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Tour Date: 14 Oct 2013 - 13 Nov 2013
Tour Cost ($AUD): $14,997
From the great Pyramid of Cheops in Cairo to the extraordinary lost city of Petra ... from the tombs of the pharaohs to mighty Mount Sinai ... from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea ... We invite you to join us on an adventure like no other. We believe we have put together the finest 32-day itinerary for any holiday to this part of the world. We show you all the incredible highlights of ancient Egypt and Jordan, including the legendary cities of Memphis, Aswan and Amman, the mysterious Valley of the Kings at Luxor and the famous ports of Hurghada and Aqaba. We also indulge in a three-night cruise on the Nile. Finally we drive into Syria, home of the two most continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus and Aleppo. The itinerary ends with the 'most fantastic castle in the world', Krak des Chevaliers. Ancient Kingdoms of the Desert is a true sojourn into history!
14/10/2013 Australia - Dubai
Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Dubai.
15/10/2013 Dubai - Cairo (D)
The Sphinx
Arrive Cairo 17.00
On arrival in Cairo we transfer to our hotel.
Pyramisa Hotel
Dokki
Cairo
Ph: 0011-20-2-33367000
16/10/2013 Cairo (BLD)
Pyramids at Cheops
Cairo is the largest city in Africa, with an extraordinary history. On the east side of the city is evidence of 2,000 years of Islamic, Christian and Jewish culture still flourishing to this day.
On the west side lies the ancient Egyptian city of Giza, the renowned capital of the old kingdom and the site of the Pyramids - the only one of the ancient Seven Wonders to have survived the ravages of time. As part of our city tour this morning we visit the incredible Archeological Museum, which houses the treasures of Tutankhamen.
17/10/2013 Cairo (BLD)
A shoppers paradise, Khan el-Khalili
Today we visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt and then drive into the desert to see the stepped pyramids of Saqqara. The stepped pyramid of King Zoser (2700-2620 BC) was the first pyramid and the largest stone building of its time. Beneath it runs a shaft, 28m deep, ending in the burial chamber of the king.
Afterwards we visit the Giza Pyramid complex, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Nearby and guarding the bodies of the dead, is the Great Sphinx. With the body of a lion and the head of a man, this awesome limestone structure is more than 2,700 years old. Tonight we attend a spectacular sound and light show.
18/10/2013 Cairo - Aswan (BLD)
Depart Cairo, Train 84
Today we have the chance to explore the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. This sprawling market, built in 1382, is a labyrinth of bustling alleys lined with traditional craft shops. Most of the shop fronts conceal cramped workshops where craftsmen still produce lanterns, inlaid boxes, water pipes and brassware using traditional techniques.
This evening we transfer to Cairo railway station for our overnight journey to Aswan. Dinner tonight is on board our train.
Depart Cairo 20.00
19/10/2013 Aswan (BLD)
A felucca near Aswan
Arrive Aswan 08.15
On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Pyramisa Isis Island
Isis Island
Aswan
Ph: 0011-20-97-2317400
Fx: 2317405
20/10/2013 Aswan - Abu Simbel (BLD)
The temple of Abu Simbel
Today we make an early morning start for the 300-km journey south to Abu Simbel. This wondrous temple was built by Ramesses II in ancient Nubia to demonstrate his power and divine nature. Four colossal statues of him sit in pairs flanking the entrance. The alignment of the temple is such that twice a year the sun's rays reach into the innermost sanctuary to illuminate the seated statues of Ptah, Amun-Re, Ramesses II and Re-Horakhty.
One of history's most breathtaking engineering feats was performed here when the Aswan High Dam was being constructed. The entire temple was cut out of the sandstone cliffs above the Nile and moved to higher ground to avoid being submerged by the waters of Lake Nasser.
21/10/2013 Aswan - board cruise ship (BLD)
Cruising on the Nile
After breakfast we transfer to our cruise ship. Before leaving the ancient city of Aswan we have a chance to visit the High Dam itself. Finished at the end of the 1960s, it is the second biggest dam ever built, while Lake Nasser is the largest man-made lake in the world. We also visit the Philae Temple, which lies between the old and new dams.
22/10/2013 Cruising the Nile (BLD)
Sound and light show at Kom Ombo
Today we set sail down the Nile to our first stop, Kom Ombo. In many ways the most beautiful temple to be seen from the Nile, Kom Ombo was a temple for medical pilgrimage where people came to seek healing. After our visit we sail on to Edfu.
23/10/2013 Cruising the Nile (BLD)
The Karnak Temple, Luxor
We pass the lock at Esna and continue down river to Luxor. Crossing to the east bank of the Nile we visit the magnificent Karnak Temple.
24/10/2013 Luxor (BLD)
Early evening at Karnak temple
Pyramisa Isis Luxor
Khaled Ibn El Waild Street
Luxor
Ph: 0011-20-95-2370100
Fax: 372923
25/10/2013 Luxor (BLD)
A felucca on the West Bank of the Nile, Luxor
After breakfast we explore both east and west banks of the Nile by felucca, visiting Queen Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossus of Memnon. We then have the option of taking a horse ride through the village of old Gourna. As we lunch in the village we can see everyday activities in the mud brick houses and sugar cane fields.
In the afternoon we visit one of the most outstanding archeological sites in the world. Located in a secluded valley over a mountain ridge and miles from civilisation, the Valley of the Kings was not discovered until the 1800s.Here there are approximately 60 excavated tombs, including those of Ramesses the Great and Tutankhamun, with many more yet to be uncovered. Many tombs were robbed thousands of years ago, but we can still see the fantastic painted hieroglyphics lining the corridors. Much can be learned from these pictures about ancient life in Egypt. Most tombs contained false entrances or false burial chambers to confuse robbers and deter them from finding the riches, which were thought to
be needed in the after-life.
26/10/2013 Luxor - Mount Sinai (BLD)
Depart Luxor Egypt Air MS 431, 06.25
Arrive Sharm El Sheik 07.15
The Sinai Peninsula
Daniela Village Hotel
Daniela Village
St Catherine's
Mt Sinai
Ph: 0011-20-237486712
27/10/2013 St Catherine's Monastery (BLD)
St Catherine's Monastery, Sinai
Often described as the 'undiscovered jewel of travel', St Catherine's Monastery lies in a spectacular location at the foot of Mount Moses.
St Catherine's is a formidable fortification with granite walls, surrounded by gardens and cypresses. Before the 20th century, the only entrance to St Catherine's was through a small door where provisions and people were hauled up by a system of pulleys, and where food was often lowered to nomads. It has withstood numerous attacks over its 1,400-year existence, thus protecting a rich store of art. Today it is one of the oldest working monasteries in the world and its orginal preserved state is unmatched.
28/10/2013 Crossing Red Sea - Aqaba (BLD)
Fishermen in Aqaba
This morning we leave St Catherine's Monastery and drive to the Red Sea port of Nuweiba. From there we take a ferry to the Jordanian port of Aqaba. After border formalities we transfer to our hotel.
Kempinski Hotel
King Hussein Street
Aqaba, Jordan
Ph: 0011-962-3-2090888
29/10/2013 Aqaba (BLD)
Coral reef of Pharaoh's Island,
Red Sea
The Red Sea has some of the most beautiful coral in the world and today we have a chance to experience this amazing part of the world as we take a relaxing boat ride to Pharaoh Island. For those who wish to take advantage of snorkelling from the boat, the experience is fantastic!
30/10/2013 Aqaba - Wadi Rum - Petra (BLD)
The great Wadi Rum Desert
This morning we drive to the spectacular valley of Wadi Rum. This is a magnificent desert with uniquely shaped mountains rising out of the rose-red sand. We share morning tea with some Bedouins and continue through to Petra.
Movenpick Hotel
Petra site
None Petra, Jordan
Ph: 0011-962-3-2157111
Fax:
31/10/2013 Petra (BLD)
The Siq, Petra
Hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, the 2,000-year-old rock-carved city of Petra is full of mystery. The approach through the cool gloom of the Siq, a long narrow chasm, provides a dramatic contrast to the magic that follows.
Suddenly the gorge opens into a natural square dominated by Petra's most famous monument, the Khasneh, with its unmistakable intricate facade. British explorer, Rose Macaulay, wrote in 1953: "If ever a dead city held romance it is Petra ... hewn out of ruddy rock in the midst of a mountain wilderness ... this lost caravan city staggers even the most experienced traveller."
01/11/2013 Petra - Dead Sea (BLD)
The Treasury, Petra
Today we head north to the Dead Sea. En-route we visit Karak Castle before continuing to Madaba. After lunch we head up to Mt Nebo for stunning views across the sea to Israel.
Described as the 'largest natural spa' in the world the Dead Sea, at 400m below sea level, is the lowest point on earth. Possessing its own micro-climate, it contains more salt and minerals than any other sea in the world. This evening we can experience a famous Dead Sea sunset as we barbeque by the shore.
Kempinski Hotel
Dead Sea Road
Dead Sea
Ph: 0011-962-5-3568888
02/11/2013 Dead Sea - Amman (BLD)
Hank Ekamper floats in the Dead Sea
Before we depart for Amman we have the chance to float in the Dead Sea and experience the healing and rejuvenating properties of its famous black mud.
Kempinski Amman
Abdul Hamid Shouman Street
Amman
Ph: 0011-962-6-5200200
Fx: 5200202
03/11/2013 Amman (BLD)
The lights of Amman
Amman is a city straddling seven hills where modern buildings blend with the remnants of ancient civilisations. The mass of gleaming white houses, kebab stalls and tiny cafes where rich Arabian coffee is sipped, conjure up a mood straight out of 1001 Nights.
04/11/2013 Amman - Bosra - Damascus (BLD)
Driving north we cross the border into Syria at Jabir, before arriving at one of the country's ancient jewels, Bosra. This ruined city still retains the atmosphere of a once-thriving metropolis, famous in its time for magnificent temples, plazas and in particular its magnificent amphitheatre. Seating some 15,000 spectators, it was built around the 2nd century AD and is one of the best preserved ancient theatres in the world. After our visit we continue to the Syrian capital. Damascus is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in the world and the Talisman Hotel is located in the downtown area.
Beit Zaman
Bab Touma Building NO.20
Damascus
Ph: 0011-963-11-5435380
Fx: 5411311
05/11/2013 Damascus (BLD)
Damascus
Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Despite rapid urbanisation in recent years, past and present still mingle at every turn. Today we explore the city, visiting Azem Palace, Saladin's Mausoleum, Straight Street and the Christian quarters of Bab Touma and Bab Sharqi.
In the afternoon we visit the amazing Souq Hamidye, before driving to the top of Qasioun Mountain for a panoramic view of the city.
06/11/2013 Damascus - Maaloula - Palmyra (BLD)
Maaloula
After breakfast we begin our drive to the oasis city of Palmyra. On the way we stop at Maaloula, which is one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the region. Located at 1,300m above sea level, the inhabitants still speak Aramaic, the language of Christ. From here we continue on to Palmyra.
Dedeman Palmyra
PO Box 135
Palmyra
Ph: 0011-963-31-5912230
07/11/2013 Palmyra (BLD)
The ruined city of Palmyra
Situated deep in the Syrian desert, halfway between the Mediterranean and the Euphrates, Palmyra is often referred to as the 'Queen of the Desert'. This oasis city was the stopping place for the many caravans en-route to the Arabian peninsula and India.
Today we explore the monumental ruins of this great settlement, which was once among the world's most important cultural centres. of the ancient world.
08/11/2013 Palmyra - Aleppo (BLD)
The waterwheels of Hama
This morning we begin our journey north, reaching the Euphrates at Deir Ez-Zor and continuing northwest to Aleppo. We visit Hama en-route, famous for its ancient waterwheels, or great Norias. They originate from the Byzantine times and are the oldest surviving wheels in the world.
On arrival in Aleppo we explore the wonderful labyrinth of souqs. There are no tourist shops here, just the ancient market stalls selling everything from spices to gold.
Sheraton Hotel
Al Khandaq Street
Aleppo
Ph: 0011-963-21-212 1111
Fx: 212 1136
09/11/2013 Aleppo (BLD)
Aleppo souk
This morning we start our exploration of Aleppo with a visit to Baron House. It is the most famous hotel in Aleppo, having been host to Agatha Christie, TE Lawrence, Roosevelt and Ataturk, as well as many other dignitaries. Afterwards we head up to the citadel. Dominating the city and dating back to the 3rd millenium BC, the citadel is considered to be one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. After lunch we explore the endlessly fascinating souks. Stone-vaulted, narrow alleyways lead one deeper and deeper into a world so far removed from the glitzy bright lights of modern shopping malls, that it is easy to lose oneself for hours!
10/11/2013 Aleppo - Krak des Chevaliers (BLD)
St Simeon's Monastery
Today we leave Aleppo and visit the fantastic monastery of Qalat Seman, where St Simeon is said to have spent 40 years preaching from the top of a column. Afterwards we travel through the beautiful mountainous countryside of western Syria, before arriving at our hotel near Krak des Chevaliers.
Al Wadi Hotel
Krak des Chevaliers
Syria
Ph: 0011-963-31-7730456
Fx: 7730399
11/11/2013 Krak des Chevaliers (BLD)
Krak des Chevaliers
Silhouetted against the blue sky at the pinnacle of a stone mountain, 650m above sea level, the castle of Krak des Chevaliers dominates the pass that is Syria's gateway to the Mediterranean.
Historians say that its completeness, setting, size and sheer magnificence make it the finest example of military fortification anywhere in the world. Our visit to the castle is a fitting and remarkable finale to our 'Ancient Kingdoms of the Desert' tour.
12/11/2013 Krak des Chavaliers - Damascus - Dubai (B)
 This morning we drive to Damascus airport for our flight to Dubai.
Depart Damascus Emirates EK 914, 16.50
Arrive Dubai 21.40
In Dubai we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
13/11/2013 Dubai - Australia
We arrive back in Australia today.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Moderate
OCTOBER 2013 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $14,997
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $3,250
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and Cairo/Damascus and Australia
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All transfers
* All local transportation
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader
* All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* Visas and courier fees
* Tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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