From Medina's Sanctity to Cairo's Wonders

Welcome to Medina, a revered city steeped in spiritual and historical significance. As one of the two holiest cities in Islam, Medina attracts millions of pilgrims annually, and until recently, it was inaccessible to non-Muslims. We begin with a transfer to your hotel, where you are encouraged to dress modestly and respectfully, in line with local customs.After settling in, we'll explore the magnificent Prophet’s Mosque (Al Masjid an Nabawi). This site, built by the Prophet himself, accommodates over a million faithful and houses his resting place. Later, we visit Mount Uhud, a pivotal pilgrimage site that witnessed a historic battle where the Prophet’s followers faced the forces of Mecca. Walking along its vast expanse offers a profound experience—please be mindful of the many pilgrims around.Our journey continues to the Quba Mosque, recognised as the first mosque in Islamic history, although the current structure is of more recent construction. A short walk takes us to the garden and well of Ethiq, where the Prophet and his companions were warmly welcomed by local tribes upon their arrival from Mecca.You'll then have some leisure time in the city centre, where you can explore the bustling shopping areas. If you fancy a bit of history during this time, you might choose to visit the Hejaz Railway Museum, located in the century-old Ottoman train station. In the afternoon, we delve deeper into the past with a visit to the Al Madinah Museum to learn about the rich history of this illustrious city. As the day concludes, we'll return to Al Masjid an Nabawi, where the serene ambiance and vibrant evening light create a breathtaking atmosphere as crowds gather for prayer. Dinner is included in your day’s experience. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

After enjoying breakfast, we venture through some of the world’s most spectacular desert regions. Our journey begins in a volcanic landscape as we visit Khaybar, a site rich in history. This area was a prominent Jewish settlement on the Arabian Peninsula during the 7th century and became notable due to the Battle of Khaibar in 628 AD, where Muslim forces led by the Prophet Muhammad triumphed over the local Jewish tribes. We'll explore the historic fortress and wander through its picturesque oasis—entry is included. Surrounded by stunning desert vistas, we continue to Al-Ula, an extraordinary open-air museum shaped by nature. Here, you will be captivated by its striking rock formations, canyons, and ravines, reflecting the grandeur crafted by its ancient inhabitants. Upon arrival, we visit the remarkable Elephant Rock (Jabal Al Fil), an impressive 52-metre-high geomorphological wonder shaped like an elephant. Dinner is included.

In the captivating region of Al-Ula, we'll explore Hegra (Madain Saleh), a UNESCO World Heritage site of Nabataean origin often dubbed "the Other Petra." This remarkable place offers an array of rock-hewn tombs amidst a desert shrouded in enchantment. Lunch is provided. Following our visit, you’ll have some leisure time to wander through the bustling commercial streets and soak in the splendour of the lush oasis. As the day progresses, we will journey onwards to Tabuk. Dinner is included.

In the bustling city of Tabuk, home to over half a million people and an active provincial capital, we explore its rich history and cultural heritage. Our journey begins at the ancient castle, which originates from 3500 BC and houses a museum detailing the city's history. The museum tells the tales of great explorers like Ibn Battuta and the numerous pilgrims who quenched their thirst at the castle’s fountains en route to Mecca or Medina.Following this, we delve into the past at the Mud House Museum, a detailed recreation of a traditional adobe house, offering insight into everyday life from bygone eras. We then take a leisurely walk through the vibrant commercial district of the city centre, reaching the old train station. Now a museum, it showcases the historic steam engines that once connected Damascus to Medina.Our next destination is just 100 kilometres away: the border leading us into Jordan. After completing the border procedures, we continue to Wadi Musa, the town neighbouring Petra. Here, we visit the Spring of Moses—where, as legend has it, Moses struck a rock to create a water source—and the Petra Museum, which offers a superb introduction to Nabataean history and displays remarkable artefacts found in the region. Dinner is included. Afterwards, you might choose to unwind at an old Turkish bath or experience the Petra light and sound show during your free time.

Today promises to be the most exhilarating day of our journey. We begin by visiting the remarkable archaeological site of Petra. You'll make your way through a narrow canyon to discover the temples and tombs meticulously carved into the cliffs of this city, which was founded around 300 BCE. After enjoying an included lunch, we set off for the stunning desert landscape of Wadi Rum. At the Visitor Centre, we board 4x4 vehicles to explore some of the area’s breathtaking views, followed by a 45-minute camel ride through the desert. We also venture to Khazali Canyon, where you'll see ancient engravings that trace the origins of the Arabic language. We end our day with dinner and accommodation at a desert camp, deeply immersed in this extraordinary natural setting.

After breakfast, we set off for Aqaba, Jordan's bustling seaport positioned along the vibrant shores of the Red Sea. We will explore the bustling town centre before moving on to the border of Israel, reaching the lively city of Eilat known for its superb beaches. There's time for leisure here—perhaps a swim or a leisurely stroll before we move onward. Our journey continues to the Egypt border as we venture into the historic region of Sinai. On our route, we'll have the opportunity to photograph Pharaoh’s Island, renowned for housing the formidable fortress of Saladin. We then proceed to Saint Catherine, where we will settle into our accommodations and enjoy dinner. Please be aware that entry and exit fees are applicable at the borders, with costs subject to change. It’s important to note that drones and professional camera equipment are prohibited, and we are not liable for any items seized by border authorities. In certain circumstances, we might travel directly from Jordan to Egypt via ferry, taking the two-hour Aqaba-Taba route, during which guide assistance isn't available.

At the foot of Mount Sinai, we begin our day with a visit to the remarkable walled Monastery of Saint Catherine. According to tradition, this is where Moses witnessed the miraculous "Burning Bush". This revered site holds significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike and is under the ownership of the Orthodox Church. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then venture onwards through the stunning landscapes of the Sinai Desert. During the journey, we'll stop for lunch en route. Along the way, there is an opportunity to pause at the Well of Moses, a biblical site that resembles a quaint oasis. As we leave the Sinai behind, we travel through the tunnel beneath the Suez Canal, arriving in Cairo by late afternoon. Accommodation in Cairo awaits you.

Today in Cairo, we embark on a captivating journey through ancient wonders and cultural landmarks. Our exploration begins with a visit to the iconic Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, awe-inspiring structures that continue to baffle architects with their precision and scale. While entrance into the pyramids themselves isn't included, the experience of standing amidst these colossal monuments and their majestic guardian, the Sphinx, is unforgettable. Continuing our historical voyage, we head to the Egyptian Museum, home to an array of ancient artefacts, including the remarkable treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb. After lunch, which is included, we proceed to the Citadel of Saladin, an imposing fortress offering panoramic views of the city, and visit the beautiful Alabaster Mosque within its walls. Our cultural exploration takes us to the Coptic district, where we'll stroll through its narrow streets and discover the Hanging Church, an architectural marvel suspended above a Roman fortress. This enriching day provides a window into Egypt's rich tapestry of history and culture.

Following breakfast, we'll arrange your transfer to the airport, concluding our services.