Hidden Treasures of Sudan with Richard Bangs

Rise for a morning tour of Khartoum. Cross the confluence between the Blue and the White Nile near the Presidential Palace and reach Omdurman, the old capital of Sudan. At sunset, enjoy a whirling dervish ceremony near the tomb of the Sufi leader Ahmed al Nil. Tonight's welcome dinner is at the excellent Assaha Khartoum.

Wake early today for a drive north across the Western desert to tour the archaeological site of Old Dongola, a deserted ancient town featuring a Christian Coptic temple and several churches on the banks of the Nile. After a picnic lunch, continue across the Nubian Desert to reach the town of Karima in the late afternoon.

Experience a Nubian Desert landmark today, the holy red-sandstone mountain of Jebel Barkal - a UNESCO-listed wonder. The large temple at the foot of the mountain is dedicated to the Pharaohs of the New Reign and their patron Amon. Travel southwards to El Kurru village to take in one of the two tombs that were excavated under the pyramids, adorned with multi-colored hieroglyphic inscriptions. Continue to a desert site rich in fossilized trees and return to Karima this evening.

A feast of cultural touring awaits today, beginning with a trip to the Third Cataract of the Nile - a shallow, boulder-strewn stretch of the river with incredible views. Explore the incredible ancient quarries of Tombos, where you'll find the remains of an enormous 3000 year old recumbent statue of King Taharqa. In Sebu, right on the riverbank, visit one of Sudan's richest rock-engraving sites, featuring hundreds of images from prehistoric to Egyptian times. Lastly, visit "Defuffa," a monument of the Kerma civilization.

After a morning tour of the Karima market, cruise north along the banks of the Nile by motor boat. This afternoon visit the archaeological site of Nuri and walk amongst ancient pyramids. Here, view one of the greatest pyramids in Sudan, Taharqa. This evening enjoy a traditional dinner with Sudanese music and dance at the Nubian Rest House.

Today enter the serene Bayuda Desert, characterized by black basalt mountains, volcanic rock formations, and dry river valleys. Along the way, pass caravans and herds of camels, goats, and donkeys, stopping at a well where nomads gather for a picnic lunch before crossing the Nile by ponton. Arriving late in the afternoon at the Pyramids of Meroe, settle into the private camp, and take in breathtaking star-strewn skies.

Head out today to explore the royal necropolis of Meroe, a cluster of striking pyramids situated atop a series of yellow sand-covered hills. Each has its own funerary chapel with walls decorated with bas-reliefs representing the pharaoh's life and various offerings to the gods. After a coffee break at Kabushia village, continue to the Royal city. Enjoy sunset at the pyramids.

Heading south, descend into the valley and with the desert hills as your backdrop explore the ruins of Mussawarat. Next visit Naga and its central temple, whose ornate bas-relief decorations depict the lion-headed god Apedemak, to whom the temple is dedicated, the Pharaoh, noblemen, and several fascinating rituals. The influence of Egyptian, Roman, and Greek styles come together to make this temple uniquely remarkable. After arriving in Khartoum head to Khartoum North to see the traditional sport of Nuba wrestling at sunset. Enjoy your room at the Corinthia Hotel Khartoum this evening until a late night transfer to the airport in accordance with your departing flight schedule.

Depart in the early hours of the morning. Please note that most flights depart very early between 12:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.