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.

On the 11th (Thu), get a taste of the local shopping with Khan Al-Khalili and then contemplate the long history of Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids.

For maps, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Cairo trip planning app .

If you are flying in from Egypt, the closest major airport is Cairo International Airport. In July in Cairo, expect temperatures between 41°C during the day and 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) to allow 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.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Fri): delve into the distant past at Bibliotheque de Celsus, explore the ancient world of Ancient City of Ephesus, and then cool off at Aqua Fantasy- Aquapark Hotel & SPA. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Curetes Street, delve into the distant past at The Temple of Artemis, examine the collection at Ephesus Museum, then explore the ancient world of Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu, then explore the ancient world of Ephesus Terrace Houses, and finally delve into the distant past at Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House).

To find where to stay, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read Selcuk trip builder app .

Fly from Cairo to Selcuk in 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Cairo to Selcuk due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Cairo in July, plan for a bit cooler nights in Selcuk, 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.

On the 14th (Sun), explore the fascinating underground world of Kaklik Cave, explore the ancient world of Hierapolis, and then witness a stunning natural landmark at Pamukkale Thermal Pools. On your second day here, head outdoors with Pamukkale Balloons, explore the different monuments and memorials at Anatolia Cemetery, and then enjoy unforgettable views with a balloon tour.

For more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Pamukkale road trip planner .

You can 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.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya) and Basilica Cistern. And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Sultan Ahmed Mosque, browse the eclectic array of goods at Kapali Carsi, steep yourself in history at Galata Tower, and explore the world behind art at Istanbul Modern.

To see reviews, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Istanbul trip planner.

Do a combination of taxi and flight from Pamukkale to Istanbul in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, flight, and shuttle; or drive. In July, daytime highs in Istanbul are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 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.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Sat): soar above the sights with a balloon tour.

For ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Urgup trip planner.

You can fly from Istanbul to Urgup in 4 hours. Other options are to do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive. Traveling from Istanbul in July, plan for slightly colder nights in Urgup, with lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.