DAY 01 | ARRIVAL AT CAIRO (D)
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, IML Travel representative welcomes you and assists you through the immigration process. Escorted transfer by a modern air-conditioned vehicle will take you to the hotel through Old Cairo to enjoy the panoramic view of the citadel with the towering mosque of Mohamed Ali pass by Sultan Hassan & El Refaie mosques. Check in the hotel upon arrival & free time to refresh.
Dinner &Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 02 | PYRAMIDS, SPHINX, MUSEUM, KHAN EL KHALILI (B+L+D)
Early breakfast at the hotel in Cairo then starts a guided tour to visit one of the Seven Wonders the great Pyramids of Giza; (Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus) were reckoned by the Greeks to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A single pyramid is built with 2.300.000 blocks, each weighing an average of two and a half tonnes. In the face of such immensity, one cannot help but feel the wonder and awe that, so many writers and artists have sought to convey over the centuries. The Cheops Pyramid is more interesting because its interior burial chambers are open for inspection by the public. Not far from the Pyramids is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which dates from the time of Chephren (2620 BC). Hewn from natural yellowish limestone and standing 65 feet high and 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lion’s body. A quick visit to papyrus institute or a perfume shop can be arranged after the visit.
Lunch at an Indian restaurant then start afternoon visit to the Egyptian Museum for another tour Egyptian Museum; was established by the Egyptian government in 1835. The present museum building was built in 1900, in the new classical style by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon. The museum exhibited collections now exceed 120,000 objects ranges from the pre-historic era to the Greco Roman period. It has 107 halls, and the ground floor houses huge statues. The upper floor houses small statues, jewels, Tutankhamen treasures, and the mummies. The museum also comprises of a photography section and large library. A hall for the Royal Mummies was opened at the museum, housing eleven kings and queens.
After the visit to the museum, a short drive through the downtown will take you to Khan El Khalili bazaars; which is one of the most famous worldwide with its amazing narrow alleyways. Drive back to the hotel & free time to refresh. Dinner in an Indian restaurant & drive back to the hotel &overnight at the hotel in Cairo.
DAY 03 | CAIRO –>SOFIA(B)
Upon arrival at Sofia International Airport, IML Travel representative welcomes you and assists you and transfer by a modern air-conditioned vehicle will take you to the hotel.
Check in the hotel upon arrival & free time to refresh.
Back to the hotel & overnight stay in Sofia.
DAY 04| SOFIA- CITY TOUR
10,000 years of history on a guided walking tour of Sofia, and learn how the city sits on land that has been settled over the centuries by Thracians, Romans, Huns and more. Marvel at its well-preserved monuments and outstanding sights, such as the East Gate of the Serdika ruins from Roman times. Walk through the underpass connecting the Presidential Palace and Ministerial Council to encounter shops selling traditional souvenirs and rosewater.
Experience the city laid-back charm as you explore streets scattered with mosques and impressive onion-domed churches. Dinner Overnight in Sofia.
DAY 05 |RILA / BANSKO
After breakfast will depart to the Rila Monastery – one of the symbols of Bulgaria. Visit to the Rila monastery, founded in the 10th century. It is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. You will take a guided tour of the monastery complex. You will see the gold-‐plated iconostasis in the main church; the monastery museum, famous for housing Rafail’s Cross; the tower of Hrelyu and the residential part of the complex that consists of chambers, four chapels, an abbot’s room and a kitchen (noted for its uncommonly large vessels). Lunch at your own. Then, continue to the charming mountain resort of Bansko. Free time for dinner. Overnight in Bansko
DAY 06| PLOVDIV
Buffet breakfast. Transfer by coach to Plovdiv -‐ the second largest city in Bulgaria and one of the oldest towns in Europe. Its history spans 6,000 years, with traces of a Neolithic settlement dating to roughly 4000 BC, ranking it among the oldest cities in the world. The town is not only ancient, but also artistic and spiritual, and is chosen to be the European capital of culture in 2019. City tour of Old Plovdiv -‐ you will see numerous preserved historical sites of different ages: the Roman theatre (early 2nd century BC) and Stadium (late 2nd century BC), the St. St. Constantine and Elena Church, the Ethnographic museum. In the afternoon, enjoy wine tasting at a unique winery nearby Plovdiv. Return transfer to Plovdiv for overnight.
DAY 07| NESSEBAR / KAZANLAK
Departure to the Southern Black coast and Nessebar. City tour of the old town (UNESCO site) -‐ The ancient town with millennia-‐old history is on a romantic rocky peninsula, Today the old part of the town is an attractive place for romantic walks along the narrow cobbled streets, among the little shops offering handcrafted souvenirs – pottery, crocheting, and jewelry. Lunch at your own in Nessebar. Continue to the famous valley of Roses and Kazanlak, which is well-‐known for the rose oil production and the Rose festival organized annually at the beginning of June. Entrance to the famous Thracian tomb of Kazanlak (replica). Stop at the “House of Roses” to taste rose liquor and Bulgarian delight. Free time for dinner. Overnight in Kazanlak.
DAY 08| VELIKO TARNOVO / ARBANASSI
Following breakfast, head north to the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. Upon arrival, Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo – the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Visit the historical hill Tsarevets with the fortress, the Patriarchal church, and the Emperor Boldin’s Tower.
Take a walking tour of the village, known for its rich history and a large number of historical monuments, such as 17th and 18th-century churches and examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture. Return transfer for overnight in Veliko Tarnovo
DAY 09| SOFIA
Take a walking tour of the village, known for its rich history and a large number of historical monuments, such as 17th and 18th-century churches and examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture. Return transfer for overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.
DAY 10|SOFIA –> ISTANBUL (B)
Morning Breakfast and get ready to catch your flight to Istanbul. Arrival at Istanbul International Airport. Meet and greet with a tour guide and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and afternoon at leisure. In the evening we suggested exploring the city on your own. Back to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 11| FULL DAY BOSPHORUS TOUR WITH LUNCH (Istanbul)
After breakfast, visit the Spice Market, where locals still shop for herbs and spices from all over the world. Cross the Bosphorus by driving through the Bosphorus Bridge to go over the Asian side of Istanbul. A visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, the white marble summer residence of Ottoman Sultans used in the 19th century. After lunch takes a cruise by boat on Bosphorus, the unique winding strait separating two continents.
DAY 12| A BOAT TRIP WITH DINNER ON BOSPHORUS (ISTANBUL)
Enjoy delicious gourmet foods while you dance with the panoramic view of the Bosphorus that separates the two continents Europe and Asia. Enjoy as you cruise The Bosphorus and see historical places like Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Ortakoy, Rumeli Fortress, Fatih Bridge, Beylerbeyi Palace Maiden’s Tower. Also, Istanbul very famous night clubs as you wine and dine the night away. No other Istanbul experience can match this unique combination of romantic ambiance. We combine fresh food with unparalleled views of Istanbul and live entertainment to create Istanbul‘s leading Bosphorus Dinner Cruise.
After dinner, you can enjoy the entertaining music provided by a Professional DJ and traditional show programs or simply relax with a drink and enjoy the view.
DAY 13| BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN TOUR
You will be picked up from your hotel for a full day tour.
Tour Highlights: Agia Sophia museum, Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Sultans tomb.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
DAY 14| ISTANBUL BY NIGHT (RT TRANSFERS, LIMITED LOCAL DRINKS INCLUDED (ISTANBUL)
Transfer to a famous night club for a dinner including 1/2 bottle of wine per person at a night club, accompanied by a traditional Turkish show -the performance of folk dancers, belly-dancers and live music from a Turkish music band.
DAY 15| DEPARTURE TOWARDS ONWARD DESTINATION
Early morning gets recharged with a healthy breakfast. Check-out from your hotel and proceed to International Airport to board your flight to India. Come back to your home with the lovely experiences and cheerful memories of tour to cheer forever.
***YOUR Egypt Travel CONCLUDES***
