10 days in Egypt & Turkey Itinerary

More than 20 million people call Cairo their home and, as soon as you set foot in the sprawling metropolis, it's evident they make it crowded and chaotic, but also exuberant and charming.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Thu): get a taste of the local shopping with Khan Al-Khalili and then delve into the distant past at Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids.

To find maps, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Cairo attractions planner.

If you are flying in from Egypt, the closest major aiport is Cairo International Airport. Expect a daytime high around 41°C in July, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Selcuk.

An ideal base camp for exploring the Aegean coastline, Selcuk draws big tourist crowds due to its proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Fri): delve into the distant past at Bibliotheque de Celsus, delve into the distant past at Ancient City of Ephesus, and then cool off at Aqua Fantasy- Aquapark Hotel & SPA. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the ancient world of Curetes Street, explore the ancient world of The Temple of Artemis, examine the collection at Ephesus Museum, delve into the distant past at Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu, then delve into the distant past at Ephesus Terrace Houses, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House).

To see other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, go to the Selcuk trip builder tool.

Traveling by combination of flight and train from Cairo to Selcuk takes 8 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and ferry; or drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Cairo to Selcuk. Expect little chillier evenings in Selcuk when traveling from Cairo in July, with lows around 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sat) early enough to drive to Pamukkale.

A popular spa since the second century BCE, the modern city of Pamukkale continues to draw worldwide attention with its hot springs and travertines--naturally formed calcite bathing pools.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Sun): explore the fascinating underground world of Kaklik Cave, then delve into the distant past at Hierapolis, and then witness a stunning natural landmark at Pamukkale Thermal Pools. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 15th (Mon): head outdoors with Pamukkale Balloons, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Anatolia Cemetery, and then get outside with Outdoor Activities.

For other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, use the Pamukkale online trip maker.

Drive from Selcuk to Pamukkale in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Istanbul.

A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Family-friendly places like Hagia Sophia Museum and Dolmabahce Palace will thrill your kids. There's much more to do: admire the striking features of Basilica Cistern, hunt for treasures at Kapali Carsi, contemplate the long history of Historic Areas of Istanbul, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Suleymaniye Cami .

For maps, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Istanbul trip builder website.

Getting from Pamukkale to Istanbul by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Istanbul can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can travel to Urgup.

A comfortable base for exploring the historical region of Cappadocia in the central part of the country, Urgup remains best known for its striking architecture of stone-cut buildings.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sat): head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

For traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Urgup online tour itinerary maker.

Traveling by combination of flight and taxi from Istanbul to Urgup takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from Istanbul in July since evenings lows in Urgup dip to 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.