Day 1   Arrive in Cairo
 
Today we arrive in Cairo; transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Cairo-Giza. Dinner if required. 
  
Day 2   Cairo - Alexandria - Cairo
 
Early this morning we travel from Cairo to Alexandria, a city whose 19th century architecture is redolent of colonial days. In Alexandria, we visit the Roman Catacombs, tombs that were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine emperors (2nd century AD) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. These tombs represent the last existing major construction for the sake of the old Egyptian religion. Though the funerary motifs are pure ancient Egyptian, the architects and artists were schooled in the Graeco-Roman style. Applied to the themes of Ancient Egyptian religion, it has resulted in an amazing integrated art, quite unlike anything else in the world. A highlight of today is a visit to Bibliotheca Alexandria. Once the greatest library in the ancient world, the Bibliotheca is dedicated to "the writings of all nations." Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the modern Bibliotheka cost some USD150 million, all by donation from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iraq. At the end of our sightseeing, we return to Cairo. Overnight in Cairo-Giza. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 3   Cairo: Memphis & Saqqara, Great Pyramids & the Sphinx
 
This morning we travel to Memphis and Saqqara, chronologically the two most important sites in all of Egypt. Memphis was the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom (ca 2700-2180 BC), and Saqqara was used as a burial place for residents of Memphis including kings, princes and nobles. Our drive this morning takes us past some small, colourful villages and plantations in the fertile Nile Valley. At the ancient city of Memphis we will see several statues in a garden-like setting, including the colossal statue of Rameses the Great. You will have ample opportunity to photograph the statue from the gallery's mezzanine. From Memphis we travel a short distance to Saqqara, the ancient burial site. On the site, considered by many archaeologists to be one of the world's most important excavations, is the Step Pyramid, constructed by Imhotep in the 27th century BC. The pyramid is part of the tomb complex of Zoser, the first Pharaoh of the Old Kingdom. The pyramid began as a simple mastaba, or long, flat tomb building. Over the course of time, Imhotep added to this mastaba five times--the pyramid eventually measured 62m (203 feet) in height! After lunch we pay a visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. These Pharaonic monuments have come to symbolize Egypt's glory and mystery. Impressive in their grandeur, the pyramids are estimated to have been constructed over a period of 20 years using more than 100,000 labourers each year. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, constructed from over two million stone blocks, is 135m (443 feet) high! The stone for the Pyramid complex -- Pyramid of Cheops, Pyramid of Chefren and Pyramid of Mykerinos--was quarried from nearby hills south of Cairo. You may enter one of the pyramids through a long, narrow passageway and explore the deep inner chambers (for an extra cost of approx USD 4.00). Later we see the Sphinx. This feline-human was named by the Greeks because it resembled the mythical winged monster with a woman's head and lion's body. Legend has it that this "Sphinx" proposed a riddle to the Thebans and killed all who could not guess the correct answer! The Sphinx was carved from one solid piece of limestone and measures 50m (164 feet) in length and 22m (72 feet) in height. Overnight Cairo-Giza. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 4   Cairo - Abu Simbel - Aswan
 
Early this morning we fly from Cairo directly to Abu Simbel and the imposing rock temples of Rameses II and his queen, Nefartari. In the 1960s Abu Simbel became the focus of world attention as the controversial construction of the High Dam threatened the temples. In a large-scale world relief, funded mainly by UNESCO, the temple was delicately disassembled with the aid of laser technology and shifted to a site on the banks of the artificially formed Lake Nasser. We have a guided tour of this site, including the interior of the colossal temples. The Temple of Rameses II, with its immense statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne, is one of the classic images of the power of the Pharaohs. Inside the temple you will see well-preserved wall decorations and several murals. We also gain insight into the reconstruction process by visiting the interior of the artificial mountain. After our tour we travel by road to Aswan with a brief visit to the High Dam en route. Constructed between 1960 and 1971, the High Dam collects and stores water over a number of years so that the annual Nile flood can be controlled. We will have a panoramic view of Aswan to the north and Lake Nasser to the south. This evening we will attend the Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple. The temple is situated on an island, and we have to take a boat to get to the site. Since early this century, the site of Philae was flooded for six months each year. An incredible restoration programme was undertaken in the 1960s and the temple was moved stone by stone to a higher elevation. Overnight in Aswan. Basma Hotel (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 5   Aswan: St Simeon Camel Trek
 
Today we travel by small boat across the River Nile to the west bank. From here we travel by camel across the sandy desert to the Christian Monastery of St Simeon. Riding a camel is one of the most invigorating, exciting ways to see Egypt. Before we begin this easy trek our Tour Leader and camel trainer will teach you the technique of riding a camel! This is a journey that can be undertaken by anyone at any age (one rider per camel). Our trek is about 45 minutes to the monastery. Those who prefer not to ride can stay with the boat and rejoin the camel riders for our trip to Kitchener's Island. Dating from the 6th century, and in use until the 13th century, the Monastery of St Simeon is one of the best preserved Christian sites in Egypt. The monastery, built on two plateaux, is surrounded by a high wall. Inside we will see the chapel, living quarters, kitchen and dining areas, wine press, bake area and storerooms. On our tour we will also see the remains of some Coptic frescoes --depictions of Christ and saints as well as many geometric patterns. From the monastery we continue on our camel journey for another 15 minutes back to the bank of the Nile. From here we board our boat and ride among the islands dotting the Nile. Up the hill, above the river, is the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismailis, a Shi'ite sect based principally in India but with followers around theworld. The tomb is an elegant pink granite structure of late 1950 origin. The main island is called Elephantine Island because many of the rocks look like elephants bathing in the Nile. We will arrive at the beautiful Kitchener's Island where we will have time to stroll through the rich botanical gardens with trees, plants, and bushes. This evening we cross the Nile to a Nubian village and enjoy dinner at a local home. Overnight in Aswan. Basma Hotel (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 6   Aswan: Nile Cruise Embarkation
 
This morning we have a leisurely sail on a fellucca, a traditional sailing vessel used for centuries for carrying goods and passengers along the Nile. At around midday we board our Nile cruise vessel and enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon you have a choice between a free afternoon either on board the ship (which will remain docked in Aswan until tomorrow), or in the town of Aswan, OR you can join the ship's sightseeing programme. This sightseeing will likely include the 'Unfinished Obelisk', the High Dam (already seen), and Philae temple, also already visited, but some passengers enjoy seeing it again during daylight hours. Overnight on Nile cruise. NTS cruise (or similar). All meals. 
  
Day 7   Nile Cruise: Kom Ombo & Edfu
 
We will make a stop and visit the Temple of Kom Ombo. In ancient times, Kom Ombo was strategically important as a trading town on the caravan route from Nubia to Cairo. Kom Ombo, actually two temples in one, is dedicated dually to Haroeris and Sobek, respectively the god of the sky and the crocodile-headed god. Here we are able to see the remains of a mummified crocodile. Crocodiles no longer exist in the Egyptian part of the River Nile, but in Pharaonic times they lived here in great numbers and were worshipped as gods! From Kom Ombo we continue along the River Nile toward Edfu. As the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic temple, albeit Greek-built, Edfu is dedicated to the god Horus. Construction of this temple began under Ptolemy III Euergetes I in 237 BC. We will allow time to explore this massive and impressive site, enclosed by walls and flanked by two large pylon gateways. Here we will also be able to see a Nilometer -- an ancient technique of measuring the Nile's water fluctuations and setting the level of taxes! Overnight on Nile cruise. NTS cruise (or similar). All meals. 
  
Day 8   Nile Cruise: Luxor Carriage Tour & Karnak Temple
 
Overnight or early this morning we will have arrived at Luxor. This morning we will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Luxor to visit one of the most fantastic archaeological sites in the world: Karnak Temple. Karnak was built, added to, dismantled, restored, enlarged and decorated during its colourful history of over 1,500 years. At certain points in Egyptian history, this temple was the most important in all of Egypt. When we arrive at the temple you will be awed by the grandeur of the tremendous pylon gateway and the Avenue of 1,000 Sphinxes that originally ran all the way to the Nile and Luxor Temple! We will have a guided tour of the complex, massive by any standard. Our carriage ride continues through the town of Luxor and surrounding countryside. This is one of the best ways to see local town and village life in Egypt where we see the "fellahin" (farmers) at work. During time on your own this afternoon, we suggest a visit to the excellent Luxor Museum. Overnight on Nile cruise (docked at Luxor). NTS cruise (or similar). All meals. 
  
Day 9   Luxor: Valley of the Queens
 
Today we disembark our cruise and move to our hotel in Luxor. This morning we make an excursion the Valley of the Queens. After crossing the Nile we will board our bus for the short journey to visit this wonderful necropolis on the western shore of the Nile. The Valley of the Queens was used as a burial site for the royal women of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. Ancient Egyptians called this place "Set Neferu" meaning Seat Of Beauty, and today only a few of the eighty tombs are open to the public. We will visit 3 tombs. The Valley of the Queens holds far more than graves of queens. High officials had been buried here before the first queen. Royal children were also buried here next to the queens. As well as our visit to the Valley of the Queens we will also have a guided tour of the workers' village and the Madinat Habu temple. Madinat Habu, also known as the temple of Rameses III was known in ancient times as Djanet, and according to ancient belief, was the place were Amon first appeared. Both Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III built a temple dedicated to Amon here, and later Rameses III constructed his larger memorial temple on the site. Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 10   Luxor: Valley of the Kings
 
Early this morning we cross the River Nile by boat to the West Bank where the wealth of antiquities is outstanding. On the other side we will meet our transport for our excursion into the Valley of the Kings. Our preferred method of travel today is by donkey (though we can arrange a minibus for those who do not wish to travel in this manner). After we "saddle-up" we begin our trek through the New Gourna Village and into the countryside. En route we will pass by the Colossi of Memnon. These two huge statues sit side by side; they originally flanked the entry to the funerary temple of Amenophis III. The Colossi were named from a legend explaining the phenomenon of the dawn. Excellent photo opportunities occur here with you on your donkey and the Colossi in the background. We continue from here along the road leading into the hills. From where the road forks, we travel along the stony pathway toward the cliff ridge. Our donkey ride from here on offers breathtaking views of the Nile valley below. At some points, we make brief stops for photographs and to give our donkeys a rest; there are also some parts of the trail that we have to walk as the burden to the donkey would be too much. When we arrive at a ridge overlooking the Valley of the Kings we will dismount from our donkeys and walk the remainder of the way down into the valley. It is a short but steep walk; a good pair of shoes or lightweight hiking boots will be required. Once in the isolated valley dominated by large pyramid-shaped mountains, we will have a guided tour of three of the many tombs that are here. The valley was the burial ground for pharaoh kings throughout the New Kingdom. Note that some of the tombs have steep stairways and all are dark inside. It is a good idea to have a small flashlight with you today for a closer inspection of the interior of the tombs. When we have finished the guided tour of the Valley of the Kings. We then proceed to the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut -- the first woman to rule as pharaoh! We have a tour of this impressive complex, discovered in the mid-19th century and still under restoration. The temple's 37 m- (121 foot-) wide causeway leads us to three huge terraced courts. After our tour we return by donkey (or minibus) through the countryside to the river. We may be invited into a village home for some tea before returning to Luxor. Tonight you may choose to visit the Sound and Light show at Karnak Temple (optional). Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 11   Luxor - Kharga Oasis
 
Today we travel by road to Kharga Oasis, the southernmost of Egypt's five western oases. It is located in the Libyan Desert, about 200 km to the west of the Nile valley, and is some 150 km long. The oases have always been crossroads of caravan routes converging from the barren desert. In the case of Kharga, this is made particularly evident by the presence of a chain of fortresses that the Romans built to protect the Darb el-Arbain, the long caravan route running north-south between Middle Egypt and the Sudan. Stunning views of the surrounding desert and the charm of the mountains create a wonderful atmosphere of pureness and serenity. This afternoon you can enjoy the amenities of our resort. Overnight at Kharga Oasis. Sol Y Mar Pioneers Resort. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 12   Kharga Oasis - Luxor
 
This morning we visit the Temple of Hibis, built on the site of an 18th dynasty settlement of Saites, Persians and Ptolemies. One of the few Persian monuments in Egypt, the 6th century BC temple is well-preserved with painted vultures and huge reliefs of Darius greeting Egyptian gods on the outer walls. Ten kilometers away, the Necropolis of al-Bagawat contains 263 mud-brick chapels with Coptic murals, including the Chapel of Peace with images of Adam and Eve and the Ark on its dome and the Chapel of the Exodus with frescoes of pharaonic troops pursuing the Jews led by Moses, out of Egypt. Pharaonic monuments include the al-Hhuwaytah Temple which dates from 522 BC and the Temple of Amenebis. We return to Luxor. Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 13   Luxor - Cairo: Archaeological Museum & Islamic Cairo
 
This morning we fly from Luxor to Cairo and proceed immediately to the famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities where we see some of Egypt's most beloved treasures. Among the 100,000 pieces housed on the museum's two floors is the famous exhibit of Tutankhamun whose tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. The tomb and treasures of this young Pharaoh, modest by Pharaonic Egyptian standards, is perhaps the best preserved of the discovered tombs. We also see archaeological relics from the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom and Greco-Roman periods. Our tour today is fully guided by our English-speaking guide. We also allow some time for you to explore the treasures on your own (Mummies Room: approx US $10 extra cost). After a break for lunch, we proceed to Islamic Cairo where we will tour the Citadel, begun by Saladin in the 12th century. Today the Citadel's buildings are mainly from the Ottoman period, and are truly grand. From the Citadel, actually a complex of three mosques and four museums, we enjoy an amazing view of Cairo spread beneath the hilltop. Here we will see the fabulous Mosque of Mohammed Ali, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque." Overnight in Cairo-Heliopolis. Novotel Airport (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 14   Cairo, Egypt - Amman, Jordan
 
This morning we will fly from Cairo to Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Amman, the modern and ancient capital of Jordan, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the World. The city's modern buildings blend with the remnants of ancient civilizations. The profusion of gleaming white houses, kebab stalls with roasting meat, and tiny cafes where rich Arabian coffee is sipped in the afternoon sunshine, conjure a mood straight from a thousand and one nights. Overnight in Amman. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 15   Amman: Jerash & Amman City Tour
 
This morning we leave Amman by bus for a tour of the extensive Roman site of Jerash. In the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, Jerash was a wealthy city and is today considered one of the most important and best preserved of all Roman sites. We visit the famous elliptical forum, the beautiful amphitheatre with its superb natural acoustics, and the site of the huge Temple of Artemis. This afternoon we tour Amman, visiting the Roman amphitheatre, Folklore Museum, Museum of Popular Traditions, Archaeological Museum, and the ruins of the Temple of Hercules. Overnight in Amman. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 16   Amman - Madaba - Mt Nebo - Petra
 
This morning we travel to Madaba, a small town famous for its magnificent mosaic floors. A unique mosaic covers the floor of St. George's church and consists of a huge map of the Holy Land as it appeared in the 6th century AD. Driving to the edge of the Jordan Valley we reach Mount Nebo from where Moses and the Children of Israel first saw the Promised Land. On a clear day you can look down to see the Dead Sea and the River Jordan. On the other side of the valley is the city of Jerusalem. Here we see a huge mosaic of hunting scenes covers the floor of a ruined Byzantine church. We leave Mt Nebo and travel south via the Dead Sea Highway to Petra, arriving in the afternoon. Overnight in Petra. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 17   Petra: Site Tour
 
Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from the fourth century BC to the 2nd century AD. From the 12th century until its rediscovery in 1812, Petra was lost to the world -- a closely guarded secret of the local tribes. Today the 'rose red city half as old as time' is probably the most impressive archaeological site in the Middle East, rivaling the temples and pyramids of Egypt in grandeur. This morning, on our way into the hidden valley of Petra, we will see the Obelisk Tomb and the irrigation system that carried water from a dam throughout the desert city. Access to the monuments of Petra is through a narrow gorge in the towering rocks called the 'Siq'. As we emerge from the 'Siq' you stand in awe in front of the 'Treasury' (El Kazneh), a graceful structure carved from the living rock. After pausing to admire the elegant columns and carvings we carry on into the valley where elaborate tombs are carved into the multi-coloured walls. Everywhere the sandstone swirls and twists in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink and white. Next we will see the Roman amphitheatre, carved directly out of the mountain, with space for over 3,000 spectators. Further on in the main valley of Petra, are the Royal Tombs including the Palace Tomb and the Silk Tomb. We visit the temple of the Nabataeans' main god, Dushara, and we also see the 'Temple of the Winged Lion'. Our formal guided tour of the site terminates with a visit to the Petra Nabataean Museum. At this point, you may explore further on your own, or return to our hotel to relax and / or shop. You may also take a strenuous walk up a narrow pass to see the magnificent 'Monastery' building, El Deir. The views of Petra and the surrounding area are expansive. The walk is steep, mostly on steps carved into the rock, and will take APPROXIMATELY one hour up (30 minutes down). This evening after dinner you may like to go for a drink in a bar partly built into a 2,000 year-old Nabataean tomb! NOTE: Access to Petra is by means of footpath only. The main sites occur near ground that is level and well-worn, though the overall site is huge. Our pace is leisurely with frequent breaks; however, to fully experience Petra you must be prepared for a considerable amount of walking and little shade. Overnight at Petra. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 18   Petra: El Beidha & Leisure Time
 
This morning we take a tour by bus to the nearby site of 'el Beidha' (known as 'Little Petra'). We will also see a settlement dating from the Neolithic period, some 8,500 years ago. This is one of the oldest sights in the Middle East; it shows evidence of habitation by a Pre-Pottery population who were herders experimenting with agriculture. We return to our hotel by bus. This afternoon, you can either relax or re-enter the breathtaking main site of Petra (the entrance fee today is at your own expense). You can join your Tour Leader on a steep walk to the 'High Place', which (some believe) was the site of human sacrifice to the Nabataean gods. From here it is possible to see the tomb of the Jewish prophet, Aaron. This site offers the best views of the entire site of Petra, but should be attempted only by the fit! Overnight at Petra. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 19   Petra - Aqaba - Wadi Rum - Aqaba
 
Leaving Petra we stop briefly at 'the Spring of Moses', supposed to have magical properties. We then continue down the Desert Highway to Jordan's only port, Aqaba, on the Red Sea. We will have time this afternoon to relax or visit the Red Sea beaches. Later this afternoon we make an excursion to Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia conducted many of his campaigns during the First World War. While at Wadi Rum we take four wheel drive vehicles out into the desert where the sand is red and the rocks look like gigantic multi-layered chocolate cakes melting in the setting sun. We may be invited into a goat-hair tent to share a glass of tea with some Bedouin tribesmen -- the nomadic herdsmen of the desert who made up Lawrence's army. Running along the floor of the valley is the Hejaz Railway that Lawrence blew up repeatedly. After sunset we return to Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 20   Aqaba - Shobak - Kerak - Dead Sea
 
Today we travel along the historic King's Highway. Along this route castles and towns were positioned a one day's travel distance apart. The first castle we come to is Shobak Castle, built by the Crusaders in 1115 and sacked by Moslem forces under Saladin in 1189. Farther north we explore Kerak Castle, also a 12th century Crusaders fortress. The castle's huge water cisterns and commanding position on a hill top allowed it to hold out against many sieges. We continue to the Dead Sea. King David, King Herod, Jesus, and John the Baptist were closely linked with the Dead Sea and its surroundings. During the Egyptian conquest it is said that Queen Cleopatra obtained exclusive rights to build cosmetic and pharmaceutical factories in the area. Later the Nabataeans discovered the value of bitumen extracted from the Dead Sea used by the Egyptians. Our hotel is located on the shores of the sea where you will have the chance to swim and experience your amazing buoyancy in the ultra-salty waters. Overnight at the Dead Sea. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 21   Dead Sea, Jordan - Bosra - Damascus, Syria
 
Today we cross from Jordan into Syria and make our way to Bosra, where we discover a beautiful Roman amphitheatre hidden inside an Arab castle. Bosra is rich in its layers of history; at various times in antiquity it has been a capital city under the Nabateans and the Romans, when it became the capital of their province of Arabia. An important Christian city, it was here that a monk met a young man named Mohammed and foretold of his imminent prophethood. We will pass through the Gate of the Wind and see one of the three oldest mosques in the world, among other sights. The ancient city is especially striking because of the dark basalt rock used in its construction and the fact that there are still people living on the site itself. From here we drive northward to Damascus, across the fertile Hauran Plain, Syria's breadbasket. Off in the distance, to the west, we might catch a glimpse of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. Damascus is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, and reports run back at least 3,500 years. Many claim that Damascus is the oldest continued inhabited city in the world. While modern Damascus is today a largely modern Middle Eastern city, it was famous for centuries, and often referred to as the "Pearl of the East". Overnight in Damascus. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 22   Damascus: Great Ommayad Mosque & Azem Palace
 
Today we walk within the old city, surrounded by an ancient wall which originally had seven gates named in Roman times after the stars that made up the constellation of the Seven Sisters. We see the remains of the massive Roman Temple of Jupiter, walk through the absorbing Hamadieh Market, and visit the Great Ommayad Mosque, one of the first great mosques of the Muslim world built in AD 718 by the Caliph el-Walid. After a visit to Saladin's tomb, we continue to a visit of the lovely Azem Palace, seat of the Ottoman governor during the 18th and 19th centuries. In its airy courts, we can imagine the Ottoman ruler savouring a warm Damascene evening, looking up at the three minarets of the great mosque illuminated by a full summer moon. The Azem Palace is today an ethnographic museum displaying the costumes of the different classes of Syrian society in the different parts of this varied country. You will have some free time later in the afternoon for shopping or exploring on your own. Overnight in Damascus. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 23   Damascus: National Museum & Christian Quarter
 
This morning we visit the immense National Museum with its monumental gateway transported from an Umayyad (Ommayad) fortress in the Syrian Desert. The collections in the museum span a period of over 9,000 years and include the brightly-painted frescoes from one of the oldest synagogues in the world. At the Takiyyeh as-Sulaymaniyyeh we see a beautiful Turkish mosque built in 1554. Next to the mosque is a Sixteenth Century Ottoman caravanserai which has been converted into a handicraft centre where you can see traditional Syrian handicrafts being made and sold. In the afternoon we will enter the Christian quarter to walk along the Street Called Straight (mentioned in the Bible). Near the great gate, Bab as-Sharqi, we visit the Chapel of Ananias where St Paul hid after his conversion to Christianity. This afternoon is free for you to explore old Damascus. This evening we finish our day by driving up to Mount Kassioun for a view over all Damascus Overnight in Damascus. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 24   Departure
 
Departure from Damascus. Breakfast. BON VOYAGE! |

10/09