Wonders of the Ancient World: Turkey & Egypt Adventure Tour

Turkey and Egypt, zero wasted time. Land in Istanbul, then trace WWI history at Gallipoli before chasing Greek myths through the ruins of Troy and the streets of Ephesus. Pamukkale's white cliff pools round out Turkey before Egypt takes over: the Great Pyramid of Giza, Nile-side temples, a home-cooked meal with a Nubian family, and a felucca sail past Aswan's bazaars.

What meals are included in this trip?  

14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

What should I pack for this trip?  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

What should I consider when planning my personal expenses and discretionary spending for this itinerary?  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What details should I be aware of when planning my departure day?  

Our tour finishes on arrival in Cairo at the Cairo International Airport. Please be aware that flight delays do quite often occur, so please do not book any onward flights before 2pm today.

What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?  

The currency used in Turkey is the Lira. The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).

ATMs are found within main cities in and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible as while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card. Please note, your bank will change a fee for overseas withdrawals.

Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds and US Dollars are all easy to exchange to the Local currency. Please note that you should bring some cash with you for emergency situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix.

If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 1996, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?  

DRINKING WATER It is advisable to drink bottled water.

Please note inoculations may be required for the countries visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements . Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

When selecting your trip please carefully read the G Adventures brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please contact us at travel@gadventures.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

What are the mandatory group rules regarding laws and behaviour?  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?  

Tipping is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the low salary and wages of the Middle East region.

While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

To make things as easy as possible and avoid embarrassing situations, G Adventures has developed a tipping kitty system where your CEO will collect a contribution from everybody at the start of your tour and use this kitty to tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. On Day 1 of your tour, your CEO will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip. Please plan between $36.50-$38.50 USD per person for the entirety of the tour (this does not include Optionals and your G Adventures CEO). You can pay in USD or the equivalent local currency (preferably USD). The CEO will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currency.

If at any time you feel that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your CEO so a deduction of tips can take place.

At the end of your trip if you felt that your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however $6-9 USD per person per day can be used as a general guideline.

How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?  

Shoulders should be covered and no short shorts/skirts when visiting religious monuments.

What activities are optional on this trip?  

Istanbul
- Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
- Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit (25EUR per person)
- Topkapi Palace Visit (1500TRY per person)
- Spice Bazaar Visit (Free)
- Galata Tower (30EUR per person)
- Blue Mosque Visit (Free)

Ayvalik
- Ayvalik Boat Tour (60-600TRY per person)

Sirince
- Sample Local Wine in Sirince (Free)

Selçuk
- Saint John's Basilica Visit (6EUR per person)
- Mosque of Isa Bey Visit (Free)
- Pide Lunch & Demonstration, Selcuk

Sirince
- Sirince Village Visit

Istanbul
- Dolamabahçe Palace (1200TRY per person)
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (10EUR per person)
- Basilica Cistern (900TRY per person)
- Archaeological Museum (15EUR per person)
- Great Palace Mosaic Museum (10EUR per person)

Aswan
- Philae Temple Visit
- Visit the Souk (Free)
- Temple of Abu Simbel Visit
- Philae Temple Sound and Light Show (70USD per person)

Luxor
- King Tutankhamen Tomb (300EGP per person)
- Luxor Temple and Museum Tour (60USD per person)
- Luxor Temple Visit (160EGP per person)

Cairo
- Explore Memphis and Sakkara

How can I share feedback about my trip experience?  

Earn 5% off your next G Adventures Tour (up to $100 USD)*

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and to thank you for your time, we are pleased to offer a 5% discount (up to a maximum of $100 USD) off your next G Adventures holiday. All you need to do is submit the form within 4 weeks of the completion of your tour, and you'll be able to join the thousands of travellers who have taken 2, 3, 4 or even 10 or more tours with us!

Discount cannot be combined with other offers or applied to 'Independent' style trips. Maximum discount value is $100 USD (or equivalent currency). Valid for new bookings only. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw or modify this offer at any time without notice. Limited to one discount per person.

What are the age restrictions for this trip?  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Are international flights included in this trip?  

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalik
Your G for Good Moment: Funtasia Project Visit, Luxor
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal, Aswan
Your Discover Moment: Aswan
Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Luxor. Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit. Troy entrance and guided visit. Ephesus entrance and visit. Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walk. Istanbul city walking tour. Internal flight from Pamukkale to Istanbul. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx guided tour. Grand Egyptian Museum guided tour. Felucca sailing excursion. Karnak and Kom Ombo temples guided tour. Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings guided visit. Cycle and Funtasia Project visit. Colossi of Memnon visit. All entrance fees to included monuments. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Who will be leading the group?  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

How will we travel between destinations?  

On this trip we will use a mixture of train, private van, felucca, and plane. For more information see the detailed itinerary.

Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Is there a travel disclaimer for my itinerary I should review before booking this trip?  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?  

Max 15, avg 10

Where will we stay during the trip?  

Hotels (13 nts), Sleeper Train (1 nt).

If I choose to purchase My Own Room, are there any exceptions during the trip?  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

What are the joining instructions?  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, Istanbul Airport (IST): Istanbul Airport is no longer permitted to present branded/company signs. G Adventures has been allocated the characters:'M55'. After collecting your luggage, proceed through Exit Door 13 and look for an individual holding an “M55” sign. This person will transfer you to your first accommodation.

If you are unable to locate your transfer, please contact the local transfer company emergency number: +90 539 424 42 48.
If you are unable to reach them or require further assistance, please contact the G Adventures Emergency Line: +44 1858 378 000

If you are arriving at Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport, G Adventures has been allocated the sign "M55" for your airport pickup. After exiting the terminal, proceed straight across the road to the 10th column. At the end of the walkway, you will find an individual holding an “M55” sign. This person will be responsible for transferring you to your first accommodation.

If you are unable to locate your transfer, please contact the local transfer company emergency number: +90 539 424 42 48.
If you are unable to reach them or require further assistance, please contact the G Adventures Emergency Line: +44 1858 378 000.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

What should I do if I can't find my airport transfer or experience arrival issues?  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?  

Ferry, Local Bus, Plane, Private Vehicle, Train, Felucca, Plane, Walking.

What are the main highlights of this trip?  

Wander cities steeped in centuries of Roman history, Cross Pamukkale's white travertine pools on foot, Sample street food and bazaar snacks along the way, Share a home-cooked dinner with a local Egyptian family, Sail the Nile aboard a traditional felucca at sunset, Step inside ancient temples and monuments along the Nile, Haggle for treasures in Aswan and Luxor's bustling bazaars.

What is the role of the group leader during this trip?  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of Morocco, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

We also use certified local city guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.