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İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed Itinerary: Turkey, Saudi and Egypt Journey
Day 1: Depart from London to Istanbul
Flight: Morning flight from London Heathrow (7:30 AM) to Istanbul International Airport (arrive at 1:30 PM local time).
Transfer and Check-in: 2:30 PM - Check into your centrally located hotel.
Afternoon Activity: Explore the Grand Bazaar (3:30 PM - 6:00 PM). Enjoy shopping for handicrafts, spices, and Turkish delights.
Evening Dinner: Sample Turkish cuisine at a traditional restaurant (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM). Try dishes like kebabs, meze, and baklava.
Rest: Return to the hotel to relax and prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Istanbul Highlights
Morning: Visit Hagia Sophia (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) and then walk to the Blue Mosque (11:15 AM - 12:45 PM).
Lunch: Enjoy Turkish street food, such as simit and Turkish tea, in Sultanahmet Square (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM).
Afternoon: Explore Topkapi Palace and its gardens (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM).
Evening Experience: Attend a Whirling Dervishes performance (7:30 PM - 8:30 PM).
Dinner: Turkish coffee and desserts at a local cafe (8:45 PM - 10:00 PM).
Day 3: Turkish Culture
Morning: Relax in a traditional hamam (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM).
Lunch: Enjoy a Turkish pide and Ayran drink (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM).
Afternoon: Cruise on the Bosphorus (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM).
Dinner: Savor a seafood dinner near the Bosphorus (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM).
Istanbul – Day 1
Starter: Lahmacun (thin flatbread topped with minced meat and spices)
Main Course: Iskender Kebabs (sliced doner kebab with tomato sauce and yogurt over bread)
Dessert: Baklava (layers of filo pastry with nuts and syrup)
Alcoholic Drink: Raki (anise-flavored spirit)
Hot Drink: Turkish Tea
Cold Drink: Ayran (salty yogurt drink)
Istanbul – Day 2
Starter: Sigara Böreği (fried pastry rolls filled with cheese)
Main Course: Manti (Turkish dumplings with garlic yogurt and butter sauce)
Dessert: Sütlaç (baked rice pudding)
Alcoholic Drink: Efes Beer
Hot Drink: Salep (milky drink made from orchid root)
Cold Drink: Limonata (fresh lemon drink)
Istanbul – Day 3
Starter: İçli Köfte (bulgur shell stuffed with minced meat and nuts)
Main Course: Hünkar Beğendi (slow-cooked lamb over creamy eggplant purée)
Dessert: Künefe (cheese pastry soaked in syrup)
Alcoholic Drink: Turkish Fruit Wine
Hot Drink: Turkish Coffee
Cold Drink: Tamarind Drink
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Cappadocia, Türkiye
Day 4: Istanbul to Cappadocia
Morning Flight: Fly to Kayseri (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM).
Transfer to Cappadocia: Arrive and check into a cave hotel.
Afternoon Activity: Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM).
Dinner: Traditional Cappadocian cuisine at a local restaurant (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM).
Day 5: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon and Tour
Early Morning: Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia (5:00 AM - 8:00 AM, including transfer and breakfast).
Morning Tour: Visit the fairy chimneys and Pasabag (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM).
Lunch: Turkish pancake (gozleme) and tea (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM).
Afternoon: Explore underground cities (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM).
Evening: Whirling Dervishes experience (7:30 PM - 8:30 PM).
Cappadocia – Day 4
Starter: Grilled Sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage)
Main Course: Adana Kebabs (spicy minced meat skewers)
Dessert: Turkish Delight (gel-like sweet with nuts or fruit)
Alcoholic Drink: Sherbet Liqueur
Hot Drink: Sahlep-infused Hot Chocolate
Cold Drink: Cranberry Sherbet
Cappadocia – Day 5
Starter: Çorba (lentil or yogurt-based soup)
Main Course: Lamb Stew (slow cooked with vegetables and spices)
Dessert: Aşure (Noah’s pudding with grains, fruit, and nuts)
Alcoholic Drink: Locally Distilled Spirits
Hot Drink: Ayran (served warm/room temp optional twist)
Cold Drink: Şerbet (flavored fruit syrup drink)
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Day 6: Flight to Riyadh
06:30: Depart from Kayseri to King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (RUH). (~6h 45m flight)
16:30: Arrive in Riyadh.
17:30: Check-in at the hotel and rest.
19:00: Dinner at Najd Village to enjoy traditional Saudi cuisine.
21:00: Relax at the hotel.
Day 7: Riyadh
08:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00-12:00: Visit the Kingdom Centre Tower, enjoy the Sky Bridge for panoramic views of Riyadh.
12:30-14:00: Lunch at Al Nafoura Lebanese Restaurant (local and regional dishes).
14:30-16:30: Explore the National Museum of Saudi Arabia to learn about Saudi culture and history.
17:00-18:00: Watch a traditional Ardah dance performance at a cultural center.
19:00: Dinner at Najd Village (Saudi cuisine).
20:30: Relax at the hotel.
Day 8: Riyadh
08:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00-13:00: Enjoy a desert safari with camel rides, dune bashing, and Bedouin cultural experiences.
13:30-15:00: Traditional Arabic coffee and lunch at the safari camp.
16:00-18:00: Visit the Riyadh Season's Winter Wonderland (if in season) or a luxury car showroom.
19:00: Dinner at Lusin (high-end Middle Eastern cuisine).
20:30: Relax at the hotel.
Day 9: Riyadh
08:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00-11:00: Explore Al Masmak Fortress for historical insights.
11:30-13:30: Shopping for traditional crafts and souvenirs at Souq Al Zal.
14:00-15:30: Lunch at Assaraya Turkish Restaurant.
16:00-18:00: Visit Diriyah (UNESCO heritage site, birthplace of the Saudi state) – walk through the mud-brick architecture, enjoy the museums, and take in the historical atmosphere.
18:30-20:00: Dinner at Takya (modern Saudi fusion, with dishes inspired by traditional flavors but presented in a contemporary style).
20:30: Return to the hotel and relax before your onward journey.
Riyadh – Day 1
Starter: Samboosa (crisp triangular pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables)
Main Course: Kabsa (fragrant rice with meat, spices, and raisins)
Dessert: Luqaimat (golden dumplings drizzled with date syrup)
Hot Drink: Arabic Coffee (lightly roasted with cardamom)
Cold Drink: Mint Lemonade
Riyadh – Day 2
Starter: Shorbat Adas (lentil soup)
Main Course: Jareesh (crushed wheat porridge with meat and spices)
Dessert: Ma'amoul (semolina cookies stuffed with dates or nuts)
Hot Drink: Karak Tea (milky spiced tea)
Cold Drink: Saudi Champagne (sparkling apple juice with citrus and mint)
Riyadh – Day 3
Starter: Mutabbaq (stuffed savory pancake)
Main Course: Saleeg (creamy rice with chicken or lamb)
Dessert: Basbousa (semolina cake soaked in syrup)
Hot Drink: Sahlab (creamy milk drink with cinnamon and nuts)
Cold Drink: Laban (chilled yogurt drink)
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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Day 9 Riyadh to Jeddah
16:00: Transfer to the airport for flight to Jeddah.
18:00: Depart Riyadh for Jeddah (~1h 40m flight).
20:00: Arrive in Jeddah, check in, and relax.
Day 10: Jeddah
08:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00-12:00: Visit Jeddah Tower (Kingdom Tower) and the surrounding developments.
12:30-14:00: Lunch at Al-Nakheel Restaurant by the Red Sea.
14:30-17:00: Explore Al-Balad (Old Town) with its historic architecture and traditional markets.
17:30-19:00: Dinner at Toki (Saudi fusion cuisine).
19:30: Relax at the hotel.
Day 11: Jeddah
08:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00-12:00: Take a walk along the Corniche to admire public art and Red Sea views.
12:30-14:00: Lunch at Twina (fresh seafood, popular spot by the sea).
14:30-17:00: Visit the Tayebat Museum – a stunning cultural complex with exhibits on Saudi heritage, Islamic history, and artifacts from the region.
17:30-18:30: Drive past the floating mosque (Al Rahma Mosque) on the Red Sea – you cannot enter unless Muslim, but it’s beautiful to see from outside and very symbolic of Islamic architecture.
19:00-20:30: Farewell dinner at Mataam Al Sharq (fine dining in a historic palace setting).
21:00: Return to the hotel and relax.
Jeddah – Day 4
Starter: Sujak Rolls (spiced beef sausage rolls)
Main Course: Mathlotha (layered dish of rice, meat, lentils, and bread)
Dessert: Kleicha (date-filled cookies with cardamom)
Hot Drink: Black Tea
Cold Drink: Fresh Fruit Juice (like mango or pomegranate)
Jeddah – Day 5
Starter: Kebbeh (fried meat and bulgur croquettes)
Main Course: Mandi (Yemeni-influenced spiced rice with meat, cooked in a tandoor)
Dessert: Kunafa (cheese pastry soaked in syrup)
Hot Drink: Mint Tea
Cold Drink: Jallab (date, grape molasses, and rose water drink)
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Cairo, Egypt
Day 11 Jeddah to Cairo
15:00: Transfer to the airport for flight to Cairo (~3h flight).
18:30: Arrive in Cairo, check-in, and relax.
Day 12: Flight to Cairo
09:00: Morning flight to Cairo (approx. 3 hours).
12:00: Arrive in Cairo, check in to your hotel.
13:00 – 14:30: Lunch at a local eatery; try Koshari (a mix of pasta, rice, and lentils).
15:00 – 18:00: Visit the Egyptian Museum, home to treasures of Tutankhamun.
19:00: Dinner along the Nile.
Day 13: Cairo
07:00 – 08:00: Breakfast.
08:30 – 12:30: Tour of the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx; enjoy a camel ride here.
13:00 – 14:30: Lunch with a view of the pyramids; try Feteer (Egyptian layered pastry).
15:00 – 18:00: Explore Khan el-Khalili Bazaar for unique crafts and souvenirs.
19:30: Dinner and relax.
Day 14: Cairo
07:00 – 08:00: Breakfast.
08:30 – 11:30: Half-day excursion to Saqqara (Step Pyramid and tombs).
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch; try Molokhia with bread or rice.
14:00 – 17:00: Relax by the Nile or visit Al-Azhar Park for scenic views.
18:30: Dinner and prepare for your next day.
Cairo – Day 1
Starter: Falafel (Egyptian-style, made with fava beans)
Main Course: Koshari (lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and crispy onions)
Dessert: Basbousa (semolina cake soaked in syrup)
Alcoholic Drink: Stella beer (local Egyptian lager)
Hot Drink: Egyptian mint tea
Cold Drink: Sobia (creamy coconut milk drink)
Cairo – Day 2
Starter: Sambousek (pastries filled with cheese or meat)
Main Course: Molokhia (green soup made with jute leaves, garlic, and chicken or rabbit)
Dessert: Kunafa (shredded phyllo with cheese or cream soaked in syrup)
Alcoholic Drink: Omar Khayyam wine (locally produced red or white wine)
Hot Drink: Qahwa (Arabic coffee with cardamom)
Cold Drink: Kerkade (hibiscus tea, served cold)
Cairo – Day 3
Starter: Hawawshi bites (spiced minced meat in pita bread, grilled)
Main Course: Kabab wa kofta (grilled meat skewers served with rice or bread)
Dessert: Atayef (stuffed mini pancakes, usually served during Ramadan)
Alcoholic Drink: Sakara beer
Hot Drink: Sahlab (creamy drink made with milk, cornstarch, coconut, and nuts)
Cold Drink: Qamar Al-Din (apricot juice made from dried apricot sheets)
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Luxor, Egypt
Day 15: Flight to Luxor
07:00: Morning flight to Luxor (approx. 1 hour).
08:30: Arrive, check in to your hotel.
09:30 – 12:30: Tour Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
13:00 – 14:30: Lunch; try grilled Kofta and Egyptian bread.
15:00 – 18:00: Explore the Valley of the Kings, including King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
19:00: Dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Day 16: Luxor
06:00 – 08:00: Early morning hot air balloon ride over the Nile.
08:30 – 09:30: Breakfast.
10:00 – 12:30: Visit Hatshepsut’s Temple and Colossi of Memnon.
13:00 – 14:30: Lunch; try Mahshi (stuffed vegetables).
15:00 – 17:00: Relax and enjoy the Nile views.
19:00: Dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Luxor – Day 4
Starter: Lentil soup (classic Egyptian comfort food)
Main Course: Fattah (layered dish with rice, bread, meat, and garlic vinegar sauce)
Dessert: Um Ali (Egyptian bread pudding with milk, nuts, and raisins)
Alcoholic Drink: Zibib (anise-flavored local spirit)
Hot Drink: Shai (strong black tea, sometimes with mint or sugar)
Cold Drink: Mango juice (rich and freshly squeezed)
Luxor – Day 5
Starter: Grilled kofta (seasoned minced meat skewers)
Main Course: Alexandrian liver (spicy beef liver sautéed with bell peppers)
Dessert: Baklava (layers of pastry filled with nuts and syrup)
Alcoholic Drink: Al Ahram spirits
Hot Drink: Cinnamon tea
Cold Drink: Tamarind juice (sweet and tangy)