Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. 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 attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you arrive early in Cairo, perhaps travel along the river by felucca (a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails) or head out to explore the markets. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, the Christian Coptic...

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 close to these incredible pharaonic tombs is amazing. Explore these structures that have stood tall for 4,500 years, and for an additional charge you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, (although occasionally it may be closed to visitors). The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids are very small and very warm, so for those suffering from claustrophobia it is not recommended. Please note that you'll be required to walk around the Pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months, so be prepared for little shade and pack appropriate clothing, ...

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 obelisk or the High Dam. The Nubian Bazaar is a must, while the excellent Nubian Museum is top of many visitors’ lists. Highly recommended is the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom) that was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt. The evening sound and light show at Philae Temple is a beautiful experience – well worth the 100 Egyptian pounds. The waterfront promenade, or As...

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 note this optional activity has a very early start (but it’s totally worth it). You can get there by a 40-minute flight, or by the cheaper option of renting a minivan with a group and leaving very early (flights do not operate daily). The journey by land is 3 hours each way, with a very early departure from Aswan at approximately 4am to join a group of buses in a security convoy to and from the temple. Otherwise, you could take a sailboat ride around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Alternatively, take...

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 canvas sails, your felucca offers some shade and protection from the elements. However, there is no cabin or enclosed section. Nonetheless, watching the sun setting across the Nile in the evening is a sight you won't forget. This is the absolute highlight of the trip for many. Notes: Conditions will be basic during your felucca trip. If you are prepared for this, you’re sure to have a memorable adventure. You'll sleep outside on the deck of the felucca on a mattress. While blankets are provided, a sleeping sheet is recommended. During the colder months (October t...

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, there's the option to visit either the unique mirror-image design of the Temple of Kom Ombo, or the beautifully preserved Temple of Edfu, also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Today you’ll visit the Intrepid Foundation's local project ACE (Animal Care in Egypt). It’s a great chance to see the holistic approach the project takes towards animal welfare, and to raising awareness among the locals. You’ll also explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharoahs' monumental works. One of the world's most cel...

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 part of an impressive colonnade. Hop onto donkeys (in the winter months of October to May only) for a ride of a different kind, through local villages and fields of sugar cane (approximately 30 minutes). Continue on to the spectacular royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 richly decorated tombs of pharaohs. With your leader, explore this sprawling and spectacular place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made...

Arrive in Cairo. For your comfort and convenience, day rooms are provided on this day until 12noon, for luggage storage and an opportunity to have a shower and freshen up. Once settled, consider joining the rest of the group for a farewell breakfast. Otherwise the day is yours to explore beautiful Cairo on your own. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Today we take a short flight from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh ( approximately 1hr ). On arrival we will be transferred to our Dahab Beach Hotel where we will spend the next 2 nights. With a name meaning 'gold' in Arabic, Dahab has transformed from a Bedouin fishing village into a popular tourist town, luring travellers with its excellent diving. Its location between the Sinai Desert and Red Sea makes it ideal for all kinds of adventure activities, while Bedouin influences mean it hasn't lost its authenticity. Dyarna Hotel is perfectly located just a 5 minute stroll from Dahab town. The hotel has it's own private beach, perfect for snorkelling or diving the coral reef the red sea is renown for, or relax in the swimming pool and pool bar and enjoy the Sinai sun. Beach chairs and sun beds are free for your use. Wireless internet is a...

Today take a trip to the Blue Hole, one of the best snorkelling spots in the Red Sea. It's located about eight kilometres north of Dahab. The 'hole' is around 80 metres wide and vaunts a stunning underwater world of colourful sea plants and fish. Later, simply relax in Dahab and soak up the lovely coastal ambience.

Travel by van to our Red Sea beach camp, close to the town of Nuweiba (approx 2 hrs). This is a harsh and barren land of sprawling windswept plains and rugged mountains, but it's also home to some fantastic beaches. The tiny settlement of our beach camp is reminiscent of its Sinai neighbours, Dahab and Sharm el-Sheik, before mass tourism arrived. Thankfully the camp is still a hidden gem for Intrepid groups. Set on one of the only stretches of fine golden sand along this coast, this is a place that you'll be raving about to your friends for years to come. Stay in simple but comfortable beach huts with the water right at our front door. The huts in our camps are made from local palm trees and have two single beds, electricity, linen and mosquito nets. The toilets and showers are in a communal block The Red Sea coast is justifiab...

Take a ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba to Jordan (approx 2 hours). Your Egyptian leader will help you board the ferry and say good-bye. Please note that you'll be travelling on this ferry unaccompanied by a group leader. You'll be met at the Aqaba ferry terminal by our local representative who will receive and process visas for the group and arrange a transfer to the hotel where you'll meet your Jordanian leader. Notes: The ferry crossing can be rough on occasions and those who suffer from sea sickness may want to prepare themselves. This ferry crossing is frequently delayed and patience is required. The fast ferry can sometimes be cancelled without notice. We may be required to take the slow ferry instead (which can take up to 5 hours and may result in arriving later than expected to Aqaba). In rough weather, there's a chanc...

Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia with a short drive (approx 1 hr) to the extraordinary desert scenery in Wadi Rum. A 4-hour jeep safari takes us through some of the most beautiful and sublime desert scenery on the planet, a true highlight of this trip. Wadi Rum is full of weird and beautiful lunar-like rock formations. Traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks. Sleep in a simple desert camp where you'll have the choice of sleeping under a camel hair tent or out under the stars. A mattress and blankets are provided. Please be a...

Travel by van from Wadi Rum to Petra (approx 2 hrs). Hewn out of the rose-coloured rock face, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra is one of the Middle East's most spectacular destinations, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Visit Petra with a local guide, starting with the exciting walk through the narrow Siq to the Treasury. After admiring the iconic view, continue through the site along the Roman road, past impressive rock-cut tombs, temples and the amphitheatre. Please note that when entering Petra as a group, a complimentary horse ride is included in the ticket price from the entrance point down to the Siq. Intrepid doesn't recommend that passengers take this option due to the safety and insurance liability involved. Explore the rest of the site at your own pace. For those with the energy, there's the challengin...

Today is your free day. You may choose to go back to see more of Petra and walk the Siq (road) to Al Khanzneh (The treasury). Or you can go up the stairs to El Dier (The Monastery). Other options include a hike to the Royal tombs or visiting the Byzantine mosaic. Speak to your leader about arranging any of these.

Travel the King's Highway to the historic crusader castle of Kerak. Take time here to explore the evocative ruins and to discover the legends of the 12th-century battles between the Crusaders and the Muslim armies led by the Arab hero, Saladin (Salah ad-Din). Travel by van to Madaba, via the Dead Sea and Mt Nebo. A Dead Sea float is a must for any trip to Jordan. Here at the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level) the water is seven times saltier than a normal ocean at 30% salinity. The Dead Sea is the second saltiest body of water in the world after Lake Asal in Djibouti. When swimming this means you are extremely buoyant and seem to float on top of the water rather than in it. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties and many visitors like to cover themselves from head to toe for a beauty mud bath. Stop...

Today you will take a short flight from Amman to Istanbul. Once in Istanbul you have a free day to explore this bustling mega-city with a population of over 12 million people and a rich history and food scene waiting to be discovered. Your Turkey adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 18 with your new trip leader

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting in the hotel lobby at 6pm to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet any new fellow travellers. Please ask your leader for the exact day, time and location of this meeting. Before the meeting if you have time, consider exploring some of the Sultanahmet area, including the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar (closed Sunday). Please ensure you are dressed appropriately to visit the Mosque should you wish to enter. It is well worth taking the tour of the Royal Harem at Topkapi Palace to see the opulence and extravagance the Ottoman court. Visit the Archaeology Museum which contains an incredible array of ancient exhibits of particular interest the artefacts from infamous Troy. Shop ti...

Set out on a walking tour of the city with your expert leader. This will span some of Istanbul's notable cultural and historic sites but also some lesser-known gems as you venture into the backstreets. The rest of your afternoon is yours to spend as you please. You might visit the historic Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays), Aya Sofya for its incredible mosaics, or the iconic Blue Mosque. A boat cruise around the blue waters of the Bosphorus is recommended.

Very early in the morning of day 3 we depart Istanbul by public bus for Eceabat, our base to visit Gallipoli. (approx. 5 hours). On the eastern shore of the Gelibolu peninsula is the town of Eceabat. A traditional fishing village with loads of character, Eceabat is the closest town to the battefields of Gallipoli. You can catch the public ferry across the Dardanelles to the town of Canakkale for a greater variety of dining and nightlife options if you choose. This afternoon we journey out with our guide to the Gallipoli Peninsula. The stunning natural beauty of Gallipoli makes it hard to believe that this is the site of one of the most tragic and fiercely fought battles of WWI. This is an opportunity to stroll through time; a moving experience for people from all nations. The battles fought on this land were a turning point in...

This morning you have the option to visit the World Heritage listed site of Troy. The Iliad and the Odyssey have made Troy one of the most recognisable mythological sites in the world. Destroyed and rebuilt in its chequered history, today the ruins of several eras of settlements can be seen. A replica wooden horse at the entrance stands as a testament to the fabled horse, and is a great photo opportunity. In the afternoon we board a bus south for the journey to Ayvalik (approx. 4hrs). Located on the Aegean coast and taking its name from the Turkish word for quince (ayva), the charming village of Ayvalik is set around a harbour and looks out to small Aegean islands - a wonderful place to escape from it all. The cobbled backstreets with their old houses and cafes are perfect for exploring. Ayvalik has a hidden secret, its cu...

We spend the afternoon of day 5 on a boat cruise on the Aegean. Swim, chill out, and chat with the locals as they kick back and just relax taking in the scenery. (Please note this can be cancelled due to bad weather conditions.) Lunch Included today We have an alternative winter itinerary in the months from October to April. During the inter the town of Ayvalik is closed as far as tourist infrastructure is concerned, so on these departures we don’t visit Ayvalik. We travel from Eceabat On day 4 to the town of Bergama where we overnight. Early on the morning of Day 5 we take a guided tour of the ancient site of Pergamon. In the afternoon with continue on to Selcuk, where spend the nights of day 5 and 6. On Day 7 we overnight in Pamukkale and day 8 and 9 are spent in Antalyla. Winter itinerary applies to all trips departin...

We make an early departure and travel by public bus to Selcuk via Izmir (approx. 4hrs). Selcuk is our base for discovering Ephesus, former capital of the Eastern Roman empire and the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey. Selcuk is steeped in culture and retains many Turkish traditions. The town itself is usually undisturbed, which gives the opportunity to experience the 'real' Turkey. On the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings, including the Isa Bey Mosque and the Grand Fortress. Selcuk is also home to one of the ancient world's Seven Wonders – the Temple of Artemis – although, sadly, only a single pylon remains. The afternoon is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip as we tour the stunning ruins of Ephesus. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean and ...

A train ride (3.5 hrs) inland through mountainous landscapes brings us to one of Turkey's most photographed sites - the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, which are made from limestone deposits formed when water from the hot springs lose carbon dioxide. The layers of the white calcium carbonate have given Pamukkale its name 'cotton castles'. The pools, now off limits, have been famed for their medicinal qualities since Roman times. Though we are not able to bathe in the world-famous Travertines, take a walk through them (no shoes please!) and bathe in healing thermal springs at the nearby Roman site of Hierapolis. Home to an oracle at one time, a well-preserved Roman theatre still remains here. Wander the colonnaded streets and discover the necropolis with its many unique tombs, looking every bit like a scene fro...

Today we travel by bus to the largest Turkish city on the western Mediterranean coast; Antalya. The journey will take around 4hrs. A fantastic mix of city sophistication and old-world charm makes Antalya a great place to explore. The relatively unspoilt and restored Kaleici, the old city area, is now a historical zone and protected from modern development. With its palm-lined boulevard, internationally-acclaimed marina and old castle, Antalya is a popular destination. Take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings and check out some of the popular attractions. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore on your own.

Visit the Antalya Museum, one of the largest and best museums in Turkey, with 13 exhibition halls and an open air gallery and over 5000 works of art and artifacts relating predominately to the history of the Mediterranean and Pamphylia regions of Anatolia. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. You can venture further afield to the ancient cities of Aspendos or Side, or perhaps relax at the Duden Waterfalls or take in some beach time; plenty of choices in Antalya.

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