Dragoman: Istanbul to Tripoli Overland Tour

Begin your adventure in Istanbul, taking in the famous sites of the western coast, before heading inland to the fascinating landscapes of Cappadocia. Cross into Syria, visiting the fortified city of Aleppo, and then to Jordan, home to the lost city of Petra. Relax by the Red Sea in Egypt and experience the hustle of bustle of Cairo, venturing to the famed Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. Libya is your final destination, and will do nothing short of amaze you.

Itinerary

  • Week 1-2: Istanbul – Beirut

    Spend time exploring historic Istanbul and its markets. Continue to Gallipoli and then a full day journey to Selcuk visiting the ancient ruins of Troy en-route. Enjoy an awe-inspiring guided visit of the Roman ruins of Ephesus and surrounding temples, and then head to the beautiful Mediterranean Coast with time to relax at Olu Deniz, the most famous beach in the region. Drive 250km on to the remote and atmospheric ruined city of Termessos, and then to Goreme in central Turkey. Spend time touring this fascinating region. A guided tour will take you to Goreme Valley, and underground cities and caves. There is also the option of a hot air balloon ride over the valley. Overland into Syria; discover the fortified ancient city of Aleppo. Continue to Rasafa and then the ancient city of Palmyra for a guided trip around the site. Afterwards head to Krak des Chevaliers, a 12th century hilltop castle, and then cross into Lebanon, arriving in the capital, Beirut.

  • Week 3-4: Beirut – Dahab

    to the Temple of Baalbeck. Leave Lebanon behind, returning to Syria, to the capital of Damascus. From here journey south in Jordan, for a guided tour around the ruined city of Jerash, and time for a swim in the Dead Sea. Spend two nights in Petra, including a guided horse ride through the canyons, and then head to your rustic campsite at Wadi Rum. Discover the area by jeep before driving to Aqaba to meet the ferry to take you to Egypt. Dahab is your first stop in Egypt, with the opportunity for plenty of activities.

  • Week 5: Cairo – Soloum

    Head to St Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai, with the option to trek up the mountain. Journey to Cairo via the Suez Canal. In Cairo a tour will take you to the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, and then free time to explore on your own. Leave the hustle and bustle of Cairo for the coastal city of Alexandria, and then continue to Egypt’s Western Desert and Siwa Oasis, visiting Al Alemain en-route. Head to the Libyan border.

  • Week 6-8: Soloum – Tripoli

    Continue along the coast to the war cemeteries of Tobruk and reach Shahat, your base for two nights. Visit the Greek ruins at Cyrene and Apollonia. Another two days is spent wild-camping via Sirt and Waddan Oasis to Sebha, where we prepare for a fourday desert exploration to Tekerkiba, and see the remarkable mountains and rock art of Jebel Akakus and the stunning oasis lakes of the Ubari Sand Sea. Wild-camp en-route to Ghadames, where you will visit the old city and House Museum, and then overland to Tajura Beach Camp. Continue to Libya’s capital of Tripoli, stopping at the site of Leptis Magna along the way.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.

Pricing

51 Days / 50 Nights From $4,485*

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Includes: Overland expedition trucks and jeeps, accommodation in small hotels or camping, cooking equipment, tolls, vehicle fees, services of Dragoman crew, 24 hour logistical support, reference books, fully stocked medical kit, hidden safe. Excluded in the above price is an amount for the kitty which covers camping and hotels (on a shared basis), meals while camping, park entrance fees, activities, admissions and local guides. The kitty amount is based on an approximate amount of $2274. It is paid into a central fund at the start of the trip, and subject to variation for each trip departure.

Departs 2011: Selected dates. Please ask for details.

Tour Style: Overland Adventure

Note: Dragoman Reference - ELP

Highlights

  • Istanbul and its markets

  • Ancient ruins at Troy and Ephesus

  • Cappadocia's Goreme Valley

  • Fortified city of Aleppo

  • Ancient Palmyra

  • Exploring Beirut

  • Swimming in the Dead Sea

  • Desert exploration of Wadi Rum

  • St Catherine's Monastery

  • Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx

  • Roman site of Leptis Magna