This comprehensive tour combines the highlights of Egypt, Jordan and Syria, lands steeped in history, and home to some of the oldest cultures on earth. In Egypt we visit the main sights of Cairo, explore the ancient temples and tombs dedicated to the mighty Pharaohs, and cruise along the Nile, the world's longest river. Then east to swim and snorkel in the warm coral gardens of the Red Sea before we cross the wilderness to the oldest monastery in the world, and Mount Sinai. We cross the Gulf of Aqaba and into the Kingdom of Jordan, where we take a jeep safari across the stunning desert landscape of Wadi Rum and travel along the old Caravan Route to the World Heritage Site of Petra. We float on the Dead Sea, see the mosaic city of Madaba, explore the old city of Jerash and meander through the bustling souqs of Amman. On via Bosra to Syria, the cradle of civilization, where we explore Aleppo, visit the ancient city of Palmyra, and marvel at the crusader castle Crac des Chevaliers. Our tour ends in Syria's capital Damascus, the world's oldest living city.