Departure Dates & Prices. Accommodations

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2 south africa cape town 21 land days Start in Pretoria and finish in Cape Town, South Africa johannesburg malealea kruger n.p. pretoria mossel bay seal island Explore Kruger National Park Visit De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre to see rare wild dogs and cheetahs running Game viewing in Itala Reserve, Zululand Explore the Royal Natal National Park Visit the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland Enjoy Cape Town, one of the world s most beautiful cities Journey to the Cape of Good Hope See the Valley of Desolation in the Karoo Explore Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park Drive the Garden Route mozambique hlane park maputo swaziland itala reserve royal natal n.p. lesotho tsitsikamma coastal n.p. Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa and transfer to Pretoria Day 2: De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre Day 3: To Kruger National Park - game drive Day 4: Kruger National Park - game drive Day 5: To Maputo, Mozambique Day 6: Maputo city sites Day 7: To the Kingdom of Swaziland, Hlane Royal National Park - game drive Day 8: Swaziland - safari walk, a traditional Swazi village visit Day 9: Zululand Itala Game Reserve Day 10: Morning game drive; to Royal Natal National Park, Drakensberg Range Day 11: Royal Natal National Park - hiking Day 12: The Kingdom of Lesotho, Basotho Cultural Village Day 13: Malealea, Botso ela Waterfall. Day 14: Return to South Africa via The Place of the Wind - Masitise Cave House Day 15: Graaff-Reinet, Valley of Desolation, Karoo Nature Reserve, Dinosaur footprints Day 16: Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park Day 17: The Garden Route to Mossel Bay Day 18: To Cape Town Day 19: Table Mountain by cable car, Robben Island Day 20: Coastal drive to Cape Point, Good Hope Nature Reserve Day 21: Depart Cape Town Oct 25 Nov 14, Feb 22 Mar 13, Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: Some long drives. Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. Superb game viewing, fascinating tribal cultures, stunning scenery and visits to four southern African countries make this journey a truly unique adventure. Learn about the Swazi, Zulu and Basotho tribes. Travel through South Africa, Mozambique and the Kingdoms of Swaziland and Lesotho and visit South Africa s most famous national parks teaming with wildlife. Beginning in Pretoria, we visit the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre before we travel to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Search for the Big Five lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. Travel to the seldomvisited country of Mozambique to explore its capital, Maputo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Kingdom of Swaziland, with its mountainous grandeur, lush forests and game viewing in Hlane Royal National Park. Spend an afternoon with a Swazi lady chief and learn about their culture, including the energetic Sibhaca Dance. In Zululand, see some of the world s oldest rock formations, dating back three billion years. Journey through the Drakensberg Range to the spectacular Royal Natal National Park. In the Kingdom of Lesotho, visit a Basotho Cultural Village and hike to the beautiful Botso ela Waterfall. Drive into the Karoo and hike to the viewpoint of the awe-inspiring Valley of Desolation. Drive through Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park and along the Garden Route, including a boat adventure to Seal Island. From Cape Town, visit Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope and enjoy the view atop Table Mountain, reached by cable car. Our four-country journey concludes in stunning Cape Town, the perfect place to raise a glass of South African wine with a toast to this superb adventure. For combo trips, see page Extension Johannesburg 4 land days: Learn about the South African struggle for freedom, while visiting Soweto- Mandela s House, Freedom Square and the Apartheid Museum. Visit Gold Reef City and one of its gold mines, where you can enjoy a performance of the Mine Gumboot Dancers. Join us as we discover this vibrant, culturally and historically rich city. Start and finish in Johannesburg. Price: from 695 Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

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4 Sossusvlei Dunes namibia botswana zambia opuwo nkwazi vic. etosha falls n.p. chobe palmwag moremi windhoek okavango maun delta swakopmund sossusvlei johannesburg south africa 25 land days Start in Windhoek, Namibia and finish in Johannesburg, South Africa Includes 2 internal flights Climb the Sossusvlei Dunes Visit with bushmen and watch desert elephants Encounter the Himba Tribe Safari in Etosha and Chobe National Parks Explore the Okavango Delta by foot, dug out canoe and plane Zambezi sunset cruise Feel the thunder of Victoria Falls Bushman Village Day 1: Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia Day 2: To Sossusvlei sand dunes Day 3: Sossusvlei, Sesriem Day 4: Namib-Naukluft National Park and Kuiseb Canyon, Swakopmund Days 5-6: Damaraland, bushmen paintings and desert elephants Day 7: To Opuwo, Kaokoland Day 8: Himba tribes, village visit Day 9: Palmwag, Outjo Day 10: Petrified Forest to Etosha Day 11: Etosha National Park, game drives Days 12-13: Visit the bushmen Days 14-15: Caprivi Strip and Kavango River, village visit, sunset cruise Days 16-17: To Okavango Delta, Botswana, dugout canoe ride, Okavango Delta scenic flight Days 18-19: Moremi Reserve, game drives Day 20: Game drives to Savuti Day 21: Game drives in Chobe National Park, sunset wildlife watching Days 22-23: Victoria Falls, Zambia Day 24: Fly to Johannesburg Day 25: Depart Johannesburg, S. Africa Mar 16 Apr 09, Mar 16 Apr 09, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some rough, dusty roads and long drives. Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. 6 nights camping with shared bathrooms. Encounter the magic of Southern Africa superb safaris, massive sand dunes, fascinating tribes, vast deltas and thundering waterfalls. The countries of Namibia, Botswana and Zambia offer incredible diversity and adventure. Beginning in Namibia, meet the fascinating Kalahari Bushmen and the remote Himba Tribe. The 1,000 foot high Sossusvlei Dunes will leave you in awe, as will game viewing in Etosha, Namibia s premier national park. In Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a huge natural wetland region that attracts abundant birds and wildlife. Explore the Delta on foot, by dugout canoe poled by local boatmen and get a bird s eye view of this vast green wilderness during an exciting Delta flight. Search for elephant herds, rhinos and lions in Chobe National Park In Zambia, feel the raging torrents of Victoria Falls, known as the Smoke That Thunders. Reflect on the wonders of our Southern Africa safari during a leisurely sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. We conclude our trip in Johannesburg. For combo trips, see page Extension Cape Town 5 land days: Discover Cape Town one of the world s most beautiful cities. Start and finish in Cape Town. Price: from 850 Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

5 Great Zimbabwe Ruins Exploratory Trip Lake Kariba vic falls hwange n.p. 17 land days Start in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and finish in Johannesburg, South Africa Feel the thunder of Victoria Falls Explore Great Zimbabwe ruins Enjoy game drives in Hwange, Matopo and Matusadona National Parks Hike in the Eastern Highlands Explore Lake Kariba by land and water harare eastern highlands matopo n.p. johannesburg great zimbabwe Day 1: Arrive in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Day 2: Safari on elephant back, visit Victoria Falls, visit a local village Day 3: Walk with young lions, sunset cruise on the Zambezi River Days 4-5: Hwange Nat. Park, game drives Day 6: To Matopo, visit Khami Ruins and a railway museum Day 7: Visit ancient San paintings, grave of Cecil John Rhodes; afternoon game drive Day 8: Visit the Great Zimbabwe ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Day 9: To Nyanga, Zimbabwe s highest mountains Day 10: Eastern Highlands; hike or relax Day 11: Harare - city tour Day 12: To Lake Kariba Day 13: Explore Lake Kariba by jeep on land and by speed boat, for wildlife viewing Day 14: Matusadona Nat. Park game drive Day 15: To Harare, Farewell dinner Day 16: Fly to Johannesburg Day 17: Depart Johannesburg, South Africa Sep 09 - Sep 25, Apr 15 - May 01, Activity Level: 2/3 Comfort Level: Some rough roads and long drives. Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. 3 nights camping with private facilities. One of Africa s greatest gems is now primed to once again open it s doors to adventure travelers. Zimbabwe has recently experienced a dark time, but the introduction of a stable currency, the return of basic necessities and a renewed optimism have set the stage for a new era. Impressive Victoria Falls is perhaps Zimbabwe s most famous site but Zimbabwe has so much more to offer. Enjoy the thrill of visiting some of Africa s best game parks. See ancient bushmen paintings, the most impressive sub Saharan ruins at Great Zimbabwe and hike in the Eastern Highlands. Enjoy the rare experience of walking with lions. Explore the capital of Harare and spend 2 days relaxing on Lake Kariba including superb game drives. Be amongst the first returning travelers to experience the magic of Zimbabwe. Visit our website at ( homepage In the News ) to read about the recent travel experience of ElderTreks President in Zimbabwe. Extension Johannesburg 4 land days Turn to page 13 Victoria Falls 16

6 perinet 18 land days Start and finish in Antananarivo Includes 2 internal flights Wildlife hikes in Berenty Reserve and the National Parks of Ranomafana and Isalo Home to 17 different tribes Native species (including over 30 species of lemurs) found nowhere else on earth Unique landscape rock formations of Isalo Bird, lemur and reptile viewing in Perinet Reserve Day 1: Arrive in Antananarivo Day 2: Antananarivo, Ambohimanga, the Prime Minister s Palace Day 3: Madagascar Highlands, Antsirabe, Malagasy architecture Day 4: To Ranomafana via Ambositra Day 5: Ranomafana Rainforest Day 6: Ranomafana Fianarantsoa Day 7: Fianarantsoa, tea plantation, to Ambalavao Day 8: Ambalavao, to Isalo Day 9: Isalo National Park Day 10: Isalo, to Tulear Day 11: Fly to Ft Dauphin, to Berenty Day 12: Lemurs and wildlife of Berenty Reserve Day 13: To Fort Dauphin Day 14: Fly to Antananarivo Day 15: To Perinet Reserve Day 16: Perinet Reserve Day 17: Perinet Reserve to Antananarivo Day 18: Antananarivo, departure Apr 11 Apr 28, Oct 07 Oct 24, Apr 11 Apr 28, Activity Level: Comfort Level: Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. and French influences, Madagascar is an ideal destination for the adventure traveler. The journey starts in Antananarivo with a city tour, followed by a visit to Ambohimanga, where former Merina monarchs had their summer palaces. In Ranomafana, known for its thermal baths and a namesake national park, where we search for lemurs and endemic bird species in lush rainforest. In Isalo National Park, we encounter wildlife while exploring grassy plains and sandstone ridges (with fanciful hoodoos). Enroute to Berenty Reserve, explore the bizarre Antanosy tombs. In the park, wander through spiny forests, famous for their varied and abundant wildlife. See ringtail lemurs, sifakas and nocturnal lemurs and possibly even see striped civets and flying foxes! We wrap up our adventure with a day of bird, lemur and reptile viewing in Perinet Reserve before our return to Antananarivo. For combo trips, see page Madagascar is an extremely unique place eighty percent of its flora and fauna are found nowhere else on earth. With over 30 different species of lemurs, unusual plant life, a fascinating culture of 17 distinct tribes, plus strong Indo-Malay Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

7 22 land days Start in Entebbe, Uganda and finish in Arusha, Tanzania Includes 1 internal flight Trek and search for mountain gorillas Enjoy over 10 game drives in East Africa s most famous game parks Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Bwindi, Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park Search for elephants, lions, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, gorillas, gazelles, wildebeest and other wildlife Look for the rare Shoebill & other birdlife Search for tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Visit with Pygmies and Maasai Maasai See the flamingos at Lake Nakuru Visit a chimpanzee sanctuary Journey to Lake Victoria See Mt. Kilimanjaro (weather permitting) Visit the Great African Rift Valley and Olduvai Gorge, the site of the Leakey s famous discoveries of human origins Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda Day 2: To Queen Elizabeth National Park Day 3: Morning river safari, to Ishasha Day 4: Ishasha game drives, search for treeclimbing lions Day 5: Ishasha morning safari, to Bwindi Days 6-7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest gorilla trekking, medicine man, Pygmies Day 8: Lake Mburo game drive Day 9: To Entebbe via Kampala Day 10: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Day 11: Fly to Nairobi, Kenya, to Naivasha via Lake Nakuru Days 12-13: Maasai Mara game drives Day 14: Drive to Lake Victoria, Tanzania Day 15: To the Serengeti, afternoon game drive Day 16: Serengeti National Park full day game viewing optional hot air balloon flight Day 17: To Ngorongoro Crater via Olduvai Gorge Day 18: Ngorongoro Crater game drive, coffee plantation in Karatu Day 19: To Lake Manyara, game drive, Maasai village, Mto Wa Mbu village Day 20: Lake Manyara National Park morning game drive, to Tarangire National Park Day 21: Tarangire game drive, walking safari Day 22: To Arusha/ Kilimanjaro Airport, departure Jan 17 - Feb 07, Jan 16 - Feb 06, Jan 16 - Feb 06, Note: price includes gorilla trek permit ( 320) ( 32) and chimp sanctuary permit Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: Some rough, dusty roads and long drives. Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. 4 nights in permanent tented camps with private bathrooms. The great parks of East Africa the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Bwindi, offer a unique and overwhelming wildlife safari experience that is simply unequaled. The Maasai Mara and Serengeti are arguably the most famous game parks in the world and home to the greatest wildlife migration on earth. Millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross crocodile-infested rivers and are tracked by lions, leopards and cheetahs in a spectacle of survival to reach greener pastures. Bwindi National Park offers a rare opportunity to come into close quarters with a gorilla family. Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for it s superb birding, tree-climbing lions and the rare Shoebill. Meet with Pygmies, the shortest people on earth and the fiercely proud and traditional Maasai. Our views of Ngorongoro crater will simply be unforgettable. The crater is home to over 20,000 large animals including some of Tanzania s last remaining black rhinos. Our safari concludes in Arusha Kilimanjaro Airport. On a clear day, you will be sent off with magnificent views of Africa s highest mountain. Extensions/Options Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and Serengeti Balloon Safari Option see page

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9 0 kibale forest n. p. 16 land days Start and finish in Entebbe Trek and search for gorillas and chimpanzees Watch for lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes and buffaloes on game drives Look for over 1,000 different bird species Hike at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Search for unique tree-climbing lions Visit with Pygmies, the smallest people on earth Enjoy boat journeys along the Nile Visit Ngamba Is. Chimpanzee Sanctuary Explore 4 national parks: Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo The rare Shoebill queen elizabeth n. p. ishasha bwindi n. p. murchison falls N.P. victoria nile ziwa rhino sanctuary kampala entebbe lake mburo n.p. masindi ngamba island lake victoria Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe Day 2: Kampala, Rhino Sanctuary, to Masindi Day 3: To Murchison Falls, Nile boat trip Days 4-5: Murchison Falls National Park morning safaris, delta boat trip Day 6: To Kibale through mountain tea plantations Day 7: Chimpanzee Trek Day 8: To Queen Elizabeth N.P., Kazinga Channel by boat - bird and wildlife viewing Day 9: To Ishasha game drives Day 10: Ishasha search for tree-climbing lions Day 11: To Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, medicine man, Pygmies Day 12: Bwindi gorilla trekking Days 13-14: To Lake Mburo N.P. game drives Day 15: To Ngamba Is. Chimpanzee Sanctuary Day 16: Depart Entebbe Jul 08 Jul 23, Sep 22 Oct 07, Jul 08 Jul 23, Sep 22 Oct 07, Note: price includes gorilla permit ( 320) and chimp permit ( 32). Activity Level: 3/4 Comfort Level: Long drives on rough and dusty roads. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking involves hiking/climbing over some rough and dense terrain. Gorilla trekking will likely be 2 3 hours but there is a possibility that the hikes may be longer. Comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms. 5 nights in remote luxury tents with private bathrooms. Uganda is truly the Land of the Great Apes. Trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to spend time with the rare mountain gorillas must rank as one of the greatest wildlife encounters one can experience. Equally enthralling is the trek with the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, also known for its abundant primate population including red-tail monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus and red colobus monkeys. Uganda offers much more than gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. In Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can view lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, gazelles, Uganda kobs, elands, topis, hartebeests and zebras, not to mention over 1,000 different bird species including the impressive Grey Crowned Crane, the national bird of Uganda. Continuing to Ishasha, we have a rare opportunity to see the tree-climbing lions perched in the fig trees. Enjoy several boat excursions on the Nile while searching for hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. Journey to the thunderous Murchison Falls and the Great Rift Valley. We visit a delta to search for the magnificent, massive and rare Shoebill Stork. Enjoy a second chimpanzee encounter on Ngamba Island, a wonderful sanctuary allowing for an intimate and unforgettable experience. Visit with the shortest people on earth, the Pygmies, as well as the village medicine man. Uganda offers an incredible wildlife experience, but is also culturally rich and has arguably the friendliest people in all of Africa. Journey to this unique and impressive land, for a great ape experience like no other on earth. 20

10 16 land days Start in Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport) and finish in Zanzibar Includes 1 internal flight 9 game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks Game walk, search for elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, gazelles and other wildlife Discover Olduvai Gorge, site of the Leakey s famous discoveries See Mt. Kilimanjaro Visit remote Maasai villages and the bushmen of Lake Eyasi Visit the ancient trading post of Zanzibar Serengeti Balloon Ride (optional) Kilimanjaro Day 1: Arrive in Arusha/ Kilimanjaro Airport Day 2: Marangu, Chagga village Day 3: To Tarangire, game drives Day 4: Tarangire, game walk Day 5: Mto Wa Mbu Village, to Lake Manyara; game drive Day 6: To Lake Natron, endangered Lesser flamingo breeding area, Massai village Day 7: Northern Serengeti, afternoon game drive Day 8: Serengeti National Park, full day of game drives Day 9: Full-day game drives through Seronera area of Serengeti Day 10: Serengeti balloon ride (optional), to Ngorongoro Crater via Olduvai Gorge Day 11: Crater game drive; to Lake Eyasi Day 12: Visit nomadic bushmen, coffee farm on edge of Rift Valley Day 13: Fly to Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach Day 14: Snorkeling, dhow (sailing) sunset trip on Indian Ocean Day 15: Stone Town city sites and Spice Island tour Day 16: Depart Zanzibar Sep 24 Oct 09, Mar 01 Mar 16, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some rough roads and long drives. Comfortable hotels/lodges all with private bathrooms. 3 nights in permanent tented camps with private bathrooms. Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is home to wildlife, lakes, savannah and mountains. From the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, to Mt. Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa), Tanzania boasts world-renowned sites and adventure. Follow the herds of elephants, lions, rhinos and towering giraffes, as well as millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles roaming the savannahs of the Serengeti truly the quintessential African safari. Enhance your stay with our balloon ride option that takes you up for a bird s-eye view of the famed savannah. Travel to Lake Natron with its resident flamingos and the Olduvai Gorge, the region made famous by Leakey s discovery of our human origins. Explore the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, famous for its size and the abundance of large animals roaming its caldera. View Mt. Kilimanjaro, the graceful mountain which rises gently to a spectacular 19,340 feet (5895 meters) the highest point in Africa. Experience the cultures of the Maasai, Chagga and the nomadic Bushmen of Lake Eyasi. Zanzibar is the perfect way to finish your Tanzania experience, savoring its history, ocean breeze and relaxed pace. For combo trips, see page Extensions/Options Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro 8 land days: Start and finish in Moshi. Price: from 1095 Serengeti Balloon Safari Option Witness sunrise on the Serengeti from a hot-air balloon. Price: from 350 Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

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12 23 land days Start and finish in Addis Ababa Includes 3 internal flights Boat trip on the Blue Nile Hiking in the Simien Mountains The churches of Lalibela Visit the sites in Axum Omo Valley adventure Encounters with the Konso, Mursi, Caro, Hamer, Dorze, Borena and Galeb tribes Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa Day 2: Addis Ababa city sights Day 3: Fly to Bahir Dar, cross the Blue Nile by boat, Tissisat Falls Day 4: Lake Tana, boat journey Day 5: Gondar city sights, palaces, market Ilia Day 6: Simien Mountains Hike a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Felasha Day 7: Travel to Axum Day 8: Axum a UNESCO World Heritage Site, city sights, Axum Stelae granite monoliths Days 9-10: Fly to Lalibela, the Northern and Eastern Churches, coffee ceremony Day 11: Fly to Addis Ababa Day 12: Lake Langano 4x4 excursion Day 13: Omo Valley adventure in 4x4 s Day 14: Lake Chamo boat ride, visit to Dorze Day 15: To Jinka through Borena country Day 16: Mursi tribe visit Day 17: Off-roading to Turmi, Woyto and Hamer tribes Day 18: Murile, Caro Tribe, Omorate, Turmi Day 19: Konso, Arba Minch Days 20-21: Awasa, a village visit, coffee plantation Day 22: Return to Addis Ababa Day 23: Depart Addis Ababa ***Jan 12 Feb 03, Sep 16 Oct 08, * Jan 16 Feb 07, Sep 17 Oct 09, Festival of Meskel in Addis Ababa on Day 11 *Festival of Timket in Gondar on Day 5 ***Due to Timket Festival, Day 3 to Day 10 runs in reverse Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: 5 days over 9,000 feet. Some rough, dusty roads and long drives. Comfortable hotels with private bathrooms in the north. Some basic accommodations in the south. Few places offer such a myriad of experiences for the traveler as Ethiopia. Much of the fascination of this country lies in its many historical sites. According to legend, the first Ethiopian king, Menelik, was the son of the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba! Ethiopia also has nine national parks, protecting many of its endemic species. The ancient tribal culture compliments the unique history and nature of Ethiopia. Experience tribal cultures such as the Hamer, the Mursi and the Dorze whose traditional lifestyle is in stark contrast to our modern life. Travel to the historical north to take a boat journey across the Blue Nile. Visit the monastery churches on Lake Tana before traveling to Gondar, and explore the incredibly scenic Simien Mountains. Explore Lalibela and the monolithic churches carved out of pink granite that date back to the 12th Century. Visit Axum, once home to the Queen of Sheba, where we see the stelae and some of the crowns of former kings. Axum is also reputed to be the resting place of The Ark of the Covenant. Return to Addis Ababa, before heading to the tribal south, into the Omo Valley. Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo for crocodile and hippo spotting and then visit a Konso village. Our journey takes us into Mago National Park, the home of the Mursi people, whose women have the practice of using disks to expand their lower lip. Go off-roading to the River Omo and on to Turmi for the spectacular Hamer market day. Traveling up through the Rift Valley we visit Nech Sar National Park, Lake Langano and explore Lake Abiat-Shala National Park before concluding our journey back in Addis Ababa. Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

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14 Koutammakou Togo Kumasi cape coast Ghana 22 land days Start in Niamey, Niger and finish in Accra, Ghana Ayorou Niger lome Accra Niamey Natitangou Benin Badou Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Explore the Ayorou tribal market Visit the Giraffe Reserve Learn about Voodoo; visit fetish markets Enjoy the lush central plateau of Togo Visit the haunting Cape Coast and Elmina slave castles, UNESCO sites Explore Kakum National Park including a canopy walk Visit the Ashanti people of Ghana Ewe Tribal village Day 1: Arrive Niamey, Niger Day 2: Niamey City sights Day 3: To Ayorou market Day 4: Drive to Malanville (Benin) via Giraffe Reserve Day 5: To Natitangou Day 6: Teneka Koko Village, Natitangou Day 7: To Togo, Koutammakou villages, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kara Day 8: To Bandjeli, Sokode & Notse Day 9: Fetish Mountains, Kpalime village Day 10: Kouma Konda, Ewe warriors, Korida Day 11: To Lome, Voodoo village Day 12: Sites of Lome, learn about Voodoo, Artisan village Day 13: To Agbodrafo slave dungeons Day 14: To Ghana, Voodoo shrine and ceremony in Ho Days 15: Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary Volta River Day 16: To Accra, city tour Day 17: Cape Coast and Elmina Slave Castles UNESCO Sites, Kakum N.P. Day 18: Historic Forts of Elmina Day 19: To Kumasi, visit typical farm village, Manhyia Palace Museum Day 20: Ashanti King s Palace and Ashanti villages UNESCO Site Day 21: SOS village; return to Accra Day 22: Depart Accra Departure Dates & Price Nov 18 Dec 09, Nov 18 Dec 09, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some roads will be rough and dusty. Many places are very remote with very limited bathrooms enroute. Niger in particular is very interesting but very underdeveloped. Mostly comfortable hotels with private bathrooms, but due to some very undeveloped areas, we will stay in the best available which may be less than our usual standards. Travel to another place and time. ElderTreks 4- country journey to Niger, Benin, Togo and Ghana is simply fascinating, for those with a real spirit of adventure. This region of West Africa is the birthplace of Voodoo. Learn about the mysterious beliefs from encounters with Voodoo followers and priests. Explore fetish markets and visit temples and shrines to witness a Voodoo ceremony including the practices of chanting, drumming and the resulting trance. In Niger, visit the capital, Niamey and the bizarre market of Ayorou, with it s fascinating tribal offerings. Journey in search of the last wild herd of giraffes in West Africa. In Benin, encounter a rich tribal and cultural diversity. In Togo, visit Koutammakou, a World Heritage Site. Drive through central Togo, stopping to visit one of the famous Kabye blacksmiths. We continue south to Lome with its many markets. In Ghana, visit slave castles including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Elmina and Cape Coast. Experience the haunting reminder of their sad history. Relax in the lush surrounds of Kakum National Park. Meet the Ashanti of Kumasi. Take a boat journey on the Volta River searching for wildlife and birds. Visit an Ewe Tribe and their Voodoo Shrine. We return to the capital of Accra, your departing point for this truly remote and adventurous journey in West Africa. Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

15 Niger River KORIOUME KONA MOPTI DJENNE SEGOU BAMAKO BOBO DIOULASSO SIKASSO GAOUA burkina faso 22 land days Start and finish in Bamako, Mali Dogon Dance of the Masks Camel safari Boat trip down the Niger River Visit the almost mystical Timbuktu Djenne Mud Mosque Tribal people of Burkina Faso Painted Houses of Burkina Faso 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites timbuktu MALI BANKASS OUAHIGOUYA NAZINGA N.P. OUAGADOUGOU TIEBELE niger river Day 1: Arrive in Bamako, Mali Day 2: Bamako city sites Day 3: To Segou, tribal villages Day 4: Segou to Djenne via Macina village Great Mud Mosque - Djenne Day 5: Djenne Mud Mosque UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mopti Day 6: Mopti, to Kona - embark on Niger River safari on classic Pinasse boat Day 7: Niger river, Bozo and Sonrai village, basic camp Day 8: Disembark at Korioume, 4x4 to Timbuktu Day 9: Explore Timbuktu a UNESCO World Heritage Site Day 10: Timbuktu, Mopti, Gouma Region Day 11: Mopti, Songho village Day 12: Dogon Country UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bongo village Day 13: Ouahigouya, Ouagadougou Day 14: Ouagadougou, Laongo and Manege village visit Day 15: Tiebele, The Painted Houses Day 16: Nazinga Park, 4x4 safari Day 17: Gaoua via Leo, Lobi people Day 18: Gaoua, Local Chief s fortress Day 19: Bobo-Dioulasso, Boni village Day 20: Sikasso, Mali border, Farako waterfalls, Senoufo village Day 21: Sikasso to Bamako; village visit enroute Day 22: Late evening departure Bamako Feb 01 Feb 22, Feb 05 Feb 26, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Roads can be rough and dusty. Some long drives. Basic traditional (pinasse) boat on Niger River safari with no western bathroom. High temperatures throughout. Comfortable, basic hotels with private bathrooms, 1 night camping with very basic bathrooms. Travel to the heart of Africa, the fabled Timbuktu; meet the descendants of an ancient culture, the Lobi people; encounter old world traditions on a Niger River adventure. West Africa is a gem for those eager to explore tribal cultures! In Djenne, one of the oldest towns in Africa, view the exterior of the famous Mud Mosque, a madrassa (school) and a women s co-operative. In Dogon country, travel to the Bandiagara Escarpment and take in the cliff-side dwellings of these resilient people. Here, we attend the amazing Dance of the Masks: a swirl of rich colors, drums and energetic dances performed by a secret society of the Dogon. A river safari on a traditional river boat (pinasse) on the Niger River takes us on a dreamy passage through an Africa unchanged for centuries. Enroute, we visit villages and keep our eyes open for the occasional hippo along our path. We journey to Timbuktu, an important destination for camel caravans of the Middle Ages. We visit Burkina Faso, one of the least visited, yet culturally rich countries in West Africa there are over 60 ethnic groups in this country of only 10 million people. Many of the tribal traditions remain intact, making Burkina Faso a premier destination for those in search of ancient cultures. Discover the richly-decorated mud-brick living compounds that have earned the moniker the painted houses. With distinct tribes such as the Dogon, Bobo and the Senoufo, you are in for the cultural ride of your life. Join us for an in depth look at the cultural riches of West Africa. 26 Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

16 Dogon Dancers

17 atlantic ocean todra gorge 17 land days Start in Casablanca; finish in Marrakesh Golden sunrise on the Sahara Berber camping adventure Camel safari Roman ruins of Volubilis a UNESCO World Heritage Site Traverse 3 mountain ranges including the Atlas Mountains Seaside fortress of Essaouira Visit the medieval imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fez and Marrakesh Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca Day 2: Explore Casablanca Hassan II Mosque, to Meknes via Rabat Day 3: King s Stables and Roman ruins of Volubilis, to Fez Day 4: Medieval city of Fez a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jewish Quarter Day 5: Traversing the Middle Atlas Mountains to Erfoud Day 6: Merzouga Day 7: Berber camel adventure, Berber folklore Day 8: Golden Saharan sunrise, Todra Gorge Day 9: To Ouarzazate via the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs Day 10: Taroudant city sites Day 11: To Tafraout via Tiznit Day 12: Anti-Atlas Mountains Day 13: Scenic mountains and coastal drive to Essaouira Day 14: Essaouira, fortress on the sea Day 15: Marrakesh the Koutoubia Mosque, Marjorelle Gardens, Islamic Arts Museum, Djemaa el-fna Square Day 16: Marrakesh the Saadiens Tombs, Bahia Palace Day 17: Depart Marrakesh Apr 06 - Apr 22, Sep 26 - Oct 12, Apr 06 - Apr 22, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some long drives. Comfortable hotels with private bathrooms. 1 night of camping with shared bathrooms. Please note single supplement not available at camp. Ait Banhaddou Known to the Arabs as al-maghreb al-aqsa, or the farthest land of the setting sun, Morocco stands at the western edge of the Arab and Muslim world. Separated from Europe by just nine miles at the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco is both a crossroads and a frontier state, as it has been since the 11th century, when it became the gateway for Islam s most successful advance upon Western Europe. We start in Casablanca and travel to one of Morocco s greatest charms the labyrinths of the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes and Fez. We continue across the Middle Atlas Mountains to Erfoud, where we reach the sands of the Sahara and witness the sunrise over the dunes. Here, we experience a touch of nomadic Berber life, as we ride camels with the local tribesmen into the majestic solitude of the Sahara Desert. We enjoy a night in Berber tents with a traditional feast and Berber folklore and dance. Traveling west, our next destination is the Todra Gorge, a striking natural wonder with 1,000-foot (300 meters) walls which narrow to just 30 feet (9 meters) apart at one point. Through the Dades Valley, set amidst the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, we travel on to Ouarzazate along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and continue to the historic city of Taroudant. Our last week is a journey through the seldom-visited Anti-Atlas Mountains in the south to Tafraout. We visit the historic fortifications of Essaouira, a lovely coastal town and a favorite hideaway of Ernest Hemingway. We finish in Marrakesh, with time to explore the busy souks, famous gardens and towering minarets of this fabled city. For combo trips, see page

18 tabarka bulla carthage regia tunis dougga hammamet kairouan sousse sbeitla tamerza tozeur douz 16 land days Start and finish in Tunis gafsa Visit the National Bardo Museum Travel to Carthage See ancient medinas and mosques Discover underground Berber homes Ride through the Seldja Gorge aboard the Lezard Rouge (Red Lizard train) Visit the Island of Jerba Explore the Roman amphitheater at El Jem el-jem mahdia tunisia matmata sfax jerba tataouine Day 1: Arrive in Tunis Day 2: Carthage, Sidi Bou Said Day 3: Dougga, Bulla Regia, to Tabarka Day 4: To Ain Draham, hike in the Kroumirie Mountains or relax in Tabarka Day 5: To Kairouan Tunisia s holy city, the Great Mosque Day 6: To Tozeur via Sbeitla Roman ruins and Gafsa Day 7: Tozeur Oasis, Red Lizard train ride, Tamerza and Chebika villages Day 8: To Douz, Degache Oasis, camel ride Day 9: Tataouine, to Jerba Day 10: Jerba, Matmata Day 11: Sfax, Gabes, Mahdia Day 12: El Jem amphitheater, Mahdia Day 13: Monastir Fort, Sousse medina and fort Day 14: Berber village of Takrouna, Oudra, Carthage aqueduct, to Tunis Day 15: Tunis National Bardo Museum, city tour Day 16: Depart Tunis Mar 22 Apr 06, Oct 13 Oct 28, Mar 22 Apr 06, Activity Level: 1 Comfort Level: Some long drives. Roman ruins of Dougga Comfortable hotels with private bathrooms. Despite its small size, Tunisia is a country that has played a significant role in world history. Less than 100 miles from Italy, Tunisia s strategic location on the southern shore of the Mediterranean has inspired the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Ottomans and French to locate here. The underground dwellings and sunbaked landscapes led movie director George Lucas to film his science fiction epic Star Wars here, and the well-preserved Roman ruins at El Jem are sure to inspire the hidden archeologist in you. Tunisia is home to the ancient Phoenician trading city of Carthage and the best collection of Roman ruins on the continent. Gazing at the desert sands beneath the Mediterranean sun, it is hard to believe that anyone could live here, yet the Tozeur oasis has been inhabited by humans for over 10,000 years. Nowhere else can one fully grasp a sense of the country s lengthy history than at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis, home to some of the most significant artifacts from the Carthaginian, Roman, Christian and Arabic-Islamic eras. With its wind-swept landscapes, coastal beaches, immense Roman ruins and desert oases nestled amongst the vast dunes of the Sahara, Tunisia is a land of adventure that offers something magical for every traveler. For combo trips, see page Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

19 22 land days Start and finish in Cairo Includes 2 internal flights Visit 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visit the Aswan Dam Enjoy a Nile River cruise See the tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings Explore Alexandria and Rosetta Siwa Oasis The Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza Abu Simbel, Karnak & Luxor temples St Catherine s Monastery Day 1: Arrive in Cairo Day 2: Cairo city sites Day 3: Old Cairo, Alexandria Day 4: Alexandria, Pompey s Pillar Day 5: Alexandria to Siwa Day 6: Siwa Oasis, desert adventure Day 7: Oasis of Quaral or bir Al Arashya Day 8: Bahariya, Arag Oasis Day 9: Black and White Deserts Day 10: The Valley of the Whales and Valley of the Mummies Day 11: The great pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, El-Fayoum Oasis Day 12: Fly to Abu Simbel Aswan Day 13: Aswan sites, Felucca excursion Day 14: Nubian villages, San Simeon Monastery, Nile cruise Day 15: Kom Ombo, Edfu-Luxor Days 16-17: Karnak and Luxor Temples Day 18: Fly to Sharm el Sheikh, Red Sea Day 19: Sharm el Sheikh, Sinai exploration Day 20: St Catherine s Monastery Day 21: Return to Cairo via Suez Canal Day 22: Depart Cairo Jan 29 Feb 19, Feb 26 Mar 19, Oct 29 Nov 19, Feb 26 Mar 18, Oct 03 Oct 24, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some dusty, rough drives in the desert. Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. 3 nights on Nile cruise in twin share cabins with private bathrooms. The great pyramids of Giza guarded by the Sphinx; the Valley of the Kings; the great Temples of Abu Simbel, Karnak and Luxor; mere words do not adequately describe these ancient wonders. As rulers of the ancient world for 2,500 years, Egypt s legacy of earthly power and divine afterlife is unrivaled. The once powerful pharaohs would have it no other way. Starting in Cairo, the Antiquities Museum is the perfect introduction to Egypt s impressive history. Cruise along the Nile, from Aswan to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, on a 3-day journey where you ll enjoy Nubian and Berber culture, dance and feast. Journey by camel to a Coptic monastery and view the stark beauty of the Valley of the Kings from a hot-air balloon. Enjoy the sound and light show at Karnak Temple and visit the recently discovered Valley of the Whales and Valley of the Mummies. Go off-roading to the Black and White Deserts and the idyllic oasis of Siwa. Drive across sand dunes to the Great Sand Sea. Explore the historic city of Alexandria, named after Alexander the Great and ruled by Cleopatra. Returning to Cairo, visit the Hanging Church, the world-famous Khan el Khalili Bazaar, and the 9th century Ben Ezra Synagogue and the spring beside it, where Moses was found in the reeds. For combo trips, see page Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

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21 tripoli apollonia sabratha cyrene qasr al-libya leptis tobruk nalut qasr al-haj magna benghazi ghadames s a h a a ubari lakes d e s e r t sabha germa 18 land days Start and finish in Tripoli Includes 3 internal flights wadi Methkandoush Walk through Tripoli s Medina and Old City Visit the ancient Roman city of Sabratha and Leptis Magna Travel through the Jebel Nafusa to Ghadames Desert camping adventure See the prehistoric rock carvings at Wadi Methkandoush Jebel Akhdar Mountains Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites al jebel al akhdar mt. LIBYA Day 1: Arrive in Tripoli Day 2: Tripoli, Jamahiriya Museum, ancient city of Sabratha Day 3: Ghadames, Berber granaries of Qasr Al-Haj and Nalut Day 4: Ghadames, sunset over the Sahara Day 5: To Sabha Day 6: Desert camping adventure, Adhan Morzak Sand Dunes Day 7: Wadi Methkandoush Day 8: Garama and Germa Day 9: Ubari Lakes, fly to Tripoli Day 10: Tripoli city sites Day 11: Fly to Benghazi, Tolmeita Day 12: Apollonia, Ras al-hillal Day 13: The ancient Greek city of Cyrene Day 14: Tobruk and World War II history Day 15: Slontah to Benghazi, Qasr Libya Day 16: Fly to Tripoli Day 17: The ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna Day 18: Depart Tripoli Feb 08 Feb 25, Nov 01 Nov 18, Feb 08 Feb 25, Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. Comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms in the north. Some basic accommodation in the south including camping with limited facilities. Libya, with the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Sahara Desert to the south, boasts an impressive history dating back 2,600 years. Libya has been occupied by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Italians, Spanish and Arabs, each leaving their unique historic legacy. Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Sabratha, dating back to 600 BC; Ghadames the Jewel of the Sahara; the ancient Greek city of Cyrene; and the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna. Libya s archeology is only a sampling of the intrigue awaiting the intrepid traveler. Encounter Berber culture in the villages of the Western Mountains. Enjoy the singing and dancing of the desert nomads, the Tuareg, as the sun sets on the golden Saharan dunes. Experience true adventure with three nights of camping, traversing the massive dunes of the Sahara, sculpted by wind and highlighted by the sun. View some of the finest prehistoric rock carvings in the world at Wadi Methkandoush. Hundreds of petroglyphs date back to 10,000 BC and include carvings of elephants, hippos, giraffes, cattle and birds. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the Ubari Lakes. Stroll through ancient Apollonia, the city of churches, with its baths and palaces, built by the Byzantines over a 1,000 years ago. Meander through the narrow lanes of the medinas and local souqs, walk along ancient pathways left by the Romans, and become mesmerized by the piercing brilliance of stars while camping in the Sahara, just as the traditional Tuareg have done for a thousand years. For combo trips, see page U.S. Travel To Libya ElderTreks will arrange a group visa authority for your visa-on-arrival. You will be ed a copy of the group visa authority one week before your arrival date. You must print out this 2 page list of names and passport numbers to show the airline check-in attendant and the passport control upon arrival in Tripoli. 32

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23 Isfahan 21 land days Start and finish in Tehran Explore 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visit the National Jewels Museum Visit the City of the Persians Persepolis Explore the historic city of Yazd Stroll over the famous bridges of Isfahan Overnight in a caravanserai See the largest ziggurat (pyramid) in Mesopotamia at Choqa Zanbil Take a boat ride in Ali Sadir Cave Day 1: Arrive in Tehran Day 2: Tehran city sites Day 3: Tehran, to Hamadan, Ali Sadr cave Day 4: Hamadan, Ganj Nameh, museums Day 5: Kermanshah, Bisootoon rock reliefs Day 6: Khoramabad, citadel Falak-ol-Molk Day 7: Zigurrat-E-Choqa-Zanbil, to Ahwaz Day 8: Kazerun & Shapur; to Shiraz Day 9: Shiraz City sites, Persian culture Day 10: Firouzabad and the Great Palace of Aradashir Babakan Day 11: Persepolis - The ancient city of the Persians; the Rock Tombs of Naqsh-E Rostam Day 12: Pasarghad - Unesco World Heritage Site; to Zeinodin Caravanserai Day 13: To Yazd, Towers of Silence Day 14: Yazd old city walking tour Day 15: To Isfahan; The Zoroastrian Fire Temple at Chak Chak and Nain Day 16: Isfahan City Sites, night drive Day 17: Isfahan City Sites, shaking minarets Day 18: Abyaneh, UNESCO village Day 19: To Tehran via Kashan Day 20: Tehran, museums and palaces Day 21: Depart Tehran Apr 17 May 07, Sep 13 Oct 03, Apr 17 May 07, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some long drives. Comfortable accommodation with private bathrooms. 1 night in a traditional caravanserai with shared bathroom. Iran - an ancient land filled with bustling bazaars, historic sights, superb architecture, parched deserts and beautiful, snow-capped mountains. With no less than six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, few countries have a history that can compete with Iran, from the ancient gems of Persepolis and Yazd to wonderful museums, glorious mosques and mausoleums and impressive ruins with exquisite stone carvings. Despite its wealth of antiquities, perhaps Iran s greatest attraction is the warmth and generosity of its people. Making you feel genuinely welcome in their country comes naturally to the Iranians. We visit rural villages to give you an off-thebeaten path, authentic Iranian experience filled with countless memories. Discovering the culture and traditions of the Iranian people will easily be a trip highlight. For combo trips, see page Yazd 34 Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

24 Persepolis

25 Palmyra arwad island Aleppo Hama Slunfeh Safita Crac des chevaliers Damascus 15 land days Start and finish in Damascus Palmyra Syria Deir Ez-Zor Visit 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Explore the ancient cities of Damascus and Aleppo Journey to the Oasis of Palmyra Visit the Crusader Castles of Crac des Chevaliers and Qalaat Saladin See the Euphrates River Day 1: Arrival in Damascus Days 2-3: Damascus city sites Day 4: To Maaloula, Crac des Chevaliers, Safita Day 5: To Amrit, Tartus, Arwad Island Day 6: To Ugarit, Slunfeh Day 7: To Apamea, Hama Day 8: To Ebla, Aleppo Days 9-10: Aleppo city sites Day 11: To Deir Ez-Zor Day 12: To Mari, Dura-Europos, Palmyra Day 13: Palmyra city sites Day 14: Return to Damascus Day 15: Depart Damascus Mar 28 Apr 11, Nov 28 Dec 12, Sep 10 Sep 24, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some long drives. Comfortable accommodation with private bathrooms. Syria is an ancient land steeped in a rich, vital history. As the cradle of civilization, a meeting place of the world s three great monotheistic religions and a crossroads for ancient trade routes, echoes of the past can still be felt by the modern traveler. A journey through Syria is a journey through time. Stroll through Damascus, the oldest inhabited city in the world, visiting the impressive Ommayad Mosque. Climb into the hills of Ma aloula where the houses cling to the mountainside and where the local people speak Aramaic - the language spoken by Christ. Explore Crusader castles and ancient fortresses. Wander through the fabled city of Aleppo with its centuriesold souqs, castles and museums - a living testimony to the importance of Syria as a stop on the famed Silk Road. Stand in awe in the oasis city of Palmyra, once referred to as the Bride of the Desert and home to the historic fortress-oasis of Queen Zenobia. For combo trips, see page Crac des Chevaliers 36 Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

26 Wadi Rum dead sea amman madaba mt. nebo petra wadi rum jerash jordan 10 land days Start and finish in Amman Enjoy the ancient wonders of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Wander through the Roman ruins of Jerash Float in the Dead Sea Travel by jeep to magnificent Wadi Rum Explore Dome Nature Reserve Day 1: Arrive in Amman Day 2: Amman city sights; to Dead Sea Day 3: Dead Sea Day 4: To Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Dana Nature Reserve Day 5: Dana Nature Reserve; To Petra Days 6-7: Rose city of Petra Day 8 : To Wadi Rum Day 9: Wadi Rum; Return to Amman Day 10: Depart Amman Mar 19 Mar 28, Nov 19 Nov 28, Sep 24 Oct 03, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some long drives. Comfortable accommodation with private bathrooms. 1 night in an eco lodge and 1 night in a tent, both with shared bathrooms. Sometimes described as the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World, Petra is an aweinspiring sight. Carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans over 2000 years ago, The Rose City of Petra was an important trade link between southern Arabia and the Far East. As one of Jordan s biggest attractions, Petra is a must see for any visitors to this area. Explore the ruins at Jerash, a Roman city dating back to the Neolithic Age and once called the Pompeii of the East. Stay at the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, with an opportunity to float on its salt-dense water. Conclude your stay in Jordan with a jeep and camel safari in Wadi Rum. The massive pillars of sandstone rock rise from the rosered desert floor, where the Bedouin still herd their sheep across an unchanged landscape in living continuity with their ancient past. For combo trips, see page Petra 37

27 Great stone heads of Mt. Nemrut

28 Istanbul at night istanbul safranbolu galipoli troy adatepe ankara Mt. Nemrut pergamum ephesus cappadocia aphrodisias Ekincik Urfa antalya fethiye 21 land days Start and finish in Istanbul Includes 1 internal flight Hike to the Giant Heads of Mt. Nemrut Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilization in Ankara Explore ancient Troy Sail on a gulet, a traditional Turkish yacht Visit the ancient classical city of Ephesus See the bizarre rock formations, caves, dwellings and underground cities of Cappadocia, balloon ride option (not included in price) Explore Istanbul including the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sofia Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul Day 2: The Blue Mosque, Bosphorus cruise, spice market Day 3: Marmara Sea, Galipoli, Troy Day 4: Local olive oil processing, Altar of Zeus, Temple of Athena Day 5: Pergamum Acropolis Day 6: Ephesus Day 7: Aphrodisias, board gulet in Ekincik Days 8-9: Mediterranean cruise Day 10: Ruins of Xantos, Antalya Day 11: Explore Antalya Day 12: To Cappadocia via Aspendos Days 13-14: Cappadocia, Goreme and Urgup Valleys, ballooning option, Ihlara Gorge hiking Day 15: To Kahta via Kayseri Day 16: Sunset on Mt. Nemrut Day 17: To Urfa, birthcave of Abraham. Evening flight to Ankara Day 18: Ankara, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, to Safranbolu Day 19: Safranbolu, to Istanbul Day 20: Istanbul city sites Day 21: Depart Istanbul Apr 11 May 01, Sep 12 Oct 02, Apr 11 May 01, Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some long drives. Comfortable, well-located accommodations with private bathrooms. Features 3 nights on a traditional gulet (yacht) with private bathrooms. Please note single supplement not guaranteed on gulet. Turkey, the fabled land that joins the familiar West with the mystery of the East, is a prime destination for the adventure traveler. The history and legend of Turkey presents an eclectic mix of new and ancient in the warmth of an open and welcoming culture. Our journey begins in Istanbul, the great city that links Europe to Asia across the Bosphorus. Istanbul was once the capital of the civilized world in the early days of Christendom and continues to be the heart of Turkey today. Encounter the ancient and the modern through active bazaars situated alongside grand monuments such as Topkapi Palace, the 1,500-year old Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Heading west, we follow the Sea of Marmara and visit the World War I battle site of Galipoli and its monuments. We stop in ancient Troy, tour a family-owned olive oil processing plant and hike around the local village. At Ephesus, we explore one of the best-preserved classical sites still in existence. We board a gulet, a traditional Turkish yacht, for three days of cruising on the Mediterranean. In Antalya, we take in the bustling activity of the ancient harbor and the narrow streets of the old city. Leaving the coast, we head to Cappadocia, where wind and water have sculpted the volcanic bedrock into bizarre formations. Here, ancient people built entire cities below ground. The deep canyons and lush fertile valleys are the perfect place for a unique balloon flight (an optional tour). We explore the natural and man-made phenomena that make Cappadocia a destination for history and archeology buffs. At Mt. Nemrut, enjoy a hike to the impressive, Colossal Heads, as the sun sets on them as it has for 2,000 years. In Ankara, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, reputed to be one of the best museums in the world. Heading to the inner Black Sea region, we stop in Safranbolu, a unique and well-preserved Ottoman town. Our adventure concludes in Istanbul. For combo trips, see page Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK

29 black Sea 18 land days Start and finish in Istanbul Includes 2 internal flights Adiyaman Explore Istanbul including The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia Hike to the Giant Heads of Mt. Nemrut Visit Urfa - birthplace of Abraham Meander through the hilltop city of Mardin and the walled city of Diyarbakir Explore the ancient cave dwelling of Hasankeyf View the impressive sights of Van See the stunning mountains of Ayder Drive along the Black Sea Coast Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul Day 2: Istanbul, spice market, Bosphorus cruise Day 3: Fly to Adiyaman - city tour; to Kahta Day 4: To Mt. Nemrut; Sunset at the Giant Stone Heads Day 5: To Urfa, birth place of Abraham Day 6: To Mardin Day 7: To Diyarbakir via Hasankeyf Day 8: Diyarbakir city tour Day 9: To Van via Bitlis and Ahlat Day 10: Van Tusba Castle and fortresses Day 11: To Dogubayazit; Mt. Ararat Mt. Nemrut Diyarbakir Urfa Trabzon Mardin Hopa Kars mt. Ararat Ayder Erzurum Dogubayazit Van Hasankeyf Day 12: Kars, city sites Day 13: To Erzurum Day 14: To Hopa Day 15: To Ayder; hike or relax in the mountains To Trabzon Day 16: Trabzon Sumela Monastery, fly to Istanbul Day 17: Istanbul sites Day 18: Depart Istanbul Apr 27 May 14, Sep 28 Oct 15, Apr 27 May 14, Activity Level: 2 or 3 Flexible due to oprional hiking in the mountains. Comfort Level: Some long drives. Comfortable, well-located accommodations with private bathrooms. Imagine a place with ancient walled cities, palaces, monuments and ruins, hilltop fortresses, cave dwellings, s nowcapped peaks, great hiking, endless vistas, early Christian cathedrals, omnipresent mosques and Ottoman history, teaming with friendly, fascinating and diverse cultures. Welcome to Eastern Turkey, an impressive destination, yet virtually unexplored by tourists. Explore the mosques, museums, bazaars and palaces of Istanbul, before flying to eastern Turkey. Hike to the top of mysterious Mt. Nemrut for sunset, the site of famed colossal stone heads built over 2 thousand years ago by King Antioch, who placed himself amongst the gods, with Apollo, Hercules and Zeus. In Urfa, we visit the birthplace of Abraham, a pilgrimage site for Jews, Muslims and Christians. We continue to the scenic hilltop city of Mardin and on to the historic walled city of Diyarbakir, where a traditional Kurdish lifestyle still exists. Explore the impressive landscape and thousands of cave dwellings of Hasankeyf, high above the Tigris River. In Van, visit magnificent fortresses and cathedrals in some of Turkey s most dramatic landscapes. Enjoy impressive views of Mt. Ararat, believed to be the resting place of Noah s Ark. Our travels take us through natural beauty and history, through sites north to the Black Sea and into the snow-capped mountains of Ayder. Finally, we drive to Trabzon, for a short visit to see Sumela Monastery before flying to Istanbul for our farewell dinner and departure. For combo trips, see page Call for our detailed itinerary: North America UK