Into the Orient - Paris to the Pyramids

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Paris

Be romanced by the City of Light and its wealth of iconic landmarks. Picnic under the Eiffel Tower or nibble macarons while strolling the glittering Champs Elysees.

Days 3-4 Bruges

Indulge in some of the world's best beer and chocolate in this beautiful city of canals.

Days 5-6 Amsterdam

Be inspired by the art and architecture in this captivating city. Go Dutch and see the sights by bicycle.

Days 7-10 Berlin

Delve into this epic and progressive city - a mecca for artists and architects and home to some of the world's best nightlife.

Days 11-12 Krakow

This former imperial capital is home to one of Europe's grandest town squares and an enchanting old quarter.

Days 13-14 Prague

Castles, cathedrals and underground absinthe bars - there is plenty to see and do in the Czech Republic's bohemian hub.

Day 15 Cesky Krumlov

Explore the fairytale castle and crooked medieval streets, or hit the Vltava for a spot of rafting.

Days 18-19 Budapest

Grand old-world buildings, glamorous shops and glitzy restaurants make this one of Europe's greatest cities.

Days 20-21 Bled

Whether by raft or rollerblade, in a canoe or a cave, enjoy this lakeside town at your leisure before scaling Mt Vogel for a breathtaking view across the Julian Alps.

Days 22-23 Venice

Mingle with locals in a piazza and get a convict's final glimpse of Venice through the peepholes on the Bridge of Sighs.

Days 33-34 Corfu

Cool off in the sparkling waters and feast on the day's freshest catch by the harbour. Hike to Mt Pantokrator for an outlook over Albania and Italy, or get a bird's eye view of the island paragliding from one of the rocky outcrops.

Days 35-36 Athens

Discover the birthplace of Western democracy and experience a collision between ancient and modern culture. See the iconic Acropolis and the original Olympic Stadium or plan a day trip to the Peloponnese peninsula.

Days 37-38 Santorini

Take a ferry to an island paradise. Hike to the top of the impressive caldera or soak up the sun on the black sand beach. Find a good spot to see the sunset and end the day with an ouzo or two at a local tavern.

Day 39 Athens

Return to Athens en route to the third-largest island in Greece.

Days 40-41 Lesvos

Known as the Emerald Island, Lesvos is home to over 11 million olive trees, a scattering of charming coastal resorts and a fascinating fossilised forest. Spend a full day discovering its delights and delighting in its beaches.

Day 42 Ayvalik

Take a ferry to the Turkish town of Ayvalik, settled comfortably on the Aegean coast. Explore the cobbled backstreets and stay overnight in a beautiful traditional pension.

Day 45 Pamukkale

After an overnight train journey, spend the day exploring the gleaming travertines. These pools have been renowned for their healing properties since Roman times.

Day 46 Selcuk

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

Days 47-48 Fethiye

Take a 12-island cruise around Fethiye Korfezi or soak up the sun on the iconic Oludeniz beach. Alternatively, try paragliding near Mt Baba or check out the ghost town of Kayakoy.

Day 49 Antalya

Travel to Kaleici, or Old Antalya, to discover its ancient streets. Wander among the graciously restored Ottoman houses and scattered Roman ruins.

Days 50-51 Goreme

Explore valleys dotted with unworldly fairy chimneys and pigeon houses. Maybe cycle to nearby villages for an insight into local culture and cuisine.

Day 52 Nemrut Dagi

Venture into rural Turkey and the ancient lands of King Antiochus. Behold the giant heads of Nemrut Dagi, many of which have toppled from their forlorn bodies.

Day 53 Sanliurfa

Take an optional trip to Haran where Adam and Eve reputedly lived after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Experience an overnight stay in the home of an Urfa couple who prepare a traditional spicy feast.

Days 54-55 Aleppo

Discover the ruined citadel, browse in the fabulous covered souq or stroll through the Christian quarters.

Days 56-57 Damascus

Walk through the bustling bazaars of the old city, learn about Syria's tumultuous past, explore the ruins of Palmyra or travel to the 'finest castle in the world' - Krak des Chevaliers.

Day 58 Amman

Cross the border into Jordan.

Days 59-60 Petra

Perhaps stop to float in the Dead Sea en route to the ancient Nabataen city of Petra. Spend time exploring this immense rock-cut complex featured so spectacularly in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Day 61 Wadi Rum

Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia on a desert safari and spend the night under the stars.

Days 62-63 Red Sea Beach Camp

Cross the Gulf of Aqaba to Egypt. Perhaps snorkel in the Red Sea, walk the long stretch of fine sand or sit down for a leisurely seafood feast.

Day 64 Mt Sinai

Accompanied by a local Bedouin guide, scale the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Ascend on foot or camelback, and enjoy incredible views across the desert.

Days 65-66 Cairo

This colourful, chaotic city is a fascinating mix of old and new. End the tour with a bang and venture out of the city to Giza, home of the Pyramids and the Sphinx.