Turkey and Egypt Travel Guide
Explore the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures of Turkey and Egypt on this comprehensive itinerary.
Itinerary Overview
This journey covers key destinations in Turkey and Egypt, blending ancient ruins, natural wonders, and bustling cities. The route includes:
Turkey: Istanbul → Bursa → Izmir → Ephesus → Pamukkale → Sultanhani → Cappadocia → Ankara → Istanbul
Egypt: Cairo → Alexandria → Cairo → Aswan → Kom Ombo → Luxor → Red Sea → Cairo
Duration: Approximately 21–28 days, depending on pace and activities.
Turkey
Istanbul
Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia, is a city of immense historical and cultural significance. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
Key Attractions:
Hagia Sophia: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum (as of latest updates, it has been reconverted into a mosque).
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six minarets.
Topkapi Palace: The primary residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years, housing imperial treasures and relics.
Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops.
Basilica Cistern: An ancient underground water reservoir supported by 336 columns.
Bosphorus Cruise: A boat tour offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline, palaces, and fortresses.
Practical Information:
Getting There: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) are major international hubs.
Getting Around: Use trams, metro, ferries, and taxis. The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable public transport card.
Accommodation: Areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Karaköy offer a range of options.
Cuisine: Try kebabs, meze, baklava, and Turkish tea or coffee.
Bursa
Bursa, the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire, is known for its historical sites, thermal springs, and proximity to Uludağ Mountain.
Key Attractions:
Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): A landmark of early Ottoman architecture with 20 domes.
Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) and Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe): Notable for their exquisite turquoise-green tiles.
Uludağ Mountain: A popular ski resort in winter and a hiking destination in summer. Reachable by cable car.
Koza Han: A historic silk market in the city center.
Practical Information:
Getting There: Bursa is accessible by ferry from Istanbul to Yalova or Mudanya, followed by a bus or car. It also has a domestic airport (Yenişehir Airport).
Getting Around: Bursa has a metro system and buses. Taxis are readily available.
Specialty: Bursa is famous for its Iskender kebab.
Izmir and Ephesus
Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city, a modern port city on the Aegean Coast with a vibrant waterfront promenade (Kordon).
Ephesus, located near Selçuk, is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Attractions in Ephesus:
The Library of Celsus: An iconic Roman ruins facade.
The Great Theatre: A massive theater that could hold 25,000 spectators.
Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (now a single column remains).
Terraced Houses: Well-preserved homes of the wealthy elite with intricate mosaics and frescoes.
House of the Virgin Mary: A pilgrimage site believed to be the final home of Mary.
Practical Information:
Getting There: Fly into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). Ephesus is about an hour’s drive from Izmir.
Getting Around: Use buses, dolmuş (shared taxis), or taxis to reach Ephesus from Izmir or Selçuk.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is a natural site famous for its white travertine terraces filled with thermal waters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Attractions:
Travertine Terraces: Calcium carbonate deposits formed by flowing thermal springs. Visitors can walk on designated paths.
Hierapolis: The ancient Roman city built on top of the hot springs, featuring a well-preserved theater, necropolis, and the Antique Pool (Cleopatra’s Pool) where you can swim among ancient ruins.
Practical Information:
Getting There: The nearest town is Denizli. Denizli Çardak Airport (DNZ) has domestic flights. Buses from major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya go to Denizli, followed by a minibus to Pamukkale.
Accommodation: Stay in Pamukkale town or in Denizli.
Tip: Visit the terraces at sunset for stunning views. Remember to remove shoes when walking on the travertines.
Sultanhani
Sultanhani is primarily known for the Sultan Hanı Caravanserai, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval caravanserais in Turkey. These were roadside inns where travelers could rest and recover from the day’s journey along the Silk Road.
Key Attractions:
Sultan Hanı Caravanserai: Built in 1229 during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. It features massive walls, a monumental portal, a mosque, and a vast courtyard.
Practical Information:
Getting There: Sultanhani is located on the road between Aksaray and Konya. It is often visited as a stop on the way from Cappadocia to Konya or the Mediterranean coast.
Visiting: A quick stop of 1-2 hours is sufficient to explore the caravanserai.
General Travel Tips for Turkey and Egypt
Visa: Check visa requirements for your nationality well in advance. Both Turkey and Egypt often offer e-visas or visas on arrival for many passports.
Currency: Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Carry local currency for small purchases.
Language: Turkish is the official language of Turkey. Arabic is the official language of Egypt. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Bargaining: Haggling is common in bazaars and markets in both countries.
Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites. Women should carry a scarf to cover their heads.
Health & Safety: Drink bottled water. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Follow local advice and check travel advisories from your government.
Climate: Both countries can be hot, especially in summer. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
Connectivity: Consider getting a local SIM card for data and calls. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes.