Istanbul to Nairobi

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Istanbul

The only city in the world that straddles two continents, Istanbul is bursting with interesting sights to explore. Arrive early and visit the mesmerising Blue Mosque or wander the massive Grand Bazaar.

Day 3 Eceabat

Tour historic Gallipoli and visit the stark memorial at Lone Pine.

Days 4-5 Selcuk

Delve into the region's rich history at legendary Troy and the majestic ruins of Ephesus.

Days 6-7 Olu Deniz/Fethiye

Laze on Mediterranean coast or perhaps hike through olive groves to the remarkable abandoned town of Karmylassos.

Day 8 Termessos

Behold the astounding ruins of Termessos perched on a dramatic precipice.

Days 9-10 Goreme

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

Days 11-12 Aleppo

Revel in the atmosphere of the souq or visit the city's impressive citadel.

Days 13-14 Palmyra

Explore the extensive ruins of Palmyra including the Temple of the Bell.

Days 15-17 Damascus

Relish the sweetness of some local baklava from the city's charming bazaar.

Day 18 Jerash

Marvel at the magnificent Bosra Amphitheatre and wander the colonnaded streets of ancient Jerash.

Day 19 Mt Nebo

Glide in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea.

Days 20-21 Wadi Musa/Petra

Venture through a narrow chasm to the extraordinary lost city of Petra to admire the rose-coloured buildings carved out of the sheer rock face.

Day 22 Wadi Rum

Camp under the desert sky.

Days 23-24 Dahab

Rejuvenate in the beautiful waters of the Red Sea, perhaps taking the opportunity to try some snorkelling or scuba diving.

Day 25 St Katherine's

Explore this ancient monastery, which is fabled to hold an offshoot of the biblical burning bush. For those feeling energetic, why not follow in the footsteps of Moses and climb to the summit of soaring Mt Sinai.

Days 26-31 Cairo

Be amazed by the priceless artefacts of Tutankhamun's tomb and the exotic Khan-al-Khalili bazaar.

Days 32-33 Bahariyya Oasis/White Desert

Palms and hot springs shimmer in the White Desert.

Days 34-36 Dakhla Oasis

Stay amid lush gardens against a rose-tinted rock face.

Days 37-39 Luxor

Ride a donkey to the Valley of the Kings.

Days 40-43 Aswan

Relax beside the Nile.

Days 44-45 Wadi Halfa

Cross Lake Nasser, passing spectacular desert.

Days 46-50 Nubian Desert/Wawa

Traverse rugged terrain, perhaps passing camels making their way along ancient trading routes.

Days 51-53 Meroe/Khartoum

Explore Kushite architectural marvels.

Days 54-55 Khartoum

Watch whirling dervishes achieve religious euphoria.

Days 56-58 Gedaref/Gonder

Visit an Ethiopian king's palace. Gaze at painted angels swarming a church ceiling.

Days 60-62 Simien Mountains National Park

Trek through stunning scenery, spotting mountain creatures.

Days 63-64 Aksum

Ethiopia's oldest city houses dramatic obelisks.

Days 65-67 Mekele

Explore rock-hewn Tigray churches.

Days 68-70 Lalibela

These hillside medieval chapels are an astounding engineering feat.

Days 71-74 Bahir Dar

Gaze at Blue Nile Falls and descend into a dramatic gorge.

Days 75-78 Addis Ababa

Delve into tribal history in Ethiopia's capital.

Day 79 Lake Abiata-Shala National Park

Soak in hot springs and camp among a flurry of lakeside birdlife.

Days 80-82 Bale Mountains National Park

Try to spot the elusive Simien fox in this alpine paradise.

Days 83-86 Shashemene/Arba Minch

Gigantic crocodiles congregate by Lake Chamo.

Days 87-90 Omo Valley/Turmi

Meet tribal people in extraordinarily pristine countryside.

Day 91 Konso

See wooden grave carvings and experience traditional village life.

Days 92-94 Moyale/Marsabit

Traverse a surreal black lunar landscape.

Days 95-96 Samburu National Reserve

Seize the chance to spot the Big Five.

Days 97-99 Thomson Falls/Lake Nakuru

This gorgeous lake blushes pink with flamingos.

Day 100 Lake Naivasha

Walk with giraffes and zebras or take a guided hippo safari.

Day 101 Nairobi

Enter Kenya's bustling capital.