Small Group Tours 10 to 18 passengers FULLY INCLUSIVE

Tales of the Mediterranean - 30 Days From AUD$9980

Day 1-3: Australia/Singapore/Cairo
Fly with Singapore Airlines to Singapore and transfer to hotel for 1 night. Day 2 at leisure with late check-out. Evening departure transfer to board flight to Cairo. On arrival in Cairo early morning on Day 3, we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 2 nights. Rest of Day 3 at leisure.

Day 4: Cairo/Memphis/Saqqara/Cairo
This morning we tour the Great Pyramids at Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and The Sphinx. This afternoon we drive to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, to visit the necropolis at Saqqara, the Step Pyramid and the colossal granite statue of Ramses II. This evening we enjoy the melodramatic sound and light show at the pyramids at Giza. Overnight at hotel in Cairo.

Day 5 :Old Cairo
This morning we visit the Egyptian Museum with its large collection of ancient monuments, including the golden treasures of Tutankhamun. Evening board the train to Aswan. Overnight 1^st Class cabin.

Day 6: Aswan
On arrival at Aswan the following morning, visit the Temple of Isis on Agilika Island. We then briefly visit Aswan and the Aswan High Dam before checking in to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Aswan/Abu Simbel
After breakfast we drive 280 km to the village of Abu Simbel at the southern end of Lake Nasser close to the Sudanese border. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Abu Simbel/Aswan/Boat Cruise
This morning we visit the main attraction of Abu Simbel, the Great Temple of Ramses II. Afterwards, return by coach to Aswan and board cruise boat. This afternoon we enjoy a felucca sail around Elephantine Island viewing the Aga Khan Mausoleum and the Aswan Botanical Gardens en route. Return to cruise boat. Overnight on cruise boat.

Day 9: Kom Ombo/Edfu (Boat Cruise)
This morning we sail to Kom Ombo, a Nubian village set in a rural landscape. After stopping at the magnificent Temple of Kom Ombo, we continue sailing to Edfu, home to the most completely preserved Egyptian temple. Overnight on cruise boat.

Day 10: Edfu/Luxor (Boat Cruise)
This morning we visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. We continue sailing via the Esna lock to Luxor. Overnight on cruise boat.

Day 11: Luxor (Boat Cruise)
After breakfast, we visit Kamak and Luxor temples on the east bank of the Nile. We cross to the western bank to tour the Valley of Kings that houses the tombs of the most famous pharaohs of Egypt. This evening transfer to train station to board overnight train to Cairo. Overnight 1^st Class cabin.

Day 12: Cairo/Alexandria
Arrive in Cairo early the next morning and drive to Alexandria, the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean', founded by Alexander the Great. This afternoon we proceed to the magnificent gardens of Montazah Palace, the Royal Summer Residence of King Farouk. After lunch, check in to your hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Alexandria
This morning we visit the Catacombs of Kom Ash-Shuqqafa, Pompey's Pillar and the Library of Alexandria. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Alexandria/El Alamein/Cairo
After breakfast we drive to El Alamein to visit the War Museum and tour the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Return to Cairo. After lunch, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Cairo
This morning we visit Coptic (Christian) Cairo and Islamic Cairo, including the Citadel, the alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali and the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Afternoon at leisure. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at a floating restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Cairo/Istanbul
After breakfast departure transfer to the airport for flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, check in to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: Istanbul
Today we enjoy a full day's sightseeing in the ancient city of Istanbul including Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia Basilica, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Istanbul
This morning we wander through Istanbul's most colourful attraction, the 17^th Century exotic and aromatic Spice Bazaar. This afternoon we cruise the Bosphorus Strait where East meets West. This evening we enjoy dinner and a belly dance in a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19: Istanbul/Gallipoli/Troy/Canakkale
This morning we take in views along the Sea of Marmara, crossing the Dardanelles Strait to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Here we tour Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, the Australia & New Zealand Memorial and The Nek. This afternoon we visit the famous wooden horse of Troy. Proceed to Canakkale and check in to hotel for 1 night. Overnight at hotel.

Day 20: Canakkale/Bergama/Kusadasi
This morning we drive to the ancient city of Bergama (Pergamum) where we tour the Acropolis and its library, the Asclepion (medical centre), the Altar of Zeus and the steepest theatre in the world. In the afternoon, we continue on to Kusadasi where we visit St. John's Basilica. Check in to hotel for 1 night. Overnight at hotel.

Day 21: Kusadasi/Ephesus/Pamukkale
This morning we drive to the Roman ruins of Ephesus and tour the Archaeological Museum, the Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus. This afternoon, we continue to Pamukkale to visit the ancient necropolis of Hierapolis and to tour the thermal pools at Pamukkale. Check in to hotel for 1 night.

Day 22: Pamukkale/Rhodes
This morning we drive to Marmaris Pier to embark the ferry to Rhodes. On arrival transfer to your hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 23: Rhodes
This morning we visit Lindos Castle and the Acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Afternoon at leisure to explore Rhodes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 24: Rhodes
Day at leisure to enjoy beaches, culture and scenery. Enjoy a walk through World Heritage listed Old Town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 25: Rhodes/Athens
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to port to board overnight ferry to Athens. Overnight in ferry cabin.

Day 26: Athens
On arrival in Athens transfer to your hotel for 3 nights. This morning we visit some major sites in Athens: the Acropolis including the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion; the Olympic Stadium; and the National Gardens. Afternoon at leisure. This evening we enjoy a scenic drive through the illuminated boulevards of Athens and visit Marina Zea and Mikrolimano. We return to the renowned Plaka for dinner and enjoy a show in a typical Greek taverna. Overnight at hotel.

Day 27: Athens/Mycenae/Nafplio/Athens
This morning we drive along the Saronic Gulf to Mycenae, stopping at Corinth Canal en route. At the Citadel of Mycenae we visit the Lion Gate and the citadel walls before proceeding to the romantic town of Nafplio. This afternoon we tour the Palamidi Fortress and the ruins of neighbouring Epidaurus. Late return to Athens. Overnight at hotel.

Day 28: Athens/Aegina/Poros/Hydra/Athens
This morning we transfer to the port to board our boat for a full day cruise around the Saronic Islands. Return to Athens in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 29-30: Athens/Singapore/Australia
Departure transfer to airport to board flight to Australia via Singapore. Arrive home the following evening full of tales about the Mediterranean.