Khartoum to Cairo Itinerary

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.