Day 1 CairoWelcome to Egypt. Why not arrive early to discover the ancient wonders of Cairo? The Egyptian Museum holds a glittering array of treasures and the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza inspire wonder and awe. Day 2 Mt SinaiClimb Mt Sinai for panoramic desert views. Visit the monastery of St Katherine, built at the site of the burning bush. Day 3 Red Sea Beach CampStay in beach huts and use free time to laze on the beach, snorkel the Red Sea's underwater world and tuck into tasty seafood. With warm sunsets, spectacular reefs and golden sand, this area of immense natural beauty is the perfect spot to sit back and relax. Day 4 AqabaStep on to a ferry and cross into Jordan to spend the night in Aqaba, Jordan's only seaport. Day 5 Wadi RumBunker down in a desert camp in Wadi Rum with Bedouin tribespeople. A safari reveals the sublime beauty of the desert; sand dunes are interrupted by lunar-like rocky peaks, some of which bear carved inscriptions from ancient civilisations. Days 6-7 PetraExplore the long-lost city of Petra, carved out of a cliff face. A local guide helps to reveal the history of this ancient wonder. Days 8-9 MadabaHead to the coast for a soak in the Dead Sea. The salinity of the Dead Sea makes for effortless floating and the mud is known for its healing properties. Make a stop at Mt Nebo before reaching Madaba. Days 10-11 DamascusCross the border into Syria and roam the alleyways of the ancient city of Damascus. Day 12 PalmyraExplore the ruins of Palmyra, the former Silk Road city that rises hauntingly from the desert. Day 13 Krak des ChevaliersVisit this imposing fortress which remains one of the world's most impressive castles. Days 14-15 AleppoRevel in the excitement of the souq and perhaps enjoy a rejuvenating scrub in a Syrian hamam. Day 16 Sanliurfa / HomestayCross the border into Turkey and revel in the exotic charms of this pilgrimage town. Enjoy warm hospitality and a spicy homemade meal while staying with a friendly local family. Day 17 Mt NemrutBe entranced by the colossal stone heads of Mt Nemrut. Days 18-20 GoremeBe spellbound by the Cappadocia region, famous for its underground cities, whimsical fairy chimneys and stone churches. Day 21 IstanbulA fascinating fusion of East and West, Istanbul begs to be explored.
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