Rome to Cairo

Itinerary

Day 1 Rome

From the incredible Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel's vibrant artwork, Rome is a feast for the senses. Why not savour a gelato in one of the lively piazzas?

Days 2-3 Naples

Head to the nearest pizzeria and relish the city's finest slice. Perhaps wander the eerie remnants of Pompeii or enjoy a seaside interlude on the dazzling Amalfi Coast.

Day 4 Bari/Overnight Ferry

Head across Italy and board an overnight ferry bound for Greece.

Days 5-6 Corfu

Experience the best of both worlds - relax by the sea or head to the hills for breathtaking views across the Aegean.

Days 7-8 Athens

Be sure to visit the iconic Acropolis for sweeping views over the ancient city. Why not take a day trip to the Peloponnese peninsula?

Days 9-10 Santorini

Cross the sea to an island in the sun. Clamber to the top to overlook the caldera or unwind on the black sands - Santorini spoils its visitors with a bevy of beautiful beaches.

Day 11 Athens

Witness the renowned changing of the guard at the Syntagma or relax in the National Gardens.

Days 12-13 Lesvos

Discover the coastal resorts and fossilised forest of the Emerald Island. Watch the sunset over a nip of ouzo.

Day 14 Ayvalik

Cross the Aegean to Turkey and stay overnight in a beautiful traditional pension.

Days 15-16 Istanbul

See how the sultans lived at Topkapi Palace or witness devotions of faith at the Blue Mosque. Haggle with locals at the Grand Bazaar and feast on traditional Turkish fare.

Day 17 Pamukkale

Stroll the gleaming calcium travertines that frame pools renowned to have healing powers.

Day 18 Selcuk

Take time to explore the ancient city of Ephesus. Perhaps take a dolmus over the hills to Sirince to sample the local wines.

Days 19-20 Fethiye

Island-hop around the bay, check out the famous Oludeniz beach, hike along the Lycian Way or explore an eerie ghost town. Want more? Why not take to the skies and paraglide from the top of Mt Baba?

Day 21 Antalya

Wander the palm-lined boulevard in the restored Kaleici. Check out the nearby Hellenistic cities or just sit back with a coffee and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

Days 22-23 Goreme

Explore the fascinating underground cities or hire a bike and visit the fairy chimneys and pigeon houses nearby. Perhaps even get the lowdown on the ancient art of carpet weaving.

Day 24 Nemrut Dagi

Come face to face with the giant heads of Nemrut Dagi. Explore this remote area of Turkey and uncover the legends of King Antiochus.

Day 25 Sanliurfa

Experience Urfan hospitality at a homestay. Perhaps take a day trip to a village of 'beehive' houses where construction methods have remained unchanged for 3,000 years.

Days 26-27 Aleppo

Experience frenzied haggling at the incredible covered souq or unwind at a hamam.

Days 28-29 Damascus

Unearth Syria's tumultuous history by exploring the old city. Visit the the ruins of Palmyra or see what the crusader knights built at Krak des Chevaliers.

Day 30 Amman

Cross the border into Jordan.

Days 31-32 Petra

Enjoy a Dead Sea stopover en route to Petra. Marvel at Petra's incredible rock-cut facades.

Day 33 Wadi Rum

Take a jeep safari through the incredible desert landscapes and camp under the stars or snuggle into a camel hair tent.

Days 34-35 Red Sea Beach Camp

Snorkel amid the kaleidoscopic underwater garden then perhaps settle in for a fresh seafood feast and a spectacular sunset.

Day 36 Mt Sinai

Climb the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Ascend on foot or camelback for sublime views across the desert.

Days 37-38 Cairo

Be enchanted by a city where modern cultures and ancient traditions mesh. No trip to Egypt would be complete without seeing Giza - only a stone's throw from Cairo.