Intrepid Travel North Africa and the Middle East Holidays, by TravelRope

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north africa & the middle eastIntrepid’s real life experiences in north africa & the middle east…Discover the lives of ancient pharaohs, Nubians and Bedouin and linger over austere landscapes for memories that will last a lifetime.

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Photo Competition, Walking camels through the desert, Morocco - Vivien Leung

JORDAN

MOROCCO

SYRIA

TURKEY

EGYPT

Discover Egyptpage : 53, XESI

Rejuvenate by the Red Sea. Snorkel, dive, meet Bedouins and watch the sunset over Saudi Arabian mountains before retiring to your simple beach hut.

Red Sea Getaway

Best of Moroccopage : 50, XMSC

Eat in lively Djemaa el-Fna and watch the crowds go by. The Moroccan storytellers, acrobats and snake charmers make for great entertainment.

Marrakech

Explore Egyptpage : 53, XERA

Step into a different world at Siwa. Isolated by the rippling sand dunes of the Western Desert, this oasis has developed a culture quite unique to the rest of Egypt.

Siwa Oasis

Middle East Adventurepage : 52, XESXC

Join a Nubian family for a feast and an unforgettable insight into their culture. Be treated to warm hospitality while enjoying dishes of traditional foods.

Aswan Friends

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For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (10 nts), riad (2 nts), mountain gite (1 nt), desert camp (1 nt) TRANSPORT Train, minibus, local bus, taxi, camel GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Sun & selected Wed GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 446 kg pp per trip NOTES A single supplement is available on this trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.70 out of 5

Above: Stunning mosaic, Morocco Right: Strolling through the sand dunes, Sahara Desert, Morocco

Best of MoroccoPhySICAL

CULTURAL

ITINERARy... Day 1 Casablanca Discover the city’s Art Deco

influences. Head out on independent explorations through

Casablanca’s heart and admire some of its architectural gems,

including the classic Cinema Rialto. Day 2 Rabat/Meknes Stroll

through Rabat’s serene Kasbah des Oudaias en route to Meknes,

the former capital of Morocco and the site of Sultan Moulay Ismail’s

version of Versailles. Days 3-4 Volubilis/Fes Travel back to the

days of the Roman Empire on a guided tour of the ruins of Volubilis.

In medieval Fes, wander the narrow alleyways of the medina as the

call to prayer floats over Fes el-Bali at dusk. Day 5 Midelt Journey

through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains to the

peaceful, rural village of Midelt. Stop by a handicraft workshop run

by Franciscan nuns - a great place to pick up a beautifully crafted

souvenir. Day 6 Sahara Camp After a camel ride into the desert,

attempt to climb the towering dunes. Later, fall asleep in a desert

camp under a blanket of stars. Days 7-8 Todra Gorge Wake

early and watch the sunrise over the desert before heading to the

impressive palmeraies of Todra Gorge. For the energetic, why not

take advantage of the rock-climbing opportunities here, or head

out on a trek to be rewarded with spectacular views? Day 9 Ait

Benhaddou Pass through Morocco’s film capital, Ouarzazate, on

the way to the ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou. Explore the

streets of this clay kasbah at a relaxed pace, then finish off the day

with a meal of some of Morocco’s best couscous. Day 10 Aroumd

Farewell the Sahara and head to the hills. Perched on a rocky

outcrop, remote Aroumd near the village of Imlil offers panoramic

views. This is the perfect base for exploring the High Atlas and a

great opportunity to experience traditional Berber culture up close.

Days 11-12 Essaouira With its Norfolk Island pines and colourful

fishing boats, Essaouira is a gem. Get acquainted with the town’s

fascinating history on a guided walking tour, then enjoy free time

to wander along the beach, visit art galleries or feast on freshly

caught seafood. Days 13-15 Marrakech Explore the tantalising

spice market, dine al fresco at a foodstall in Djemaa el-Fna or

escape the buzz of the city and wander through the manicured

gardens of the sublime Palais de la Bahia.

15 days, Casablanca to MarrakechDeparts every Sunday

Best-selling trip...

This is one of our most popular Intrepid adventures. Discover for yourself why our travellers love this trip.

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

OrIgInalTRIP CODE XMSC

Discover the ruins of • one sultan’s Versailles dream in Meknes

Experience medieval • Morocco in Fes

have an adventure on • the Sahara’s dunes

Trek through • the impressive Todra Gorge

Explore the fortified • city of Ait Benhaddou

Soak up panoramic • views of the imposing high Atlas Mountains

Wow - what an experience! From the diversity of the landscapes to warm hospitality and rich cultures, this trip really showed what Morocco has to offer!

Christine Blais, Canada Travelled on the XMSC

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Marvel at Kasbah des • Oudaias in Rabat

Experience Moroccan • life on a village stay

Relive a glorious • medieval past in Fes

Experience the colour • of Djemaa el-Fna

Admire the kasbah at • Ait Benhaddou

Enjoy a change of pace • in coastal Essaouira

Discover ancient • ruins in Meknes

Ride a camel across • the magical Sahara

Get caught up in the • energy of Marrakech

Colourful leather slippers, Morocco - Gautier Willaume

Blue boats docked at fishing harbour, Essaouira, Morocco - Ewen Bell

Delicious tajine cooking, Morocco - Ragne Kabanova

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (6 nts), homestay (1 nt), overnight sleeper train (1 nt) TRANSPORT Overnight sleeper train, train, local bus, taxi GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Fri GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 267 kg pp per trip NOTES A single supplement is available on this trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.70 out of 5

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (5 nts), riad (2 nts), mountain gite (1 nt), desert camp (1 nt) TRANSPORT 4x4, private minibus, local bus, camel GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 6 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Sat & selected Thu GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 297 kg pp per trip NOTES 1. There is an altered itinerary Jul-Aug. See Trip Notes (Important Notes) for more details. 2. A single supplement is available on this trip. TRAVELLER RATING 4.68 out of 5

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (12 nts), riad (2 nts) TRANSPORT Coach, train, minibus, taxi, camel GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 13 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 5 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat GUARANTEE Subject to min 4 CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 557 kg pp per trip NOTES A single supplement is available on this trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.68 out of 5

Start Finish201126 Mar 09 Apr02 Apr 16 Apr16 Apr 30 Apr30 Apr 14 May07 May 21 May14 May 28 May28 May 11 Jun11 Jun 25 Jun

25 Jun 09 Jul02 Jul 16 Jul23 Jul 06 Aug20 Aug 03 Sep27 Aug 10 Sep03 Sep 17 Sep10 Sep 24 Sep17 Sep 01 Oct24 Sep 08 Oct01 Oct 15 Oct

08 Oct 22 Oct15 Oct 29 Oct22 Oct 05 Nov29 Oct 12 Nov12 Nov 26 Nov26 Nov 10 Dec10 Dec 24 Dec201231 Mar 14 Apr14 Apr 28 Apr

21 Apr 05 May28 Apr 12 May12 May 26 May19 May 02 Jun26 May 09 Jun09 Jun 23 Jun16 Jun 30 Jun23 Jun 07 Jul

North Morocco Adventure

South Morocco Discovery

Morocco Experience

ITINERARy... Day 1 Casablanca Arriving early? Head to one of

the largest mosques in the world, the ornate Hassan II Mosque.

Day 2 Rabat/Moulay Idriss See the delightful Kasbah des

Oudaias and spend the night in the sacred hilltop town of Moulay

Idriss. Days 3-4 Volubilis/Fes Discover the remarkable mosaics

of Volubilis, see the imposing gates and walls of Meknes, then

take a step back to the Middle Ages on a trip to Fes. Days 5-7

Chefchaouen/Tangier Nestled between two peaks in the Rif

Mountains, charming Chefchaouen is the perfect place to relax.

Travel to the coastal town of Tangier and indulge in a seafood feast

before making the final journey to Marrakech aboard an overnight

train. Days 8-9 Marrakech Get lost in the sights and sounds of

this lively city. Tantalise senses with a walk around Djemaa el-Fna or

bargain hard in Morocco’s largest souq.

ITINERARy... Day 1 Marrakech Mingle with the performers at

Djemaa el-Fna and sip mint tea with locals. Day 2 Aroumd Stay

in a mountain gite boasting incredible views of the High Atlas

Mountains. Day 3 Ait Benhaddou Explore the grand kasbah of

Ait Benhaddou, as featured in Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

Day 4 Zagora Embark on a journey towards the mighty Sahara,

through the lush Draa Valley and on to Zagora. Day 5 Sahara

Camp Ride camels across the sand at dusk and spend the night

under the stars. Day 6 Taroudannt Look out for the incredible

sight of goats climbing trees on the way to Taroudannt. Days 7-8

Essaouira Wander through the old medina and learn about this

seaside town, then enjoy free time to hit the hamam or relax by the

Atlantic Ocean. Days 9-10 Marrakech Relax in the tropical oasis

of Majorelle Gardens or sample cuisine at the stalls in the square.

ITINERARy... Day 1 Casablanca Modelled after Marseille,

Morocco’s economic capital is an intriguing mix of old and new.

Day 2 Meknes See the ambitious building project of Sultan

Moulay Ismail. Days 3-4 Volubilis/Chefchaouen Tread in the

footsteps of the Romans at ancient Volubilis then travel north to

blue-hued Chefchaouen. Days 5-7 Fes Discover the artistic and

religious heart of Morocco. Day 8 Midelt Look out for Barbary

apes on the journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Day 9

Sahara Camp Embark on a camel ride and watch the sunset over

the cinnamon-red Erg Chebbi dunes. Days 10-11 Todra Gorge/

Dades Gorge Marvel at towering limestone cliffs. Day 12 Ait

Benhaddou Learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine at a cooking

demonstration. Days 13-15 Marrakech Full of colour and energy,

the mosaic of souqs in Marrakech’s medina is a delight.

9 days, Casablanca to Marrakech

10 days, ex Marrakech

15 days, Casablanca to Marrakech

Departs every Friday

Departs every Saturday

PhySICAL

CULTURAL

PhySICAL

CULTURAL

PhySICAL

CULTURAL

OrIgInalTRIP CODE XMSB

OrIgInalTRIP CODE XMSF

COmfOrtTRIP CODE XMKP

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com

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Mid

dle East

Middle East AdventurePhySICAL

CULTURAL

ITINERARy... Days 1-2 Cairo Head to the Egyptian Museum to

view priceless treasures, then ride a camel to visit the extraordinary

Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza. Days 3-5 Aswan/Nile Felucca

This Nubian city is the gateway to Africa and not far from the

inspiring temple complex of Abu Simbel. Join a local Nubian family

for a home-cooked meal and an insight into their culture, before

boarding a felucca for an unforgettable night on the Nile. Days 6-7

Luxor Wander the monumental Temples of Karnak, ride a donkey

through nearby villages and marvel at the pharaohs’ tombs in the

Valley of the Kings. Day 8 Cairo There’s time to explore Cairo’s

walled Citadel or haggle for a bargain at one of the many souqs.

Day 9 Mt Sinai Follow in the footsteps of Moses and climb Mt

Sinai for breathtaking panoramic desert views. Day 10 Red Sea

Beach Camp Visit the monastery of St Katherine before heading

to the coast. Snorkel in the spectacular Red Sea or just kick back

and feast on fresh seafood. Day 11 Aqaba Cross over the border

and into Jordan. Explore Aqaba, a relaxed diving and beach resort

town. Day 12 Wadi Rum Take a jeep safari through some of

the most beautiful scenery on the planet, then spend a night in

a desert camp. Days 13-14 Petra Explore captivating Petra, a

long-lost city carved into rose-coloured cliffs. Days 15-16 Madaba

Float in the Dead Sea, stop in at Mt Nebo, then continue to Madaba

to marvel at Byzantine mosaics. Take an optional trip to Amman

to climb the ruined Citadel. Days 17-18 Damascus Delve into

the ancient alleyways and bustling bazaars of Syria’s capital and be

impressed by the beautiful Umayyad Mosque. Day 19 Palmyra

Explore the ruins of this Silk Road city, which rise hauntingly from

the desert. Day 20 Krak des Chevaliers This imposing Crusader

fortress is one of the world’s most impressive. Days 21-22 Aleppo

Bargain for mementos in Aleppo’s souq. Day 23 Sanliurfa/

homestay Just over the border in Turkey, Sanliurfa awaits with an

ancient bazaar and rich history. Stay overnight in a small village as

guests of a family. Day 24 Mt Nemrut Marvel at the colossal stone

heads on the mountain’s summit. Days 25-27 Goreme Explore

underground cities and fairy chimneys. Day 28 Istanbul A fusion

of East and West, Istanbul is a city of contradictions.

Visit the mysterious • Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza

Cruise down the Nile • on a traditional felucca

Explore the ancient • and mysterious Valley of the Kings

Climb to the summit • of Mt Sinai for breathtaking views

Snorkel and swim in • the tranquil Red Sea

Get swept up in the • beauty of Wadi Rum

Be amazed by the • lost city of Petra

Float about in • the Dead Sea

Experience the ancient • wonder of Damascus

See one of the • world’s greatest Crusader castles

Bargain hard for a • trinket in Aleppo’s bustling souq

Discover Cappadocia’s • surreal landscapes

Uncover hidden gems • in the backstreets of Istanbul

28 days, Cairo to IstanbulDeparts every Monday & Saturday

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (20 nts), beach hut (1 nt), desert camp (1 nt), homestay (1 nt), overnight sleeper train (3 nts), felucca (1 nt) TRANSPORT Overnight sleeper train, 4x4, bus, ferry, felucca, taxi, camel, donkey (seasonal) GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 14 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 5 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Mon & Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 832 kg pp per trip NOTES 1. The welcome meeting for this trip is at 16:00 on day 1. 2. Please note there may be a revised itinerary in the winter months (approx. Oct-Mar) when it’s often not possible to travel to Mt Nemrut due to snow blocking the roads. On these occasions, we’ll spend three nights in Goreme instead. 3. A single supplement is available on this trip. TRAVELLER RATING 4.77 out of 5

Above: Photo Competition, The mighty Sphinx, Giza, Egypt - Paul Pitkethly Right: Photo Competition, Laughing with the locals, Wadi Rum, Jordan - Alison Bagdon

OrIgInalTRIP CODE XESXC


53

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Admire the Sphinx•

Relax on a Nile felucca•

Climb mystical Mt Sinai•

Dive into chaotic Cairo•

Explore vibrant Cairo•

Experience traditional • Nubian hospitality

Cruise down the • Nile on a felucca

Take a dip in • Cleopatra’s Bath

Photo Competition, Street seller with his produce, Egypt - Jenny Piche

Photo Competition, Mother and child in doorway, Aswan, Egypt - Steve Stills

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (8 nts), beach hut (2 nts), felucca (1 nt), homestay (1 nt), overnight sleeper train (2 nts) TRANSPORT Overnight sleeper train, bus, felucca, camel, donkey (seasonal) GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Sun & selected Tue GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 446 kg pp per trip NOTES A single supplement is available on this trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.73 out of 5

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (10 nts), desert camp (1 nt), felucca (1 nt), overnight seater train (2 nts) TRANSPORT Overnight seater train, 4x4, bus, felucca GROUP SIZE Max 14 MEALS 4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Sat & selected Thu GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 501 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.67 out of 5

Discover Egypt

Explore Egypt

ITINERARy... Days 1-2 Cairo Start the adventure in Egypt’s

chaotic capital. Ride a camel out to the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza

and peruse priceless artefacts at the fascinating Egyptian Museum.

Days 3-4 Aswan/Abu Simbel Hone bargaining skills in one of

the country’s best bazaars. Enjoy a boat ride to a nearby beach

to climb sand dunes. A walk around Elephantine Island reveals

insight into the culture of the local Nubian people. The following

day, journey to Abu Simbel to view ancient temples with an

extraordinary story. Days 5-6 Nubian homestay/Nile Felucca

Sail to a Nubian village aboard a felucca to experience village

culture firsthand during a homestay. Drift along the iconic Nile and

take in the sights of rural riverside life. Days 7-9 Luxor Journey by

donkey to the ancient hieroglyphs and royal tombs in the Valley of

the Kings. Meet the members of an animal care project, dedicated

to improving the lives of Egypt’s working animals. Explore the

temple complex of Karnak before heading back to Cairo aboard

a sleeper train. Day 10 Cairo Enjoy a walk through Islamic Cairo

and bargain up a storm in the Khan al-Khalili market. Day 11

Mt Sinai Climb - or perhaps ride a camel - to the top of Mt Sinai.

Days 12-13 Red Sea Beach Camp Before heading to the Red

Sea, visit St Katherine’s Monastery, an important pilgrimage site.

Snorkel among coral reefs, stay in beach huts and, in the evening,

experience Bedouin hospitality over a seafood meal. Days 14-15

Cairo A farewell dinner offers a last chance to try local culinary

favourites and to relive memories of this Egyptian adventure.

ITINERARy... Days 1-2 Cairo The never-ending stream of life

and noise makes Cairo fascinating to explore. In free time, head out

to discover the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza before catching an

overnight train to Aswan. Days 3-4 Aswan Nestled on the banks

of the Nile, Aswan is a great base for exploration. Consider visiting

a nearby Nubian village to enjoy the local swimming holes and

for a dinner of traditional delicacies. A day trip to the fascinating

temples of Abu Simbel is also highly recommended. Day 5 Nile

Felucca A Nubian crew provides food and song on this traditional

felucca journey down the Nile. Watch river life in action and fall

asleep on deck beneath the starry night sky. Days 6-7 Luxor

Wander through the incredible temple complex of Karnak or travel

by donkey to the open-air museum that is the spectacular Valley

of the Kings. Days 8-9 Alexandria There is plenty to do in this

city. Visit the eerie catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa or admire the

modern architecture of the Bibliotheca Alexandria. Days 10-11

Siwa Oasis This remote, exotic oasis is a lush paradise among the

desert dunes. Explore the maze-like ruins of the mud brick fort or

perhaps take a dip in Cleopatra’s Bath. Day 12 Bawiti Uncover the

legend of the golden mummies or undulge in a relaxing soak in

mineral-rich springs. Day 13 White Desert Camp Travel through

the windswept, arid dunes of the Western Desert, then spend a

memorable evening camping among the strange moonscape of

the White Desert. Days 14-15 Cairo Return to the busy streets of

Cairo for some final sightseeing or shopping.

15 days, ex Cairo

15 days, ex Cairo

Departs every Sunday


PhySICAL

CULTURAL

PhySICAL

CULTURAL

Start in Jordan...

Extend your travels in this fascinating region by beginning the adventure in Amman. See trip code EERCC.

BasIxTRIP CODE XERA

OrIgInalTRIP CODE XESI

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

This trip was 15 days of complete bliss! It was impossible to decide on which day, city or experience was the highlight as there were too many to choose from.

Kathryn Munidasa, Australia Travelled on the XESI


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Travel by camel to visit • the mysterious Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza

Cruise along the • Nile on a felucca

Be amazed by the • Temples of Karnak

Dine with locals •

Delve into ancient • history at the Egyptian Museum

Experience the wonder • of the Pyramids of Giza

Explore eerie • Roman catacombs

Marvel at monumental • temples at Abu Simbel

Cruise along the • Nile in comfort

Wander the temples • of ancient Thebes

Browse the bustling • Khan al-Khalili bazaar

PhySICAL

CULTURAL

Sailing down the Nile, Aswan, Egypt - Cameron Gaze

Camels taking a rest at the pyramids, Cairo, Egypt - Sally Johnson

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (4 nts), felucca (1 nt), overnight sleeper train (2 nts) TRANSPORT Overnight sleeper train, bus, motorboat, felucca, taxi, camel, donkey (seasonal) GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Mon & Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 238 kg pp per trip NOTES A single supplement is available on this trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.73 out of 5

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (7 nts), Nile cruise (3 nts), overnight sleeper train (1 nt) TRANSPORT Plane, overnight sleeper train, air-conditioned bus, Nile cruise, felucca GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Sun & selected Fri GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 411 kg pp per trip NOTES A single supplement is available on this trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.64 out of 5

Egypt Adventure

Egypt Experience

ITINERARy... Days 1-2 Cairo Welcome to a city like no other.

Be immersed in Cairo’s chaos, colour and culture with a trip

to Khan al-Khalili, Egypt’s most famous bazaar. For a change

of pace, climb aboard a camel and visit the impressive Sphinx

and Pyramids of Giza for those iconic views. Take time to visit

the fascinating Egyptian Museum, home to more than 120,000

antiquities and relics, including the famous burial treasures from

King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Then it’s all aboard an overnight train

bound for the south. Days 3-5 Aswan/Nile Felucca Join a local

Nubian family for dinner to experience a slice of traditional Nile

culture firsthand. There is also time for an optional day trip to the

fascinating temples of Abu Simbel. Later, set sail down the Nile on

a magical overnight felucca journey, falling asleep on deck under a

canopy of stars. Days 6-7 Luxor Known as Thebes to the ancient

Egyptians, Luxor conceals amazing treasures. Pay a visit to an

Intrepid-supported animal care project and wander the amazing

Temples of Karnak. Enjoy a donkey ride, then continue on to the

Valley of the Kings to visit three of the best-preserved pharaonic

tombs. Afterwards, join a local family for a traditional home-cooked

lunch before boarding an overnight sleeper train back to the

vibrant capital. Day 8 Cairo Return to Egypt’s pulsating heart. For

those with extra time, be sure to roam through the walled Citadel

for wonderful views over the busy streets, pick up some exotic

trinkets at one of the many markets or escape the hazy chaos of the

inner city with a final stroll along the banks of the Nile.

ITINERARy... Days 1-2 Cairo Colourful Cairo overflows with

character and there is plenty of time to soak up the vibrant

atmosphere. Visit the majestic Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza.

Wander the halls of the massive Egyptian Museum, taking in the

thousands of ancient treasures on display. Days 3-4 Alexandria

The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria has grown up around

its port. Head underground and delve into the mysteries of the

Kom ash-Shuqqafa Catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest

of its kind in Egypt and was discovered, quite accidentally, by a

hapless donkey. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built to hold

eight million books, is a library like no other. Return to Cairo for

an overnight train journey. Day 5 Aswan/Abu Simbel Watch

the sunset over the Nile from a gliding felucca. Take a flight to the

impressive Abu Simbel temples. Days 6-8 Nile Cruise Embark

on a cruise down the mighty Nile River, stopping along the way

to explore the ancient temple sites of Kom Ombo and Edfu. In

between seeing the sites, relax on board the boat and take in the

scenery. Days 9-10 Luxor On arrival in Luxor, wander through

the fascinating Temples of Karnak, the biggest and most important

complex of its time. At night, take a moonlight stroll around Luxor

Temple. The next day, discover the jewels of ancient Thebes - the

Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the royal burial

sites in the Valley of the Kings. Days 11-12 Cairo Plunge into the

Khan al-Khalili bazaar or head out to the Coptic Christian sector of

the city before a final farewell dinner.

8 days, ex Cairo

12 days, ex Cairo

Departs every Monday & Saturday

Departs every Sunday

PhySICAL

CULTURAL

Savour a short break

The Alexandria Short Break is a fantastic add-on to this trip. See trip code XEAA for more information.

COmfOrtTRIP CODE XEKI

OrIgInalTRIP CODE XESB

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED


55

Egyp

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rdan

Ponder the riddles of • the Sphinx in Cairo

Drift down the Nile on • a traditional felucca

Walk through the • Valley of the Kings

Climb Mt Sinai for • scenic desert views

Visit St Katherine’s • Monastery

Laze on golden • sand by the Red Sea

Bask in the • glow of Petra’s rose-coloured walls

Enjoy a dip in the • salty Dead Sea

Camp in the desert • with Bedouins

Experience wonder at • the summit of Mt Sinai

hunt for a bargain • in a Cairo souq

Hanging out with the locals, Luxor, Egypt - Sally Johnson

Photo Competition, Little boy with donkey, Petra, Jordan - Louise Davies

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (10 nts), beach hut (2 nts), desert camp (1 nt), felucca (1 nt), overnight sleeper train (2 nts) TRANSPORT Overnight sleeper train, 4x4, bus, ferry, felucca, taxi, camel, donkey (seasonal) GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Thu GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 505 kg pp per trip NOTES A single supplement is available on this trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.67 out of 5

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (5 nts), beach hut (2 nts), desert camp (1 nt) TRANSPORT 4x4, private minibus, ferry GROUP SIZE Max 14 MEALS 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 301 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.67 out of 5

Pyramids to Petra

Jordan & Egypt Express

ITINERARy... Days 1-2 Cairo Head out on camelback to behold

the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, then discover Tutankhamun’s

treasures at the Egyptian Museum. Days 3-4 Aswan Take an

overnight train to Aswan. Pick up a souvenir in the souq, visit a

Nubian village and enjoy a traditional dinner with a local family.

Day 5 Nile Felucca Glide along the iconic Nile River on a

memorable felucca ride. Settle in for the night on the deck and be

rocked gently to sleep as the boat bobs under a starry night sky.

Days 6-7 Luxor Take a donkey ride through villages before a visit

to the Valley of the Kings. In free time, explore the monumental

Temples of Karnak before boarding an overnight train. Day 8

Cairo Uncover peaceful Coptic Cairo, then explore the vibrant

spiritual heart of the Islamic Cairo district. Day 9 Mt Sinai Ascend

the mystical mountain for panoramic views of the desert landscape.

Days 10-11 Red Sea Beach Camp Visit St Katherine’s Monastery

before tavelling to the Red Sea. Golden sands, balmy beaches and

an overnight stay in a simple beach hut all provide a refreshing

interlude. Day 12 Aqaba Take a ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba to

Jordan. Day 13 Wadi Rum Experience a memorable night with

friendly Bedouin hosts. Days 14-15 Petra Ancient, pink-hued

buildings carved into the rock of the surrounding mountains

make visiting this ancient city a unique experience. Days 16-17

Madaba Wander the Crusader castle at Karak, float in the Dead

Sea and travel to Madaba, a city where Byzantine and Umayyad

mosaics evoke memories of lost empires.

ITINERARy... Day 1 Amman If arriving early, head out to Jerash

to soak up history among its well-preserved ruins. Back in the

capital, choose to wander through the National Archaeological

Museum or head to the impressive Citadel for views over the city.

Days 2-3 Petra Enjoy a bouyant dip in the salty Dead Sea - the

lowest point on Earth - before exploring spectacular Petra. Hewn

out of rose-coloured rock, this ancient Nabataean city is one of the

Middle East’s must-see destinations. Day 4 Wadi Rum Follow

in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia and head out through

some of the most sublime desert landscape on the planet. Spend

a memorable night sleeping Bedouin-style in rustic camel-hair

tents, or head outside to fall asleep under a twinkling blanket of

stars. Days 5-6 Red Sea Beach Camp Cross the sparkling Gulf of

Aqaba, arrive in Egypt and make tracks to a seaside camp beside

the glistening Red Sea. Spend days snorkelling through beautiful

reefs, kicking back on golden sands or joining new Bedouin friends

for a delicious seafood feast. Day 7 Mt Sinai Hike or take a camel

to the summit of Mt Sinai. This is where Moses is said to have

received the Ten Commandments and the views from the top are

spectacular. Also make time to visit the beautiful St Katherine’s

Monastery. Nestled at the foot of the mountain, this is where

Moses was believed to have been spoken to by the Burning Bush.

Days 8-9 Cairo With its crowded souqs, treasure-filled museums,

flavoursome cuisine and nearby iconic pyramids, Cairo provides the

perfect finale to this incredible adventure.

17 days, Cairo to Madaba

9 days, Amman to Cairo

Departs every Thursday


PhySICAL

CULTURAL

PhySICAL

CULTURAL

Extend your travels...

Sail down the Nile on a felucca and marvel at the Valley of the Kings. See trip code EERCC for more details.

BasIxTRIP CODE EERJ

OrIgInalTRIP CODE XESW

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED


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Intrepid Travel North Africa and the Middle East Holidays, by TravelRope

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