From Cairo to Istanbul via Jordan and Syria, you'll travel through lands bearing legacies of Egyptian, Islamic, Christian, Persian and Roman civilisations. Cruise the Nile on a felucca, discover impressive temples, delve into underground cities, snorkel incredible underwater worlds and be humbled by the locals' generous hospitality. You'll discover it all on this epic adventure through the intriguing Middle East.
Days 1-2: Cairo
Welcome to a city like no other. Be immersed in Cairo's chaos, colour
and culture with a trip to Khan al-Khalili, Egypt's most famous bazaar.
For a change of pace, climb aboard a camel and visit the impressive
Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza for those iconic vistas. Take time to visit
the fascinating Egyptian Museum, home to more than 120,000 antiquities
and relics including the famous burial treasures recovered from King
Tutankhamun's tomb. In the evening, take an overnight sleeper train
bound south.
Days 3-5: Aswan/Nile Felucca
Join a local Nubian family for dinner to experience a slice of Nile
culture firsthand. There is also time for an optional day trip to the
fascinating temples of Abu Simbel. Later, set sail down the Nile on a
magical overnight felucca journey, sleeping on deck under the starry
sky.
Days 6-7: Luxor
Known as Thebes to the ancient Egyptians, Luxor conceals amazing
treasures. Pay a visit to an Intrepid-supported animal care project and
wander the amazing Temples of Karnak. Enjoy a donkey ride before heading
to the Valley of the Kings to visit three of the best-preserved
pharaonic tombs. Afterwards, join a local family for a traditional
home-cooked lunch and enjoy free time before boarding an overnight
sleeper train back to Cairo.
Day 8: Cairo
Welcome to Egypt. Why not arrive early to discover the ancient wonders
of Cairo? The Egyptian Museum holds a glittering array of treasures and
the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza inspire wonder and awe.
Day 9: Mt Sinai
Climb Mt Sinai for panoramic desert views. Visit the monastery of St Katherine, built at the site of the burning bush.
Day 10: Red Sea Beach Camp
Stay in beach huts and use free time to laze on the beach, snorkel the
Red Sea's underwater world and tuck into tasty seafood. With warm
sunsets, spectacular reefs and golden sand, this area of immense natural
beauty is the perfect spot to sit back and relax.
Day 11: Aqaba
Step on to a ferry and cross into Jordan to spend the night in Aqaba, Jordan's only seaport.
Day 12: Wadi Rum
Bunker down in a desert camp in Wadi Rum with Bedouin tribespeople. A
safari reveals the sublime beauty of the desert; sand dunes are
interrupted by lunar-like rocky peaks, some of which bear carved
inscriptions from ancient civilisations.
Days 13-14: Petra
Explore the long-lost city of Petra, carved out of a cliff face. A local
guide helps to reveal the history of this ancient wonder.
Days 15-16: Madaba
Head to the coast for a soak in the Dead Sea. The salinity of the Dead
Sea makes for effortless floating and the mud is known for its healing
properties. Make a stop at Mt Nebo before reaching Madaba.
Days 17-18: Damascus
Cross the border into Syria and roam the alleyways of the ancient city of Damascus.
Day 19: Palmyra
Explore the ruins of Palmyra, the former Silk Road city that rises hauntingly from the desert.
Day 20: Krak des Chevaliers
Visit this imposing fortress which remains one of the world's most impressive castles.
Days 21-22: Aleppo
Revel in the excitement of the souq and perhaps enjoy a rejuvenating scrub in a Syrian hamam.
Day 23: Sanliurfa / Homestay
Cross the border into Turkey and revel in the exotic charms of this
pilgrimage town. Enjoy warm hospitality and a spicy homemade meal while
staying with a friendly local family.
Day 24: Mt Nemrut
Be entranced by the colossal stone heads of Mt Nemrut.
Days 25-27: Goreme
Be spellbound by the Cappadocia region, famous for its underground cities, whimsical fairy chimneys and stone churches.
Day 28: Istanbul
A fascinating fusion of East and West, Istanbul begs to be explored.