Middle East Caravan - Adventure Trip
3 ½ weeks: Gorome to Giza (OVC-MEC)
The Middle East Caravan is for those who still want to see the Middle East but who may have already explored Turkey...Our journey starts in Gorome, Cappadocia where we make prperation to cross the border into Syria.
Crossing into Syria we begin to experience the Arabian Middle East. The first city we come to is Aleppo, dominated by its 12th century citadel, offering unparalleled views of the city and desert backdrop. We then drive to Crac de Chevaliers, a well-preserved Crusader castle dating back 850 years. We explore the ancient trading point and oasis of Palmyra, with its temples, tombs and Roman ruins, set in the heart of the desert. Then a couple of days in the capital Damascus, reputedly the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, before crossing the Jordanian border.
In Jordan, you can bathe in the buoyant Dead Sea, with its famous curative powers, which, at 400 metres below sea level, is the lowest point on Earth. Nearby lies Mount Nebo, where Moses was laid to rest, overlooking the Biblical Promised Lands.
The best-known attraction of the Middle East is the \"Rose Red City\" of Petra. Lost to the world for 1000 years, this Nabataean stronghold with its elaborate temples and buildings is carved entirely out of the rock, and stretches for miles.
We then cross more barren desert plains to reach Wadi Rum; these spectacular landscapes were once the desert headquarters for Lawrence of Arabia.
The lively port of Aqaba is our last taste of Jordan, as a ferry takes us across the Red Sea for our first night under African skies. The Bedouin town of Dahab offers opportunities for diving and snorkelling in some of the best diving waters in the world. Inland, we traverse the desert to climb Mount Sinai, gaining views of the spectacular desert landscape, and visit St Katherines Monastery before following the course of the River Nile South.
Luxor is our next port of call, offering the chance to visit the impressive Temple of Karnak . Across the Nile lies the Hatshepsuts Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, Queens and Nobles, containing hundreds of ancient Egyptian temples and tombs, including that of the boy king Tutankhamun. Continuing south we visit the temple to Horus at Idfu, then on to Aswan and the temple of Rameses II at Abu Simbel. There is also opportunity for a traditional sail boat journey along the Nile from Aswan to Kom Ombo.Our final destination is Cairo the largest city in the Middle East where a city tour takes in the sites of the Great Pyramids of Giza the Sphinx and the Museum containing many great Egyptian artefacts. Cairo marks the end of this unforgettable journey.
Itineraries
Day 1GOREME ONTO THE SYRIAN BORDER and ALEPPO
A days drive finds us at the Syrian border we choose to free camp in the country side on this night
ALEPPO.
Aleppo will be our first port of call in Syria. It is the second largest city of Syria and since Roman times has been an important trading centre between Asia and the Mediterranean. We have the chance to explore the covered Souqs, the citadel, museum and caravanserais (merchant inns)
ALEPPO TO KRAC DE CHEVALIERS
The Krak de Chevaliers is described by many to be the finest castle in the world; it is definitely one of Syria's prime attractions. Built by the Emir of Homs in 1031 it was the crusader knights around the middle of the 12th century who expanded the Krac into its present form. Built on a hilltop for strategic reasons the views stretch out over Syria and the Lebanese Mountains.
CRAC DE CHEVALIERS TO PALMYRA
Our journey south takes us along the desert fringes to the Oasis town of Palmyra. Palmyra is Syria's prime attraction and one of the world's greatest historical sites. The ruins of this 2nd century AD city cover some 50 hectares
PALMYRA TO DAMASCUS
Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It is also one of the friendliest and safest of capital cities. From here it is possible to take a one day guided tour into Lebanon and Beirut (subject to current situation). For those not wishing to visit Lebanon then a historic and interesting day tour of Damascus is undertaken
DAMASCUS to the BORDER of JORDAN.
The Jordanian border is only a few hours drive from Damascus and we continue immediately to the Dead Sea region. The Dead Sea is 400 metres below sea level. The water is warm and salty so you can only float and theres lots of sticky, slippery mud, which is apparently very good for the skin. Close by is Mount Nebo: Church of St Lot, St Procopious. It is here that "the Lord took the elderly patriarch Moses (aged 120 yrs) to show him the land of Israel that had been promised to his forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" - i.e. it overlooks the "promised lands" and the views "extend to the imaginary 4 corners of the earth" in the valley 1000km below
DRIVE TO PETRA The Rose Red City.
Leaving the desert we arrive in the village of Wadi Moussa from where we explore the ancient capital of the Nabataeans, Petra. The city grew rich from the trading caravans that passed through between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC and magnificent buildings were carved into the rock. The most famous of these is the Treasury, the first building encountered after passing through the narrow corridor between the cliffs, the Siq. The Treasury is also renowned for being the film location for the final scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Eventually Petra fell to the Romans but was uninhabited for centuries until re-discovered only 180 years ago. The impressive facades of the rock-hewn temples, homes and tombs are still intact. You can trek up the cliffs to see the huge Monastery and the Place of Sacrifice. Our itinerary allows us 2 full days in Petra
WADI RUM
We leave the desert highway and venture into the Jordanian Desert to Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum has some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world. Many of the scenes of Lawrence of Arabia were shot here. We will spend at least 2 days 3 nights here staying close to a Bedouin camp. The nights are silent with a stunning blanket of stars. It is an unforgettable experience.
AQABA.
Our last stop in Jordan is the touristy little port town of Aqaba. It is from here we board the ferry to Nuweiba and the Sinai peninsula of Egypt
DAHAB.
We will be stationary at Dahab for 3 days while we take the opportunity to do some diving or snorkelling in the clear blue waters of the Red Sea; there is abundant coral and sea life. There are also camel safaris and jeep safari's available and for those less energetic you can while away the hours in the many beachside cafes
DAHAB TO LUXOR
We journey overnight to Luxor and relax for the entire day at the poolside. In the evening we enjoy the sound and light show at Karnak Temple
LUXOR
This day starts early with a donkey ride into the Vallley of the Kings to view the remarkably well preserved tombs of Ramses II and Tutankhamen whose hieroglyphics are 3000 years old
ASWAN & FELUCCA SAIL BOAT JOURNEY
From Aswan we board our traditional sail boat for 2 days. Heading towards Edfu the days are leisurely relaxing on deck while our captain navigates the mighty Nile. At night we sleep on deck under a blanket of stars
LUXOR
One more night in Luxor before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Cairo
CAIRO
Our tour ends on day 25 in Cairo with a tour of the famous sites such as the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. The drop off point is the Sun Hotel. However should you wish to have more time at the end of the tour to visit more sites of Cairo then we recommend that you have a couple of days at the end of the tour before your onward flight
Last updated: 5th February 2008
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