Alexander's Middle East

31 days - from $3145

Follow in the path taken by Alexander the Great and traverse the Middle East all the way from Istanbul to Cairo. Discover hidden gems and come face-to-face with the iconic highlights such as Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Aleppo, Damascus, Petra, Mount Sinai and the Great Pyramids - all reminders that this region was one of the cradles of civilisation.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Istanbul Our trip starts today in Istanbul - a trove of treasures waiting to be discovered. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Istanbul Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town. Our hotel is located within walking distance of all the main sights, so if arriving early there is time to soak up the atmosphere and explore on foot. There are no formal activities planned for today, so you may arrive at any time. This evening we meet our tour leader and fellow travel companions. We can then join our tour leader for an introduction to some fabulous Turkish cuisine in a street side cafe (optional). As this tour does not include much time in Istanbul, we would certainly recommend that if you have not been to this great city before, you should arrive a few days before the tour starts and arrange pre-tour accommodation in order to savour its many attractions. Once the imperial capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is both a city steeped in history and an exciting modern day hub of activity. Always described as a fusion of East and West, it is not difficult to understand why as you walk through narrow alleys flanked by wooden Ottoman houses to emerge in a funky restaurant and bar strip in the downtown area, the call to prayer mingling with modern Turkish pop. Bisected by the Bosphorus, a strategically significant passage of water which links the Black Sea to the Aegean, the city has several distinct divisions. Across the Golden Horn, a watery cul-de-sac which branches off the Bosphorus, is Sultanahmet which boasts some of the city's finest Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. After exploring the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum and Underground Basilica you may like to dine on seafood at one of the countless restaurants along the narrow alleys of downtown Taksim. Afterwards why not board a local ferry to observe the beautifully lit sprawl of Istanbul by night and then finish your evening with the timeless wind-down of smoking a nargileh (Ottoman water pipe). But if nargileh doesn't appeal, there is always a glass of apple-tea to be drunk at the friendly insistence of the locals. Day 2 - Çanakkale (Gallipoli) Today we drive to the small town of Çanakkale. The afternoon is free for you to visit the Anzac war memorials at Gallipoli or the site ancient Troy. A half-day tour to Gallipoli cost about 60 YTL. Gallipoli is the site of one of the most brutal campaigns of World War I and the Gallipoli Peninsula is now a national park which preserves the monuments to the fallen. Of significant historical and cultural importance to Turks, New Zealanders and Australians alike (ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), the park is located at the entrance to the Dardanelles on the Aegean Sea. It was the Allied forces’ intention to take the peninsula and thus have access to Istanbul and the Black Sea towns of their ally, Russia. However, it actually became the final resting place of many an Allied hope as well as some 700,000 soldiers. The reality of the war becomes apparent after a visit to the Gallipoli Museum and Anzac Cove. With memorabilia and copies of letters sent to families, the museum is a poignant place of reflection. Afterwards, a visit to the sheer cliffs of Anzac Cove gives an indication as to the insurmountable task the Allied forces had been set. (Approx 6 hrs driving) Day 3 - Selcuk In the morning there is the chance to join an optional half-day guided tour of Troy (60 YTL). Troy may not look like much at first, but going there with a guide, the legend appears before our eyes. It is possible to see a wooden horse, but sadly it is actually only 20-30 years old. We also get to learn about the archaeological intelligence of the Anatolians and the cleverness of the Greeks. We then travel to the pretty town of Selcuk with its rich history and beautiful setting. The closest town to the ancient provincial Roman capital of Ephesus, Selcuk is a cosy town with several attractive pedestrian streets in the shadow of an impressive Ottoman castle. Selcuk's laid back atmosphere and friendly restaurateurs and salesmen will immediately make us feel at home. (Approx 8 hrs driving) Day 4 - Selcuk - Ephesus A full free day to visit the amazing ruins at Ephesus and to explore the picturesque winding streets of Selcuk. A half-day guided tour of Ephesus cost 50 YTL. Without any doubt, Ephesus is what we will remember most about our time in Selcuk. As one of the best preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean, a walk through the old city gives us a genuine taste of what life must have been like during the Roman times. The site is remarkably well-preserved and there has also been extensive reconstruction of the more crumbling edifices. The result is very impressive and it is not difficult to believe that this was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ! A stroll through the old city finishes at the breathtaking Library of Celsius, which once competed with that of Alexandria for scholarly interest. After a visit of the old capital you may wish to explore the charming village of Sirince, nestled in the hills some seven kilometres away from Selcuk. Formerly a Greek village, Sirince means 'loveliness' and is known for its lace production and also the countless wines produced in the region's many vineyards. Day 5 - Pamukkale A morning drive takes us inland to Pamukkale, which is famous for its calcified falls and the ancient site of Hierapolis. The beautiful calcified formations which spill down the slopes on the edge of this small village are a truly unique phenomenon and have attracted people for thousands of years. The ancient Romans believed the water collected by pools formed along the startlingly white terraces was ideal for bathing and would relieve ailments. The impressive city of Hierapolis was therefore constructed nearby expressly for the purpose of utilising the healing qualities of the springs. Pamukkale today is still somewhat of a spa town, however swimming is restricted to only a few pools. (Approx 4 hrs driving) Day 6 - Fethiye - overnight boat cruise We travel to the town of Fethiye, which is in the heart of some of the most beautiful scenery in southern Turkey and is typical of what you will see along the charming Turquoise Coast. Spread around a large sheltered bay with a backdrop of steep wooded mountains and a small harbour, it is a lovely stop for lunch. We then continue to Gocek, where we board our boat. Imagine spending the rest of our day relaxing as we cruise along the spectacular Turquoise Coast, stopping in secluded bays and pulling alongside some of the small islands that lie scattered off the coast. There is plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling around the rocky shores. There is also the chance to enjoy an evening stroll in one of the bays to have the great views of the bays or just relax with a cool beverage and take in the scenery. Our on-board chef prepares delicious traditional fare and we may even be treated to the catch of the day. Accommodation is twin, double or triple share cabins with toilet and shower facilities attached. All you need to bring is a towel and then sit back and enjoy. (Approx 5-6 hrs driving) Day 7 - Dalyan After breakfast we disembark and drive to Dalyan, known for its hot springs and the nearby conservation area for loggerhead turtles. Dalyan offers so much to the traveller yet manages to retain its easygoing charm. It is an ideal place mid-tour to recharge the batteries and idle away time. We can cake ourselves in hot mud then relax in the hot spring waters or take a boat ride on the slow moving Dalyan River estuary through the reeds to see the rock tombs carved into the sheer hillside at Caunos. (Approx 30 mins driving) Day 8 - Dalyan Today is a day at leisure. Nearby are the picturesque ruins of Caunos, accessible only by boat, or you may prefer to just relax on the beach. A full day boat trip cost 15 YTL (lunch not included). Day 9 - Olympos We drive to Olympos where there is the chance to visit ancient Olympos and Chimera. Olympos lies in a national park area where major development is prohibited – hence the reason we stay in tree houses! One of the highlights of the area is to head to the mysterious site of Chimaera after dark. This optional excursion cost 15 YTL involves a 45 minute minibus ride followed by an easy 15-20 minute walk. Greek mythology tells of the Lycian hero, Bellerophon, who together with his winged horse Pegasus was sent to slay the Chimaera (a fire-breathing part-lion, part-goat and part-snake). Although successful in his mission, what remains to this day is a mysterious phenomenon. Gas seeps from the earth and fuels flames which burst out from within cracks in the bare hillside. The flames can be covered and extinguished, but the air becomes gaseous and without cover the flames will spontaneously reignite. (Approx 5-6 hrs driving) Day 10 - Antalya - Cappadocia After leaving Olympos we drive to Antalya, where we have time to explore the old harbour. Antalya has all the right elements to make it one of the most attractive resorts in the country. The pine-covered Taurus Mountains sweep down to the Turquoise Coast and the views of blue sky, steep mountains, a spectacular rocky coastline and glittering blue sea are superb. As the sun sets, it is worth finding a café overlooking the sea and watch as the secluded coves around the town fade to hues of dark green and blue. Later, the old city walls are lit up, lending the scene an aura of timelessness and serenity. In the old quarter of the city we can stroll past the myriad shops and perhaps stop to watch the world go by at one of the many restaurants and cafes. There are also many cultural highlights to visit such as the Yivli Minareli Mosque in the centre of the city, built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century or the attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque, built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring near the marina. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Cappadocia. (Approx 9 hours driving) Day 11 - Cappadocia After arriving from our overnight bus journey, we check in at our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this spectacular region. Often talked about as the absolute highlight of a visit to Turkey, Cappadocia is one of the most surreal places you will ever see. Here repeated volcanic eruptions around 40-50 million years ago covered the area with layers of a light rock called tufa creating a natural 'lunar-like' landscape. Over time the elements have eroded this surface rock to create unusual valleys and vast rock sculptures or 'fairy chimneys' which have been incorporated into the building of towns, villages and underground settlements. Wandering around Cappadocia, clambering in and out of the buildings and over the rippling tufa deposits you will almost certainly feel like you have just landed on another planet. But however you choose to spend your time here, whether you decide to wander on foot or on horseback, the bizarreness of the rock formations and the amazing blend of nature and man will leave you astounded. Your options include visiting the open-air museums of Zelve and Goreme, the underground cities of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, or take advantage of numerous walking or hiking opportunities all over the area. A minibus can be hired for a full day of sightseeing and the costs shared between those of us joining in. In the evening there will be a chance to have dinner in one of the cave restaurants. Day 12 - Cappadocia We enjoy a full day for further exploration. There is much to see and do in Cappadocia, so this second day in the area will be most welcomed. Those after a bit of action can explore by mountain bike. In the evening there is the opportunity to relax in a Turkish bath (20 YTL), view a folk show (60 YTL) or to see a Whirling Dervish ritual (40 YTL). Day 13 - Kahta Today is a travelling day as we drive across the stunning Eastern Taurus Mountains to Kahta, near Mount Nemrut. (Approx 8 hours driving) Day 14 - Mount Nemrut - Urfa Once upon a time there was an unbelievably egotistical ruler by the name of Antiochus I Commagenes. Although his was a small kingdom wedged between the superpower forces of the Parthians and Romans, he decided to build a monument to his own greatness atop Mount Nemrut. Still evident today, this monument is now the most spectacular sight in south-eastern Turkey as the giant stone heads of Antiochus and an assortment of Hellenistic and Babylonian deities stare out at the dramatic landscape which used to be home to the Commagene Kingdom. Your tour leader will assist you in planning a trip to visit Mount Nemrut although if you're travelling after October, a visit may not be possible due to heavy snowfalls. The excursion to Mount Nemrut to see the massive Commagene stone heads involves an entrance fee of 7 YTL. In the afternoon we drive to Urfa. (Approx 3 hrs driving) Day 15 - Urfa - Aleppo We take time to visit Urfa, the city of the prophets. Urfa is also known as Sanliurfa or 'Glorious Urfa', so named after the inhabitants successfully defended their city against French invasion after World War I. Home to a diverse community of people, it is common to hear a mixture of Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish and Armenian spoken here. The city is believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and is a sacred place of pilgrimage for Muslims. The legend states that after angering the evil ruler King Nimrod, Ibrahim was thrown from the battlements of the castle into a burning pit. At the last moment God intervened transforming the fire into water and the wood into fish, enabling Ibrahim to land safely. The lake still exists today and is home to thousands of carp which must be the most well-fed fish in the country! But don’t be tempted to try your hand at angling, let alone partake in eating the fish there, as the locals predict you will go blind if you do. Later we continue into Syria and our first stop there - the historic town of Aleppo. (Approx 4-5 hrs driving) Day 16 - Aleppo The claim of Damascus being the oldest inhabited city in the world is hotly disputed by the people of Aleppo. But whether or not the claim is substantiated there's no arguing that Aleppo's history is just as rich and varied as that of Damascus. Although a bustling city, Aleppo is the kind of place that makes you feel instantly at ease with its relaxed pavement cafés, hole in the wall style bakeries and locals who simply want to chat. Aleppo is also a bargainers dream! Once drawn into its amazingly exotic and exiting undercover bazaar we could quite easily lose a day (or perhaps even several generations!) as we witness traders plying their wares in the same way as their fathers and grandfathers. Here it is easy to feel that we have been given a privileged insight into Syrian life. As we exchange greetings with stallholders, dodge trailers piled high with watermelons and shiny cherries, negotiate aromas, sounds and get hopelessly lost in the labyrinth of narrow alleys you can be sure that Aleppo's souqs are a real feast your senses won't forget. Today is a free day in Aleppo - a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered bazaars or visit the town’s imposing citadel. There is also the chance to visit a traditional ‘hamam’ to try a Turkish bath. An optional guided tour with a local guide through the city will cost about US$22. Day 17 - Hama - Krak des Chevaliers A short drive takes us to Hama (1½ hours), a lovely old town famous for its water wheels ('norias'). This quiet town lies on the edge of the Orontes River and is perhaps the most provincial and traditional of all the Syrian cities. The huge wooden water wheels still turn slowly on the edge of the river and the gentle groan of its old mechanisms can be heard throughout much of the city. Past the water wheel, there are lovely paths along the edge of the river which come alive on warm evenings when families out strolling and couples enjoying each other’s company. Right next to the water wheels and overlooking the river are well-located restaurants, which serve up delicious traditional Syrian food. We then visit the nearby magnificent Krak des Chevaliers Crusader fortress. Often the very reason why people travel to Syria, this fortress is located in a dramatic setting and is in an incredible state of repair. It is so well preserved in fact that it can't have looked much different when it was in use 800 years ago, making your experience in and around the castle a true journey back in time. As we walk around the most impressive sections - the great hall and the chapel built into the ramparts with arches hallowed out of the rock, we won't be able to stop our imagination from conjuring up soldiers, servants and the buzz of Krak's distant age. Don't leave the chapel without checking out the ceiling and be sure to climb up to the ramparts for breathtaking views. Day 18-19 - Palmyra A drive through the desert takes us to the breathtaking ancient city of Palmyra. Sometimes famous sites of the world prove a little disappointing in reality, but Palmyra is not one of these places. This desert city really does lie kilometres from nowhere in the middle of the Syrian Desert, appearing like an abandoned set from a multi-million dollar movie. Palmyra or the 'City of Palms' is actually an oasis known to have supported settlements from as far back as the 19th century BC; however the city really came into its own during Roman times when taxes levied on a plentiful supply of caravans travelling the Silk Road paid for the beautiful civic buildings. There's plenty of time here to explore and we can enjoy a breathtaking sunset at the hilltop fortress of Zenobia, take an early morning wander with our guide and a free afternoon where your time is your own to stroll down the colonnaded street, sit in the shade of archways, pillars and temples and perhaps chat with a Bedouin or take a camel ride. Although Palmyra is no longer a secret to the outside world, you could still quite easily wander its length, lost in your own thoughts, without seeing another tourist. During our time here we also get to enjoy a guided tour through the site. (Approx 4 hrs driving) Day 20-21 - Damascus We drive to Damascus and enjoy a day and a half free time to discover the city. The locals claim that Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and as we explore the place we will feel like we are stepping through the different layers of time. Strolling along the thoroughly modern main roads we will hear car horns blasting and catchy Arabic music blaring out of shops, cafes and car stereos, but step into the side streets and we find ourselves in another world of hidden courtyards, narrow alleyways, the occasional ambling donkey and small stalls selling a myriad of different objects. Wander into the souqs (bazaars) and watch the locals haggle ferociously over glitzy gold jewellery, bubbling water pipes, mounds of olives, gaudy clothing, sultry perfumes and just about anything else you can think of. Join them if you dare and try to drive a bargain with a shopkeeper in the traditional way – over a cup of hot, sweet tea. An optional walking tour with a local guide can be arranged for US$18. (Approx 3 hrs driving) Day 22-23 - Amman Transfer by service taxi (6 hours) to Amman, where we spend a night in a local hostel. Amman is a curious city stuck in an uneasy cultural position somewhere between the western and Islamic worlds. One hundred years ago the city barely existed, but now, spread over nineteen hills, it is the showpiece of the modern Middle East. Women swathed in gowns walk the streets passing boutiques stocked with the latest European fashion. Old men sit on sidewalk cafes smoking sheesha pipes and wearing keffiyas, as their grandfathers have done before them, while kids walk by humming the latest pop tunes. The city is visually striking - with few exceptions, no building is allowed to be more than four storeys high and all must be built with the white limestone taken from the earth surrounding Amman. We enjoy a city tour on foot, visiting the Roman Theatre and the Citadel as well as walking in the old souq (bazaar). From the Citadel hill we have our first view of the impressive Roman Theatre. Cut into the rock of a hill in the heart of the downtown area it once seated 6000 people. Now it offers a little haven of peace in this bustling metropolis and closing your eyes you can almost imagine the sounds of musical and theatrical performances gracing its stage. High above the city of Amman are the ancient ruins which make up the Citadel complex. From here we have magnificent views of the hills of Amman while sitting amongst the regal columns of a Roman temple and the elegant capitals of a Byzantine church. A small archaeological museum on the site has an excellent collection of antiquities dating back to prehistoric times including an exhibit particularly worth viewing – the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Found in 1952, the scrolls tell of hidden treasure buried somewhere on the West Bank of the River Jordan, but have never been found. You can also book an optional afternoon tour to the ancient Roman city of Jerash (US$30). Day 24 - Amman - Petra In the morning you can partake in an optional visit to the Dead Sea (entrance fee: US$15). You probably already know that this is the lowest place on earth. But did you also know that it is part of the Great Rift Valley that stretches from the Middle East all the way down into East Africa? As you descend to 400 metres below sea level, the mountains tower above, looking fierce and unforgiving. Approaching the Dead Sea, you notice the white residue left all around the shore line - evidence of its high salinity (normal sea water has around 3-4% salt but the Dead Sea is 30% salt). Then you jump in and find out that all those pictures that you've seen were actually true, and you really can float in the sea, sitting as you would in an armchair. The Dead Sea is said to contain many healing properties, and you can reach down and pick up some of the soft, sulphurous black mud and apply it to your body like a mud pack! Many of our travellers remark just how good their skin feels after a quick dip in its waters. Stepping into the Dead Sea is a sensation like no other and definitely one of those life experiences that you shouldn't miss out on. In the afternoon we transfer to Wadi Musa, beside the ancient city of Petra. Throughout Jordan we will encounter amazing mountain ranges where villages nestle on cliffs that tumble down to deep valleys. A stroll around the village will give us a unique insight into the lives of Jordanians and its steep roads will serve as a warm up for your experience in Petra! You can sit in a small café and watch the world go by or enjoy a drink at ‘the Cave’ a popular local bar. The rose red city of Petra is the most mystic and glorious of Jordan’s ancient treasures. Located in a spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge it is the remains of the once lost Nabataean city. In ancient times Petra was admired for its refined culture, incredible architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels. As we stroll through the towering Siq, we will be torn between the desire to make every step last and the urge to run as the anticipation of our first glimpse of the dramatic Treasury between the Siq walls almost takes over. Used in the final sequence of the film, 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade', the Treasury is only the beginning of our fabulous adventure. As we climb old steps to the High Place of Sacrifice where we view the dramatic expanse of Petra, catch glimpses of a multitude of tombs nestled into rugged mountain sides, walk on sands that change colour from rose, to deep reds and to purple, take the monumental staircase to the magical Monastery and walk to the 'end of the world' for views of the wild Negev Mountains. After exploring Petra why not treat yourself to a relaxing and invigorating Turkish bath (optional - cost US$30) to wash away the rose sands and ease those well-used muscles. (Approx 6 hrs driving) Day 25 - Petra - Wadi Rum - Bedouin Camp We spend most of the day exploring the magnificent hidden city of Petra. Later in the afternoon we head into the desert to Wadi Rum. According to the Bedouin, to understand Jordan you must have the time and peace to clear your mind in the expanse of Wadi Rum, probably one of the most beautiful deserts in the world. As the main inhabitants of Wadi Rum, the lives of the Bedouin are intrinsically linked with the desert landscape and here and there we will see women herding goats and families around their traditional camel hair tents. Standing amid this wonderful landscape where the red rocks rise up to meet the deep blue sky, the illusion of Wadi Rum will soon work its magic on you. After travelling just a few kilometres into the desert a glance back reminds you that you would not be able to find your way back without the remarkable skills of your Bedouin guides. While all around you uniquely shaped mountains soon have you pointing out faces and shapes to your companions and wondering if anyone else thinks the rock looks like melting chocolate (they will!). Immortalised as the desert of 'Lawrence of Arabia', Wadi Rum ('wadi' means valley) was once a meeting place for caravans from Arabia, but also has a longer history dating back to prehistoric times. We spend the night in a Bedouin style camp. For the most part nowadays the nomadic Bedouin lifestyle has been replaced by life in semi-permanent shantytown settlements. In the desert of Wadi Rum, we have located a camp owned by Bedouin and operated along more traditional lines. Our hosts adhere to more distinctive values and our travellers are well looked after. We are accommodated communally in two large tents of the time-honoured design. Mattresses, pillows and blankets are provided, and there are toilets and one shower. Please note that meals are taken at a low table and sitting on cushions. (Approx 2 hrs driving) Day 26 - Camel Trek - Aqaba We join the Bedouin people of Wadi Rum for a short camel trek into the desert. There is also the chance of an optional jeep safari (US$15). Later we drive to the coastal town of Aqaba, Jordan’s window to the sea and a place that boasts some excellent snorkel and dive spots. Its calming atmosphere and balmy weather gives it an almost Mediterranean feel and makes it an ideal spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the many water sports on offer. Wandering around town we find medieval archaeological sites, small bustling Middle Eastern markets with incredibly friendly traders who are happy just to chat, and street cafes where we can enjoy some of the best fresh fruit juice ever tasted. (Approx 1 hr driving) Day 27 - Nuweiba - Dahab Board the hydrofoil to cross the Gulf of Aqaba to Nuweiba (Egypt). Imagine massive reddish brown granite mountains, coral gardens and coloured reefs, blue skies, crystal water, wide amazing valleys, coloured canyons, Bedouin tribes, nomad footsteps, big camels and tiny goats and you'll have a good idea of how beautiful the Sinai is. Though small in size, the Sinai Peninsula is a region of great contrasts, from the arid peaks of the Sinai High Range to the teeming marine life of the Red Sea. You can go trekking through the great valleys and mountains. If you adore relaxing, you'll struggle to find better than the excellent beaches along the coast. Our journey continues to the coastal village of Dahab. 'Dahab' means 'gold' in Arabic, so it's not hard to imagine what Dahab looks like – amazing beaches and an almost unrivalled variety of coral gardens and coloured reefs. Here you may find yourself hanging out in a beach café with a sheesha pipe, eating sea food while watching the moonlight reflect on the crystal water, riding a camel in the desert, having tea with a Bedouin family or simply watching the local children wander beneath the palm trees selling handmade Bedouin crafts. (Approx 6-8 hrs travelling - including time spent completing port formalities) Day 28 - Dahab - St Catherine's We have a free morning in Dahab to relax on the beach or snorkel amidst the crystal water and the coral gardens of the Red Sea (US$10). In the afternoon transfer to St Catherine's Village, where we spend the night near the foot of Mount Sinai next to the famous St Catherine's Monastery. St Catherine's is surrounded by spiky granite mountains, and located between two of the highest and most religious mountains in the Sinai - Mount Sinai and Mount St Catherine. Take a walk around the village and we are sure to come across Bedouins, camels, trekkers and pilgrims, united by the spirit of adventure found so close to Mount Sinai. (Approx 2 hrs driving) Day 29 - Mount Sinai - Cairo We rise early to climb Mount Sinai for sunrise. This mountain is believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. Following in Moses' footsteps we have the opportunity to ascend to the summit in time for sunrise. This means a very early start (between 1-3am depending on the time of year) and involves a strenuous uphill walk along a camel path and finally up 750 stone steps accompanied by our tour leader. The climb takes about three hours although it is possible to take a camel up as far as the steps or hire one halfway up if necessary! There are teahouses dotted along the way and one at the top, so not only can we follow the glow of their lights, but we can also stop for a hot drink and a breather. The view from the top as the day breaks is worth every step of the climb. There are two routes down the mountain. From the top we must follow the 750 stone steps back down and then can either return along the camel path or follow a winding route down the 'Steps of Repentance'. Neither route is difficult (particularly as we will no longer need our torches!), however the 3000 or so 'Steps of Repentance' do have some steep sections and can take around two hours to descend. After breakfast continue to Cairo via the Suez Canal. When we arrive in Cairo we are thrown headlong into the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city. As we wander the streets our senses will be assaulted on all levels – an endless cacophony of noise with cars tooting donkeys braying and the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer; the mix of smells like the aroma from cooking pots bubbling with 'foul' (pronounced 'fool' - a local bean paste dish that we will certainly get to sample); the delicious taste of mint tea as you sit in a shaded café to relax; and the endless river of life that you can watch roll past you – women haggling in the bazaars, men talking whilst enjoying a traditional sheesha pipe, cars vying for space on the crowded roads, camels ambling serenely along and children playing in the back streets. There are many things to do in Cairo, from visiting the fantastic Egyptian Museum to the bazaars of Khan el Khalili. (Approx 7 hrs driving) Day 30 - Cairo Today we enjoy a guided visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. The Pyramids really do have to be seen to be believed! To get there we weave our way through the manic Cairo traffic, out into the suburbs and then, suddenly, there they are. Huge majestic tombs rising out the desert, towering above the modern city of Cairo, they are an incredible testament to the immense achievements of the Ancient Egyptians. Built over 5000 years ago the Pyramids are the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that is still standing. We explore the Pyramids and the Sphinx with our Egyptologist guide who can explain all the mysteries surrounding their creation – were they built by aliens or are they aligned to the stars? We also have the opportunity to climb inside the Great Pyramid (optional) and see for ourselves the burial chamber inside (not for the claustrophobic!). Later there is the option to visit the Egyptian Museum with an Egyptologist (cost: US$28). What a museum, what a collection! This museum houses the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts including many of the treasures discovered in the tombs of pharaohs, the amazing golden mask of Tutankhamun and a large number of mummies. To put that in perspective, if you spend just one minute at each exhibit it would take more than nine months to see everything! Day 31 - Cairo Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.

Included

Included Experienced English-speaking local tour leaders in Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Egypt, local guides at some sites, all transportation, accommodation, meals and sightseeing as indicated.

Excluded

Excluded: International flights, arrival and departure transfers, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.

Trip Reference: TAFA