Cairo to Istanbul Itinerary

Welcome 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.

Climb Mt Sinai for panoramic desert views. Visit the monastery of St Katherine, built at the site of the burning bush.

Stay 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.

Step on to a ferry and cross into Jordan to spend the night in Aqaba, Jordan's only seaport.

Bunker 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.

Explore the long-lost city of Petra, carved out of a cliff face. A local guide helps to reveal the history of this ancient wonder.

Head 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.

Cross the border into Syria and roam the alleyways of the ancient city of Damascus.

Explore the ruins of Palmyra, the former Silk Road city that rises hauntingly from the desert.

Visit this imposing fortress which remains one of the world's most impressive castles.

Revel in the excitement of the souq and perhaps enjoy a rejuvenating scrub in a Syrian hamam.

Cross 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.

Be entranced by the colossal stone heads of Mt Nemrut.

Be spellbound by the Cappadocia region, famous for its underground cities, whimsical fairy chimneys and stone churches.

A fascinating fusion of East and West, Istanbul begs to be explored.