Journey Through Ancient Arabian Wonders

Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Jeddah, situated on the shores of the stunning Red Sea. As the second largest city in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is home to a bustling population of four million people. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel, allowing you some time to settle in and relax.At 19:00, we'll gather in the hotel reception to meet our guide. We'll embark on an evening walk through Al-Balad, the historic heart of Jeddah. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Balad boasts a remarkable collection of medieval alleys lined with houses featuring coral and beautifully carved wooden balconies. The area takes on a charming atmosphere after dark, enhanced by the warm glow of street lighting. As we wander, you'll notice a variety of inviting restaurants ideal for a taste of local cuisine. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day of our journey, we delve into Jeddah, a city teeming with astonishing contrasts, accompanied by our knowledgeable local guide. As we tread through this metropolis under transformation, we witness its ambitious rebirth as a future global megalopolis. A particular highlight is the ongoing construction of the Jeddah Tower, set to become the world's tallest building, soaring over a thousand metres upon completion. We continue along the Corniche, renowned for offering picturesque views and sea-front mosques, complemented by recreational spaces perfect for a leisurely stroll. Here, we will admire the grandeur of the King Fahd Fountain, the worlds tallest of its kind, with its water jets reaching an incredible height of over 300 metres. Our exploration includes a visit to the bustling and vibrant fish market, a sensory experience not to be missed. We also gain admission to the Al Taybat International City, an architectural masterpiece that houses captivating history and ethnography museums. Returning to the historic centre of Jeddah, we enter via Bab Makkah, the citys principal gate, and explore the elegant Beit Salloum, now a museum. Our journey through history also brings us to the Eve Cemetery, believed by tradition to be the burial site of Eve, the first woman of humanity, according to biblical lore.At midday, take the opportunity to enjoy some free time for lunch at a shopping centre, where a variety of eateries offer diverse culinary options. Our afternoon unfolds with a visit to the Al Rahma Mosque, famous as the floating mosque due to its unique construction on pillars over the Red Sea. We also take in the lively atmosphere of the nearby marina, close to the tracks of the Formula 1 circuit.

Today, after breakfast, we set off inland along vast highways that meander through the desert and mountainous landscapes to reach the sacred city of Medina often referred to as "the luminous city." Arriving around midday, we'll pause at a large shopping centre on the city's outskirts, where you can enjoy lunch in the food court, choosing from a variety of options.Medina stands as a monumental historical hub, revered as one of the two holiest cities in Islam and visited annually by millions of pilgrims. Non-Muslims were once restricted from entering, but today, we are privileged to explore its profound heritage, understanding the importance of respect for local traditions and dress codes. Our visit includes a walk around the magnificent Prophets Mosque (Al Masjid an Nabawi), renowned for its ten minarets and capacity to host a million visitors. This remarkable mosque, built by the Prophet Muhammad, is his final resting place.We will journey to Mount Uhud, a significant pilgrimage site where the Prophets forces engaged in battle with Meccan troops. You may take a peaceful walk across its expansive plain and ascend the mountain, keeping in mind to respect the solemn atmosphere maintained by the countless pilgrims present.A visit to the Quba Mosque followsoriginally founded by the Prophet and his followers in 622, thought to be Islams first mosque, though the current structure is a modern rebuild. From here, we stroll to the nearby garden and the Well of Ethiq, where local tribes offered greetings and water to the Prophet and his followers upon their arrival after fleeing Mecca.You'll have free time to explore the city centre, peruse its bustling shopping areas, or take an optional trip to the Hejaz Railway Museum, housed in the old Ottoman train station. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Al Madinah Museum to gain insights into the city's rich history. As dusk approaches, we'll once more venture to the Al Masjid mosque to witness the profound sight of thousands streaming in for prayer, illuminated by its spectacular lighting. Dinner is included tonight, rounding off a fascinating day of cultural immersion.

Following breakfast, we journey onward into the extraordinary desert landscapes, eventually reaching Khaybar, a location steeped in rich history. Formerly a Jewish settlement on the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century, it is notable for the Battle of Khaybar in 628 AD, wherein Muslim forces, led by the Prophet Muhammad, emerged victorious against the Jewish tribes. We will tour its historical fortress and meander through its lush oasis, with admission included. As we traverse these remarkable desert vistas, we make our way to Al-Ula, a breathtaking open-air museum set in nature. Here, youll witness phenomenal rock formations, canyons, and ravines, alongside the astonishing treasures of its ancient inhabitants. Upon arrival, we will visit the renowned Elephant Rock (Jabal Al Fil), standing at 52 metres high, this natural wonder astonishingly resembles an elephant. Dinner is included thereafter.

On the fifth day of our journey through the region of Al-Ula, we begin our exploration with a visit to the Hegra archaeological site, also known as Madain Saleh. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as "the Other Petra," captivates us with its imposing Nabataean tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs, offering a glimpse into ancient desert mysteries. Lunch is included today. You have free time to meander through the charming commercial streets and enjoy the serene beauty of Al-Ulas magnificent oasis. In the afternoon, we journey onwards to Tabuk. Dinner will be provided, ensuring a restful evening after a day filled with awe-inspiring discoveries.

On the sixth day of our journey, we explore the vibrant city of Tabuk, an active provincial capital with a population exceeding half a million and one of Saudi Arabia's oldest cities. Our itinerary includes a visit to the historic Tabuk Castle, which dates back 3,500 years before Christ. Inside, a museum narrates the castles rich history, highlighting visits by great explorers like Ibn Battuta and the pilgrims who paused here en route to Mecca or Medina to drink from its fountains. Next, we delve into traditional life at the Mud House Museum, a recreation of an adobe dwelling, allowing us to experience past lifestyles in this form of housing. A stroll through the bustling commercial area in the city centre leads us to the old train station, now a museum housing steam engines that once connected Damascus with Medina. We continue our journey towards Jordan, a mere 100 km away, undergoing border procedures before proceeding to Wadi Musa, a town developed around the ancient city of Petra. Here, we visit the Spring of Moses, reputedly where Moses struck a rock with his staff to release water, and explore the Petra Museum, which provides valuable insights into the history of the Nabataeans and displays magnificent artefacts discovered in the region. Dinner is included. During your free time, you may wish to experience an old Turkish bath or attend the lights and sounds show in Petra.

On day seven, we embark on a truly captivating day of exploration. Our adventure begins with a visit to Petra, one of the most striking archaeological sites. As we walk through the narrow Siq canyon, the rose-red temples and tombs carved into the cliffs unfold before usa testament to Petras founding over 2,000 years ago. After an included lunch, we journey onwards to the mesmerising desert landscape of Wadi Rum. Upon arrival at the Visitor Centre, we transfer to 4x4 vehicles for an exhilarating exploration of the dramatic scenery that this desert offers. We also enjoy a 45-minute camel ride, immersing ourselves further into the tranquil desert environment. Our adventure continues at Khazali Canyon, where we marvel at the ancient rock carvings that provide insight into the origins of the Arabic script. We conclude our day at a desert camp, where dinner and accommodation are provided, allowing us to savour the serene beauty of the desert under a starlit sky.

After breakfast, we depart from the breathtaking desert of Wadi Rum and head towards Aqaba, Jordan's vibrant second city on the Red Sea's shores. Stroll through Aqaba's lively centre before we proceed to the Israeli border, entering the modern, bustling city of Eilat, renowned for its excellent beaches. You'll have time to unwind, enjoy lunch, and perhaps take a dip in the sea. We then journey towards the Egyptian border and venture into the stunning landscape of the Sinai Peninsula. En route, seize the opportunity to photograph Pharaoh's Island, with its formidable fortress of Saladin standing proudly. Our day concludes with our arrival in Saint Catherine, where accommodation and dinner are included.Please note, when crossing borders, all travellers must pay entry and exit feesJordan: $15, Israel: $32, and Egypt: $45 (breaking down to a $25 visa fee plus $20). These rates are subject to change at the discretion of local authorities, so remain flexible. Be aware that drones and cameras with powerful zoom lenses are prohibited, as are certain types of professional camera equipment. In some exceptional circumstances, or if group sizes are small, we may opt to cross directly from Jordan to Egypt by ferry, taking the two-hour Aqaba-Taba route. Please be advised that no guide assistance is available during the ferry crossing.

At the foot of Mount Sinai, we visit the remarkable walled monastery of Saint Catherine. According to tradition, this is where Moses saw the "Burning Bush that burned without being consumed." This sacred site, revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, belongs to the Orthodox Church and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we continue our journey, we pass through the captivating landscapes of the Sinai Desert. A lunch stop is included en route. We pause at the Well of Moses, a biblical site resembling a small oasis, before leaving Sinai through the tunnel beneath the Suez Canal. We arrive in Cairo by late afternoon, where accommodation awaits.

In Cairo, immerse yourself in a full day of exploration, starting with the iconic Pyramids of Cheops, Kefren, and Micerinos. While tickets to enter the pyramids are not included, you'll marvel at the grandeur of these ancient structures. Nearby, the majestic Sphinx awaits, carved directly from rock and steeped in history. Our journey continues with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to remarkable ancient artefacts, including the treasures from the Lost Tomb of Tutankhamen. We'll pause for an included lunch before moving on to the Citadel of Saladin and the magnificent Alabaster Mosque. Later, we wander through the historic Coptic quarter, where you'll discover the Hanging Church, uniquely built above a Roman fortress. Throughout the day, we'll relish the rich history and vibrant culture of Cairo.

Today, we depart from Cairo as we journey towards the Wadi El Natrun region, an area renowned for its ancient Coptic monasteries. These sacred sites have been a refuge for thousands of Christians since the fourth century, who sought sanctuary from Roman persecutions. Over the centuries, the monasteries were fortified due to various attacks, and today they welcome many pilgrims exploring their rich traditions. It's here that Coptic popes are selected from the monastic community. Our first visit is to the Monastery of Saint Macarius, established in 360 AD. One of the monks will be our guide, offering insights into this historical sanctuary. We then proceed to the Monastery of Anba Bishoy, founded in 340 AD, where we'll access the fortified tower via a drawbridge. A monk will again guide us through the church, refectory, and the fortress, the final resting place for several Coptic Popes. You'll have some free time to wander around the lively area and visit the impressive new cathedral before we continue our journey to Alexandria. Upon arrival in this bustling port city, home to over 5 million residents, we enjoy lunch together. In the afternoon, we explore the formidable Qaitbey Fortress, constructed in 1480 on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Afterward, we take a scenic bus ride along the corniche, experiencing the diverse atmospheres of this vibrant city. The evening is yours to explore, relax or shop before we settle in for the night at our hotel in Alexandria.

On Day 12, we delve deeper into the wonders of Alexandria, starting with the remarkable Kom Ash Shuqqafa Catacombs, the largest Roman cemetery in Egypt. This site astounds visitors with its unique blend of Pharaonic and Greco-Roman architectural styles. Our journey continues as we weave through the bustling alleys, arriving at the majestic 30-metre-high Column of Pompey, which stands amid the remnants of an ancient temple. We then make a brief stop to admire the new Library of Alexandria from the outside. Opened in 2002, its modern design is a nod to the citys historic role as a hub of learning, boasting a collection of over half a million papyrus scrolls in ancient times. After a lunch break, we travel onward to Rosetta, a quaint town known for the discovery of the Rosetta Stone. This artefact, critical in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, features inscriptions in hieroglyphics, demotic, and ancient Greek. In the nearby village, which thrives on local life and is adorned with colourful fishing boats along the Nile, we visit the fortress of Rashid to view a replica of this historic stone. We also explore Rosetta itself, strolling through its centre to admire the external architecture of old Ottoman houses with their distinctive brick and wood construction. Our visit concludes with a serene boat excursion on the Nile, offering picturesque views of the fishing community in the area. As the day draws to a close, we return to Cairo, arriving in the evening. Please be aware that the fortress of Rashid can sometimes be closed to visitors, in which case we will enjoy the exterior and explore the charming village of fishermen and farmers.

After enjoying breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, marking the end of our services. We hope you return home with cherished memories of your journey.