Ancient Civilizations: Greece, Turkey, Egypt & Jordan

Ancient Civilizations: Greece, Turkey, Egypt & Jordan

• Trip code: 401X020
• Dauer: 29
• Stil: Classic

Four countries, one seriously ambitious itinerary. Wander the Acropolis and Parthenon in Greece, then trade Athens for Istanbul, where East properly collides with West. Ephesus and Pamukkale's white cliff pools come next, before Egypt hands you the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor's temples. Jordan closes it out with Petra by day and a Bedouin camp under the stars by night.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (26 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), desert camping (1 nt)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 12

Highlights

Master a traditional Greek recipe in an Athens cooking class, Admire the Acropolis and the Parthenon up close, Wander the ancient ruins of Delphi and Ephesus, Stand on the historic battlefield of Gallipoli and Troy, Cross Pamukkale's white travertine pools on foot, Uncover architectural wonders spanning centuries of history, Unwind on the shores of the Red Sea, Sail the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, Haggle for treasures in bustling local bazaars, Sleep under desert stars in a Bedouin camp, Marvel at Petra's rock-cut architecture"

Introduction

Four countries, one seriously ambitious itinerary. Wander the Acropolis and Parthenon in Greece, then trade Athens for Istanbul, where East properly collides with West. Ephesus and Pamukkale's white cliff pools come next, before Egypt hands you the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor's temples. Jordan closes it out with Petra by day and a Bedouin camp under the stars by night

Meal Budget

Plane USD715-930 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein. Allow USD320-420 for meals not included

Optional Activities

Athens
- Morgendliche Radtour durch Athen (35EUR pro Person)
- Besuch auf dem Syntagma-Platz (Verfassungsplatz) (Gratis)
- Besuch des Archäologischen Nationalmuseums (12EUR pro Person)
- Ancient Agora Visit (20EUR pro Person)
- Besuch im Akropolis-Museum

Meteora
- Ausflug nach Meteora bei Sonnenaufgang (30EUR pro Person)
- Guided Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour
- Naturkundemuseum Meteora (7EUR pro Person)

Náfplio
- Festung Bourtzi (7EUR pro Person)
- Archäologisches Museum (10EUR pro Person)
- Kriegsmuseum (3EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Festung Acronafplia (Gratis)
- Besuch der Palamidi-Festung (20EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung von Tiryns (10EUR pro Person)

Epídavros
- Führung durch Epidavros (20EUR pro Person)

Mycenae
- Besuch von Mykene (20EUR pro Person)

Ayvalık
- Bootstour in Ayvalik (60-600TRY pro Person)

Şirince
- Weinprobe in Sirince (Gratis)

Selçuk
- Besichtigung der Johanneskirche (6EUR pro Person)
- Besuch der Isabey-Moschee (Gratis)
- Pide Lunch & Demonstration, Selcuk

Sirince
- Dorfbesuch in Şirince

Istanbul
- Besichtigung der Aya Sofya (25EUR pro Person)
- Besuch im Topkapi-Palast (1500TRY pro Person)
- Besuch auf dem Gewürzbasar (Gratis)
- Galataturm (30EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Blauen Moschee (Gratis)

Istanbul
- Dolmabahçe-Palast (1200TRY pro Person)
- Museum für türkische und islamische Kunst (10EUR pro Person)
- Cisterna Basilica (900TRY pro Person)
- Archäologisches Museum (15EUR pro Person)
- Großer Palast (Mosaikenmuseum) (10EUR pro Person)

Cairo
- Islamisches und koptisches Kairo

Aswān
- Besichtigung des Tempels Philae
- Suk-Besuch (Gratis)
- Besichtigung von Abu Simbel (Bus)
- Ton- und Lichtshow im Philae Tempel (70USD pro Person)

Luxor
- King Tutankhamen Tomb (300EGP pro Person)
- Luxor Temple and Museum Tour (60USD pro Person)
- Besuch des Luxor-Tempels (160EGP pro Person)

Dead Sea
- Schlammbäder (3JOD pro Person)
- Taufstätte Jesu (18JOD pro Person)

Karak
- Beit Al Jameed Optional Lunch Activity

Petra
- Petra bei Nacht (30JOD pro Person)
- Hamam (45JOD pro Person)

Wādī Mūsá
- Besuch in Siq al-Barid (Little Petra) (8JOD pro Person)

Wadi Rum
- Extra Allradausflug nach Wadi Rum (70JOD pro Gruppe)

Aqaba
- Bootsausflug in Aqaba mit Schnorcheln
- Beit Al Ward - Saayadia Cooking Class

Start / Finish

Athens nach Amman

Transport

Private air-con van, train, plane, felucca, 4x4 pickup truck, taxi, walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Besuch bei Shedia Home und ein Getränk, Athens
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Handwerksprojekt Çöp(m)adam, Ayvalık
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Funtasia Project Visit, Luxor
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch, Jordan Valley
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Safi Crafts Visit, Wadi Rum
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Foodie-Moment: Cooking Class Athens, Athens
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Segeltörn zu einem nubischen Dorf und traditionelles Abendessen, Aswān
Dein Discover-Moment: Aswān
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Mittagessen mit einer einheimischen Familie, Luxor
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Übernachtung im Beduinenlager, Wadi Rum. Athens orientation walk. Guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon. Acropolis and Parthenon entrance fees. Visit the site of Thermopylae Information Center. Guided tour of Ancient Delphi. Visit the Corinth Canal. International flight from Athens to Istanbul. Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit. Troy entrance and guided visit. Ephesus entrance and visit. Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walk. Istanbul city walking tour. Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum guided tour. Felucca sailing excursion. Karnak and Kom Ombo temples guided tour. Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings guided tour. Colossi of Memnon visit. Wadi Rum jeep excursion. Petra guided tour. Karak castles and Madaba mosaics visit. Dead Sea visit. Internal flight. All entrance fees. Assistance with obtaining your Jordanian visa on arrival to Queen Alia airport in Amman. All transport/flights between destinations and to/from included activities

Meals Included

28 Frühstück, 3 Mittagessen, 5 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Athens

Arrive at any time

Day 2 Athens

Enjoy a free morning to immerse yourself deeper into this historical city; opt to visit the new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum. In the evening start with a refreshment stop at a local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home and explore the city on a guided walking tour to the Parthenon and Acropolis along the way. Afterwards attend a cooking class with a local chef and enjoy a dinner of your creations

Day 3 Athens/Meteora

Travel north from Athens by bus and train to Kalampaka, the perfect base for visiting the monasteries and the area of Meteora

Day 4 Meteora

Spend a full free day in the area. Head out and visit the mountain top monasteries on your own by bus or pre-book the Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour to do it on foot with a local guide

Day 5 Meteora/Delphi

After breakfast, transfer to the site of Thermopylae and Information Centre to learn of the famous battle that helped create the Greece we know today. Continue on to Delphi for an orientation walk before touring Ancient Delphi with a local guide. Spend the evening as you wish with free time

Day 6 Delphi/Náfplio

Travel Nafplio with a stop at the Corinth Canal on the way. Take part in a brief orientation walk then spend the evening exploring the cobblestone streets with free time. Opt to climb the Acronafplia to take in the views

Day 7 Náfplio/Athens

Enjoy free time to explore Napflio and the surrounding areas. Choose to visit Epidavros, as well as the nearby site of Mycenae then transfer in the late afternoon to Athens for the night

Day 8 Athens/Istanbul

Transfer to the airport for the flight from Athens to Istanbul, Turkey. Enjoy a bit of free time after checking into the hotel before meeting up with newly-joining group members in the evening and heading out for an optional dinner

Day 9 Istanbul/Çanakkale

Führung durch Gallipoli, die ANZAC-Bucht, Soldatenfriedhöfe und Lone Pine. Weiter geht es zur Hafenstadt Çanakkale

Day 10 Çanakkale/Ayvalık/Bergama

Nach einer Führung durch Troja geht es weiter nach Ayvalik. Besuche einen von Frauen geführten Handwerksladen, ein von G Adventures unterstütztes Projekt. Genieße einen Halbtagestrip auf dem Boot

Day 11 Bergama/Selçuk

Besuche die historische römische Stadt Ephesus. Dann geht es weiter nach Selçuk

Day 12 Selçuk

Möglichkeit zum Besuch in der Johanneskathedrale und der Isa-Bey-Moschee sowie im nahegelegenen malerischen Dörfchen Şirince

Day 13 Selçuk/Pamukkale

Geführter Rundgang durch Pamukkale und zu den Ruinen von Hierapolis

Day 14 Pamukkale/Istanbul

Flug am Morgen nach Istanbul. Nach einem Orientierungs-Spaziergang durch die Stadt hast du die Möglichkeit, die Top-Sehenswürdigkeiten der Stadt, wie den Großen Basar, den Topkapi-Palast oder die Hagia Sofia zu besuchen

Day 15 Istanbul/Cairo

Transfer to the airport for the flight from Istanbul to Cairo, Egypt. Enjoy a bit of free time after checking into the hotel before meeting up with newly-joining group members in the evening and heading out for an optional dinner

Day 16 Kairo/Assuan

Enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of The Grand Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan

Day 17 Assuan

Erkunde Assuan, besuche ein Nubier-Dorf und genieße ein hausgemachtes Abendessen mit einer einheimischen Familie

Day 18 Assuan

Verbringe den Tag damit, Assuan zu erkunden

Day 19 Assuan/Kom Ombo

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties

Day 20 Luxor

After breakfast the group will set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Have lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile, then visit an Alabaster Factory en route back to Luxor. The remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure

Day 21 Luxor

In the morning the group will enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. From here, sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Later take advantage of free time in Luxor to explore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure

Day 22 Luxor/Amman

Take a flight from Luxor to Cairo, then transfer to a connecting flight to Amman, Jordan. Free time to explore Amman on arrival

Day 23 Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman

Geführte Besichtigung der alten Römerstadt Gerasa, danach besuchst du das Tote Meer

Day 24 Amman/Kerak/Petra

Ein voller Tag mit geführter Besichtigung des Madaba-Mosaik. Genieße die Aussicht auf Israel vom Nebo aus und besuche die Kreuzfahrer-Burg bei Karak

Day 25 Petra

Brich früh auf und besuche Petra. Durch diese gewaltige „ Rosarote Stadt“ kann man stundenlang spazieren

Day 26 Petra/Wadi Rum

Optionale Besichtigung von „Little Petra“, bevor es nach Wadi Rum weitergeht.
Tagsüber Allrad-Ausflug zum Wadi Rum, bevor du in einem traditionellen Beduinen-Lager in der Wüste in Wadi Rum zu Abend isst und übernachtest

Day 27 Wadi Rum/Aqaba

Danach geht es weiter zum Roten Meer. Optional kannst du einen Schnorchel- oder Bootsausflug machen

Day 28 Aqaba/Amman

Rückreise nach Amman. Unterwegs Stopp für ein Mittagessen bei einem von G Adventures unterstützten Sozialcafé

Day 29 Amman

Abreise zu jeder Zeit möglich

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Athens

We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Please note - if you plan to take part in the Athens Bike Tour, an additional day in Athens is recommended

Day 2 Athens

Day 3 Athens/Meteora

Perched on high cliffs there are monasteries built on immense natural pillars and make for a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Day 4 Meteora

Day 5 Meteora/Delphi

Travel through mountain scenery around Mt Parnassos to Delphi.

Enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Delphi, then spend the evening exploring the charming little town or relaxing in a small café enjoying the views of the nearby valley.

Day 6 Delphi/Náfplio

Described as one of Greece's prettiest towns, the narrow pedestrian streets of old town are begging to be strolled upon.

Day 7 Náfplio/Athens

There is a wealth of ancient sites to explore within easy reach of Nafplio on a free day such as Epidavros, which is highly regarded as one of the most renowned of Greek ancient sites. Or choose to visit the famous Mycenae, also close by, with its spectacular treasury and ruins, or for another lesser-known Mycenean site visit Tiryns, just in the suburbs of Nafplio itself.

Day 8 Athens/Istanbul

Day 9 Istanbul/Çanakkale

Wir brechen frühmorgens auf, um Gallipoli zu besuchen, wo Tausende während des 1. Weltkriegs in der gleichnamigen Schlacht ihr Leben ließen. Erkunde die Sehenswürdigkeiten und erfahre die traurige Geschichte.

Es ist nur ein Stück weiter nach Çanakkale, eine geschäftige Hafenstadt mit einer wachsenden Zahl an Studenten. Misch dich unter die Menschenmassen, die sich abends am Ufer tummeln.

Day 10 Çanakkale/Ayvalık/Bergama

Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik. Be charmed by the blend of old Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and an attractive harbour.

In the afternoon, opt to charter a small boat from the harbour to cruise this beautiful area. After, head to waterside restaurants for a sunset drink.

Day 11 Bergama/Selçuk

Du hast am Morgen Zeit zur freien Verfügung in Bergama, bevor wir nach Selçuk reisen, dem Ausgangsort zur Erkundung der Ruinen der antiken römischen Stadt Ephesos.

Mach dich auf den Weg in die Stadt und verbringe etwas Zeit zur freien Verfügung damit, auf Erkundungstour zu gehen.

Day 12 Selçuk

In der Zeit zur freien Verfügung kannst du einen Spaziergang zu den Ruinen der Johanneskirche unternehmen, die Isabey-Moschee besuchen oder einfach durch die Straßen dieser lebhaften türkischen Stadt schlendern. Eine weitere Option ist es, mit einem lokalen „Dolmus“ (Bus) in den malerischen Ort Şirince (8 km) zu fahren, wo du lokalen Wein probieren oder Kunsthandwerksprodukte kaufen kannst. Für leidenschaftliche Sonnenanbeter ist der Strand von Pamucaki ebenfalls gut erreichbar.

Day 13 Selçuk/Pamukkale

Besuche die berühmten weißen Klippen von Pamukkale und die antike Stätte Hierapolis.

Das zum UNESCO-Welterbe gehörende Hierapolis ist der Beweis dafür, dass die Thermalquellen von Pamukkale seit dem 2. Jahrhundert vor Christus als Spa genutzt wurden.

Day 14 Pamukkale/Istanbul

Kurzer Flug nach Istanbul. Nachdem wir uns eingerichtet haben, machen wir einen Rundgang durch die Stadt.

Jeder Rundgang wird ein bisschen anders sein, damit dein CEO die Möglichkeit hat, dir seine jeweiligen Lieblingsorte zu zeigen. Bewundere Sehenswürdigkeiten wie etwa die Hagia Sophia und den Topkapı-Palast. Wenn du etwas zusätzliche Zeit hast, kehre nochmal zurück, um diese Attraktionen genauer zu erkunden.

Day 15 Istanbul/Cairo

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer.

If you opt to prebook the Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour a night of pre-tour accommodation is required as this tour departs at 10am

Day 16 Kairo/Assuan

Visit the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures before a visit to The Grand Egyptian Museum.

In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing. Please note that during Ramadan, the museum, and Egyptian pyramids will close at 3PM this year, and so we will follow the below order, and schedule on Day 2.

Visit the Pyramids from 9 - 11
Visit the museums from 11:30 - 14:30
Lunch from 15:00 - 16:00 before heading to the train station

Day 17 Assuan

Morgens hast du etwas Zeit zur freien Verfügung, um den Suq zu erkunden oder einen Spaziergang am Nil zu unternehmen.

Später gehst du an Bord einer Feluke (lokales Boot), um zur Insel Elephantine zu fahren und ein Nubier-Dorf zu besuchen. Schlendere durch die kleine Gemeinde und lass dir anschließend in einem lokalen Haus ein traditionelles Abendessen schmecken.

Day 18 Assuan

Eine der faszinierendsten Sehenswürdigkeiten der Gegend ist der Tempel von Abu Simbel. Später kannst du optional auf einer Halbtagstour den Unvollendeten Obelisken, den Assuan-Staudamm und den Tempel von Philae erkunden. Besuche das moderne Nubische Museum, um mehr über die Einheimischen von Assuan zu erfahren. Opt to pre-book the "Temple of Abu Simbel" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour

Day 19 Assuan/Kom Ombo

Board the felucca and sail to Aswan Bridge.

Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river.

Day 20 Luxor

Cross to the West Bank. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops. Then visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple.

Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.

Day 21 Luxor

Day 22 Luxor/Amman

You will not be accompanied by a CEO on the flight between Cairo and Amman. Say goodbye to your Egyptian CEO at the Cairo Airport. Upon landing you will meet our Jordanian rep at the Amman airport who will assist with immigration and visas. After transfer to the hotel where your Jordanian CEO will meet you. Please note that there are strict luggage requirements for your in-tour flights. You are limited to two items - a carry on weighing no more than 7 kg and a checked bag weighing no more than 23 KG

Day 23 Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman

Halbtagsausflug nach Gerasa. Diese faszinierende Stätte ist eine der größten und am besten erhaltenen römischen Ruinen außerhalb Italiens.

Weiterfahrt zum Toten Meer, das für seinen hohen Salzgehalt bekannt ist. Optional kannst du dich wie ein Korken in dem heilenden Gewässer treiben lassen. Entspann dich am Ufer oder bedecke dich selbst mit Heilschlamm.

Day 24 Amman/Kerak/Petra

Depart early for the first stop, Mt Nebo. Learn the ancient history of this spot and check out the views.

Continue on to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the sixth century. After, visit Karak Castle, built during the Crusades.

Arrive in the early evening to Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.

Day 25 Petra

The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.

Day 26 Petra/Wadi Rum

Fahrt nach Wadi Rum, eine ausgedehnte, ruhige Landschaft aus alten Flussbetten und die größte und schönste Wüstenlandschaft Jordaniens. Wir fahren mit Allradfahrzeugen tief in die Wüste und machen unterwegs Halt bei berühmten Sehenswürdigkeiten.

Wir kommen rechtzeitig für eine traditionelle Mahlzeit im Zeltlager an. Erfahre mehr über diese antike Kultur. Accommodation in the desert is in individual cabins that are all attached. Each room contains a bathroom and basic linens are provided, but many travellers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort

Day 27 Wadi Rum/Aqaba

Fahrt in die am Roten Meer gelegene Resortstadt Aqaba. Du hast Zeit zur freien Verfügung, um am Strand zu entspannen, dich beim Schnorcheln zu vergnügen oder die Stadt zu erkunden. Zum Abendessen solltest du in jedem Fall frische Meeresfrüchte probieren.

Day 28 Aqaba/Amman

Safi Kitchen is part of a nonprofit organization working in the South Ghour region, south of the Dead Sea, to create opportunities for members of the local community. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. Their tourism program is key to the expansion of their environmental and social mission.

Upon arrival in Amman, enjoy a final night out in the city.

Day 29 Amman