This stage follows a classic overland route that runs from Istanbul to Cairo.  Time restrictions mean that I will join the route south of Istanbul, at Kusadasi. This port town is the stopping-off point for visitors to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.  Coastal and inland Turkey will provide stark contrasts.  Following a tour of Cyprus, I will visit the Holy Land regions of Israel.  The Kings Highway in Jordan leads to the forgotten "pink city" of Petra, and beyond to the Gulf of Arabia, where I will cross the Sinai peninsular to mainland Egypt.  An interlude in Luxor will be followed by a transfer to Cairo to take in the Pyramids at Giza, and to arrange my first flight of the trip, to India.