Istanbul To Cairo

All content by Intrepid

26 days (ex Istanbul)

Destinations visited: Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Istanbul, Egypt, Cairo, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,655

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Description

Experience adventure travel in the Middle East as you journey through lands suspended in time. From Istanbul to Cairo, experience the diversity of Turkey and the tumultuous history of Syria. Moving on into Jordan, grab the chance to see the facades of Petra and follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia through Wadi Rum. In Egypt, climb Mt Sinai for an incredible panorama and relax at a Red Sea beach camp before the adventure comes to an end in Cairo.

Highlights

Haggle your heart out in the bazaars of Istanbul.
Marvel at the gleaming travertines of Pamukkale.
Walk between curious fairy-chimney formations in Cappadocia.
Experience local hospitality at a Sanliurfa homestay.
Travel to Petra and marvel at its rock-hewn beauty.
Take a desert safari through Wadi Rum.
Enjoy a Red Sea beach camp.
Scramble up the slopes of Mt Sinai.
Explore Cairo's souqs.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Istanbul

Experience the electric energy of the Grand Bazaar or learn about harem life at Topkapi Palace.

Day 3 Pamukkale/Selcuk

See gleaming travertine pools renowned for their healing properties before heading to Selcuk to explore Ephesus.

Day 4 Selcuk

Explore the incredible ruins of Ephesus, once a trading powerhouse and now Turkey's best-preserved ancient city. Afterwards, taste local wine in Sirince, a village seemingly unchanged by time.

Day 5-6 Antalya

Wander among graciously restored Ottoman houses and scattered Roman ruins.

Days 7-9 Goreme

Explore valleys dotted with otherworldly fairy chimneys and pigeon houses.

Day 10 Nemrut Dagi

Venture into rural Turkey and the ancient lands of King Antiochus.

Day 11 Sanliurfa/Homestay

Enjoy a homestay and a traditional meal with local friends.

Days 12-13 Aleppo

Travel to Syria and discover the ruined Citadel or browse the fabulous covered souq in Aleppo.

Day 14 Hama

Soak up the beauty of Hama.

Day 15 Palmyra

Step into the pages of history as you enter the ancient ruins of Palmyra.

Days 16-17 Damascus

Delight in Syria's glamorous capital city of Damascus, a maze of winding alleyways, lively bazaars and gorgeous architecture attributed to the Persians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs.

Day 18 Amman

Travel to Jordan and make tracks to its vibrant capital city of Amman.

Days 19-20 Petra

Travel to Petra and spend time exploring one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which has held people spellbound for centuries.

Day 21 Wadi Rum

Enjoy a desert safari and spend the night under the stars with Bedouin hosts at Wadi Rum.

Days 22-23 Red Sea Beach Camp

Cross into Egypt and enjoy a taste of a Red Sea holiday - maybe snorkel the warm waters or settle in for a seafood feast.

Day 24 Mt Sinai

Scale the famous Mt Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Days 25-26 Cairo

Explore the rambling souqs and fascinating museums of Cairo, or perhaps venture out to witness the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza.

Group Size

Maximum of 14 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nts), Pension (7 nts), Beach hut (2 nts), Overnight bus (1 nt), Homestay (1 nt), Desert camp (1 nt)

Transport

Overnight bus, Bus, Dolmus, Ferry, Van, Minibus, Jeep

Budget

Allow EUR €290 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,655

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