|
|
Expand [+]
|
|
Explore Athens, the capital of Greece and the birthplace of the Olympics and rich in mythology and history. From the colourful markets to the ancient monuments, enjoy the fantastic scenery while visiting the ancient ruins. Start your tour with Constitution Square and the Parliament. Continue to the Acropolis which stands as the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient Athenian spirit. Visit the stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held. In the afternoon, drive along the scenic coastal road and enjoy a panoramic view of the Saronic Golf. Once you arrive in Cape Sounion, visit the Temple of Poseidon- the highlight of the tour. Athens is a perfect destination for people seeking to discover the culture and history of this land. From Athens, make your way to Cairo.
Alluringly exotic, there is no finer way to experience the hustle and bustle of Cairo than with this enchanting private tour featuring your own Egyptologist guide and driver. Lose yourself in over 4000 years of history as you discover the timeless treasures of the ancient Egyptians - one of the most fascinating civilizations the world has ever known. Led by your private Egyptologist you’ll tour Memphis, Saqqara, the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza (1 of the 7 Wonders of the World). Explore the tranquil desert surrounding these legendary landmarks on a sunset camel or horseback ride, visit a traditional Bedouin camp and stroll through colorful bazaars. No trip to this captivating capital is complete without a tour of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and its famous Mummy Room, which houses a priceless treasure of archaeological finds. Featuring delicious traditional Egyptian cuisine, elegant accommodation on the Nile, private transfers and more, this is a worry-free way of making the most of your time in Cairo
With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Istanbul is truly a crossroads of ideas and cultures. Having served as the capital of three universal empires at borders joining two continents, Istanbul mixes influences and traditions from East to West. Discover Istanbul and live through ancient history by visiting the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. Here lie natural treasures combined with timeless artifacts form an amazing landscape. Start your tour with Byzantine architecture and visit St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the empire. Continue your tour with the famous Blue Mosque, recognized for its unique blue shaded tiles and design. After a short history lesson, visit the impressive Byzantine Hippodrome and the famous Bazaar of over 4000 shops. One of the tour attractions is Topkapi Palace, the former residence of sultans. Drive through the Intercontinental Suspension Bridge and see the Asian side of Istanbul. During the group tour visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the white marble summer residence of Ottoman Sultans. After lunch enjoy a cruise by boat on Bosphorus, the strait that separates two continents.
|
|
Itinerary
|
Day 1
Athens Athens, the capital of Greece is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who, according to legend, won the city after defeating Poseidon in a duel. The goddess' victory was celebrated by the construction of a temple on the Acropolis, the site of the city's earliest settlement in Attica. As a city state, the coastal capital of Athens reached its heyday in the fifth century BC as a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. Athens is also the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, Sophocles and its many other prominent philosophers, writers and politicians of the ancient world. Nowadays, the city retains a vast variety of Roman and Byzantine monuments, as well as a smaller number of remaining Ottoman monuments projecting the city's long history across the centuries. Enjoy your private airport transfer today. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, ferry tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure as you relax at your hotel or enjoy the city sites. Athens Gate Hotel (4*) is located in the historic district of Athens, opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Gate which was constructed by the Athenians to welcome the Roman emperor Adrianos (Hadrian). Very easy to access, it is located 500 meters from the Acropolis and 100 meters from the New Acropolis Museum. Constitution (Syntagma) Square, and the commercial center of Athens are only 500 meters away. The entrance to the Plaka is just a couple of blocks away. The view of the city from the hotel's Roof Garden is possibly the best in all of Athens. It was fully renovated in 2007. The style is modern and simple, as befits the area. The hotel has 7 floors, a roof garden bar and a la carte restaurant, a lobby bar-cafeteria and a cozy area with fireplace in the lobby. Overnight at Athens Gate (4*). |
 Athens |
 Athens Gate Hotel |
|
|
|
Day 2
Athens This private tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guide takes you to see the centre of the city, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus Street, you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis, you will see the Hadrian's Arch, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and you will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis, visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and finally, the Parthenon. You will complete your visit with the Museum of Acropolis. Entrance fees to the New Acropolis Museum is included. Overnight at Athens Gate (4*). |
 Temple of Olympian Zeus |
|
|
|
Day 3
Athens Enjoy a half day private tour to Sounion. Drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, passing through some of Athens' most beautiful suburbs (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza) to Cape Sounion where you will visit the 5th century B.C Temple of Poseidon with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world (on a clear day you can see at least seven islands). This tour takes around 4 hours. Entrance fee to Cape Sounion is included. Overnight at Athens Gate (4*). |
 Cape Sounion |
|
|
|
Day 4
Cairo Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the hub of the country. Millennia of history have made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. The Egyptian Museum whose 107 halls feature huge statues on the ground floor, and small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies on upper floors. Other downtown sights include the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan Khalili bazaar. Nearby Giza is famous for the Pyramids of Egypt, among the largest constructions ever built. Enjoy your private airport transfer today. You will be met in the tunnel by an airport representative who will in turn facilitate the visa process ($15 per person - included in tour cost), escort you through customs and immigration, off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that you will connect with our representative associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel. Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver. Le Meridien Pyramids resort is located twenty minutes from Cairo’s city centre, with a spectacular closeness to the Giza Pyramids, one of history’s greatest treasures and one of the Seven Wonders of the world. With 444 rooms, this hotel is the ideal combination of rich foliage blended with sultry sands and timelessness. From dining North American-style over Tex Mex dishes to closing off the night over traditional Arabic shisha, one can attain a true feel for Egypt while still retaining a level of comfort akin to home. Aside from Le Meridien offering resort-style facilities, from outdoor tennis courts kept lit at night to spa treatments, the distance to the city allows the curious traveler to discover the curving streets and bazaars that mark Cairo’s mysterious aura. Overnight at Meridien Pyramids. |
 The Mighty Sphinx |
 Le Meridien Pyramids |
|
|
|
Day 5
Cairo Enjoy this tour which explores the relics of ages past, and includes visits to ancient Memphis, Saqqara and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Already millennia old by the birth of Christ, the elaborate statues and astonishing scale of these sites will amaze all who visit. This tour also features the famous Sphinx, whose constructor's still remains unknown, but its sheer beauty and allure has mystified the likes of Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte. This tour includes a private vehicle, a driver, and a highly trained Egyptologist, and entry to either Chephren (Khafre) or Menkaure (Mycerinus) pyramids, as well as the Solar boat. Entrance to the Pyramids come with an additional cost, and be aware that a limited number of people are allowed inside daily, so arrive early so you will not be disappointed. Enjoy a personalized lunch with your guide at a great local restaurant. Clients are picked up before sunrise (sunset) from hotel and transferred to the desert where they will meet their guide. The guide will lead you out into the desert on your choice of camel or horse, where you enjoy the sunset with a panoramic view of the Pyramids of Giza. This evening includes stopping for dinner at a bedouin restaurant adjacent to the desert before returning to your hotel. Overnight at Meridien Pyramids. |
 Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza |
 Camel ride |
|
|
|
Day 6
Cairo Delve into the historical background of Egypt on a half day private tour with a trained Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and its Mummy Room, which houses a priceless treasure of archaeological finds. This location holds the tomb of the King Tut, Egypt's most famous teenage Kings! Enjoy a personalized lunch with your guide at a great local restaurant. Learn more about Egypt’s modern history today with a private guided tour of Tahrir Square; the largest square in Modern Cairo. Adjacent to some of the major attractions including the Egyptian Museum, as well as other important institutions. The square was originally called Midan Ismailia Square, after the 19th-century ruler Khedive Ismail, who commissioned the new downtown district's 'Paris on the Nile' design. After the Egyptian Revolution of 1919 the square became widely known as Tahrir (Liberation) Square. Traditionally, it is the site for numerous major protests and demonstrations over the years, including the 1977 Egyptian Bread Riots, the March 2003 protest against the War in Iraq and the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution against former president Hosni Mubarak in Cairo. Your expert local guide will share stories with you about the people and what Cairo was like during their recent uprising. During this evening tour, enjoy a delicious Egyptian dinner at Naguib Mafouz, located in the heart of the Khan Khalili bazaar in Cairo. Stroll down the newly opened Al Moaz Street and view the largest concentration of medieval architectural treasures from the Islamic world. Also included in this tour is entrance to Beit El Seheimy. Normally, this location would be closed to the public during the evening, but this exclusive tour allows for entrance inside. This tour includes a private vehicle, driver and english speaking guide. Overnight at Meridien Pyramids. |
 Egyptian Museum, home of King Tut |
 A peaceful evening turns into days of protests |
 Khan Khalili Bazaar |
|
|
|
Day 7
Istanbul Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver. Enjoy a private airport transfer today with a car/driver and airport assistant. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, plane tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. Situated in the heart of downtown Istanbul, Yasmak Sultan (4*) neighbours celebrated museums, mosques, palaces shopping areas. Just a short walking distance from St.Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Covered Bazaar, the centre of old city Istanbul awaits discovery. Hotel Yasmak Sultan brings a refreshing alternative to the typical Istanbul Hotel, pairing boutique style with elegant guest service. Friendly, multilingual staff looks forward to welcoming you to the Yasmak Sultan Hotel. Overnight at Yasmak Sultan (4*). |
 Istanbul |
 Istanbul |
 Yasmak Sultan |
|
|
|
Day 8
Istanbul Enjoy a privately guided full day tour of Istanbul and see the most important sights. Visit the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture (excluding the Gallery floor); the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. Visit Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The Harem section is not included in the tour).
Also, visit the Underground cistern, the largest of the underground water reservoirs from the Byzantine era. The pillars were brought from antique cities of Asia minor. The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that still lie near the south-west of Hagia Sophia, which was founded by Justinianus I, a Byzantine Empire (527-565) This cathedral-sized cistern is an underground chamber of 143 by 65 metres, capable of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water. Overnight at Yasmak Sultan (4*). |
 St. Sophia Church |
|
|
|
Day 9
Istanbul Enjoy a full day tour in a group setting. The guide will pick you up from your hotel. In the morning a visit to the Spice Market, where locals still shop for herbs and spices coming from all over the world. Cross the Bosphorus by driving through the Intercontinental Suspension Bridge to go over the Asian side of Istanbul. Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the white marble summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, used in the 19th century. After lunch, enjoy a cruise by boat on the Bosphorus, the unique winding strait separating two continents. (order of visits can change) Overnight at Yasmak Sultan (4*). |
 Istanbul Skyline and Bosphorus View |
|
|
|
Day 10
Istanbul Airport transfer with your private car and driver. Depart from Istanbul airport - end of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
|
|
Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
|