Istanbul to Cairo Adventure

Arrive in Istanbul 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 Tour Leader and fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. 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 that this is a Basics level tour. It is designed for 18-39 year olds who want to choose the activities they would like to participate in, rather than have them included as part of the tour price.
As a result, entrance fees are not included. Please note "guided walk" means the services of a guide are provided, and transport to the site, but entrance fees, where applicable, are extra. Please refer to the optional activity section of these notes for approximate prices. To help you plan your budget, the activities most travellers choose to do are marked with an astrix *.

Overnight in Istanbul.

We begin our day with an orientation walking tour of Istanbul. During this tour we will point out attractions such as the Aya Sofya and the Topkapi Palace, which you will want to return to and explore during your free time, as well as visiting and hearing the stories behind many of Istanbul’s sights, not to mention discovering some of your leader's hidden city secrets.

We will take a walk through the atmospheric Spice Bazaar. Built in 1660, it is also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, as this is where many of the spices were originally imported from. This market was, and still is, the centre of Istanbul's spice trade. Head downhill to the Bosphorus. The local ferries here are a great way to see the city from the water, on the cheap. The newly renovated Galata bridge now houses many bars and restaurants, and is a great place to grab the traditional Turkish fisherman's lunch of fresh, fried fish in a roll, washed down with a cold beer. Walking back towards the Sultanahmet region, your leader will point out the Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans and their harems, as well as the fascinating Archaeological and Ancient Oriental Museums, located in a nearby park. Once in Sutanahmet Park, your leader will explain a little about the tumultuous history behind the Aya Sofya – we recommend a visit during your free time.

We explore the spectacular Blue Mosque, admiring the beautiful symmetry and internal tile work of the building. As it is a working mosque, take the chance to learn more about the ceremony behind Islam, the religion of around 98% of Turks. In front of the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome was once the scene of chariot races and now houses monuments from various periods of Istanbul’s history. Although there is little sign of it now, Divan Lu was once famous amongst travellers on the 70’s Hippy Trail for it’s western food and relaxed atmosphere. En route, your leader will point out a couple of hamams, or Turkish baths- an unmissable Turkish experience.

Passing by various graveyards, mosques and tea houses, our path leads uphill to Istanbul’s grandest mosque complex and hilltop landmark, the Suleymaniye Camii. Learn more about the famous Sultan who is buried here, as well as the master architect who designed these beautiful buildings almost 500 years ago. There are many traditionally dressed sellers in this area selling refreshing glasses of sherbert for just a few cents- worth a try on a hot day! You are free to stay and explore the Grand Bazaar (please note it's closed on Sundays). Why not have lunch at one of this area’s many restaurants or you may choose to accompany your leader back to the hotel. The remainder of your time is free until we depart for the train station this evening.

In the evening, we set off for the station ready to board our overnight sleeper night train, departing at 10pm this evening. Our cabins on board are 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 to reach Turkey's capital, Ankara.

Overnight on the sleeper train.

Approx. travel time:
Istanbul to Ankara, 9.5 hours

After alighting our train in Ankara, we transfer by public bus for approximately 5 hours to the town of Goreme, our base for exploring Cappadocia. Time here is free for exploration.

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. Hire a bike or catch a local bus and explore some of the other villages in the area. The village of Mustafapasa, is a popular choice. Many of the houses here date back to the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth centuries and display fine examples of stonework.

One of the best ways to explore Cappadocia is on foot. Take the two-hour trek through the beautiful Pigeon Valley, named after its many dovecotes. Explore many old houses, churches and orchards, all with stunning views. The walk finishes in the town of Uçhisar, which is well worth exploring. The natural castle-like fortress riddled with manmade cave homes and dovecotes, dominates 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. Why not book a dawn balloon ride for an incredible bird’s eye view.

During one of your evenings here, you will have the option of having dinner with a local family. While enjoying the homemade menu, with dishes that vary according to the food in season, take the chance to ask our friendly hosts all about life in rural Cappadocia.

Overnight in Goreme.(two nights)

Approx travel time:
Ankara to Goreme, 5 hours

We continue our journey to the beautiful Ihlara Valley.

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.

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.

We overnight in Ihlara.

Approx travel time:
Goreme to Ihlara, 1.5 hours

We have a long travel day today. We travel by private vehicle to the town of Nigde where we make the change to public bus to complete our journey to Antakya, where we spend the night.


Overnight in Antakya.

Approx travel time:
Ihlara to Nigde, 1.5 hours
Ihlara to Antakya, 5 hours

Early on Day 7, we depart Turkey bound for Aleppo.

Saying goodbye to our Turkish leader at the Turkish border, we cross into Syria where our Syrian guide, will be waiting and assist with immigration formalities.

Aleppo is Syria's second largest city 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 8 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 in Aleppo.(two nights)

Approx travel time:
Antakya to border, 1 hour
Border crossing Turkey-Syria, 1-2 hours
Border to Aleppo, 1 hour

Walk the ramparts and vaulted passageways of one of the most picture perfect Crusader castles to be found 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.
Be sure to pack a flashlight so you can explore its many hidden corners.

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.

Overnight in Hama.

Approx travel time:
Aleppo to Krac des Chevaliers, 2 hours
Krac des Chevaliers to Hama, 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.

Overnight in Palmyra.

Approx travel time:
Hama to Palmyra, 3 hours

We make our way to one of the oldest cities on earth, Damascus. The city is blessed with a fascinating old town. 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 12 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 in Damascus.(two nights)

Approx travel time:
Palmyra to Damascus, 3.5 hours

Saying farewell to Syria this morning, we cross the border into Jordan and meet our local guide. En route to Amman, Jordan's capital. There may be chance to take an optional visit to the Roman ruins of Jerash enroute.

In Amman why not visit the citadel with its massive ancient cisterns and great views over the hills of the city and downtown, or the impressively restored central Roman theatre that can hold 6000 people which still houses regular cultural events.

Overnight in Amman.

Approx travel time:
Damascus to Syrian border, 1.5 hours
Border crossing Syria-Jordan, 1 to 2 hours
Jordanian border to Amman, 1.5 hours

After breakfast, we depart for the long but very interesting drive by way of the King's Highway to our destination, Petra.

Our first stop is the town of Madaba, where you have the option of viewing some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including a famous sixth century mosaic map of Palestine.

We continue on to Mount Nebo, which is believed to be the possible site of Moses' death and has thus been a centre for pilgrimages since earliest Christian times. Enjoy stunning views from its summit of the surrounding countryside and into Israel.

A visit to the Dead Sea is a unique experience and a real trip highlight. Bob like a cork in the salt-dense waters or cover yourself in the sea's unique mud, which is reputed to have healing powers.

Late in the afternoon, we arrive in Wadi Musa, our base for exploring the ancient Nabataean city of Petra.

Day 15 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.

This evening you have the option to visit "Petra by Night". Please ask your tour leader for details.

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

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

Enjoy a free morning. Choose to enjoy a well earned sleep in, or a return visit to Petra. There is also the option to explore Little Petra, the remains of a settlement even older than Petra.

In the afternoon we drive an hour and a half to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds, the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Now the home of several Bedouin Tribes, Wadi Rum has been inhabited for generations. These hospitable and friendly desert people are settled in Wadi Rum in scattered nomadic camps throughout the area. We head into the desert by 4x4 to arrive at our tented home for the night, where we enjoy a traditional meal and traditional music.

Our camp at Wadi Rum is simple but comfortable. We sleep on beds in one long goat-hair tent, which is divided by blankets into twin-share “rooms” for privacy. A bottom sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, but most people prefer to bring along a travel sleep sheet (sleeping bag liner sheet). Of course, you may choose to take your bedding outside and experience sleeping under the desert stars.
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 that is 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. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Please note, due to religious reasons, no alcohol is permitted at the camp.

We spend the evening sitting under the stars, around the fire enjoying the silence only the desert can bring.

Overnight in Wadi Rum (desert camp with shared facilities).

Approx travel time:
Petra to Wadi Rum, 1.5 hours

Welcome to the land of the Pharaohs as we transfer from Jordan to Egypt.
This morning, we board a ferry to cross the Gulf of Aqaba and make our way to Egypt. The ferry is modern with air-conditioning, comfortable seats and café facilities. The trip will take approximately one and a half hours.

Please note that there is only one daily ferry from Aqaba to Nuweiba. This ferry has no set schedule, and is extremely erratic, as it waits in Jordan until it is full before making the crossing to Egypt. While experience has shown us the time at which 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 bear in mind that the ferry is public and therefore out of G Adventures' control.

After all this travel it is time for some R & R as we head to our beach getaway, the chilled Red Sea town of Dahab. Dive, snorkel, or just relax with a cold drink and a book at one of the many beach side cafes as this travellers' favourite.

Overnight (two nights) in hotel

Approx travel time:
Wadi Rum to Aqaba, 1 hour
Ferry to Nuweiba, 1.5 hours (waiting time in Aqaba could be anything up to 3-4 hours)
Nuweiba to Dahab, 1 hour.

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

There are two ways of reaching the summit: by 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 including personal fitness and weather conditions but allow 2-3 hours to reach the summit and approximately 2 hours to descend.

In the summer the group may wish to spend most of this day at Dahab and arrive in St Catherine in the afternoon, waking up early the following morning for a sunrise climb to the summit. Those who do not wish to climb are welcome to stay and relax at our village hotel.

Overnight in hotel in the village of St Catherine.

Approx travel time:
Dahab to St Catherine, 1.5 hours

Cross the Suez Canal and learn more about the construction and interesting history of this groundbreaking stretch of water. Upon entering Egypt's bustling capital, we will take a short orientation walk of Cairo downtown before taking the chance to celebrating our odyssey with a final farewell dinner.

Please note, as we arrive into Cairo in the late afternoon, there is not much time spent in the city on this itinerary. We recommend you spend a few extra days here at the end of your tour, 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, why not round off your travels with one of our Egypt itineraries to see all this ancient and fascinating country has to offer.

Overnight in Cairo.

Approx travel time:
St Catherine's to Cairo, 6 hours

You are free to depart at any time today. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. 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.