Middle East Discovery

24 days
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Small Group Tour
Be captivated by the spirit of ancient civilisations and surreal natural beauty on this tour from Egypt’s energetic capital to dazzling Antalya on Turkey’s south-west coast. Stare up in wonder at the pyramids, befriend locals in Aswan, explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, discover the rose-coloured rock temples of Petra, drive through the desert landscape o...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Explore vibrant Cairo with its bustling markets and colourful streets.
    • Be amazed by the beautiful scenery as you cruise down the Nile on a felucca.
    • See the grand burial sites of the pharaohs in the valley of the Kings.
    • Experience the feeling of weightlessness as you float in the super salty Dead Sea.
    • Spend the day checking out the rock cut tombs and the remains of the ancient city of Petra.
    • Get lost in the maze of Istanbul's bustling backstreets and get to know this incredible city with a local leader.
    • Take a relaxing cruise on the Aegean. Swim, chill out, and chat with the locals as they kick back and just relax taking in the scenery.

What's this trip about?

    Be captivated by the spirit of ancient civilisations and surreal natural beauty on this tour from Egypt’s energetic capital to dazzling Antalya on Turkey’s south-west coast. Stare up in wonder at the pyramids, befriend locals in Aswan, explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, discover the rose-coloured rock temples of Petra, drive through the desert landscape of Wadi Rum and feel the ghosts of the past on the Gallipoli Peninsula. This is a journey abounding in unforgettable history, incredible landscapes, stunning scenery, extraordinary landmarks and cultures that continue to endure through the ages. Before booking on this trip we recommend that you read the ‘Safety’ section in the trip notes regarding special safety considerations for Egypt trips. In 2018 this trip will be discontinued.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Egypt
  • Jordan
  • Turkey

Attractions

  • Abu Simbel
  • Amman
  • Antalya
  • Aswan
  • Cairo
  • Dead Sea
  • Ephesus
  • Gallipoli Peninsula
  • Istanbul
  • Petra
  • Valley of the Kings
  • Wadi Rum

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Cairo

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to a...

Day 2 Cairo

This morning a private van will transport you to Giza, the home of some of the world’s most iconic sights. Approach the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx by camel, with panoramic views across the dunes. Instantly familiar yet retaining a mystique and power, getting up c...

Day 3 Aswan – Nile Felucca

The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas: welcome to Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. Today is a free day so take the opportunity to see such Aswan sites as the unfinished obel...

Day 4 Aswan

Today perhaps head out of Aswan and visit stunning Abu Simbel this morning. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Please not...

Day 5 Nile Felucca

Board a felucca and spend a day out on the river, watching rural Egyptian daily life play out on the banks, then spend a night under the stars. Your Nubian sailing crew provides all the meals, which are hearty and delicious. Being a traditional wooden boat with broad ...

Day 6 Luxor

After farewelling your felucca crew, take a private van to the open air museum of Luxor (approximately 3.5 hours). From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. On the way, t...

Day 7 Luxor

Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover some the many wonders of ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two 17 metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Carved from granite blocks, they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were once par...

Day 8 Amman

Today you will take a short flight from Cairo to Amman. You will meet your new leader and new group members at the welcome meeting at 6pm Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. Your new leader will  be collecting...

Day 9 Wadi Rum

Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia with a journey to the extraordinary desert scenery of Wadi Rum, a rugged moonscape of huge sandstone mountains (approximately 5 hours). A four-hour jeep safari will visit some of the most beautiful and sublime desert scene...

Day 10 Wadi Rum

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the Bedouin camp this morning, you will enjoy a trek around the area (approximately 12 to 15 kilometres), with a stop for tea and a lunch break. You might scale one of the large sand dunes for sensational views of the surroun...

Day 11 Petra

This morning you'll leave your desert camp, taking 4WDs to the main entrance, which is opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitor's centre here is also a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts, mostl...

Day 12 Petra

Petra is justifiably on most people’s list of ‘must-visit’ places. It's the jewel of Jordan, the lost city of the biblical Nabateans, an impressive series of tombs and dwellings hidden behind ornate façades carved directly into the rock, and one of the new Seven Wonde...

Day 13 Madaba

Travel the King's Highway to the historic crusader castle of Kerak, which stands on a cliff commandingly overlooking Wadi Karak and the Dead Sea in the distance (approximately 2.5 hours). You’ll have time to explore the evocative ruins and discover the legends of the ...

Day 14 Madaba

Today you will leave Madaba for a short drive north (approximately 75 minutes) to Jerash, once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. These are some of the best preserved Greco-Roman ruins around. The city thrived due to its position on the route of th...

Day 15 Istanbul

Today you will take a flight from Amman to Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home. Enjoy a whole day free to explore the capital until a Welcome Meeting at 6pm – make sure you have all your impo...

Day 16 Istanbul

This morning you’ll set out on a walking tour of the city with your expert leader. This will take in some of Istanbul's notable cultural and historic sites in Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople), but also some lesser-known gems as you venture into the ...

Day 17 Canakkale

Rise very early this morning as you depart by public bus for Eceabat (approximately 5 hours), your base for visiting Gallipoli. In the afternoon, you will head out with your guide to the Gallipoli Peninsula and pay your respects at a site of immense significance for A...

Day 18 Ayvalik

Drive down the coast by bus to Ayvalik (approximately 4 hours), a town where you can fill up on food and drink, and a place that even takes its name from food (ayva is Turkish for quince). The town is famous for olive oil, but we suggest finding the nearest seaside ca...

Day 19 Selcuk

Depart Ayvalık in the morning and journey to one of the world's best preserved ancient cities, Pergamon. Here there are splendid Roman ruins, from the Asclepion (the medical centre that was the home of one of the fathers of Western medicine), to the magnificent mounta...

Day 20 Selcuk

Enjoy an exploration of mighty Ephesus with the aid of a local guide. This is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world, which was founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th century BC and brought to full flower under Roman rule. Be amazed by the s...

Day 21 Pamukkale

A train ride inland through mountainous landscapes (approximately 3.5 hours) brings you to one of Turkey's most photographed sites, Pamukkale, which literally translates to “cotton castle”. Here spectacular natural hot springs with high calcium bicarbonate content cas...

Day 22 Antalya

Take a bus to Antalya, the largest city on the western Mediterranean coast (approximately 4 hours). It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya thanks to cobblestone streets, the old city, the marina, and the Taurus Mountains in the distance. After an orientation walk tha...

Day 23 Antalya

Today you’ll visit the Antalya Museum, one of the largest and best museums in Turkey. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Mediterranean and Pamphylia regions of Anatolia, with some 5,000 works of art and artefacts on display – pottery, coins, mosaics, ...

Day 24 Antalya

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,875
Price per day$203
Last Updated: 12/3/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (15 nights),Desert camp (2 nights),Felucca (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (2 nights),Pension (3 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Bus,Camel,Felucca,Jeep,Overnight sleeper train,Van,

Transportation & flights

Bus,Camel,Felucca,Jeep,Overnight sleeper train,Van
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php
Visa requirements
PASSPORT As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. EGYPT: Visas are easily attainable on arrival at Cairo airport or Nuweiba ferry port for most nationalities. The visa costs USD25 and can only be paid in USD cash. On arrival to Cairo airport you buy your visa at any of the banks before proceeding to immigration. You will be given a stamp that you then need to put into your passport yourself. A single entry visa is valid for three months from date of issue and entitles the bearer to one month in Egypt. Multiple entry visas are not available at the airport or any border crossings. Please check with your travel agent or embassy before departure as this information may change. JORDAN: Australia: Yes - on arrival Belgium: Yes - on arrival Canada: Yes - on arrival Germany: Yes - on arrival Ireland: Yes - on arrival Netherlands: Yes - on arrival New Zealand: Yes - on arrival South Africa: Yes - on arrival Switzerland: Yes - on arrival United Kingdom: Yes - on arrival USA: Yes - on arrival Visas are required by all visitors entering Jordan. Single entry visas valid for 14 days and can be obtained by most nationalities on arrival at the airport in Amman or at the Jordanian border for approximately JOD40. It can be significantly more expensive to acquire your visa from the embassy in your home country. If you require a stay longer than 14 days, visas obtained from the embassy in your home country will be valid for two months. Please note that there are ATM's available in Amman airport and also currency exchanges. TURKEY: Australia: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Belgium: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Canada: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Germany: No - not required Ireland: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Netherlands: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go New Zealand: No - not required South Africa: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Switzerland: No - not required United Kingdom: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go USA: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey. Visas must be obtained through the e-Visa system. To apply for an e-visa, please go to https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ at least two weeks before you arrive in Turkey. This multiple entry e-Visa costs USD60 as is valid for 90 days. Please note, visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region. Some countries do not require a visa at all. This includes passport holders from New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland for stays up to three months. We recommend all nationalities check with their local consulate o embassy as this information can change. Entry Requirements – Passport Validity: Foreigners entering Turkey must carry a passport with at least 60 days validity beyond the expiry date of their visa.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES: Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. SAFETY IN EGYPT: Following recent incidents in Egypt, we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. We have links to all major travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting your trip on our travel alerts page.  The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately. We have also taken the following measures to minimise the potential risk for our travellers in Egypt: -24 to 48hrs prior to each departure our local office are in contact with tourist police to get approval for each itinerary. The tourist police notify our local operator immediately should any advice or information change. -We use private rather than public transport on all our itineraries. -We travel in (armed) convoys on main routes, and multiple check points are in place between most cities. EGYPT HOT-AIR BALLOON EXCURSIONS: Audits were carried out on balloon operators within Egypt to confirm the safety of their operations. But unfortunately, we were not able to ascertain the safety standards of these balloon operators- therefore, we are not able to recommend or assist in the booking of any balloon excursions. SAFETY IN TURKEY: Following recent incidents in Turkey, we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. We have links to all major travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting your trip on our safety page (link above). The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately. We have also taken the following measures to minimise the potential risk for our travellers in Turkey: -Our local office is constantly monitoring local Ministry of Tourism updates and has regional advisors to keep them abreast on regional events. -We are monitoring local transport conditions and will make changes to included transport if required. -We may implement itinerary changes for the safety and comfort of our travellers. Whilst travelling in Istanbul before, after or during your tour we would recommend avoiding crowded areas like Taksim Square, Galatasaray and Kadikoy Meydan after 6.00pm especially on a weekend. If using public transport in the city please refer to http://www.iett.gov.tr/en for the latest updates and announcements.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Lazer Pansiyon Old Kaleci Antalya Antalya TURKEY
Trip ID
intrepid-XESTC

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