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KUMUKA
MIDDLE EAST
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OASIS & PHARAOHS CARAVAN ROUTE MIDDLE EAST DISCOVERY MIDDLE EAST OVERLAND
DAHAB DIVING ANZAC DAY
AT GALLIPOLI
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Oases
and Pharaohs Starting and finishing in Cairo, this journey
uncovers the charm and mystique that has been luring travellers to Egypt
for thousands of years and by the end of two weeks exploring this amazing
country, it is easy to see why. Much more than a museum, Egypt is a vibrant
living culture with the ability to cut deep into the hearts of those who
embrace its many facets. Travelling on the Kumuka expedition vehicle allows
us to penetrate deep into the little visited Western Desert and the coastal
delights of The Red Sea. Luxor and Aswan are home to an astounding number
of temples and tombs - Karnak, Philae, the Valley of The Kings - or take
the opportunity to fly to Lake Nasser to see the incredible temples of
Abu Simbal which were rescued from the waters of the rising Nile by a
massive feat of engineering in the 1960s. While sailing on a Nile felucca
- a traditional Egyptian sailing boat - we quickly discover what an integral
part this played in the lives of the overwhelming majority of Egyptians.
There is not much that can beat the impressive nature of the Sphinx and
Pyramids, but Egypt is far more than a country trading on its past glories.
Travellers to contemporary Egypt will find a positive outlook amongst
a population and a culture that is forwardlooking yet proudly aware of
its historical importance. Egypt has the advantage of a great climate,
which is why Kumuka have departure dates for this tour all year round.
There couldn't be a better destination for a winter break. Two weeks is
quite a compact journey but - as they say in Egypt - there is a lot of
water down the Nile. HIGHLIGHTS
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WHAT'S INCLUDED TOP |
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Caravan Route With permanent settlements dating back
to 9000 years BC, Egypt and Jordan can lay claim to being the most historically
revealing countries in the world. Apart from the numerous monuments, travellers
will find the people surprisingly warm and hospitable. Jordan is one of
the world's most revealing links to the ancient world and few people who
have stood amongst the massive rock facades of Petra would argue. The
desert scenery at Wadi Rum is eerily beautiful and bathing in the buoyant
waters of The Dead Sea is brilliant fun. We cross The Red Sea to Egypt,
and in Dahab and Hurghada experience some of the best diving or snorkelling
in the world. Climb to the spiritual summit of Mount Sinai where Moses
received the Ten commandments before heading into the urban chaos that
is Cairo, Africa's largest city and home to the Pyramids, Sphinx and fascinating
Cairo Museum. Luxor and Aswan are home to an astounding number of temples
and tombs, Karnak, Philae, and the huge avenues of tombs at the Valley
of The Kings, or take the opportunity to fly to Lake Nasser to see the
incredible temples of Abu Simbal which were rescued from the waters of
the rising Nile by a massive feat of engineering in the 1960s. There are
many parts of both Jordan and Egypt, which defy the popular stereotyping
of the Arab world to present us with a varied and constantly surprising
three weeks |
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Caravan Route With permanent settlements dating back
to 9000 years BC, Jordan and Egypt can lay claim to being the most historically
revealing countries in the world. Apart from the numerous monuments, travellers
will find the people surprisingly warm and hospitable. Jordan is one of
the world's most revealing links to the ancient world and few people who
have stood amongst the massive rock facades of Petra would argue. The
desert scenery at Wadi Rum is eerily beautiful and bathing in the buoyant
waters of The Dead Sea is brilliant fun. We cross The Red Sea to Egypt,
and in Dahab and Hurghada experience some of the best diving or snorkelling
in the world. Climb to the spiritual summit of Mount Sinai where Moses
received the Ten commandments before heading into the urban chaos that
is Cairo, Africa's largest city and home to the Pyramids, Sphinx and fascinating
Cairo Museum. Luxor and Aswan are home to an astounding number of temples
and tombs, Karnak, Philae, and the huge avenues of tombs at the Valley
of The Kings, or take the opportunity to fly to Lake Nasser to see the
incredible temples of Abu Simbal which were rescued from the waters of
the rising Nile by a massive feat of engineering in the 1960s. There are
many parts of both Jordan and Egypt, which defy the popular stereotyping
of the Arab world to present us with a varied and constantly surprising
three weeks. |
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Middle East Discovery
Bridging two continents - Europe and Asia
- Turkey is the gateway to the Middle East and Syria introduces us to
the delights of a truly traditional Arabian world. These three countries
combine to make an eclectic mix of cultures, cuisine and architecture.
The region is both alluring and unforgettable. As well as the sparkling
blue-green of the Mediterranean coastline and the outstanding beauty of
the countryside, Turkey has an enormous array of historical sites. From
ancient Troy to modern Gallipoli, it is possible to travel from one millennium
to the other in a matter of hours. Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful
yet diverse areas of Turkey with examples of amazing soft, volcanic rock
formations and lunar landscapes, where for hundreds of years people have
moulded underground homes. Aleppo marks our entry to Syria, an important
port of call for the merchants who used to ply the ancient spice route
to India. It is unfair to refer to the ancient city of Palmyra as a ruin.
What was once the most easterly outpost of the Roman Empire, this impressive
desert city has been painstakingly restored and covers a staggering 50,000
square metres. the region holds many surprises, no more so than the exceptional
hospitality of the people who live amongst these ancient stones. Damascus
next, with its souks, bazaars and famous citadel, before arriving in Amman
via the roman ruin of Jerash. ITINERARY
HIGHLIGHTS |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Middle East Discovery
Bridging two continents - Europe and Asia
- Turkey is the gateway to the Middle East and Syria introduces us to
the delights of a truly traditional Arabian world. These three countries
combine to make an eclectic mix of cultures, cuisine and architecture.
The region is both alluring and unforgettable. As well as the sparkling
blue-green of the Mediterranean coastline and the outstanding beauty of
the countryside, Turkey has an enormous array of historical sites. From
ancient Troy to modern Gallipoli, it is possible to travel from one millennium
to the other in a matter of hours. Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful
yet diverse areas of Turkey with examples of amazing soft, volcanic rock
formations and lunar landscapes, where for hundreds of years people have
moulded underground homes. Aleppo marks our entry to Syria, an important
port of call for the merchants who used to ply the ancient spice route
to India. It is unfair to refer to the ancient city of Palmyra as a ruin.
What was once the most easterly outpost of the Roman Empire, this impressive
desert city has been painstakingly restored and covers a staggering 50,000
square metres. the region holds many surprises, no more so than the exceptional
hospitality of the people who live amongst these ancient stones. Damascus
next, with its souks, bazaars and famous citadel, before arriving in Amman
via the roman ruin of Jerash |
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The Road to Damascus
The largely desert landscapes of Syria,
Jordan and the Sinai are home to an astounding number of spectacular sights
- created by nature and man, from civilizations thousands of years old.
From Amman we journey to Damascus, the oldest inhabited city in the world
and capital city of Syria. Palmyra lies at a remote desert oasis, while
the mosques and souks of Aleppo are teaming with life. The medieval fortress
of Crac des Chevaliers has stood guard for centuries in the mountains
bordering Lebanon, and back in Jordan, the ruins of Jerash are a fine
example of a Roman provincial city. Lush olive rich hills teeter over
the plunging rift of the Jordan Valley, which runs down to the lowest
place on earth - The Dead Sea. Expansive canyons bordered by arid, craggy
mountains mark the beginning of The Rift Valley, which finishes its journey
at the other end of Africa. Marvel at Petra - the red rose city that lay
undiscovered for decades and arguably one of the highlights of the Middle
East. With its sheer cliffs and red sands, Wadi Rum is probably Jordan's
most captivating natural site and you can explore WITH the help of the
proud local Bedouins. The coral-fringed Red Sea can be enjoyed in the
relaxing resort of Dahab, ideal for diving and snorkelling. Climb to the
spiritual summit of Mount Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments,
before ending the journey in Cairo, a city with a vibrant present and
a captivating past. Lebanon* (subject to a
minimum number) ITINERARY |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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The Road to Damascus
The largely desert landscapes of Syria,
Jordan and the Sinai are home to an astounding number of spectacular sights
- created by nature and man, from civilizations thousands of years old.
From Amman we journey to Damascus, the oldest inhabited city in the world
and capital city of Syria. Palmyra lies at a remote desert oasis, while
the mosques and souks of Aleppo are teaming with life. The medieval fortress
of Crac des Chevaliers has stood guard for centuries in the mountains
bordering Lebanon, and back in Jordan, the ruins of Jerash are a fine
example of a Roman provincial city. Lush olive rich hills teeter over
the plunging rift of the Jordan Valley, which runs down to the lowest
place on earth - The Dead Sea. Expansive canyons bordered by arid, craggy
mountains mark the beginning of The Rift Valley, which finishes its journey
at the other end of Africa. Marvel at Petra - the red rose city that lay
undiscovered for decades and arguably one of the highlights of the Middle
East. With its sheer cliffs and red sands, Wadi Rum is probably Jordan's
most captivating natural site and you can explore WITH the help of the
proud local Bedouins. The coral-fringed Red Sea can be enjoyed in the
relaxing resort of Dahab, ideal for diving and snorkelling. Climb to the
spiritual summit of Mount Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments,
before ending the journey in Cairo, a city with a vibrant present and
a captivating past. HIGHLIGHTS |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Istanbul to Cairo From the beautiful Dardanelles to the historic
city of Cairo, this trip explores the exciting landscapes and intriguing
ancient civilizations of Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, culminating with the
opportunity to swim or dive in Egypt's Red Sea. One of our first stops
is the city of Troy where Homer described the slaying of Achilles and
which has been immortalized by the symbol of the legendary Trojan horse.
It is one of many experiences over the next few weeks where the mists
of time evaporate before our eyes as we probe deeper into this fascinating
region. Syria's capital Damascus, for example, claims to be the oldest
continually inhabited city in the world and it is easy to imagine what
life was like as long ago as 1000 years BC. While the desert scenery of
Wadi Rum is as haunting today as when first described nearly a century
ago by Lawrence of Arabia. The Istanbul to Cairo trip is three weeks long
and centuries old. ITINERARY |
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Cairo
to Istanbul From the beautiful Dardanelles to the historic
city of Cairo, this trip explores the exciting landscapes and intriguing
ancient civilizations of Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, culminating with the
opportunity to swim or dive in Egypt's Red Sea. One of our first stops
is the city of Troy where Homer described the slaying of Achilles and
which has been immortalized by the symbol of the legendary Trojan horse.
It is one of many experiences over the next few weeks where the mists
of time evaporate before our eyes as we probe deeper into this fascinating
region. Syria's capital Damascus, for example, claims to be the oldest
continually inhabited city in the world and it is easy to imagine what
life was like as long ago as 1000 years BC. While the desert scenery of
Wadi Rum is as haunting today as when first described nearly a century
ago by Lawrence of Arabia. The Istanbul to Cairo trip is three weeks long
and centuries old. |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Kingdoms and Crusades
The Middle East stretches out before us
- an interwoven tapestry of colour, culture, politics and history not
found in the same concentration anywhere else in the world. Immerse yourself
in a diverse range of experiences that form the very threads of this amazing
and enormously complex region. Amman marks the start of our journey from
where we head to Damascus, the oldest inhabited city on earth and the
capital of Syria. Palmyra lies at a remote desert oasis, while the mosques
and souks of Aleppo are teaming with life. Return to Damascus via a medieval
fortress and the whispering ancient water wheels of Hama, where we have
the option to take an excursion to the Roman city of Balbeck and Beirut
over the snow-capped mountains of Lebanon. Back in Jordan, the ruins of
Jerash are a fine example of a Roman provincial city and The Dead Sea
makes for some interesting attempts at swimming. Marvel at Petra, the
red rose city that lay undiscovered for decades and is arguably the highlight
of the Middle East. In Egypt, enjoy the bustle of Cairo before relaxing
In the laidback resort of Dahab, where you can dive or snorkel and explore
the spectacular underwater world of The Red Sea. The upper Nile is host
to some of The most remarkable and impressive relics from the Ancient
Egyptians, and we quickly discover what an important part this mighty
river has played in the lives of people over thousands of years. This
tour takes us to a time of kingdoms, crusades and ancient civilizations
and explores the Arabian Middle East in depth. ITINERARY |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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|
Kingdoms and Crusades
The Middle East stretches out before us
- an interwoven tapestry of colour, culture, politics and history not
found in the same concentration anywhere else in the world. Immerse yourself
in a diverse range of experiences that form the very threads of this amazing
and enormously complex region. Amman marks the start of our journey from
where we head to Damascus, the oldest inhabited city on earth and the
capital of Syria. Palmyra lies at a remote desert oasis, while the mosques
and souks of Aleppo are teaming with life. Return to Damascus via a medieval
fortress and the whispering ancient water wheels of Hama, where we have
the option to take an excursion to the Roman city of Balbeck and Beirut
over the snow-capped mountains of Lebanon. Back in Jordan, the ruins of
Jerash are a fine example of a Roman provincial city and The Dead Sea
makes for some interesting attempts at swimming. Marvel at Petra, the
red rose city that lay undiscovered for decades and is arguably the highlight
of the Middle East. In Egypt, enjoy the bustle of Cairo before relaxing
In the laidback resort of Dahab, where you can dive or snorkel and explore
the spectacular underwater world of The Red Sea. The upper Nile is host
to some of The most remarkable and impressive relics from the Ancient
Egyptians, and we quickly discover what an important part this mighty
river has played in the lives of people over thousands of years. This
tour takes us to a time of kingdoms, crusades and ancient civilizations
and explores the Arabian Middle East in depth. Lebanon* (subject to a minimum number) ITINERARY |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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|
Middle East Overland
A comprehensive trip giving an excellent
insight into this fascinating and rewarding region. Poised on the edge
of Europe yet decidedly Middle Eastern, Turkey straddles two different
worlds with consummate ease. Istanbul itself is a melting pot of different
cultures, cuisines and architectural styles which make it an ideal place
to acclimatize and is the point of departure for our longest trip. For
the next five weeks we literally journey through living history. In many
parts of the Middle East, the culture and lifestyle remain unchanged -
the people and architecture are almost like portholes through which we
can glimpse something of the ancient world. Travelling on Kumuka trucks
allows us greater access to areas normally hidden from the package tourist
- camping under the stars at oasis in the Western Desert is a particularly
unique and unmissable experience, while the felucca trip on the Nile is
surely the best way to appreciate how the history of this mighty river
is inextricably linked with the history of the entire Middle East. ITINERARY |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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|
Middle East Overland
A comprehensive trip giving an excellent
insight into this fascinating and rewarding region. Poised on the edge
of Europe yet decidedly Middle Eastern, Turkey straddles two different
worlds with consummate ease. Istanbul itself is a melting pot of different
cultures, cuisines and architectural styles which make it an ideal place
to acclimatize and is the point of departure for our longest trip. For
the next five weeks we literally journey through living history. In many
parts of the Middle East, the culture and lifestyle remain unchanged -
the people and architecture are almost like portholes through which we
can glimpse something of the ancient world. Travelling on Kumuka trucks
allows us greater access to areas normally hidden from the package tourist
- camping under the stars at oasis in the Western Desert is a particularly
unique and unmissable experience, while the felucca trip on the Nile is
surely the best way to appreciate how the history of this mighty river
is inextricably linked with the history of the entire Middle East. ITINERARY |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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DIVE THE RED SEA The water temperature ranges from 27°C
in the summer to 21°C in the winter, creating a tropical environment
for the abundance of corals and marine life that lives there. Over the
past five years Dahab has benefited from a rapid expansion of the infrastructure,
making it one of the most popular destinations in the region, boasting
modern facilities while retaining its original ethnic charm. The tourist
village of "Assalah" with its thatched beachside cafes, colourful
market, and constant parade of tasselled camels and white-robed Bedouins,
is nestled against the rugged mountain skyline and azure sparkling waters.
Learn to Dive Dahab - With Padi Open Water Course. Our ‘Learn to Dive Courses’ in Dahab run daily, you join in Dahab, a small town which has an easy going atmosphere. TOUR COST:
£350 €490 AU$1015 NZ$1155 Dive Centre
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Qualified
Divers: Itinerary: What’s
Included: What’s
NOT Included: Please Note:
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Anzac Day at Gallipoli
Kumuka takes you to Anzac Cove and beyond!
Attend the dawn service at Anzac Cove on 25th April 2005, then travel
on to see some of the world's most renowned ancient sites. Meets up with European Tours...see the Europe brochure ITINERARY |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Anzac Day at Gallipoli
Kumuka takes you to Anzac Cove and beyond!
Attend the dawn service at Anzac Cove on 25th April 2005, then travel
on to see some of the world's most renowned ancient sites. Meets up with European
Tours...see the Europe brochure ITINERARY |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Mediterranean Discovery
This itinerary has been specially designed
to use a variety of transport from ferries, local transport and traditional
Turkish gullet, ensuring the best methods of exploring this richly historic
region. After the splendid cities of Istanbul and Ankara, Cappadocia is
host to an array of unusual landscapes and underground cities. Enjoy rafting
in the picturesque Koprulu Kanyon, rustic tree house dwelling in Olympos
and confront the ancient legends on the mountain of fire. Gently sail
along the Mediterranean coast on a traditional Turkish gullet through
submerged ruins and past idyllic isolated beaches. Pamukkale's hillside
soda pools lead us to the splendid Ephesus; Turkey's best preserved ancient
city, legendary Troy and the historic World War 1 battle sites at Gallipoli.
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WHAT'S INCLUDED
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