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Middle East Adventure
28 days Cairo to Istanbul
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Visit the mysterious Sphinx and Pyramids, Take a camel ride and meet Nubian locals over a traditional lunch, Cruise along the Nile on a felucca, Explore the ancient Valley of the Kings, Climb Mt Sinai, Snorkel in the Red Sea, Explore the lost city of Petra, Set out on a desert safari, Play knights at Krak des Chevaliers, Discover ancient Damascus, Experience the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, Uncover hidden gems in the backstreets of Istanbul.
Cruise the Nile on a felucca, discover the largest and most impressive temples, hang out with interesting locals and have loads of fun. From the Land of the Pharaohs to modern-day Istanbul via Jordan and Syria, this journey travels through lands of ancient legends. Discover it all on this quintessential Middle Eastern adventure.
Physical Rating: 3
Culture Shock Rating: 3
Accommodation: Guesthouses/hotels (19 nts), basic guesthouse/hostel (3 nts), overnight train (3 nts), desert camp (1 nt), felucca (1 nt).
Transportation: Train, public and private bus, taxi, felucca, 4WD, camel, ferry, walking, metro, donkey (seasonal)
Trip Style: Intrepid Original
Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Budget: Allow USD $400 for meals not included.
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| Details | | Intrepid Travel | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Days 1-2 | Cairo | Welcome to a city like no other. Take a walking tour to enjoy the madness of Khan al-Khalili, Egypt's most famous souq, and soak up the spice-laden atmosphere of Islamic Cairo before enjoying a traditional performance by the famous Sufi dancers. Wander past the priceless treasures at the Egyptian Museum, and visit the impressive Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza. | | Days 3-5 | Aswan | Get a taste of the fascinating local culture during a traditional lunch at a Nubian village. Afterwards, a camel ride across dramatic dunes affords views of the abandoned monastery of St Simeon. There is also an optional day trip to the remote ancient temples of Abu Simbel. Then 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, this city is home to amazing treasures. Take a donkey ride to the Valley of the Kings, site of the well-preserved tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs, and wander through the spectacular Karnak temple. Later, there is free time to hire a bicycle and ride out into the surrounding countryside, or head to the Winter Palace to sip a cocktail and watch the sun set peacefully over the Nile. | | Day 8 | Cairo | An early-morning return to Egypt's pulsating heart heralds the end of this Egyptian adventure. For those with extra time, roam through the walled citadel for wonderful views over the city, pick up some exotic trinkets at one of the many souqs or escape the hazy chaos of the inner city with a farewell promenade along the banks of the Nile. | | Day 9 | Mt Sinai | Climb to the historic summit of Mt Sinai for panoramic desert views. | | Day 10 | Nuweiba | Stay in beach huts and snorkel the spectacular underwater world of the Red Sea. This evening, tuck into a traditional meal and experience the hospitality of Bedouin friends. | | Day 11 | Aqaba | Cross into biblical Jordan and relax at the seaside resort of Aqaba. Once a trading hub between the Red Sea and the Far East, this city is now known for its completely unspoilt coral reefs. | | Day 12 | Wadi Rum | Spend the night in a desert camp with local Bedouin tribespeople. Awake the next morning amid soaring sandstone cliffs and craggy rock formations. | | Days 13-14 | Petra | Explore captivating Petra, a long-lost city carved out of a rose-coloured cliff face. | | Days 15-16 | Madaba | Float in the Dead Sea and wander through Madaba, famous for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics. In Amman, climb the ruined Citadel for outstanding views. | | Days 17-18 | Damascus | Visit the Roman city of Jerash and roam the streets of ancient Damascus to learn the history of Sal-uh-din, the greatest Arabic hero ever. | | Day 19 | Palmyra | The remains of this former Silk Road city rise hauntingly from the desert. | | Day 20 | Krak des Chevaliers | This imposing fortress remains one of the world's most impressive castles. The view of the Krak des Chavaliers from the Intrepid hotel is a trip highlight. | | Days 21-22 | Aleppo | Revel in the excitement of the souq, and perhaps enjoy a rejuvenating scrub in one of the finest bath houses in Syria. | | Day 23 | Antakya | Across the border in Turkey, see exquisite Roman mosaics and the grotto where the apostle St Peter is said to have preached. | | Day 24 | Ilhara Valley | Meet the locals and try the fresh river trout in the beautiful Ihlara Valley. | | Days 25-27 | Cappadocia | Be delighted by the underground cities of Goreme and the whimsical fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. | | Day 28 | Istanbul | A fascinating fusion of east and west, Istanbul begs to be explored. |
| | * The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of pricing. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2008 and 31 December 2008, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full. For trips departing beyond 31 December 2008, prices are indicative only. The itineraries and dates are applicable from 01 January 2008 until 31 December 2008. Beyond 31 December 2008 dates and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All information in this brochure is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent trips.
Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Intrepid.
Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation
Conditions. |
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