Wonders of the Ancient World: Turkey & Egypt

This small-group holiday by G Adventures begins in Istanbul with a city walking tour and a glimpse of its varied layers of history. Then comes the rather sombre and well-preserved Gallipoli battlefields, quieter than you might expect given its significance. The route continues with a step into legend and the ruins of Troy, before cruising ancient Roman streets in Ephesus and walking the terraces of Pamukkale's white limestone pools.

From Turkey, the itinerary crosses into Egypt, starting at the Great Pyramid of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, then follows the Nile valley with visits to temples that stand as silent witnesses to an ancient civilisation. Highlights include sailing on a felucca—a traditional wooden sailboat—past Aswan’s markets, and dinners shared with a Nubian family, with all entrances and internal flights covered. The trip is accompanied throughout by a CEO who handles logistics and adds local insights.

Expect varied transport including train, plane, and felucca, ninety minutes of daily guided walking and the chance to see both landscape and city life unfold, though with practicality in mind rather than a race through each site. The pace allows time for observation and the odd local meal, contributing to an engrossing yet manageable fortnight.