Istanbul to Nairobi

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Istanbul

This fascinating Turkish city is bursting with interesting sights to explore. Visit the mesmerising Blue Mosque or wander the massive Grand Bazaar.

Days 4-5 Selcuk

Uncover history's secrets on a visit to the legendary city of Troy and the majestic ruins of Ephesus.

Day 8 Termessos

Perched on a dramatic precipice of the Toros Mountains, the extraordinary ruins of Termessos are breathtaking to behold.

Days 9-10 Goreme

Be enchanted by remarkable underground cities and fairy chimneys carved out of soft, volcanic rock.

Days 37-39 Luxor

Journey by donkey to see the ancient hieroglyphs and royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, then explore the mighty Temples of Karnak with a local expert.

Days 40-43 Aswan

Relax in the beautiful town of Aswan. Why not take an optional trip to see the incredible temples of Abu Simbel?

Days 44-45 Wadi Halfa

Cross Lake Nasser and take in spectacular landscapes on the way to the Sudanese port of Wadi Halfa.

Days 80-82 Bale Mountains National Park

Drive through the park on game-spotting expeditions.

Days 95-96 Samburu National Reserve

Try to spot the Big Five in the reserve. Learn about tribal life from the locals and watch traditional Samburu dancing.

Day 100 Lake Naivasha

Relax by the lake and watch hippos wallowing on the shore.

Day 101 Nairobi

The journey ends in the busy streets of Kenya's capital.

Day 3 Gallipoli Peninsula

The stark memorial at Lone Pine is a moving reminder of the many fallen Anzacs.

Days 6-7 Fethiye

Catch some rays on stunning beaches or hike through beautiful hillside olive groves.

Day 11 Bush Camp

Spend a night camping in the bush.

Day 12 Aleppo

Skip across the border into Syria and revel in the lively atmosphere of Aleppo's souq.

Day 13 Palmyra

A powerful city in the time of the Roman Empire, Palmyra is a wonderful archaeological site to explore.

Day 14 Krak des Chevaliers

Enjoy the views from the top of this well-preserved ancient castle.

Days 15-16 Beirut

Boasting colonial architecture and a thriving bar scene, Lebanon's capital is a city of contradictions.

Days 17-19 Damascus

Return to Syria and be sure to sample baklava from the city's charming bazaar.

Day 20 Jerash

Take in Bosra's magnificent amphitheatre, then cross into Jordan and wander the colonnaded streets of ancient Jerash.

Day 21 Dead Sea/Mt Nebo

Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and see iconic Mt Nebo.

Days 22-23 Petra

Discover the extraordinary 'lost city' of Petra and admire the monumental buildings carved out of sheer rock face.

Day 24 Wadi Rum

Famously associated with Lawrence of Arabia, Wadi Rum offers breathtaking desert scenery.

Days 25-27 Dahab

Rejuvenate in the balmy waters of the Red Sea, perhaps taking the opportunity to go snorkelling or scuba diving.

Day 28 Mt Sinai

Located at the base of Mt Sinai, St Katherine's Monastery is fabled to hold an offshoot of the biblical Burning Bush. Perhaps climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and camp overnight to catch a spectacular sunrise.

Days 29-31 Cairo

Visit the legendary Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, explore the sprawling Saqqara cemetery and admire ancient treasures in the Egyptian Museum.

Days 32-36 Western Desert Oasis Route

Experience the magic of travelling through golden, desert landscapes, stopping off to enjoy the hot springs and palm groves at oases.

Days 46-51 Nubian Desert

Follow a camel caravan route through rugged terrain. See ruined temples and camp beneath a starry sky.

Days 52-53 Meroe

Explore architectural marvels at Meroe - the Kushite temples are the most impressive and well-preserved in Nubia.

Days 54-56 Khartoum

Be sure to catch the famous Sufi Whirling Dervishes achieve religious euphoria.

Days 57-59 Gedaref/Gonder

Enter Ethiopia and visit ornate palaces, castles and churches in Gonder.

Days 60-63 Simien Mountains National Park

Hike through rugged terrain, passing eroded volcanic cores, raging rivers and jagged peaks, and try to glimpse an endangered Simien fox.

Days 64-66 Aksum

Admire ancient obelisks and crumbling palaces in Ethiopia's oldest city

Days 67-68 Mekele

Wander through churches sculpted into cliff faces in Tigray.

Days 69-71 Lalibela

Hidden among the hills of northern Ethiopia, Lalibela is home to monolithic churches hewn from the surrounding rocks. Take a walk through the structures with a local guide to unlock the fascinating history of this area.

Days 72-74 Bahir Dar

Feel the sheet of mist rising from the mighty Blue Nile Falls before boarding a reed boat bound for the monasteries on Lake Tana's islands and isolated peninsulas. The monasteries are famous for their murals and ornately decorated interiors.

Day 75 Dejen

Stop overnight in Dejen.

Days 76-78 Addis Ababa

Use free time in Ethiopia's capital visiting markets and museums.

Day 79 Lake Abiata-Shala National Park

Soak in hot springs surrounded by the twitter of birdlife.

Days 83-84 Shashemene

Learn about the Rasta lifestyle and philosophy at a Rastafarian community school and museum.

Days 85-86 Arba Minch

In free time, why not embark on a boat trip or visit a crocodile farm?

Days 87-90 Omo Valley

Hear about the traditions of local tribes on visits to remote villages.

Days 91-92 Konso

Pick up a souvenir at the local market.

Days 93-94 Moyale/Marsabit

Travel into Kenya via a surreal, black lunar landscape.

Day 97 Mt Kenya

Spend time exploring the slopes of Mt Kenya.

Days 98-99 Lake Nakuru

Be on the lookout for rhinos and other iconic wildlife feeding around the shores of the flamingo-filled lake.