Turkey and Egypt - February 2026
Just returned from a trip to Turkey and Egypt. I toured Istanbul, Cairo, Luxor and cruised the Nile River to Aswan with Viking River Cruises. I would definitly recommend Viking - they took care of all arrangements and ensured our safe and efficient travel. In my opnion this is not a trip to undertake on your own.
Nighttime panoramic view of Istanbul, Turkey, featuring the historic city landscape and the Bosphorus strait in the distance.
The Pyramids of Giza, located on the west bank of the Nile in northern Egypt. Built around 4,500 years ago during the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt, the complex includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The Great Pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one to remain largely intact.
New Mosque (Yeni Camii) in Istanbul, Turkey. Despite its name meaning "New Mosque," it is a historical imperial Ottoman mosque over 350 years old.
Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, an Ottoman-era structure located within the Citadel of Saladin, famous for its large central dome, marble inlays, stained glass, and large chandeliers hanging from the domes.
Gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Considered one of the world's most famous treasures, the mask is crafted from 24 pounds of solid gold and inlaid with colored glass and semi-precious stones.
Great Sphinx of Giza located on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, features the body of a lion and the head of a human, believed to represent the Pharaoh Khafre. Constructed around 2500 BC, it is one of the world's largest and oldest monolithic statues, measuring approximately 240 feet long and 66 feet high.
Sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of Luxor to see iconic landmarks, including the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, located in the Saqqara necropolis in Egypt. Constructed around 4,700 years ago during the Third Dynasty for Pharaoh Djoser, it is considered the oldest Egyptian pyramid and the first massive stone building in Egypt.
Painted walls and a large stone sarcophagus inside the tomb of Tutankhamun located in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. The tomb was discovered almost completely intact by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, offering unparalleled insight into 18th Dynasty burial rituals.
Entrance tunnel to the tomb of Ramses IX at the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of the Nile river near Luxor, Egypt.
Well-preserved hypostyle hall of the Temple of Khnum in Esna, Egypt, featuring 24 massive columns restored to remove centuries of soot, with intricate floral capital reliefs of celestial scenes, including deities and astronomical symbols.