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EGYPT, JORDAN, and SYRIA….Everywhere, a feeling of timelessness, an overwhelming sense of history, as remnants of dynamic ancient civilisations stand amidst an encroaching modern world. Travel overland from Cairo to Damascus and discover one of the world’s greatest “Cradles of Civilization”. The reality of travel in the Middle East will surprise you, the sights are beyond expectation and the welcome and hospitality of the local people is genuine. The whole experience so contrary to our media led expectations. This is an incredible journey!
EGYPT
A special feature of this 2009 itinerary is a five-day jeep safari across the Western Desert plus the inclusion of Alexandria, El Alamein and the Siwa Oasis.
- Cairo, a treasure throve of ancient history, the Great Pyramids at Giza, Sakkara, Dashura and the Cairo Museum. Coptic Cairo’s mediaeval world, a morning camel fair and the souks of Khan–al-Khalili.
- The Nile Delta, visit historic Alexandria and the ancient cave monasteries of Wadi Natrun
- The Mediterranean Coast - visit El Alamein
- Aswan, sail a felucca on the Nile
and visit the Nubian villages on Elephantine Island, the High Dam, the Temples of Philae and the
historic Cataract Hotel (of Agatha Christie fame)
- Abu Simbel, feel like a tiny ant as you stand beside its gigantic statues.
- Nile Valley from Aswan to Luxor, visit the impressive Nile temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. In the Valley of the Kings marvel at the murals and reliefs that adorn the tombs of the Pharaohs. At Luxor see the mighty pillars of Karnak, standing tall and steadfast like a great stone forest and visit the Temple of Luxor at sunset.
- At Hurghada and Dahab swim and snorkel in the Red Sea and at the “Blue Hole” experience a totally incredible underwater seascape of fish and coral of every colour and hue, no wonder it’s deemed to be one of the world’s best snorkelling areas.
- At St Catherine’s follow in the footsteps of Moses as you walk up Mt Sinai (Mt Moses) amidst a jagged moonscape.
WESTERN DESERT SAFARI - a five-day jeep safari adventure across the remote Western Desert from Siwa to Luxor. Stretching from the Nile in the East and Sudan in the South, to the Med in the North and Libya in the West the Western Desert covers over 2.8 million square kms. A vast uninhabitable expanse dotted with five isolated but thriving oases; Siwa, Baharia, Farafra, Dahkla and Kurga. Each oasis has a long and rich history dating back to the dawn of civilisation and from Pharaonic times when they were bustling hubs on the camel trading routes between Africa and the Mediterranean. During the 5-day desert safari, visit each of the five oases and travel through some remarkable desert landscapes with dramatic rock formation. It will be a remote and fascinating experience and a great opportunity to observe the way of life of the hardy desert peoples. Transport will be a combination of 4x4 jeep and mini bus according to the terrain of the day and for the five days of the safari, all meals are included.
JORDAN
- Petra, the lost city of the ancient Nabataeans, its massive facades carved out of the pink canyon walls so long ago. The Treasury, the Theatre, the Monastery and the narrow canyon of Al Siq, that winds down into the hidden valley - Magic!
- Jeep ride through rugged desert canyons at Wadi Rum and float high in the saline waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.
- Visit Madaba for Mosaics, Mt Nebo , and the ancient Roman City of Jerash.
SYRIA
- Your imagination runs free as you explore Crac des Chevaliers a magnificent 12th century Crusader Castle.
- Hama’s gigantic water wheels.
- Roam the vast labyrinth of Aleppo’s covered souks.
- The Euphrates Valley and the deserted city of Rasafeh.
- At Palmyra eat delicious fresh dates and walk the colonnaded streets of an ancient Roman city.
- End your journey in Damascus, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital, dating back some 5,000 years. Its walled Old City, the beautiful Omayyad Mosque and the “Street Called Straight” …… AMAZING!
Draft Itinerary Outline
Day 1. Auckland to Flight - depart late afternoon
Day 2. Cairo - arrive
Day 3. Cairo - sightseeing Cairo Museum, Sakara, Dashura, Memphis
Day 4. Cairo - sightseeing Giza, Coptic Cairo, Camel Market, Sufi dancing
Day 5. Alexandria - via Wadi Natrun, the Delta and the sights of Alexandria
Day 6. Marsa Matrouh - via the Delta, El Alamein and the Med Coast
Day 7. Siwa Oasis - travel deep into the remote desert to our first oasis
Day 8. Siwa
Day 9. Baharia Oasis - start of the 5 day jeep safari,
Day 10. White Desert - camp overnight in a Bedouin camp
Day 11. Dakla Oasis
Day 12. Kharga Oasis
Day 13. Luxor - finish safari, visit Karnak
Day 14. Luxor - Valley of the Kings and other site of the West Bank, Luxor Temple,
Day 15. Aswan - via Edfu and Kom Ombo temples,
Day 16. Aswan - visit Abu Simbel,
Day 17. Hurghada - by road via Luxor
Day 18. Dahab - early morning ferry to the Sinai Peninsular
Day 19. Dahab - a day out at the "Blue Hole"
Day 20. Dahab - visit Mt Sinai and St Catherines
Day 21. Aqaba - ferry to Jordan
Day 22. Petra - jeep sightseeing in Wadi Rum
Day 23. Petra - a full day to enjoy Petra
Day 24. Madaba - via Dead Sea, Mt Nebo
Day 25. Damascus - via Jerash
Day 26. Hama - Crac de Chevaliers and the water wheels
Day 27. Aleppo - via San Simeon
Day 28. Aleppo - sightseeing
Day 29. Palmyra - via the Euphrates and Rasafeh
Day 30. Damascus - visit Palmyra before returning to Damascus
Day 31. Damascus - sightseeing
Day 32. Flight - free morning for departing, overnight in Dubai
Day 33. (In flight)
Day 34. Arrive Auckland
Transports
Private vehicle charters, one overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan and two ferry crossings, Hurghada to Sinai and Nuweiba to Aqaba, 4x4 jeeps for the Desert crossing.
Guides
In Egypt local guides accompany us at historic sites and for excursions but in Jordan and Syria the group is accompanied by a local guide for the duration.
Accommodations
Star 2** and Star*** Tourist Hotels, centrally located, comfortable and safe with private facilities. One night camping in the White Desert. one night overnight sleeper train.
Meals
All breakfasts, 10 dinners and 5 lunches included. For non-included meals, water and some small souvenirs allow around NZ$35+ per day. This is a wonderful area of the world to experience the local cuisine.
Climate
This trip will take place during the regions cooler and comfortable autumn early winter season. In Egypt expect the weather to be warm to hot while in the north it will be cooler, especially in Syria.
Trip Data
Group size - 11 to 18 plus leader
Price will include group flights AKL/AKL (flight related taxes not included), the following meals - all B, 5L,10D; hotels and itinerary indicated transport; a full programme of sightseeing/activities/entries; Grassroots leader and local English speaking guides.
| Code Number: |
ME 91 |
| Departure (ex Auckland): |
24 October 2009 |
| Estimated Price: |
$11,650, TBC |
| Minimum Number: |
11 |
| Days: |
34 |
| Trip Status: |
Open, Full Deposit $500 |
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