Istanbul to Cairo
Travel through Turkey, Syria, Jordan and the Sinai on this historical adventure. Experience the bustling bazaars in Istanbul, see the rock-cut facades of Petra, climb Mt Sinai for an arresting panorama and relax at a Red Sea beach camp.
From £1440 (Maximum group size 14)
Haggle your heart out in the bazaars of Istanbul, experience local hospitality at an Urfa homestay, unearth the stormy history of Syria, follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones, take a desert safari through Wadi Rum, scramble up the slopes of Mt Sinai, enjoy a Red Sea beach camp, see the Pyramids of Giza, and explore Cairo's souqs.
Summary Itinerary
The start point Hotel Eris is situated in the heart of the historical centre of Istanbul, within each reach of transport links and a stone's throw away from Sirkeci train station. It is within easy walking distance of the Gülhane zoological garden, the Egyptian bazaar, the archeological museum, the Blue Mosque, and the St Sophia museum.
Day 1
Istanbul: Experience the electric energy of the Grand Bazaar or learn about harem life at Topkapi Palace.
Day 2
Pamukkale: Visit gleaming travertine pools, renowned for their healing properties since Roman times.
Day 3
Selcuk: Explore the ancient city of Ephesus.
Days 4-5
Fethiye: Take a 12-island cruise around Fethiye Korfezi or soak up the sun on the iconic Oludeniz beach
Day 6
Antalya: Wander among the graciously restored Ottoman houses and scattered Roman ruins.
Days 7-8
Goreme: Explore valleys dotted with unworldly fairy chimneys and pigeon houses.
Day 9
Nemrut Dagi: Venture into rural Turkey and the ancient lands of King Antiochus to see the giant heads of Nemrut Dagi.
Day 10
Sanliurfa: Enjoy a homestay and a traditional meal with local friends.
Days 11-12
Aleppo: Discover the ruined citadel, browse in the fabulous covered souq or stroll through the Christian quarters.
Days 13-14
Damascus: Syria's glamorous capital is a maze of ancient alleyways, lively bazaars and gorgeous architecture contributed by the Persians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs.
Day 15
Amman: Cross the border into Jordan.
Days 16-17
Petra: Spend time exploring this huge complex featured so spectacularly in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Day 18
Wadi Rum: Enjoy a desert safari and spend the night under the stars.
Days 19-20
Red Sea Beach Camp: Cross into Egypt and enjoy the Red Sea at leisure - maybe snorkel the warm waters or sit down for a seafood feast.
Day 21
Mt Sinai: Scale the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Days 22-23
Cairo: Explore the souqs, museums or perhaps venture out to the Pyramids of Giza.
What price includes
- Trip accompanied by a group leader
- Wadi Rum 4WD safari and desert camp
- Mt Sinai climb with local guide and your group leader
- homestay (1 nt), overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
- hotels (17 nts), beach huts (2 nts), desert camp (1 nt)
- Carbon emissions offset: 624 kgs per person
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Hotel Eris, Istanbul
Istanbul's Sirkeci station
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
The start point Hotel Eris is within a stone's throw from Sirkeci train station.
How to get there:
Train from London to Istanbul
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Capsis Palace Hotel, Cairo
Cairo Governorate station
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
The end point Capsis Palace Hotel is within close distance to Cairo's Governorate train station by taxi. You can now take the ferry between Venice in Italy and Alexandria in Egypt.
How to get back:
Train from Cairo to London (via Venice)
