Description

Marvel at ancient wonders on this 27-day adventure tour into the arid heart of North Africa. Covering some of the planet's most spectacular landscapes, this unforgettable journey travels from friendly Khartoum city in Sudan to Cairo, Egypt's vibrant capital. Take in legendary sites of antiquity, lush oases and remote desert settlements. Gaze in awe at the famous Egyptian temples, tombs and pyramids of Giza, Luxor and Aswan, then voyage across mighty Lake Nasser and follow a Nile camel route through the rugged Nubian Desert. Discover the rich culture and mesmerising charm of both Egypt and Sudan on this incredible adventure travel experience.

Highlights

• Sip chai in Khartoum city.
• Watch Sufi Whirling Dervishes dance themselves into religious ecstasy.
• Explore the ancient pyramids of Meroe.
• Camp out in the remote Nubian Desert.
• Visit the ancient Temples of Karnak.
• Gaze at ancient tomb paintings in the Valley of the Kings.
• Travel through the spectacular landscape of Egypt's Western Desert.
• Marvel at the treasures of the Egyptian Museum.
• Experience sublime wonder at the legendary pyramids of Giza and the great Sphinx.

Itinerary

Day 1 Khartoum

Brush up on some Arabic language skills with the friendly residents of Khartoum city, Sudan's busy capital. Relax in a chai house and get ready to start this epic trip through North Africa.

Day 2 Meroe

Admire the spectacular pyramids of Meroe, explore Naqa's Lion Temple and wander through the palace of Musawwarat.

Days 3-5 Nubian Desert

Follow a camel route through the rugged terrain of the Nubian Desert passing oases, small Nile hamlets and ancient relics of past civilisations. In the evening, share a simple meal around the campfire and sleep under the stars as nomadic locals pass by.

Days 6-8 Wadi Halfa

Take in the the last of Sudan's desert scenery on the journey to Wadi Halfa. There's a free day here so perhaps explore the town, wander by the shores of Lake Nasser or sit in the main square sipping tea, people watching and eating fuul (beans) or fried Nile perch.

Day 8 Overnight Ferry

Embark on an epic ferry adventure across Lake Nasser, an enormous man-made lake. Glimpse spectacular scenery en route to the port of Wadi Halfa at Sudan's northern tip and make the crossing into Egypt.

Days 9-11 Aswan

Travel north to Aswan and unwind with a stroll along the Nile River, or take a relaxing felucca cruise followed by a sunset cocktail. See a giant, unfinished obelisk, haggle for souvenirs and treasures in the souq or take a trip to see the two magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.

Days 12-14 Luxor

The ancient Egyptian capital of Luxor houses spectacular temples and tombs. Ride a donkey to the remarkable Valley of the Kings and visit the Temples of Karnak with an Egyptologist.

Day 15 El Kharga Oasis

Drive through endless dessert scenery to reach El Kharga Oasis. There are many sites of antiquity to explore, more notably the Temple of Hebes and the Bagawaat Necropolis. Perhaps take a camel ride around the oasis or explore the springs close by. Camp under a sea of stars.

Days 16-17 Dakhla Oasis

Perhaps head out on an overnight camel safari to camp by hot springs or explore the palm groves and Coptic antiquities at the Dakhla Oasis.

Day 18 White Desert Bush Camp

Relax in the morning or further explore the area before heading to the White Desert bush camp for another glorious night sleeping under the star-filled skies.

Day 19 Bahariya Oasis

Spend the day exploring the White and Black deserts, visiting Crystal Mountain and discovering the gold mummies that are housed in the fascinating museum here.

Day 20 Egyptian Coast Bush Camp/El Alamein

Head for the sparkling Egyptian coast, stopping via the famous WWII battleground of El Alamein. Reflect on the tragic toll of the Wester desert campaign before setting up camp for the night.

Days 21-22 Siwa Oasis

Head south, across Egypt's Western desert and into Siwa - an area famous for its delicious olives and dates. Enjoy a Bedoouin meal and embark on a desert safari, or perhaps stick around in Siwa and explore the maze-like ruins of Shali - the mud brick fort which overlooks the town.

Days 23-24 Alexandria

Head to Egypt's second largest city, the ancient port of Alexandria. As the ancient capital of Egypt's last royal dynasty, there is no shortage of history here to be explored. Perhaps check out the Roman Amphitheatre and Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, and be sure to feast on some of Alexandria's renowned seafood.

Days 25-27 Cairo

Explore the iconic Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza and the sprawling Saqqara cemetery with a local guide. There's also time to see precious, ancient treasures housed in the Egyptian Museum. Celebrate the end of a remarkable trip by exploring the markets in Cairo and picking up souvenirs.

Group Size

Maximum of 21 travellers per group

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities), Camping (with facilities), Guesthouse, Hotel, Overnight ferry

Transport

Ferry, Overland vehicle

Important notes

1. Please note that in order to confirm your booking on this trip we will require a scanned copy of your passport at time of booking.2. Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.