Please arrive by 1:00pm on day 1. If your flight arrives too late we recommend that you consider booking a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you can ensure you are able to attend this meeting. We recommend that you have lunch beforehand, as we will be heading out straight after the group meeting.

Your leader will be collecting your local payment, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. Your group leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. Your leader will leave details for your arrival on where and when to meet.

Check-in time at our joining point hotel is after 2:00pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival.

Your leader will collect your local payment today. Please bring USD notes/bills in large denominations. Torn or marked USD are not able to be exchanged in the Middle East and therefore can not be accepted as part of the Local Payment. Please only bring new and clean bills.

Following the group meeting head out with your leader to take an orientation walk and a trip to Coptic Cairo.

Wonderfully chaotic and always colourful, Cairo is a fascinating mixture of modern city and ancient wonders. As we will be spending little time touring this fascinating city, if you would like to visit locations such as the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, or the Egyptian Museum - one of the world's best - we strongly recommend that you join one of our Egypt trips beforehand or arrive in Cairo a few days early to discover the city's treasures independently.

On the morning of day 2 we transfer to Mt Sinai (approx. 9 hours).

Travel into the harsh interior of the Sinai Peninsula and through a classic desert landscape towards Mt Sinai, where the Ten Commandments were reputedly revealed to Moses. The summit is the perfect place to view a glorious desert sunset or sunrise. You can ride a camel part of the way up to its summit, or else take the steep but more direct route on foot, up the 3,750 Stairs of Repentance.

At the foot of Mt Sinai is the Greek Orthodox monastery of St Katherine, built around the burning bush that, according to the book of Exodus, informed Moses of his divine calling. The monastery was built over 1,400 years ago by the Roman Emperor Justinian to protect the monks and hermits residing in the area. It is the oldest Christian monastery in continuous existence and the site has been a place of Christian pilgrimage since the 4th century. The monastery's name comes from the martyr Saint Katherine, who lived in the 3rd century AD, and whose relics were found at the summit of Mt Katherine (Jebel Katherine). Please note for Wednesday departures we are unable to visit the monastery as it closes before our arrival on Thursday and is closed on Fridays. If a highlight of your trip is to visit the monastery we recommend you book a Saturday departure only.

Please note that in the summer months, we climb Mt Sinai in the early morning to avoid the extreme heat, and in the winter we tend to climb in the afternoon, if there is still enough daylight.

Fortuitously placed on one of the only stretches of fine golden sand along this coast, Nuweiba is a place you will be raving about to your friends for years to come. 

The Red Sea is justifiably famous for its beautiful underwater scenery. There is time here to do some snorkelling or to simply relax on a golden sandy beach before watching the mountains of Saudi Arabia light up across the gulf at sunset. Tonight, enjoy a traditional meal with our Bedouin friends.

Our accomodation in Nuweiba is in simple but comfortable waterfront huts.

Please note that snorkelling is weather-dependent and may not be possible during certain times of the year.

An afternoon ferry ride takes us across the Gulf of Aqaba to Jordan (approx. 4 hours).
Your contact may help you board the ferry as you say good-bye to your leader in Nuweiba (not on all trip departures).
You will be met by your next leader (a local Jordanian guide) on arrival in Aqaba who will help you through immigration.
We spend the night in the coastal resort town of Aqaba.

Visas are required by ALL foreigners entering into Jordan. Single entry visas valid for 14 days will be obtained by your leader on arrival into Jordon.

Aqaba, with its views across the Jordan Valley to Israel and its transparent waters, is an ideal location for both relaxation and water sports. Famed for its undamaged coral reefs and unique sea life, this city was, in ancient times, the main port for shipments from the Red Sea to the Far East.

Extraordinary desert scenery and the company of Bedouins await as we follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. A short trip takes us from Aqaba to Wadi Rum (approx.1 hour), where we explore the fascinating landscape by 4WD and sleep beneath the stars at night amongst the local Bedouin people. Please be aware that while the desert may be hot during the day, you will still need warm clothing and a sleeping bag for the camping trip. Conditions will be very basic at our desert camp.

Wadi Rum is full of weird and beautiful lunar-like rock formations. Traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabatean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, the towering rose-colored sand dunes and challenging peaks.

Tonight our accommodation is in a communal tent with mattresses on the floor. You have the option to sleep outside under the stars. There is a portable toilet for your use.

We depart Wadi Rum on a local bus to Petra (approx. 2 hours). Hewn out of the rose-coloured rock face, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra is one of the Middle East's most spectacular destinations. We spend time exploring the imposing facades of the awesome buildings and tombs. 

Petra was the capital city of the Nabataeans, a tribe of pre-Roman Arabs who dominated the region around the 6th century BC. Located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the city survived on tolls and taxes collected from traders. Despite several attempts to conquer their capital, the Nabataeans remained practically independent until the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra and the reunification of the Roman Empire by Octavian in 31 BC. In 106 AD, the Romans finally captured Petra and this event marked the beginning of the decline of the city. The city remained unknown to the Western world for hundreds of years until a Swiss explorer, JL Burckhardt, heard about its existence from local Bedouins in 1812.

The evenings of days 6 and 7 are spent at Wadi Musa, which is the closest township to Petra. Our home for two nights, Wadi Musa (the Valley of Moses), was once the name of the whole area and not just the small tourist town sprawled along the sides of the valley leading down to the rock-hewn city of Petra. It is believed to be the place where Moses struck the rock with his staff to get water in early Biblical times.
 

Today, travel the King's Highway, float in the Dead Sea before arriving in Madaba. 

This historical town is famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Other mosaic masterpieces found within the church of the Virgin and the Apostles and in the Archaeological Museum depict a rampant profusion of flowers and plants, birds and fish, animals and exotic beasts, as well as scenes from mythology and everyday pursuits such as hunting, fishing and farming. If these interest you, you'll be delighted to know that literally hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th to 7th centuries are scattered throughout Madaba's churches and homes.

On day 9, its possible to take an optional day trip to Amman, the country's capital city, just 25km from Madaba. Amman has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a 1994 excavation uncovering homes and towers believed to have been built during the Stone Age (circa 7000 BC). There are many Biblical references to the city which, by about 1200 BC, had become the Ammonite capital of Rabbath-Ammon. The Ammonites fought numerous wars against Saul, David and also with other prominent civilisations in the region.

There will be free time to explore the sights of this ancient city, such as the 6,000 seat Roman Theatre built in the 2nd century, the Citadel with the excavated ruins of an Umayyad Palace and a collection of fantastic museums dotted throughout the city. You might even fit in a visit to a Turkish bath at the Al-Pasha Turkish Baths for some rejuvenation and relaxation in the tradition of hammams. After a day of sightseeing, we return to Madaba where we spend the night.

As we're in Madaba on a Sunday, there is an opportunity to take part in Sunday Mass. Mass starts at 8:00am in the Greek Orthodox church of St Georges and is a wonderful chance to experience Jordan's Christian side.

Please note that our hotel has a wonderful poolside restaurant that is yours to also enjoy. As it is sometimes difficult for the hotel to identify who are hotel guests and who are restaurant guests, all orders for food and drink are required to be paid for at the time of ordering. As the restaurant is in practice a seperate business to the hotel this also applies to room service orders. This is a slightly different system to much of the rest of the Middle East. Any food or drink you wish to bring into the hotel may only be consumed in your hotel room.

Early on day 10 we travel to the beautifully preserved Roman city of Jerash. These ruins were re-discovered in 1806 and continue to be one of Jordan's most amazing sites. One of the best examples in the Middle East of a Roman city, the ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2,000 years ago.

Taking public transport, we cross the border into Syria and stop at its fascinating capital, Damascus. We have plenty of time here to delve into the ancient alleyways and bustling bazaars of the capital's old city, including an orientation walking tour to the beautiful Umayyad Mosque. The Persians, Greeks and Romans all had their hands in the history of what the Arabs call ash-Sham, until the Muslims and Mongols took over, only to eventually give way to the Ottomans and finally, the French, before Syria finally gained independence in 1946.

Spending most of your time in the old city, you can easily find your way around on foot, even though it's a city of 6 million residents - that is, provided you use a map and stay off the main thoroughfares (where it's easy to get run over). Catch up on the story behind the greatest Arabic hero ever, Sal-uh-din, and visit his mausoleum. You'll find other important Islamic figures buried in places nearby, and hopefully, by the end of your visit, you will better appreciate a different perspective on the Crusades.
 

Built in 2 AD, the city of Palmyra ranks as one of the world's greatest historic sites. 

Your leader can help to arrange a historical guide for anyone in the group who wants to get a full account of the site.

Palmyra flourished for 1,000 years in ancient times as part of the Assyrian caravan route, before being annexed by the Greeks, and then taken over in turn by the Romans. It was home to one of Cleopatra's more confident descendants, Zenobia, the female ruler who is generally held responsible for the beginning of the city's decline in wealth and prestige. Palmyra is Syria's main attraction and we spend time exploring the splendour of these remote and extensive ruins. The Temple of Bel is the main orientation point inside the ruins and we'll spend most of our time here, although there is a rather poorly marked museum nearby if you want to 'do it all'.

Little has changed in the 800 years since the Crusader knights built what is considered by many to be the greatest fortress in the world - Krak des Chevaliers (Castle of the Knights). 

Your leader can help to arrange a historical guide for anyone in the group who wants to get a full account of the site.

Lawrence of Arabia called it 'the finest castle in the world' and, standing as high as 700m above sea level, it commands a view over the valley between Homs and Tripoli. Being a perfect model of medieval fortification, this castle was never besieged or taken by storm. It only fell to the Mamluks in the 13th century, through Commander Baibars' unique plan, which involved trickery. Krak des Chevaliers is one of the world's most impressive Crusader castles and the views of the castle from the hotel are a true trip highlight.

We tour the impressive fortifications of the castle. Afterwards it's on to Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, with its eclectic architectural diversity. Call it 'Halab' as the natives do, a name meaning 'milk', originating from the ancient story that Abraham gave out milk to travellers as they journeyed through the region. Relax in the evening at one of the city's open-air bars to experience life as a local. 

Your leader can help to arrange a historical guide for anyone in the group who wants to get a full account of the sites.
 

With the fabulous covered souq being Aleppo's main attraction, it can be hard to get out and explore the rest of the city. We take you on a visit to the imposing Citadel, though much of it lies in ruins. In your free time, check out the sister mosque to Umayyad, the Great Mosque. Or wander through the Christian quarter, admiring the 15th century houses and equally old churches. One of the finest bath houses in Syria is at the foot of the Citadel, the Hammam Yalbougha an-Nasry, where women are admitted on alternate days.
 

Crossing the border into Turkey, we make our way to Antakya, where we meet up with the Orontes River again as it runs through this fertile plain, surrounded by grand mountains. Citrus fruit and grapes grow here in abundance and other important crops include olives, melons, wheat, and cotton. 

Founded in 300 BC, Antakya was once the third-largest city of the Roman Empire and capital of the Roman province of Syria, as well as being notorious for its wealth and decadent luxury. It turned out to be one of the wealthiest cities under the Roman Empire. Antakya was once part of French-ruled Syria and, as a result, the city has a distinct character and remains culturally diverse. We have time here to explore the world's finest exhibit of mosaics and wander the warren of streets for our first taste of Turkey.

Antakya, the biblical Antioch, occupies an important place in the history of Christianity. Antioch was the centre of Christiandom outside Palestine. The apostles preached here before starting out on their missionary journeys, and this city was where the term 'Christian' first came into use, a term designating converts of St Paul. In 260 AD Antioch fell to the Persians. Over the next 13 centuries it was conquered by Arabs, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks, Frankish Crusaders and Egyptians.

This is a long day of travel and we should arrive at our final destination, the Ihlara Valley, some time in the afternoon. En route to the valley we visit the small provincial town of Nigde, and then it's onto Selime.

We spend the night in Selime, a rustic and beautifully set town, which offers a great opportunity to meet the people of rural Turkey. This is a good time to try the local specialty of 'alabalik' or trout, which comes straight from the river nearby. During our time in the Ihlara Valley we stretch our legs on hikes, checking out the hidden churches of the early Christians. This may be done on arrival, if time permits, or alternatively, before we make our way to Goreme in the morning.

The Cappadocia region, famous for its ancient underground cities hewn into the soft volcanic rock, is the place where nature and history have come together most beautifully. While geographic events formed 'peribacalari' (fairy chimneys), local communities were responsible for carving and decorating houses, dovecotes and churches within these earthen pillars.
 

From our base in the charming village of Goreme we explore these fascinating underground cities, fairytale landscapes and fresco-filled rock-carved churches. We head deep underground into one of the cities that was used during times of invasion and hike through surreal landscapes. Marvel at the wonders of the Open Air Museum just up from the main town or there are lots of sights to see just within Goreme and the nearby Goreme Valley National Park offers plenty of opportunities to stretch those legs.
 

On the afternoon of day 20 we transfer by bus to Ankara for our overnight train to Istanbul. The face of modern Turkey, busy and very cosmopolitan.

The overnight train to Istanbul takes approx. 9.5 hours. For your comfort we travel on the overnight sleeper train (approx. 9 hours) to Istanbul. This is a very comfortable air conditioned, 4 berth cabin. The beds are fold away and become comfortable seats.The cabins are compact so please consider bringing a soft bag that is easily stored under teh beds or on a small overhead storage space. All bedding is provided on board by the porter and is freshly laundered. The western style toilets and Oriental ones are located at either end of the train corridor. In rare circumstances you may be paired with a group member of the opposite sex in your cabin dependant on the group configuration. On other occasions you might have the opportunity to share with a local person of the same sex, again determinant on the group configuration. This is a real opportunity to get to know a local person on a one to one basis and is often a highlight. A freshly cooked dinner or preapred breakfast as well as Alcoholic and soft beverages and snacks are available on the train in the restaurant wagon. There are vegetarian options available.

Arriving in the morning (time subject to any Turkish railway delays), we transfer to a centrally located hotel, close to the Aya Sofya. You are free to plan your departure any time after 12:00pm on our last day, day 21.

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world so it is worth booking post-trip accommodation to stay a few days more. If you do stay longer, make sure you visit the fabulous Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans as well as the imposing Aya Sofya. Originally a church built by the Romans in the 6th century, the Aya Sofya was converted to a mosque and now serves as a museum. A visit to the Archaeology Museum, which contains beautiful exhibits from many areas of Turkey and surrounding countries is also worthwhile. Take a walk across Galata Bridge to catch the Tunel, an historic funicular railway, and explore the Taksim area where you can have your fortune told by a mystic as they gaze into your coffee granules. Or maybe head down to the Bosphorus to take a river cruise or grab a fresh fish roll for lunch. Don't forget to shop for a bargain at the fantastic Grand Bazaar.