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Middle East Tour Travel Guide: Historical sites & Modern Marvels Await
Introduction
The Middle East, where ancient civilizations and futuristic skylines collide, offers a travel experience like no other. From golden deserts and bustling souks to archaeological treasures and cosmopolitan cities, this region captivates culture lovers, adventure seekers, and food enthusiasts alike. In this guide, discover the top places to visit, must-do activities, cultural insights, and travel tips to help plan your unforgettable Middle Eastern journey.
Destination Breakdown
The Middle East spans across Asia and North Africa, encompassing iconic cities and hidden gems alike. Here’s a quick breakdown of key destinations:
- Egypt: Pyramids of Giza, Nile River cruises, ancient temples
- United Arab Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, desert safaris, Palm Jumeirah
- Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea
- Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus
- Israel: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Dead Sea, Masada
- Oman: Muscat, Wahiba Sands, Wadi Shab, mountains
- Lebanon: Beirut, Baalbek, Byblos, Jeita Grotto
- Qatar: Doha, desert safaris, Museum of Islamic Art
- Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Al Ula
- Kuwait: Kuwait City, Kuwait Towers, beaches
- Bahrain: Manama, Bahrain Fort, beaches
- Yemen: Sana’a, Socotra Island, Hadhramaut
Culture & History
The Middle East is the birthplace of many of the world’s oldest civilizations and major religions including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Visitors can explore ancient wonders like Mesopotamian ziggurats in Iraq, the Nabatean ruins of Petra, Ottoman mosques in Turkey, and pharaonic temples along the Nile. Cultural experiences include Bedouin hospitality in Jordan, traditional souks in Oman, and modern Islamic architecture in cities like Doha and Abu Dhabi.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May): Ideal weather across most destinations. Great for exploring outdoors.
- Autumn (September–November): Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June–August): Hot, especially inland. Best for beach cities like Dubai, Tel Aviv, and Beirut.
- Winter (December–February): Cool and mild—great for desert adventures and city tours.
Notable Events:
- Ramadan (dates vary): Unique cultural experience but limited hours in some countries.
- Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan–Feb)
- Jerusalem Light Festival (Summer)
- Amman Jazz Festival (October)
Top Things to Do
- Ride a camel through Wadi Rum, Jordan
- Explore Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar
- Dive among coral reefs in the Red Sea at Sharm El Sheikh
- Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea
- Wander through the rose-red city of Petra, Jordan
- Explore the ancient Pyramids of Giza and cruise the Nile in Egypt
- Ride a hot air balloon over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey
- Go dune bashing in the deserts of the UAE, Dubai or Qatar
- Visit religious sites in Jerusalem, Mecca, and Medina
- Discover Roman ruins in Baalbek, Lebanon and Jerash, Jordan
Explore Middle East
Bahrain
- Regional Breakdown: Manama’s financial core, Muharraq’s old town, southern desert.
- Culture & History: Dilmun civilization, Bahrain Fort, Islamic art.
- Where to Eat: Grilled fish, machboos, sweet halwa.
- Beaches & Nature: Amwaj Islands, Al Dar Island, desert wildlife.
- Viewpoints: Bahrain World Trade Center, Arad Fort.
- Nightlife: Seef’s clubs, lounges in Juffair, shisha cafés.
- Best Time to Visit: November–March.
- Nearby Destinations: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE.
- Things to do in Bahrain
Egypt
- Regional Breakdown: Cairo’s historic heart, Luxor’s ancient temples, Aswan’s Nile-side charm, Red Sea resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
- Culture & History: Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Pharaonic temples, Islamic Cairo, Coptic churches.
- Where to Eat: Koshari (Cairo), grilled kofta, ful medames, seafood in Alexandria.
- Beaches & Nature: Sinai Peninsula diving, Nile River cruises, White Desert, Aswan botanical gardens.
- Viewpoints: Cairo Citadel, Mount Sinai sunrise, Felucca sails on the Nile.
- Nightlife: Cairo’s rooftop lounges, Red Sea beach bars, belly dance cruises.
- Best Time to Visit: October–April (cooler weather, best for sightseeing).
- Nearby Destinations: Jordan, Israel, Sudan, Greece.
- Things to do in Egypt
Israel
- Regional Breakdown: Jerusalem’s old quarters, Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean vibe, Galilee hills, Negev desert.
- Culture & History: Western Wall, Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient synagogues, Christian pilgrimage sites.
- Where to Eat: Hummus (Jaffa), shakshuka, sabich, fresh pita.
- Beaches & Nature: Dead Sea, Eilat coral reefs, Sea of Galilee.
- Viewpoints: Mount of Olives, Masada, Baháʼí Gardens (Haifa).
- Nightlife: Tel Aviv’s beach bars, underground clubs, Jaffa’s art scene.
- Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November (moderate climate).
- Nearby Destinations: Jordan, Cyprus, Egypt.
- Things to do in Israel
Jordan
- Regional Breakdown: Amman’s markets, Petra’s rock-cut ruins, Wadi Rum’s desert wilderness, Aqaba’s Red Sea coast.
- Culture & History: Nabatean cities, Roman ruins in Jerash, Bedouin hospitality, crusader castles.
- Where to Eat: Mansaf (national dish), falafel in Downtown Amman, Zarb in Wadi Rum.
- Beaches & Nature: Dead Sea resorts, Red Sea diving, Dana Biosphere Reserve.
- Viewpoints: Petra’s Monastery, Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib canyon.
- Nightlife: Amman cafés, rooftop lounges, live Arabic music venues.
- Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November (mild climate).
- Nearby Destinations: Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon.
- Things to do in Jordan
Kuwait
- Regional Breakdown: Kuwait City’s urban center, coastal suburbs, desert surroundings.
- Culture & History: Maritime museums, pearl diving heritage, Islamic calligraphy.
- Where to Eat: Majboos, lentil soup, grilled meats, seafood.
- Beaches & Nature: Al Kout Beach, desert camps, Green Island.
- Viewpoints: Kuwait Towers, Liberation Tower.
- Nightlife: Marina Crescent cafés, hotel lounges.
- Best Time to Visit: November–March.
- Nearby Destinations: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar.
- Things to do in Kuwait
Lebanon
- Regional Breakdown: Beirut’s coastal buzz, Baalbek’s ruins, Byblos’s harbor charm, mountains of Faraya.
- Culture & History: Phoenician trade routes, Roman temples, Maronite and Druze heritage.
- Where to Eat: Mezze spreads, kibbeh, tabbouleh, manakish.
- Beaches & Nature: Tyre beaches, Qadisha Valley, Cedars of God.
- Viewpoints: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Pigeon Rocks.
- Nightlife: Beirut clubs, rooftop lounges, Hamra bars.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October.
- Nearby Destinations: Syria, Cyprus, Jordan.
- Things to do in Lebanon
Oman
- Regional Breakdown: Muscat’s seaside charm, Nizwa forts, Wahiba Sands dunes, Salalah’s green valleys.
- Culture & History: Frankincense trade, Ibadi Islamic heritage, Portuguese forts.
- Where to Eat: Shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), mashuai, halwa, dates.
- Beaches & Nature: Wadi Shab, Ras al Jinz turtle beach, Jebel Akhdar mountains.
- Viewpoints: Mutrah Corniche, Jebel Shams, Salalah cliffs.
- Nightlife: Beach cafés, hotel bars, cultural performances.
- Best Time to Visit: October–April (ideal for desert and coast).
- Nearby Destinations: UAE, Yemen, India.
- Things to do in Oman
Qatar
- Regional Breakdown: Doha’s skyline, Katara cultural village, desert outskirts.
- Culture & History: Pearl diving legacy, Islamic architecture, Souq Waqif traditions.
- Where to Eat: Machboos, harees, fresh seafood, shawarma.
- Beaches & Nature: Inland Sea, Banana Island, mangroves.
- Viewpoints: Aspire Tower, Museum of Islamic Art terrace.
- Nightlife: Hotel bars, West Bay lounges, shisha cafés.
- Best Time to Visit: November–March (cooler desert weather).
- Nearby Destinations: UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia.
- Things to do in Qatar
Saudi Arabia
- Regional Breakdown: Riyadh’s business hub, Mecca and Medina’s religious significance, Al Ula’s desert heritage.
- Culture & History: Nabatean tombs, Islamic holy sites, Diriyah ruins.
- Where to Eat: Kabsa, mutabbaq, dates, Arabic coffee.
- Beaches & Nature: Red Sea coast, Empty Quarter, Asir Mountains.
- Viewpoints: Edge of the World (Riyadh), Al Wahbah Crater.
- Nightlife: Cultural cafés, live shows at Boulevard Riyadh, family parks.
- Best Time to Visit: November–March.
- Nearby Destinations: Jordan, UAE, Egypt.
- Things to do in Saudi Arabia
Turkey
- Regional Breakdown: Istanbul’s East-meets-West culture, Cappadocia’s surreal valleys, Aegean ruins, Antalya coast.
- Culture & History: Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces, Roman cities like Ephesus, Whirling Dervishes.
- Where to Eat: Kebab (Adana), meze platters, baklava, simit (Turkish bagel).
- Beaches & Nature: Pamukkale hot springs, Turquoise Coast, Mount Ararat.
- Viewpoints: Galata Tower, Göreme balloons, Lycian Way cliffs.
- Nightlife: Istanbul’s Bosphorus clubs, rooftop terraces, İzmir pubs.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October (spring and autumn).
- Nearby Destinations: Greece, Georgia, Cyprus, Iran.
- Things to do in Turkey
United Arab Emirates
- Regional Breakdown: Dubai’s skyscrapers and luxury, Abu Dhabi’s cultural core, Sharjah’s heritage, desert outskirts.
- Culture & History: Bedouin traditions, Islamic art, pearl diving legacy, Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Where to Eat: Shawarma (Dubai), Al Harees, camel burger, global cuisine.
- Beaches & Nature: Jumeirah Beach, Hatta Mountains, desert dunes.
- Viewpoints: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Jebel Hafeet (Al Ain).
- Nightlife: Marina clubs, rooftop bars, desert lounges, yacht parties.
- Best Time to Visit: November–March (pleasant weather for outdoor tours).
- Nearby Destinations: Oman, Saudi Arabia, India, Maldives.
- Things to do in UAE
Yemen
- Regional Breakdown: Sana’a’s old city, Socotra’s unique ecosystem, Hadhramaut’s ancient valleys.
- Culture & History: Ancient kingdoms, mudbrick skyscrapers, Islamic scholarship centers.
- Where to Eat: Saltah, haneeth, bread with honey.
- Beaches & Nature: Socotra Island, coastal plateaus, Wadi Hadramaut.
- Viewpoints: Sana’a rooftops, Socotra’s limestone cliffs.
- Nightlife: Traditional music gatherings, tea houses.
- Best Time to Visit: October–March.
- Nearby Destinations: Oman, Djibouti, Somalia.
- Things to do in Yemen
Beaches & Nature Nearby
The region offers surprising natural diversity:
- Jebel Shams & Wahiba Sands: Omani landscapes perfect for hiking and desert camping
- Red Sea: Crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and diving (Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia)
- Socotra Island: Unique biodiversity and alien-like landscapes (Yemen)
- Wadi Shab & Jebel Akhdar: Stunning wadis and green mountain terraces (Oman)
- Pamukkale: White thermal terraces and hot springs (Turkey)
- Dead Sea: Natural salt lake with buoyant, mineral-rich waters (Jordan, Israel)
Viewpoints & Photo Spots
- Burj Khalifa observation deck in Dubai
- Cappadocia’s sunrise hot air balloon vistas
- Mount Nebo overlooking the Holy Land in Jordan
- Masada’s sunrise views above the Dead Sea
- Citadel of Amman for panoramic city views
- Jeita Grotto in Lebanon, one of the world’s most stunning cave systems
- Socotra’s limestone cliffs and turquoise beaches
Tip: Always carry water, good walking shoes, and a camera with high ISO for golden hour shots.
Where to Eat
Middle Eastern cuisine is rich, flavorful, and incredibly diverse. Here are must-try dishes by region:
- UAE: Machboos, camel burger, luqaimat (try Al Fanar or Logma in Dubai)
- Egypt: Koshari, ful medames, grilled kofta (try Abou Tarek in Cairo)
- Lebanon: Mezze platters, kibbeh, tabbouleh (visit Em Sherif in Beirut)
- Turkey: Doner kebab, baklava, menemen (don’t miss a breakfast in Istanbul’s Karaköy district)
- Israel: Shakshuka, sabich, falafel, hummus (especially in Tel Aviv)
- Jordan: Mansaf, falafel, zarb in Wadi Rum
Nightlife
Beirut’s nightlife is famed for its rooftop bars, coastal clubs, and vibrant lounges. Tel Aviv thrives with beach parties and live music. Dubai and Doha feature luxury venues, hotel bars, and desert lounges. Istanbul offers jazz clubs and scenic Bosphorus cruises. In more conservative countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, nightlife revolves around shisha cafés, cultural performances, and upscale dining experiences.
Transportation Tips
Most major cities are well-connected by international airports:
- Dubai International (DXB)
- Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Cairo International (CAI)
- Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV)
- Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM)
Getting around:
- Metro systems in Istanbul, Dubai, and Cairo
- Rideshare apps like Uber and Careem widely used
- Buses and minibuses common in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt
- Car rental ideal for Oman and Saudi Arabia road trips
Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) and local taxi apps for convenience.
Custom Experiences & Safety Tips
Customizable travel experiences:
- Private tours of Petra, Jerusalem, and Istanbul
- Spiritual pilgrimage packages in Mecca and Medina
- Luxury desert camps and stargazing in Wadi Rum and Wahiba Sands
- Nile River cruise packages and felucca rentals in Egypt
Safety tips:
- Dress modestly in conservative areas
- Check visa requirements (especially for Saudi Arabia and Iraq)
- Avoid border regions unless in guided tours
- Tap water is not potable in many countries—carry bottled water
Nearby Destinations
- Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey offer Mediterranean extensions
- India and Sri Lanka are accessible via Gulf layovers
- East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) easily reached from Cairo and Doha
- Caucasus countries like Georgia or Armenia are reachable from Turkey
Local Events Calendar
- Ramadan & Eid: Observed across the region (check exact dates)
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Formula 1 event held in November
- Jerusalem Light Festival: Illuminating the Old City in summer
- Istanbul Tulip Festival: Spring bloom season in April
- Riyadh Season: Cultural events and entertainment in Saudi Arabia
Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips
- Greet with the right hand; avoid using your left
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon
- Friday is a weekly holy day in Muslim countries
- Alcohol is restricted or banned in some destinations—check laws
- Always ask before taking photos of people, especially women or religious sites
Plan Your Journey Today
From ancient empires and holy cities to futuristic skylines and pristine natural escapes, the Middle East is a region of contrast, color, and culture. Whether you’re riding camels through deserts, savoring mezze in a coastal cafe, or floating in the Dead Sea, every corner of this region tells a story. Start planning your unforgettable adventure and discover why the Middle East is one of the most enriching travel destinations on earth. Visit our homepage.
