Roof of Africa Extended

A day-by-day breakdown of what to expect and where you'll be staying.

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Day 1, Damascus

A chance today to explore the oldest inhabited city in the world.

Day 2, Damascus to Damascus (via Beirut)

A fantastic opportunity today to see a small part of another country and culture. Depending on the political situation in Lebanon there is the option of taking a one day guided tour via Baalbek Roman Temple to Beirut. Try the 'all you can eat' Lebanese lunch, take the city tour of Beirut and check out this vibrant city fast recovering from the civil war of the 80's and 90's.

Day 3, Damascus to Mount Nebo

Crossing the border into Jordan we make our way to Mount Nebo for the night. Mt Nebo is a place of highly religious significance as it is believed to be where Moses got his first sight of the 'promised land' as well as where he was buried. On a clear day you can see all the way to Jerusalem and Jericho in Israel. A visit to the remains of the 4th century church will give you a glimpse of the stunning, detailed, and original mosaic floor.

Day 4, Mount Nebo to Petra

The Dead Sea conjures images of ancient resort-style days.  Here, therapeutic mud baths and not so therapeutic mud fights, are followed by an unusual swimming experience in this highly buoyant salt sea! After washing the salt off we continue to the town of Wadi Musa - the base camp for day trips to one of the highlights of the Middle East - the Rose Red City of Petra.

Day 5, Petra

This 6th century BC Nabataean city was only rediscovered in the 1800's after being lost for over 1000 years. A walk through the Siq brings you to Petra's most famous site - The Treasury. The Nabataeans who carved this vast red city controlled the spice and slave caravans from Asia travelling to ancient Arabia. One of the most amazing highlights of any trip to the Middle East!

Day 6, Petra to Wadi Rum Desert

Travelling further south we spend the night in the Wadi Rum Desert - the old stomping ground and headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt of 1917-18. Here there is the option to take a 4WD jeep safari deep into the desert with your local Bedouin guide. 

Day 7, Wadi Rum Desert to Aqaba

The busy port of Aqaba is our base while we get through the tricky cross border procedures we need to leave Jordan and enter Egypt. Once the paperwork is finalised the ferry will take us to Taba and from there we drive the 100kms to Dahab where we spend the next few nights.

Day 8 to 9, Aqaba to Dahab

We spend some time sorting out the complicated and sometimes time consuming process of leaving Jordan and entering Egypt. Depending on the ferry across this short stretch of the Red Sea we may have time to explore the duty free port of Aqaba before arriving on the Sinai peninsular.

Day 10 to 12, Dahab

Laid back Dahab is a bit of a 'hippie village' that boasts warm water, great sunshine and fantastic scuba diving or snorkeling opportunities. Spectacular coral gardens and marine life is just metres from the shore. Try a camel trek, quad bike tour into the desert, visit St Catherine's Monastery, climb Mt Sinai or simply relax on the beach.

Day 13, Dahab to Mount Sinai

Heading into the mountains we wind our way up to the hidden monastry of Saint Katharine. A couple of hours walking up hill is rewarded by a glorious sunrise over the Sinai ranges and Mount Sinai - Mose's Mountain.

Day 14 to 15, Mount Sinai to Luxor (via Hurghada)

Crossing from Asia to Africa we drive UNDER the Suez Canal and travel along the coast heading south and then west to reach Luxor - home of the Valley of the Kings and the massive Karnak Temple.

Day 16, Luxor

The west bank of the Nile is where you will spend this morning. Visit the historic Valley of the Kings as well as the Valley of the Workers with our Guide and see the dramatic and quite amazing funerary glory of the ancient Pharaohs. We stop at the Colossi of Memnon and those who want to can have a ride on a trusty donkey through the local villages. A free afternoon to explore Luxor itself.

Day 17, Luxor

Enjoy the sights and sounds of sprawling Luxor today. Check out the Souks and local restaurants, Luxor Temple, and the massive and impressive Karnak Temple. Another testament to the power (and ego) of Ramses II, Karnak Temple boasts one of the largest Hypostyle halls in the world with 134 carved columns all in one area. Get out that camera....

Day 18, Luxor to Aswan

After a couple of days in busy Luxor it is nice to get back on the road. Travelling alongside the Nile we arrive in the quieter and more relaxed town of Aswan where feluccas seem to be the main source of transport! Visit a traditional Nubian Village, try a riverside cafe, and get ready for a early start tomorrow.

Day 19, Aswan

An early start but well worth the trip - Abu Simbel awaits. Built by Ramses II, the Sun Temple now sits on the edge of Lake Nasser in the southern desert close to the Sudan border. Once back in Aswan check out the Temple at Philae, take a felucca to Elephantine Island or visit a proper Nubian village.

Day 20, Aswan

Head out to explore this beautiful town perched on the banks of the Nile. Aswan is rich in Nubian culture and pretty laid back. Wander through the souk and along the Corniche, stop in a riverside cafe for a cold drink, have dinner in a Nubian home or visit the Old Cataract Hotel - made famous by a Agatha Christie novel.

Day 21 to 22, Aswan

The next two days and nights are spent sailing the Nile in a traditional Felucca - watching Egypt glide by, and sleeping under the stars.

Day 23, Aswan to Cairo

A long (but not so bad) overnight train gets us to Cairo - home of the Pyramids, Sphinx and the amazing Egyptian Museum. A free afternoon allows time to get your bearings and absorb the atmosphere in this bustling city.

Day 24, Cairo

This hectic city has lots to offer! Home of the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Mohammed Ali Mosque, Khan el Khalili and the Citadel... the list goes on. Explore with a guide or on your own.

Day 25, Cairo to Aswan

With an Egyptologist guide we spend the morning at the Egyptian History Museum and head out to the Pyramids after lunch. Take a ride on a camel before heading back to the hotel and preparing for the overnight train to Aswan.

Day 26 to 28, Cairo to El Alamein (via Alexandria)

The beautiful Mediterranean coast lies before us as we make our way to historic Alexandria. Ancient Roman ruins are worth exploring and the SCUBA diving is fantastic. We then turn west and travel to the turning point of WW2 - El Alamein. The Museum is a must see as well as paying your respects at the many cemeteries and memorials in the region. Touching and interesting at the same time.

Day 29 to 32, El Alamein to Cyrene (via Tobruk)

Crossing the Lybian border we enter Tobruk - home of some of the most crucial battles of World War II. Cemetaries and trenches remain and we have the chance to explore them before the short drive to Cyrene. This ancient Greek city was established in the 7th century BC and boasted Plato as a resident.

Day 33 to 39, Cyrene to Nalut (via Leptis Magna)

The warm waters of the Med allow us the chance to cool off and freshen up as we travel toward Leptis Magna, one of the best preserved Roman cities left in the world.Grab a local Guide and spend the day in ancient Roman times. After crossing the Hamadat al-Hamrah desert we will reach Ghadames and can explore the alleyways and sand dunes in the area. The town of Nalut awaits and we prepare to cross into Tunisia.

Day 40 to 42, Nalut to Tunis

Crossing the border we enter Tunisia and head for Matmata, known for its troglodyte villages, before continuing on to the oasis towns of Nefta and Tozeur. These 2 towns are closely linked to the mystical Sufi religion. From here it is a short drive to Le Kef where we will spend the day relaxing or visiting its fortified kasbah. Just before reaching Tunis we pass through the most dramatic Roman site in Tunisia, Dougga.

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There are 2 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $35 Petra Guided Tour
• $38 Wadi Rum Jeep Safari