Middle Eastern Odyssey

from USD 1915 for 23 days

Following the ancient caravan routes through Arabia, we journey from Damascus to
Cairo, taking in the exciting cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Cairo, the remote
desert landscape of Wadi Rum, the ancient ruins of Petra and Palmyra and the
Pharaonic treasures of Egypt. What more could you ask for?

Brief Description Show detailed

Day 1 - DAMASCUS

Arrival day.

Day 2 - DAMASCUS – ALEPPO

Travel to Aleppo, an exciting town in the north of Syria and a great introduction to the region. (B)

Day 3 - ALEPPO

Free day in Aleppo. Explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered bazaars. (B)

Day 4 - HAMA

We have a short drive to Hama, famous for its old water wheels. Option to visit the imposing Crac des Chevaliers crusader fortress. (B)

Day 5 - PALMYRA

A drive through the desert brings us to the breathtaking city of Palmyra. (B)

Day 6 - PALMYRA

Guided tour of these marvellous Roman ruins. (B)

Day 7 - DAMASCUS

Drive to Damascus in the morning. Free afternoon. (B)

Day 8 - DAMASCUS

Free day to explore the old city with its many souks, palaces and mosques. (B)

Day 9 - DAMASCUS - AMMAN

Transfer to Amman by service taxis. (B)

Day 10 - AMMAN

Morning walking tour of Amman. (B)

Day 11 - AMMAN - PETRA

Morning option to visit the Dead Sea (US$15 entrance). Afternoon transfer to Wadi Musa, beside the hidden city of Petra. (BD)

Day 12 - PETRA - WADI RUM

A whole day to explore the magnificent site of Petra with a guide. Late in the afternoon we travel to the spectacular desert area of Wadi Rum where we spend
the night in a Bedouin-style camp. (BD)

Day 13 - CAMEL TREK – AQABA

We join the Bedouin people of Wadi Rum for a short camel trek into the desert.  Optional jeep safari (US$15). Later we travel to the picturesque Red Sea port of Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba. (B)

Day 14 - AQABA - NUWEIBA - DAHAB

Board the hydrofoil to Nuweiba and transfer to Dahab on the Red Sea coast. (B)

Day 15 - DAHAB – ST CATHERINE

Free morning to relax on the beach before an afternoon transfer to St Catherine where we spend the night near the foot of Mt Sinai. (BD)

Day 16 - ST CATHERINE – CAIRO

Rise early to ascend Mt Sinai in time for sunrise. Afternoon drive to Cairo. (B)

Day 17 - CAIRO - ASWAN

Morning visit to the Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza. Later there is the option to visit the Egyptian museum with an Egyptologist (US$28). In the evening we board the overnight seating train to Aswan. (B)

Day 18 - ASWAN

Arrive to Aswan and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this colourful and vibrant Nubian city. You could visit Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk (US$24), see the sound and light show at Philae (US$24) or take a camel ride to St Simeon's Monastery (US$15).

Day 19 - ASWAN – FELUCCA CRUISE

A free morning when there will be an opportunity to visit the magnificent temple of
Abu Simbel by bus (US$50), or by air (US$215). In the afternoon we board feluccas to sail around the islands of Aswan, visit a Nubian village and have a typical Nubian dinner. Overnight on board the felucca. (BLD)

Day 20 - ASWAN – LUXOR

Disembark the felucca this morning and drive to Luxor, there will be a chance to visit the riverside temple at Kom Ombo and the temple of Horus at Edfu before arriving to Luxor. In the afternoon we take the horse-drawn carriages for a guided tour of Karnak temple. Evening sound and light show at Karnak (US$28). (B)

Day 21 - LUXOR

Ride to the Valley of the Kings on sturdy donkeys. Our route back takes us past the Colossi of Memnon. Free afternoon. In the evening we board the overnight train to Cairo. (B)

Day 22 - CAIRO

Transfer to the hotel upon arrival. The rest of the day is free to explore the city for the last time or perhaps take a camel ride and watch a brilliant sunset over the Pyramids (US$35). (B)

Day 23 - CAIRO

Tour ends. (B)