Cairo, the largest city both in Africa and in the Middle East, is our entry point on this 19-day expedition through two lands of ancient wonder. Using the frenetic capital as our base, we head off to explore burial grounds of kings, princes and nobles, gaze at towering statues of Pharaohs, marvel at step pyramids dating from the 27th century BC and spend time at the perennial favourite attractions of visitors to Egypt; the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Enhancing our knowledge of the history and ancient civilisations of this fascinating country, we embark on trips to museums showcasing death masks, mummified crocodiles and antique coins, to the incredible archaeological sites and temples of Karnak and Luxor and to the legendary Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. To discover the contemporary face of the country, we immerse ourselves in the cultures and lifestyles of locals in bustling metropolises, cruise along the longest river on the planet, stopping in at nearby villages on the banks of the Nile, and visit Christian monasteries and botanical gardens on a once-in-a-lifetime desert camel trek. Crossing the border, we touch down in Amman, the modern and ancient capital city of Jordan and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. For the final eight days of our adventure, we leisurely tour magnificent monasteries, Roman amphitheatres and desert palaces dating from the 8th century AD, visit biblical sites along the banks of the Dead Sea, and spend time exploring elaborate ancient tombs and grand temples in the 'rose red city half as old as time'; Petra. Mingling with nomadic Bedouin herdsmen gives us a feel for the cultures and lifestyles of the area; and we end our tour by travelling along the King's Highway, which boasts a plethora of Crusader fortresses and quaint historic towns.

© 2007 Adventures Abroad Worldwide Travel Ltd.