Europe Ancient Wonders Tour - Egypt, Jordan & Turkey ITINERARY & PRICES
ITINERARY & PRICES
ANCIENT WONDERS TOUR
Tour Departs: 17 May 2012 • Tour Length: 34 Days
Overview
In consultation with our Tour Escorts John and Barbara Bibby who will lead this tour, we have formulated this exciting and “once only” itinerary embracing some of the most amazing places in the Middle East and Turkey. Their knowledge and experience gained over so many years of escorting tours, their love and passion for travel and their delight in sharing daily highlights with their fellow travellers will ensure a memorable and unique tour for all.
Egypt – one of the world’s earliest civilisations is welcoming, diverse and astonishingly beautiful. The region offers many highlights and to stand in awe of the Pyramids and the Sphinx and view the incredible antiquities exhibited in the Cairo Museum is a moving experience. Notwithstanding the unrivalled hospitality of the locals.
Nile Cruise – a cruise along the River Nile from Aswan to Luxor is the best way to experience this ancient waterway. Exploring Egypt’s Nile Valley is for many the realisation of a dream – cruising and walking in the footsteps of the Pharaohs’ of centuries ago, the amazing beauty of the landscape of the western desert and the magnificent temples and edifices that are still standing thousands of years after their construction
Jordan – is truly an adventurers paradise discovering the fascinating lost city of Petra, visit to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth – the ancient city of Jerash, dating back to 70 A.D, the people, the food, the scenery and sights will leave an amazing impression.
Turkey – the spectacular journey through Turkey’s heartland region is surely a delight and will remain with us long after our journey is completed. Stunning Istanbul where Europe meets Asia, the Battlefields of Gallipoli, mystical city of Konya, natural wonders of Pamukkale, unreal moon landscape of Cappadocia and the underground city. When travelling in Turkey experience the beauty and serenity that can be found in the villages, coastal towns and lakes that dot the landscape.
The tour itinerary is packed with daily highlights and includes as much to ensure you get the most of your valuable time in this fascinating region.
John and Barbara look forward to welcoming you aboard.
TOUR COSTS:
Per Person Share Twin Room NZD$14,750 AUD$12,400
Supplements for Single Room: NZD$ 2,250 AUD$ 1,850
COSTS INCLUDE:
• Economy class air travel from Auckland, Brisbane, Christchurch, Melbourne, Sydney or Wellington. (upgrade to Business Class available at additional cost)
• Prepaid airport/Government taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges
• Superior/first class hotel accommodation throughout
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
• First class air conditioned coach transportation
• Outside cabins on a 5* Nile River cruise ship
• All sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary
• Services of local and regional guides for all sightseeing
• Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
•Tips and gratuities to all local guides, cruise staff, tour directors and coach drivers
• Fully escorted
COSTS EXCLUDE:
• Passport and Visa fees, travel insurance (advice and assistance given)
• Any optional sightseeing tours offered in the course of the tour
• Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, room service, drinks, telephone charges etc.
Day to Day Itinerary
Thursday 17 May
Homeport – Singapore
We begin the tour today with our flight to Singapore. On arrival into Singapore this evening, the group is met and transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Friday 18 May
Singapore – Cairo (B)
This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Singapore City, showcasing the contrasts between the old and the new and the blend between East and West. We visit the Botanical Gardens and see the wonderful orchid display, Mt Faber for great views over the harbour, Chinatown and lots more. The afternoon is at leisure – what about high-tea at Raffles as an option. This evening, we are transferred back to Singapore Airport to join the overnight flight to Cairo.
Saturday 19 May
Cairo (D)
On arrival into Cairo this morning, the group is met and transferred to its hotel for a 3 night stay. The remainder of the day and evening are free to relax and rest-up after the journey from home.
Sunday 20 May
Cairo (B.L.D)
We start the day with a visit to the Egyptian Museum where among the many thousands of artifacts we view Tutankhamun's splendid treasures. In the afternoon, an included lunch is followed by a visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley Temple with the Sphinx. During the visit to the Pyramids, you can enjoy a camel ride in the Pyramids area. We return to the hotel late this afternoon with time to relax before dinner.
Monday 21 May
Cairo (B.D)
Another memorable day today as we visit Memphis (the capital of the Old Kingdom) and Sakkara where we view the Step Pyramids of Zoser I dating from 2686 BC. We also visit an area known as Coptic Cairo which was a stronghold for Christianity until the Islamic era. It is believed the Holy Family stayed in the area on the site of St Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga). And what visit to Cairo would be complete without a visit to Khan el Khalili, the world’s oldest market. “The Khan” as it is commonly called, was first built in the 14th century and is still the major shopping area of Cairo.
Tuesday 22 May
Cairo – Alexandria (B.D)
After breakfast, we leave Cairo and drive north to the seaport of Alexandria, the second largest city of Egypt and the pearl of the Mediterranean. During our sightseeing tour of the city, we visit Pompey's Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom esh-shuqqafa, Fort of Quit Bay (from Outside), Library of Alexandria and the Roman Theatre. We also see Fort Qaitbey, dating back to the 1480s before checking into our hotel for an overnight stay.
Wednesday 23 May
Alexandria – Cairo (B.D)
This morning our drive takes us westwards to the town of El Alamein, site of two very famous WWII battles in 1942. We visit the museum which houses items from these and other North African battles and we also visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery where the remains of New Zealand and Australian soldiers lie buried alongside their British, South African, Greek and Indian comrades. There are also separate cemeteries for the German and Italian soldiers. Later, we return to Cairo for a further overnight stay.
Thursday 24 May
Cairo – Aswan (B.L.D)
Following an early morning breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Aswan. On arrival Aswan, the group is met and transferred to a 5* Nile river cruise vessel, our home for the next three nights. The morning is at leisure and after lunch we enjoy a sightseeing tour including the Aswan High Dam and a visit to a Nubian Village sailing by felucca (Egyptian sailing boat).
Abu Simbel Optional Excursion:
While most of the sightseeing on board the cruise is included there is the opportunity for an optional tour to Abu Simbel, the site of one of the greatest engineering feats by UNESCO to save Egyptian monuments from the waters of Lake Nasser, the artificial lake created behind the Aswan High Dam that wiped out the Kingdom of Nubia. On this tour which includes return flights, you will see the great temple of Ramses II, with its four massive seated figures of the youthful Ramses, carved into the side of the cliff, to resemble a temple pylon and rising to 32m. Now they are supported on an artificial domed structure, which you will be able to enter.
Friday 25 May
Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu (B.L.D)
We sail from Aswan to Kom Ombo. Kom Ombo is known for its celebrated twin temples dedicated to the Sun and Crocodile gods and their beautiful murals and we can also enjoy superb views over the Nile. After lunch we visit Edfu and the astonishing Temple of Horus, the Nile’s best preserved temple.
Saturday 26 May
Luxor (B.L.D)
Today we visit Thebes and the famous Valley of the Kings, where 64 of Egypt's pharaohs had their tombs carved out of solid rock. Highlights also include the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari, built right into the sheer Theban cliffs, as well as the Colossi of Memnon.
Sunday 27 May
Luxor – Sharm El Sheikh (B.D)
After breakfast, it is time to disembark. We first visit the Temple of Luxor and the gigantic Temple of Amon at Karnak before we transfer to the airport for flight to Sharm El Sheikh (via Cairo). On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a 3night stay.
Monday 28 May
Sharm El Sheikh (B.D)
Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el Sheikh is one of the most developed visitor resort of the region surrounded by Bedouin tents, mountains and sea. The day is left entirely free to allow time for relaxing at the hotel with the backdrop of the Red Sea with its turquoise water and golden sand.
Mt Sinai & St Catherine’s Monastery Optional Excursion
For the very adventurous and physically able, there is the opportunity for a nighttime walk departing at midnight to the peak of Mt Sinai where Moses is said to have received from God the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments. Once at the top, there will be time for reflection before returning down the mountain for breakfast followed by a visit to St Catherine’s Monastery built around the area of Moses Burning Bush. The monastery has been in continuous existence and occupation for over 17 centuries.
Tuesday 29 May
Sharm El Sheikh (B.D)
Another day free to relax and enjoy the resort area; for those that have taken the Mt Sinai excursion, a chance to catch up on some sleep. The regions boasts some of the finest snorkeling and diving areas with crystal clear waters and magnificent corals. There are some lovely walks along the paved seafront at Na’ama Bay where you will find many shops, restaurants and cafes.
Wednesday 30 May
Sharm El Sheikh – Amman (B.D)
After breakfast, its time to say farewell to Egypt as the group is transferred to Sharm El Sheikh Airport to join the flight to Amman, Jordan. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Thursday 31 May
Amman - Jerash – Petra (B.D)
After breakfast, we drive to the Dead Sea, which at 422m below sea level is the lowest elevation on the earth’s planet. The salt content of the water is over 8 times that of normal seawater. We then continue to Jerash, which was known as the city of a thousand Pillars. At Madaba, we see the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St George with a mosaic map of the region dating back to the 6th century preserved in its floor; and at Mount Nebo, we enjoy views into the Holyland and north to the Valley of the River Jordan. We continue on to Petra for a 2 night stay.
Friday 1 June
Petra (B.D)
Today we enjoy a full day visit of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient city is known for its rock cut architecture and water conduit system. Established around 6th century BC as the capital of the Nabataeans, it is the symbol of Jordan and its most visited attraction. The day full of highlights commences at the main gate of Petra and the entrance to the old city. We then walk on foot to tour the Rose-Red City with visits to the Treasury, the amphitheatre and tombs.
Saturday 2 June
Petra - Amman (B.D)
After breakfast, we rejoin our coach for the leisurely journey back to Amman for an overnight stay.
Sunday 3 June
Amman - Istanbul (B.D)
After breakfast, it is time to farewell Jordan as we transfer to the airport to join our flight to Istanbul. On arrival early this afternoon, we are met by our Turkish hosts and transferred to our city hotel for a 2 night stay.
Monday 4 June
Istanbul (B.D)
Welcome to the wonders of this city which uniquely bridges two continents, Europe and Asia. Our full day city tour includes Topkapi Palace; the Palace of the Ottoman Sultans dramatically sited overlooking the Bosphorus. Onto the magnificent St. Sophia’s Basilica (now a museum), built originally by Constantine the Great. In the afternoon visit the fascinating Blue Mosque, famous for its unique architecture, marble and six minarets, then the Byantine Hippodrome where Roman chariot races were held. Finally, we visit the famous Grand Bazaar.
Tuesday 5 June
Istanbul – Bursa (B.D)
Today, we embark on one of the many day highlights as we cruise along the Bosphorus past Ottoman Palaces, old mansions and fortresses. Leaving Istanbul we take a short ferry trip across the Sea of Mamara to Iznik before continuing to Bursa for an overnight stay. In the afternoon there is time to visit the Green Ottoman Complex and the Grand Bazaar.
Wednesday 6 June
Bursa – Ankara (B.D)
From Bursa, we continue to Gordion for a visit to the city of King Midas and Alexander the Great, enroute to Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara, for an overnight stay. This afternoon, we enjoy a city tour including a visit to the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, founder of the Republic of Turkey.
Thursday 7 June
Ankara – Cappadocia (B.D)
We first include a visit to the Hittite Museum portraying the history of Asia Minor from earliest times before commencing our journey to the region of Cappadocia. En route, we also visit 13th century Agzikarahan, one of the best preserved Seljuk caravanserais in Anatolia which provided accommodation and security for the traveling merchants of the day. We continue to Nevsehir in the Cappadocia region for a 2 night stay.
Friday 8 June
Cappadocia – Goreme & Urgup Excursion (B.D)
Today we enjoy an excursion to this unique region of volcanic landscapes and rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. See the landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings and “fairy chimneys”, pillars of rock eroded away over centuries by wind and water. Urgup is known for its hotels built within the caves, its wine and also its Turkish carpets.
Saturday 9 June
Cappadocia – Konya (B.D)
Firstly, we visit the underground city of Kaymakli and see the cone of Uchisar before continuing to Turkey’s most religious city Konya for an overnight stay. The city was once the home of the mystic sect of Whirling Dervishes and the old capital of the Antolian Empire. Visit Mevlana with its beautiful fluted turquoise dome.
Sunday 10 June
Konya – Antalya (B.D)
This morning, we see the extraordinary “Whirling Dervishes” at the former convent in Konya, once the centre for the mystic sect followed by a visit to the Karatay Koran School. We drive to Aspendos to visit the best preserved Roman Theatre anywhere in the world and then on to the Hellenistic or Roman city of Perge; visit the Roman’s great theatre, stadium and the Gate Towers leading into a street where ancient chariot ruts in the road can still be seen. Before continuing on to the coastal resort of Antalya on the “Turkish Riviera” for a 2 night stay.
Monday 11 June
Antalya (B)
A day to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel or you can explore Antalya at your own pace. Why not take a stroll around the harbour side or a boat cruise around the coast.
Tuesday 12 June
Antalya – Pamukkale (B.D)
Forests and mountains are the order of the day as we cross the Taurus Mountains before arriving in Pamukkale. On arrival, we visit the ruins of Hierapolis, famed for its sacred hot springs. The ancient city was originally built on top of the “cotton castle” for which Pammukale is famous, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing waters. We overnight in Pamukkale.
Wednesday 13 June
Pamukkale – Kusadasi (B.D)
This morning, we visit the temple of Aphrodite at amazing Aphrodisias before following the Meander River and arriving at your beach front hotel in the lively coastal town of Kusadasi.
Thursday 14 June
Kusadasi – Ephesus – Izmir (B.D)
Another tour highlight today as we visit Ephesus, one of the world’s finest historical sites with its 2,000 year old marble streets. Stand in awe at the sight of the amphitheatre, walk along the Arcadian Way to view the splendid façade of the Library of Celsus. Visit the house of the Virgin Mary situated above the ruins. After our visit we continue on to the Agean port city of Izmir for an overnight stay.
Friday 15 June
Izmir – Canakkale (B.D)
Today, we journey first to Pegamon, the impressive site of an ancient kingdom where we visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Athens and library, Next to Homer’s city of Troy of “wooden horse” fame where we see the ruins of nine cities built on top of one another. It’s then a short hop to our overnight stop at Cannakale on the shores of the Dardenelles.
Saturday 16 June
Canakkale – Istanbul (B.D)
This morning, we cross the Dardanelle Straits by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula, the now hallowed battleground where so many of our forefathers lost their lives during the fierce fighting in WWI. There is time for reflection as we visit Anzac Cove and the Australian and New Zealand memorials at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Then it is on to the Turkish capital of Istanbul for an overnight stay. Let’s enjoy a final dinner together tonight.
Sunday 17 June
Istanbul – Singapore (B)
Late this morning, it’s time to transfer to the airport in time to join our departure flight to Singapore
Monday 18 June
Singapore – Homeport
We arrive in Singapore this morning where hotel rooms are reserved at the airport. There is time to relax, rest up, shop, take a swim or a trip into the city, before continuing the homeward journey this evening, as we join the overnight flight.
Tuesday 19 June
Arrival Homeport
We arrive in the morning, with memories to last a lifetime.
