnight bus from Pamukkale to Cappadocia  . The Turkish intercity bus system has to be among the most comfortable, safe and versatile service in the world.

Day 2, Early morning arrival in Goreme, transfer to your hotel and pick up for the first of two full-day guided tours of Cappadocia.

Overnight in an amazing hotel carved into the rock!

Day 3, the second day of our fully guided tours of Cappadocia. This evening to catch an overnight bus back onto Pamukkale or any destination you choose.

Your choice of 2, 3, 4 or 5 Star hotel accommodation. Our usual price is based on the three star hotels in Cappadocia are ALL special option but as the ’star’ rating has little bearing on the experience of a lifetime you will enjoy!

Optional Hot-Air Balloon Flight over Cappadocia is something that shouts Should be missed!

Highlights:

Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Zelve and Goreme Open Air Museums, Ihlara Vallet, Selime Monastery, Devrent Valley, Sunset and winetasting. Incredible carved rock churches and houses

Day 1, Overnight bus from Fethiye to Cappadocia. The Turkish intercity bus system has to be among the most comfortable, safe and versatile service in the world.

Day 2, Early morning arrival in Goreme, transfer to your hotel and pick up for the first of two full day guided tours of Cappadocia.

Overnight in an amazing hotel carved into the rock!

Day 3, The second of our fully guided day tours of Cappadocia. This evening catch an overnight bus back to Fethiye or onto any destination you choose.

Your choice of 2, 3, 4 or 5 Star hotel accommodation. Our usual price is based on the 3 star option but as ALL hotels in Cappadocia are special the ‘star’ rating has little bearing on the experience of a lifetime you will enjoy!

Optional Hot-Air Balloon flight over Cappadocia something that should not be missed!

Highlights:

Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Zelve and Goreme Open Air Museums, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, Devrent Valley, Sunset and winetasting. Incredible carved rock churches and houses

Day 1, Overnight bus from Bodrum to Cappadocia. The Turkish intercity bus system has to be among the most comfortable, safe and versatile service in the world.

Day 2, Early morning arrival in Goreme, transfer to your hotel and pick up for the first of two full day guided tours of Cappadocia.

Overnight in an amazing hotel carved into the rock!

Day 3, The second of our fully guided day tours of Cappadocia. This evening catch an overnight bus back to Bodrum or onto any destination you choose.

Your choice of 2, 3, 4 or 5 Star hotel accommodation. Our usual price is based on the 3 star option but as ALL hotels in Cappadocia are special the ‘star’ rating has little bearing on the experience of a lifetime you will enjoy!

Optional Hot-Air Balloon flight over Cappadocia something that should not be missed!

Highlights:

Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Goreme Open Air Museums and Zelve, Ihlara Valley, Selima Monastery, Devrent Valley, Sunset and winetasting. Incredible carved rock houses and Churches

Day 1, Overnight bus from Cappadocia to Antalya. The Turkish intercity bus system has to be among the most comfortable, safe and versatile service in the world.

Day 2, Early morning arrival in Goreme, transfer to your hotel and pick up for the first of two full-day guided tours of Cappadocia.

Overnight in an amazing hotel carved into the rock!

Day 3, the second day of our fully guided tours of Cappadocia. This evening to catch an overnight bus back onto City or any destination you choose.

Your choice of 2, 3, 4 or 5 Star hotel accommodation. Our usual price is based on the three star hotels in Cappadocia are ALL special option but as the ’star’ rating has little bearing on the experience of a lifetime you will enjoy!

Optional Hot-Air Balloon Flight over Cappadocia is something that shouts Should be missed!

Highlights:

Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Goreme Open Air Museums and Zelve, Ihlara Valley, Selima Monastery, Devrent Valley, Sunset and winetasting. Incredible carved rock houses and Churches

Day 1, Overnight bus from Cappadocia to Antalya. The Turkish intercity bus system has to be among the most comfortable, safe and versatile service in the world.

Day 2, Early morning arrival in Goreme, transfer to your hotel and pick up for the first of two full-day guided tours of Cappadocia.

Overnight in an amazing hotel carved into the rock!

Day 3, the second day of our fully guided tours of Cappadocia. This evening to catch an overnight bus back onto City or any destination you choose.

Your choice of 2, 3, 4 or 5 Star hotel accommodation. Our usual price is based on the three star hotels in Cappadocia are ALL special option but as the ’star’ rating has little bearing on the experience of a lifetime you will enjoy!

Optional Hot-Air Balloon Flight over Cappadocia is something that shouts Should be missed!

15 days / 14 nights

Highlights:

Cappadocia, Antalya, Treehouses in Olympos, Gulet Cruise, Fethiye, White Travertines of Pamukkale, Ancient wonder of Ephesus.

Day 1, Depart Istanbul by overnight bus to Cappadocia.

Day 2, Arrive in Goreme and taken to your hotel. Day tour of the highlights of Cappadocia. (L)

Day 3, Another full day tour of the highlights of Cappadocia. Overnight bus to Antalya

Day 4, Arrive in the seaside town of Antalya rest of the day is free to explore the old harbour and sights.

Day 5, Time to relax, write postcards, check your emails.

Day 6, Bus to Olympos and transfer to your very own Tree House, time for a swim, also the site of an ancient city great to explore!

Day 7, Olympos, free day. You might like an excursion this evening to visit the ancient flames called the Chimaera.

Day 8-10, Gulet Cruise. This morning you will board our Gulet for three nights. Visit Kekova Sunken City, Simena Pirate Village, lots of swimming, eating and drinking!

Day 11, Today we bid farewell to our friendly crew as we sail into Fethiye Harbour after a good swim of course! Overnight in Fethiye.

Day 12, This morning we take the day bus to Kusadasi your base for exploring the sights of the region, Ephesus and Pamukkale. Rest of the day is free to wander around Kusadasi.

Day 13, Full day guided tour of Ephesus including lunch. We will see the Theatre, Celsus Library, the Collonaded Street, Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary among other highlights before returning to Kusadasi.

Day 14, Full day guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Today we will drive to the calcified waterfalls of Pamukkale and the adjoining ancient wonder of Hierapolis.

Day 15, Tour ends today but you can link this trip with one of our great Greek Island Hopping journeys. We can also arrange transport onwards to Canakkale, Troy, Istanbul.

Not a group tour this package is for you the independent traveller!

Arrive at Cairo airport and meet with your transferman for assistance through customs and baggage claim. Transfer to your hotel. Stay overnight in Cairo.(No meals)

Day 2 Full Day Pyramids Tour

Today you will set out on a full day tour of the pyramids. Visit the vast Necropolis of Saqqara, including tombs from all periods of Egyptian history. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first stone structure to appear in the world. In the afternoon, we continue with our visit to the three Pyramids, Valley Temple and Sphinx of Giza, the world’s oldest tourist attractions. At the end of the day you will be returned to your hotel. Stay overnight in Cairo.(Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 Cairo – Luxor (flight)

Today you will be transferred to Cairo airport for your 1 hour flight to Luxor. Arrive in Luxor and transfer to your Nile cruiser for embarkation. Enjoy an unforgettable day of sightseeing when you discover the East & West Bank of Luxor. We begin firstly with the East Bank to visit the Luxor Temple built by Amenophis III and the Karnak Temple. We then cross to the West Bank to explore the Necropolis of Thebes, Valley of the Kings, temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Stay overnight in Luxor. All meals are included while on board cruiser.

Day 4 Luxor – Esna – Edfu

Today we make sail to Esna & cross the lock. Lunch on board. Sail to Edfu & overnight.

Day 5 Edfu – Kom Ombo

This morning our visits begins firstly with a visit to the Temple of Horus, a beautiful Egyptian temple distinguished by its huge splendid structure that blends Pharaonic and Greek architecture. Enjoy lunch on board whilst sailing to Kom Ombo. Overnight in Kom Ombo.

Day 6 Kom Ombo – Aswan

This morning we set off to explore the temple shared by the two Gods, Sobek and Haroeris. We continue sailing through to Aswan. Upon our arrival in Aswan we tour the Philae Temple, dedicated to Goddess Isis and enjoy a felucca boat ride around Elephantine Island and the botanical gardens. Overnight in Aswan.

Day 7 Aswan

Take the opportunity today to visit one of the most intriguing monuments in Egypt. An optional excursion to Abu Simbel (by plane 260 USD per person, by bus 125 USD per person) will take you to possibly the most astounding peice of Pharoanic Egyptian architecture, 180km south of Aswan on the shores of Lake Nasser. Overnight on board in Aswan.

Day 8 Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu – Esna

Today we being our return sail to Luxor via Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna. Overnight in Esna.

Day 9 Esna – Luxor

We arrive in Luxor. Take the optional excursion for the opportunity to visit the Luxor Museum (50 USD per person). Overnight on board in Luxor.

Day 10 Luxor – Cairo (flight)

After breakfast you will disembark from your Nile cruiser. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel. Stay overnight in Cairo. (Breakfast)

Day 11 Departure

After breakfast you will be transferred by private air conditioned vehicle to the airport and be assisted through airport formalities for your international departure flight. The end of the services. (Breakfast)

What’s Included

3 nights Cairo accommodation in 4 or 5 star hotels including breakfast.

7 nights on 5 star Nile Cruise including all meals, guidance & accommodation.

All local taxes.

All meals mentioned in the itinerary.

All sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary including, transportation, guidance & entrance fees.

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary.

Domestic flight tickets from Cairo to Luxor (return).

.

What’s Not Included

Any drinks with meals.

Any international airfares.

Any medical services.

Any tips to the guide, driver or staff at hotels/restaurants or on cruise.

Items of a personal nature.

Visa to Egypt (if needed).

Arrive at Cairo airport and meet with your transfer man for assistance through customs and baggage claim. Transfer to your hotel. Stay overnight in Cairo. (No meals)

Day 2 Full Day Pyramids Tour

Today you will set out on a full day tour of the pyramids. Visit the vast Necropolis of Saqqara, including tombs from all periods of Egyptian history. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first stone structure to appear in the world. In the afternoon, we continue with our visit to the three Pyramids, Valley Temple and Sphinx of Giza, the world’s oldest tourist attractions. At the end of the day you will be returned to your hotel. Stay overnight in Cairo. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 Full Day City & Museum Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from hotel for a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquties housing over 250,000 objects of art dating as far as 5000 years. Of the most important displays is the Tut Aankh Amon collection of treasuries. After lunch in the afternoon, visit to the Mohammed Ali Citadel erected in 1183 A.D. The Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali is one of the landmarks of Cairo whose minaret is spotted from any part of the city. A walk in the small streets of the old Khan El Khalili market established around 1400. After the tour, you will be transferred to your accommodation. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4 Departure

After breakfast you will be transferred by private air conditioned car to the airport and be assisted through airport formalities for your international departure flight. The end of the services. (Breakfast)

What’s Included

3 nights accommodation in 4 or 5 star hotels including breakfast.

All local taxes.

All meals mentioned in the itinerary.

All sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary including, transportation, guidance & entrance fees.

Round trip airport transfers.

What’s Not Included

Any drinks with meals.

Any international airfares.

Any medical services.

Any tips to the guide, driver or staff at hotels/restaurants.

Items of a personal nature.

Visa to Egypt (if needed).

million. Situated on the Nile, the city is polluted and overcrowded, and getting around poses many challenges, although it has greatly improved with the ever-expanding underground Metro system.

In Islamic (or Medieval) Cairo, narrow congested streets are filled with donkey carts, spice traders and imposing mosques. A central landmark is Midan Hussain, a large open square with tea houses around the perimeter, and dominated by the sacred Mosque of Sayyidna Al-Hussain. Adjacent is the famous Khan-el Khalili, one of the world’s largest bazaars, pulsing with commerce and crammed with spices, coppersmiths, perfume and trinkets. Bargaining has been a way of life in these alleyways since the late 14th century and it is easy to get taken in by silver-tongued salesmen. Here, Fishawi’s tea house has been in business for over 200 years, and is still a great people-watching venue.

Nearby is Al-Azhar Mosque, containing the oldest university in the world (AD 970). The pre-Ottoman Madrassa and Mausoleum of Al-Ghouri, has Sufi dancing, and opposite is Wakala of Al-Ghouri, an attractively preserved cultural center. Exhibits in the Museum of Islamic Art bring Islamic Cairo to life, with arts, ceramics, mosaics and calligraphy.

The Citadel was home to Egypt’s rulers for 700 years; an imposing medieval fortress offering sweeping views of the city. Within it is the Midan Salah al-Din with the unmissable Sultan Hassan and Rifai Mosques. The Mohammad Ali Mosque has classic Ottoman minarets and interior. Within the Citadel, other attractions include the Military National Museum, Al-Gawhara Palace and Museum and the National Police Museum.

City of the Dead (Northern Cemetery) is a Mamluk necropolis with hundreds of thousands of tombs dating from the 12th century. Many thousands more live here in something resembling a shanty town amongst the ornate mausoleums.

Sharia Talat Harb street and Midan Tahrir (Liberation Square) are typical of the more modern, commercial center of Cairo – filled with concrete and cars, and containing countless hotels, restaurants, office blocks and museums. Here is one of the country’s greatest attractions; the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities housing over 130,000 exhibits, including Pharaonic and Byzantine art and sculpture, the Mummy Room and the celebrated Tutankhamun exhibition.

Behind the museum, bridges cross the Nile, and riverside walks along the corniche bring some relief from traffic. Here, river taxis travel to local docks, and "feluccas"(sail boats) are available for private trips.

The south is home to the Coptic Orthodox Christians, forming 10 per cent of the population. Originally a Roman fortress town called Babylon, it was greatly significant to early Christians. Here, the Coptic Museum has exhibits from AD 300 to AD 1000, in the world’s greatest collection of Coptic art. The Hanging Church, Monastery of St George and the churches of St Sergius and St Barbara are all in the same area. The Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest in Egypt, and represents the remains of the Jewish community.

The small island of Gezira is a modern upmarket area with the Opera House (a US$30 million arts complex) containing the Museum of Modern Art, and the Cairo Tower with great city views. The adjacent neighborhood of Zamalek contains elegant town houses and embassies. On the southwest outskirts of the city is Giza with Cairo Zoo and the University. But Cairo is most famous for the Great Pyramids, Egypt’s most visited monuments. Of the three main pyramids (Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus), the largest is 137m (449ft) high and contains some three million blocks of stone. Exploring the interiors is possible via labyrinthine tunnels and staircases. Adjacent is the bewitching Sphinx, as named by the ancient Greeks, with the head of a woman and body of a lion. Erosion was partly rectified by restoration, which finished in 1998. Early morning and late afternoon are a little less crowded, and every evening there are "son et lumière"  extravagant light shows telling the story of ancient Egypt. Camels, horses and donkeys can be hired to explore the site.

There are more ancient tombs and pyramids outside the city – more difficult to get to but much less crowded. There are remains of the Old Kingdom’s capital Memphis; the necropolis at Saqqara, with the Step Pyramid older than those at Giza, with well-preserved wall reliefs and royal tombs. Dahshur has only been open to foreigners since 1996, and is famous for its Bent Pyramid and a huge field of royal tombs.

In contrast to ancient sights, the Camel Market (Souq al-Gamaal), is held every morning at Birqash, around 35km (21 miles) from the city, located on the edge of the Western Desert. Hundreds of camels are sold daily, most having been brought from Sudan.

The Nile River is actually 6695 kilometers (4184 miles) long. With such a long length, the Nile River is speculated to be the longest river in the world. The Amazon River runs a very close second, although it has been difficult to determine which is actually longer. "River Nile facts" state it winds from Uganda to Ethiopia, flowing through a total of nine countries. While the Nile River is often associated with Egypt, it actually touches Ethiopia, Zaire, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Sudan, as well as Egypt. It’s only recent that the first known navigation team successfully followed the river from beginning to its end.

The Nile River has played an extremely important role in the civilization, life and history of the Egyptian nation. One of the most well known river Nile facts is the river’s ability to produce extremely fertile soil, which made it easy for cities and civilizations to spring up alongside the banks of the Nile. The fertile soil is contributed by the annual spring floods, when the Nile River overflows onto the banks. Much of the Egyptian nation consists of dry desert land. Throughout most of the year, very little rain falls on Egyptian deserts. This has remained true for thousands of years. The abundant Nile River provided much needed irrigation, even in ancient times. This waterway also provided a source of drinking water, and source of irrigation for farming as well as papyrus reeds that could be used for a variety of purposes such as paper and building materials.

The Nile Crocodile has been a major component of the Egyptian culture and way of life since the first Egyptians settled along the fertile banks of the Nile. Most Nile Crocodiles are approximately 4 meters in length, although some have been reported as longer. The animal make their nests along the banks of the Nile River, where the female may lay up to 60 eggs at one time. Some three months later the babies are born and are taken to the water by their mother. They will remain with her for at least two years before reaching maturity.

Not only is the Nile River one of the main rivers of Egypt, but many would in fact; say it is the primary river of Egypt. The Nile River has certainly played a critical role in the history of this mysterious nation.

Today, exotic and sophisticated cities like Cairo grace the banks of the Nile River, as they have for thousands of years. Individuals interested in experiencing the Nile up close and personal can journey along the famous river aboard riverboat cruises that depart from numerous cities along the bank.