Approximate Days

 Turkey 1-11 When you arrive in Istanbul you must visit some of the fascinating historical sites for which this city is renowned. Not to be missed is Sancta Sofia - for 1000 years the largest church in the Christian world. Topkapi Palace housing priceless treasures, including a gold casket containing the cloak of Mohammed, and a 400 room harem! The Blue Mosque with its minarets and domes, and of course a visit to the Grand Bazaar with over 4000 shops.

We leave Istanbul on the first day of our trip to visit the battlegrounds and war graves of Gallipoli on the Dardanelles , then on to Troy (of Trojan horse fame). View the limestone waters of Pamukkale. Next is Ephesus , the best preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean . From the coast, we move inland to Cappadocia , famous for its amazing natural rock formations. Houses, churches and fortresses have been carved out of the soft volcanic rock, making this one of the most fascinating areas of Turkey to explore.

Syria 12-15: Crossing into Syria our first stop is Aleppo the second city of Syria . As with most Arab cities the Souk is the main attraction. South of Aleppo, is the 'Crac Des Chevaliers' (Castle of the Knights). Built by the Crusaders 800 years ago this castle is the best preserved medieval castle in the Middle East . Damascus has the distinction of being the world's oldest continually inhabited city, dating back 7,000 years. Well worth a visit is the old city of Damascus with its mosques, palaces, churches and the markets. A day visiting Lebanon is highly recommended - with a visit to Baalbek , reputed to be one of the finest examples of Roman Temples, in the Middle East . There is also time to explore Beirut .
 

Jordan 16-19: Entering Jordan we visit the well preserved Roman city of Jerash . Passing through Amman (the capital) we continue on to the Dead Sea , the lowest lake in the world. Carved from solid rock, the ancient city of Petra in the south is almost certainly the highlight of a visit to Jordan . Lost to the outside world for over 1000 years this fascinating site was only rediscovered in the last century, the central city not being unearthed until 1958. Our journey takes us south through Wadi Rum where we experience some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world.

Egypt 20-35 From Aqaba we cross by ferry to Nuweiba in Sinai - and on to Dahab. In total contrast to the surrounding desert are the coral reefs of the Red Sea . Here diving trips can be organised, with all equipment being hired quite cheaply. You can head inland to the monastery of St. Catherine and Mount Sinai (of the biblical burning bush and 10 commandments fame). Crossing the Suez Canal we arrive in mainland Egypt . From Suez we head along the Red Sea Coast and cross the mountains to the Aswan and the River Nile. Appreciate the tranquility of Aswan city, resting on the river, with its dams monuments and sandy desert. Spend a couple of days sailing by felucca down river mooring on the rivers edge to sleep at night. We arrive in Luxor with its wealth of tombs and myriads of temples. Visit the Valley of the Kings, experience the splendour of Tutankhamen’s tomb and the temple complex of Karnak . From here it’s its just a few hours to the teeming metropolis of Cairo

Please read the itinerary in reverse for the Cairo - Istanbul tour

For our extended trip information click here