Cairo to Istanbul Adventure

Arrive in Cairo at any time. As your fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities, so check-in to the hotel (check-in time is approx 3pm) and enjoy the city. In the evening meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. Your tipping kitty will be collected as this time (please refer to the "tipping" section of these notes for more information) . Check the notice boards or ask at reception for the exact time and location of this group meeting. After the meeting, you can head out for a meal at a local restaurant with the group (optional). If you arrive late, no worries, your Tour Leader will leave you a message at the front desk.

Please note, there is not much time spent in Cairo on this itinerary. Arrive a few days early to make sure you have time to explore the Pyramids and Sphinx, as well as the Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo Khan al Khalili bazaar and more. Better yet, start your travels with one of our Egypt itineraries to see all this ancient and fascinating country has to offer.

If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer (please refer to the joining instructions section of tour dossier for more information).

This morning transfer by private vehicle to the town of St. Catherine, our base for climbing Mt. Sinai. This is a journey of around 6 hours. Mt. Sinai, the place where the Ten Commandments were said to have been revealed to Moses, is perfect for viewing a glorious sunset.

Depending on time, the weather and group wishes, you may like to climb this afternoon for sunset or wake early and climb for sunrise the following day. There are two ways to the summit: the camel path, where it is possible to hire a camel to take you most of the way up; or, the "quick but deadly" 3750 stairs to the top. Timings depend on various factors but allow 2-3 hours to reach the summit and approximately 2 hours to descend.

Overnight in St. Catherine village.

Approximate travel time: 6 hours

Those who are returning from a sunrise climb of Mount Sinai will be transferred back to our hotel in town for their much-needed breakfast and to join the rest of the group before we set off on an optional visit to the Monastery of St Catherine, the smallest diocese and oldest Christian monastery still in use in the world. It houses not only a rich collection of icons and precious manuscripts but is said to contain the biblical Burning Bush.

From here we head to our beach getaway near Nuweiba for some relaxation in seaside paradise. Our getaway provides the perfect location, with plenty of time for snorkelling in the Red Sea, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach.

Overnight in twin share beach front hotel.

Approx travel time:
St Catherine to beach hotel, 1.5 hours

After spending the morning at the beach, this afternoon it is time to say goodbye to your Egyptian leader as we board a ferry to cross the Gulf of Aqaba to begin the Jordanian leg of our adventure.

The ferry is simple but does have air-conditioning and airline style seats.
Upon entering the ferry, you will be given a Jordanian arrival card to fill out and hand in with your passports to the ferry's immigration official. You will receive a receipt (in Arabic) in return. When you disembark the ferry, it is a very short bus ride to the Arrivals Hall where your passports will be stamped and waiting for you. You will not be accompanied by your Egyptian tour leader for this short journey, but upon arrival at the terminal building in Jordan, your Jordanian tour leader will be there to meet and assist you through the customs and immigration procedures.

Please note that there is only one daily ferry from Nuweiba to Aqaba. This ferry has no set schedule and is extremely erratic, as it waits in Jordan until it is full and then makes the crossing to Egypt to collect us and return to Jordan. While experience has shown us the time that it usually departs, it is not unknown for the ferry to be delayed sometimes up to 3-4 hours. While we will do our best to keep you comfortable during this time, we do ask our clients to please keep in mind that the ferry is a public service and therefore out of G Adventures' control.

Your CEO will collect 50 Egyptian pounds from each person to pay for the Egyptian departure tax at the ferry terminal.

Approx travel time:
Beach camp to ferry terminal, 30 mins
Waiting time at ferry terminal, up to 3-4 hours
Ferry Nuweiba to Aqaba, 1.5 hours
Ferry terminal to Aqaba hotel, 15 mins

Blessed with some of the most spectacular desert scenery you will ever see, Wadi Rum is home to the nomadic Bedouin people. We head deep into the desert by 4x4 to arrive at our tented home for the night, where we enjoy a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture.

Our camp at Wadi Rum is simple but comfortable. We sleep on beds in one long goat-hair tent, divided by blankets into twin-share “rooms” for privacy. A bottom sheet and blanket is provided but most people prefer to bring along a travel sleep sheet (sleeping bag liner sheet). Bathroom facilities are shared and unisex and located around 20 metres from the camp. Although the way is lit by lanterns, it is a good idea to have a torch/flashlight with you. There is a large, central tent, traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter.

Our dinner is cooked in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked under the ground in an earth oven. Please note, due to religious reasons, no alcohol is permitted at the camp. We spend the evening sitting under the stars, around the fire, listening to stories from our Bedouin hosts. If we are really lucky they may even bring out their drums!

Overnight desert camp with shared facilities.

Approx travel time:
Aqaba to Wadi Rum, 1 hour

After breakfast at the camp, we visit Little Petra (Bayda),the remains of a settlement even older than Petra, before making our way to the hotel in Wadi Musa, 1km from Petra.

Day 7 see us on a full day tour of the extraordinary red rock city of ancient Petra. After winding our way down the 1km-long Siq, a narrow path of red sand flanked on either side by 80m-high walls of stone, your initial glimpse will be the impressive facade of the imposing Treasury. We continue our exploration of the site, taking in the various tombs, temples and Roman theatre located within the main city.
The afternoon is free to further explore the ancient city at your leisure. The more energetic may choose to take a hike to the lofty heights of the impressive Al Dier Monastery or the Place of High Sacrifice.

Overnight (two nights) in Wadi Musa, 1km from Petra.

Approx travel time:
Wadi Rum to Wadi Musa, 2 hours

After breakfast, we depart early for the long but very interesting drive by way of the King's Highway to our final destination, Jordan's capital, Amman.

First, we head to the town of Madaba, which has some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, where we will view the famous sixth century mosaic map of Palestine.

Our next stop is Mount Nebo, which is believed to be the possible site of Moses' death, making it a centre for pilgrimages since earliest Christian times. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and into Israel from the summit.

Our final stop is the Dead Sea were you can bob like a cork or cover yourself in the sea's unique mud, which is reputed to have healing powers. From here, we travel onwards to Amman where we'll spend the night in Jordan's capital city.

Approx travel time:
Wadi Musa to Dead Sea, 3 hours
Dead Sea to Mt Nebo, 1 hour
Mt Nebo to Madaba, 45 mins
Madaba to Amman, 1 hour

This morning, it is time to say goodbye to our jordanian guide as we travel by private bus to the Syrian border, ready to greet our local Syrian CEO.

The border formalities should take approximately 2 hours.

We continue, making our way to one of the oldest cities on earth, Damascus.
After checking into our hotel and a brief welcome meeting to inform you of this next section of your tour before setting off on an orientation walk of the Old City.

Exploring the Main Bazaar is like walking through a long covered street, particularly magical at night when lit up by lamps. Wander the shady vine-covered alleyways of the old town at dusk, watching groups of men drink tea and play backgammon.

The Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and largest in the world, is well-worth a visit. Its stunning courtyards and beautiful interior are just the beginning. This important site is said to be the home of the head of John the Baptist.

Later, find a coffee shop where the last of the Arabic story tellers perform their ancient trade and you get to sample the world famous Arabic coffee.

For those with a keen interest in history, the National Museum is well worth a visit. While not particularly well labelled in English, some of the displays are marvellous, such as the reconstructed burial chamber from the Valley of the Tombs in Palmyra and some wonderful mosaics.

On Day 10 there are the options of either a full day excursion to Lebanon, visiting Beirut and the ancient Roman city of Baalbak or a half day excursion to the Roman theatre at Bosra. Please refer to the Optional activities section of these notes for more information and costs for these activities.

Overnight (two nights) in Damascus.

Approx travel time:
Amman to Syrian border, 1 hour
Border crossing, up to 2 hours
Syrian border to Damascus, 1.5 hours

The once great city of Palmyra was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world. From the first to the second century, it became a major trading crossroads, with its art and architecture blending Roman, Persian and local influences. The city's greatest days were under Palmyra’s most fascinating ruler, Queen Zenobia, who ruled in the mid-third century and went on to rule Egypt before being captured by the Romans and taken to Rome in golden chains to live out the rest of her life.

Optional excursions include a visit to the imposing funerary towers of the Valley of the Tombs and the impressive 17th century hill top Arab castle, with its awesome views over ancient Palmyra.

Approx travel time:
Damascus to Palmyra, 3.5 hours

Walk the ramparts and vaulted passageways of one of the most picture perfect Crusader castles anywhere in the world. Krac des Chevaliers was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades. It housed a garrison of 2,000 and became the largest Crusader fortress in the Holy Land. Wandering this atmospheric castle is sure to bring back childhood memories of knights in shining armour and damsels in distress.

We make our way to the attractive town of Hama where we spend the evening. With the creak of its ancient water wheels never far away, the Old Town’s riverfront is a great place to enjoy a sunset drink or dinner at a restaurant with a view.

Approx travel time:
Palmyra to Krac des Chevaliers, 2 hours
Krac des Chevaliers to Hama, 1.5 hours

Aleppo’s covered markets, or souqs, are some of the most exotic in the entire Middle East and home to the country's largest Christian community.

This afternoon we take an orientation walk of the Old City with its covered markets (souks) and caravanserais, which are considered some of the most exotic in the entire Middle East.
Wandering the souks alleyways you’ll spot all kinds of foods, exotic herbs and spices, clothing and all manner of household goods.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the 8th century Grand Umayyad Mosque, which is rumoured to hold the head of Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist.

Dominating the skyline, is a huge man-made mountain housing Aleppo’s citadel with its 360 degree views of the city. Immediately outside the citadel’s imposing gates are a series of outdoor cafes, which are a great place to relax with a coffee or cold drink.
Aleppo’s Christian quarter is beautiful and well worth a visit. The cobbled streets and alleyways contain gift shops, art galleries and charming old houses, some of which have been converted into restaurants and bars. There are also several ancient churches worth seeking out.

On Day 14 there is the option to take a day trip to the ruins of the Monastery of St Simeon, famous as the place the saint spent his life preaching from the top of a high pillar.

Overnight 2 nights in Aleppo.

Approx travel time:
Hama to Aleppo, 3.5 hours

Today it's time to say goodbye to our Syrian tour leader and hello to Turkey.

We have a very early start as we have a long travel day today travelling by public bus, from Aleppo to Adana in Turkey.

After completing border formalities, the group will continue by public bus to the Turkish city of Antakya where you will meet your Turkish guide for the final leg of your adventure and continue on to the city of Adana where we spend this evening.

If time permits, use the opportunity to visit Adana's vast central mosque or take a local bus to the beautiful lakeside area. The city is also famous for its cuisine, including the Adana kebab; şalgam, a salty fermented juice made from turnips; Şırdan a kind of home-made sausage stuffed with rice, and eaten with cumin and last but not least, paça, boiled sheep's feet. Why not ask your leader to help you find some of these delicacies for tonight’s dinner!

Approx travel time:
Aleppo to border, 1 hour
Border crossing, up to 2 hours
Border to Antakya, 1 hour
Antakya to Adana, 3 hours

This morning we travel by public bus to the city of Aksaray, where we will transfer to a private bus and travel to Ihlara Gorge.

The Ihlara valley is a canyon with cliff-like walls 100-150m high, and was created long ago when the Melendiz River eroded into the region’s porous volcanic rock. The valley proved to be an ideal place for the seclusion and worship of monks, and a hideaway and defense area for people during times of invasion. The churches of the valley were decorated between the sixth and thirteenth centuries. We hike for approximately 3hours through the valley, exploring some of the numerous cave churches carved into the valley walls, all set in a stunning riverside canyon setting.

Approx travel time:
Adana to Aksaray, 3 hours
Aksaray to Ihlara, 1 hour

Today we travel to Goreme, our base for exploring the unique and magicial Cappadocia region.

Enroute, we travel to the village of Derinkuyu where you have the option to visit its amazing underground city first built by the Phrygians in the 8th–7th centuries B.C and later used to shelter Christians from persecution.

Why not visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks? There are more than 10 caves to visit, many of the churches are up to 1000 years old and still retain amazing colour and vibrancy.

A great option for your free time here is to hire a bike or catch a local bus and explore some of the other villages in the area. One of the best ways to explore Cappadocia is on foot. Take a two-hour trek through the beautiful Pigeon Valley, named for its many dovecotes. Explore old houses, churches and orchards, set in picturesque landscape. The walk ends in the town of Uchisar, where you'll find a natural castle-like fortress riddled with man-made cave homes and dovecotes, dominating the skyline of Cappadocia. This is a great place to take a lunch break in one of the many restaurants before catching a local bus back to Goreme.

One of the most beautiful vantage points to view this beautiful and unusual region is from the air. Weather permitting, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride is an experience you will never forget. During one of our evenings here, we have the option of travelling to a local village to become guests for dinner with a local family. While enjoying the homemade seasonal fare we can have the chance to ask our friendly hosts all about life in rural Cappadocia for some hands-on local interaction.

Overnight (two nights) in Göreme.

Approx travel time:
Ihlara to Goreme, 1.5 hours

After a final morning enjoying Goreme, we head by public bus to Turkey’s bustling capital, Ankara.

Our accommodation on the overnight train back to Istanbul is in comfortable shared 4-bunk compartments. They are air-conditioned and all bedding is provided. The toilet is located at the end of each carriage. There is also a dining car where you can purchase drinks and snacks. The journey should take approximately 9.5 hours.

Overnight on the sleeper train.

Approx travel time:
Goreme to Ankara, 4 hours
Istanbul to Ankara, 9.5 hours

We arrive in Istanbul in the morning (approx. 8am) and make our way by public ferry and tram to our centrally located hotel.
After storing our bags at the hotel, we head off on an orientation walking tour of Istanbul.
Explore the ancient Hippodrome, visit the spectacularly tiled Blue Mosque and shop till you drop at the Grand Bazaar.
This evening we can enjoy a final dinner to celebrate the end of a wonderful journey.

You are free to depart at any time on day 21.

We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.