Middle East Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Morocco Uncovered

- Travel by camel across the dramatic red dunes of the Sahara Desert and spend the night camping under North African stars.
- Spend time in two of Morocco’s most picturesque towns – the 11th century kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and Chefchaouen with its striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs, and artistic doorways.
- Tuck into a memorable dinner in Fes and dine on one of the city’s signature dishes, the salty and sweet pastilla, one of the best pies you’ve ever tasted!
- Join expert local guides to explore medinas, Roman ruins and rural areas and gain a deeper understanding of significant sites in Rabat, Volubilis, Fes, M’Goun and Marrakech.
- Visit the Tawesna teahouse, a community-run establishment that provides local women with an income to support themselves and their families.
Egypt Adventure

- Get an on-site ancient history lesson when visiting some of the world's premier historic sites – the Pyramids, Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings – with an expert local guide.
- There are so many chances to interact with the locals and experience their culture. Lose yourself in Cairo's colourful Khan al-Khalili bazaar and dine with village folk along your way.
- Your felucca sailing trip not only lets you experience some excellent Nubian hospitality, but is perhaps the perfect way to see the Nile and its gorgeous surrounds at any time of day.
- Admire Karnak Temple – the Cult temple dedicated to Amun, Mut and Khonsu with your small group, and feel the ancient royalty when discovering the mighty Valley of the Kings.
- With plenty of free time to choose your own Egyptian adventure, you’ll have the power to possibly fit in an Abu Simbel escapade, head on a camel ride, or just chill out at a local teahouse.
Jordan Discovery

- You’ll never forget your first glimpse of The Treasury in Petra. Spend a day taking in the majesty and mystery of this unforgettable place on a guided tour then enjoy free time to explore.
- Experience the unique sensation of floating in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea, then cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud for a spa treatment like no other.
- Be welcomed into a local home in Petra where you’ll chat to your friendly family hosts over a traditional meal and learn what life is like in this popular spot.
- Meet Bedouin locals, learn about their ways, and sleep under the stars in a desert camp in the far-out destination of Wadi Rum.
- Relax in the seaside town of Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea relax around its untouched reefs and transparent waters – a spectacular spot for snorkelling.
Greek Escape plus 3-night Iconic Cruise
Taste of Egypt with Jordan

- Welcome to Egypt
- Guided sightseeing, visit the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, Ramses II, and Alabaster Sphinx in Memphis, and the 'Stairway to the Sky' at Sakkara; Sounds & Light Show at the pyramids
- Visit Tutankhamun’s Tomb in the Egyptian Museum; see Saladin’s citadel and visit the Alabaster Mosque in Old Cairo; see the Hanging Church and Cairo’s oldest synagogue in Coptic Cairo; visit the Khan el-Kahlili souk
- Fly to Luxor; visit Luxor Temple, the Avenue of Sphinxes, monument of Karnak & Temple of Amun-Ra; onboard welcome reception
- Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens, Deir El-Bahri, and the Colossi of Memnon; galabya party on board
- Visit the Temple of Horus; visit the twin temples at Kom Ombo; lecture on board
- Sail by felucca to Kitchener Island; visit the Botanical Gardens
- Excursion to the High Dam; cruise to Agilika; visit Temple of Isis and ancient granite quarries; fly to Cairo
- Special tour to the world's largest open-air museum, followed by a walk in the maze of shops at the famous bazaar; felucca ride; Cairo by night orientation
- Fly to Amman; free time
- Sightseeing in Amman; visit St. George Church in Madaba; transfer to Petra
- Sightseeing in Petra; transfer to Dead Sea
- Visit Jerash Ruins
- Take an extraordinary journey on this escorted tour of Egypt, beginning and ending in Cairo, followed by a 4-night stay in Jordan
- Begin with a 3-night stay in Cairo—called the “Mother of the World”—to explore the legendary sites you’ve dreamed of seeing
Turkish Delight
- The Blue Mosque, the Galata Bridge, the Spice Markets - discover Istanbul with our expert local guide
- See the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Suleymaniye Mosque
- Visit Kaymakli Underground city in Soganli Valley
- Join the village women making Soğanlı Dolls followed by an afternoon tea with local specialties (Eat your way around Copenhagen on a tasty culinary bike tour (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)
Greece & Three Continents Cruise - Premium, C ...
- : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
- : Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. In Athens, your knowledgeable local Insight host will ensure your time in this city is seamless.
- : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- : "I love to share our Ancient Egyptian civilization and history with our guests and to explain all the details and stories related to Egyptian mythology so our guests can enjoy a very special guided vacation."
- : "I love how guests react to hearing the Zorba the Greek song. It’s amazing that one old song can still unite and spread so much enthusiasm."
- : "One of the places I love to take our guests to that they would likely not find on their own or when travelling with anyone else is Nafplion, Greece. It's a beautiful seaside town with traditional Neoclassical buildings. I think it's the most charming town on the mainland of Greece."
- Athens: Get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Olympia: Join a local chef and savour the regional specialities in a fun, exciting introduction to Greek cooking.
- Athens: Toast the culmination of your vacation with a lively Celebration Dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.
- Dining Summary: 12 Dinner with Wine (DW), 13 Breakfast (B), and 6 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you'll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
- Athens: See the Arch of Hadrian, erected in honour of the Roman Emperor and used as a divider between the ancient city and the new Roman district, along with the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
- Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.
- Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
- Meteora: With a Local Expert, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
- Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
- Archaeological Site of Olympia: The stadium of Olympia hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
- Archaeological site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Expert.
- Nafplio: Join your Travel Director in an orientation of this beautiful seaport town and see why it is named one of Greece's prettiest spots.
- Corinth Canal: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.
- Cairo: Admire the remaining Wonders of the Ancient World as you explore through the Pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx. Hear about Egyptian history as you walk through the National Archaeological Museum and learn the art of making papyrus paper out of reeds when you visit a Papyrus Institute.
- Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
Best of Turkey
- Explore Istanbul with a Local Specialist
- Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, the ancient ruins of Troy, the Asclepion Medical Centre at Pergamon, the ancient city at Ephesus, the Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, the Archaeological Museum in Antalya, the home of the Whirling Dervishes at Konya, the underground city of Saratli, Göreme Open Air Museum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation at Ankara
- View the Wooden Horse at Troy
- Connect With Locals
- Stays with Stories
- Dive into Culture
- Dive Into Culture
Iran Adventure

- Discover an Iran beyond the media portrayals of a repressive and dour regime – this is a country full of warm, lively and friendly people.
- Explore the rich history told in the ancient ruins that lie across the country, many of which sit in remote and isolated landscapes that only add to their magic.
- Experience the wondrous remains of the ancient capital of Persepolis – the scale and grandeur will leave you in no doubt that this was once the centre of the known world.
- Immerse yourself in rural nomadic life with a remote homestay with the Qashqai people in Fars Province, enjoying meals, stories and songs.
- Slip into the heeled-sandals of a Silk Road merchant with an overnight stay in a classic 16th-century caravanserai, located in the vast salt desert of Zein-o-din.
Jordan: Women's Expedition

- Uncover a lesser-seen side of Jordan as you travel with an all-women group guided by a female tour leader and eat, sip tea and chat with local women along the way.
- Take a cooking class at Beit Sitti, an inviting cooking school run by three sisters who carry on their grandmother’s legacy and dedication to tradition. Hear their stories and help prepare a delicious meal.
- Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, then visit a local beach resort that’s only open to women on Saturdays. Hang out by the pool and say hello to the local ladies.
- Experience the majesty and mystery of ancient Petra during a guided tour. The first glimpse of the Treasury from the narrow path of the Siq is simply unforgettable.
- Drive through the remarkable desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, then take a look behind closed doors as local Bedouin women join you to share their knowledge of henna application – a truly special experience.
- Pop in for a cup of tea at the home of a renowned Jordanian matchmaker where you’ll learn about local marriage customs and how she pairs couples together.
Israel & Jordan Escape
Classical Greece with Idyllic Aegean 7-Night Cruise
- Athens : Welcome drink; guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis
- Corinth : Guided visit
- Mycenae : Guided visit of the excavations and museum
- Epidaurus : Guided visit of the 2,300-year-old open-air theater
- Olympia : Guided visit of the archaeological site and the museum; learn how to make the traditional Greek tzatziki appetizer
- Delphi : Guided visit of the excavations, visit the Archaeological Museum; learn to dance the sirtaki and have a glass of Ouzo
- Meteora area : Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries
- Thermopylae : Guided visitCRUISING
- Ancient ruins, stunning scenery, lots of sunshine, the Greek Islands, the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, and tasty cuisine…this is Greece, and on this Greece cruise tour, you’ll experience all of this and more!History comes alive on your guided tour of Greece's ancient sights
- Visit the Acropolis, dating back to the 5th century BC; Olympia, where the Olympics began in 776 BC; ancient Corinth, dating back to the 8th century BC; the ruins in Mycenae, dating from 1,350 to 1,200 BC; the amazingly well-preserved, 2,300-year-old open-air theatre in Epidaurus; Thermopylae, where the battle between the Greeks and Persians took place in 480 BC; Delphi, where you’ll hear about the Oracle; and more
Oman & The United Arab Emirates
- Sightseeing:Visits to Muscat, Sur, Jabreen Fort, Nizwa, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai
- Scenic Highlights:Omani Coastal Road, Wadi Bani Khalid, Wahiba Sands, Al Hamra
Cruising the Islands of Greece & Turkey

- Explore the historical city of Athens on a walking tour, get the insider lowdown from your local leader and discover hidden gems and highlights that you won’t find in a guidebook.
- Whether you want to revel in the atmosphere of Mykonos or relax on own your private paradise at Manganari Beach, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun.
- Enjoy an amazing view as you taste the local wines in Santorini.
- Join a local guide and brush up on your history as you explore Delos – one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece.
- Tour the Turkish ruins of Ephesus and discover the incredible relics that remain, including the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Tastes of Southern Australia
- Discover Beechworth, Melbourne, and Adelaide
- Parliament House in Canberra, Worn Gundidj in Tower Hill, Coonawarra wine region, Alexandra Cave, Kangaroo Island Brewery, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Seal Bay Conservation Park and the Barossa with a Local Specialist
- Scenic Drive along the Great Ocean Road
- View koalas at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch on Kangaroo Island
- Visit Gold Creek Sheep Station, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the Twelve Apostles, and wineries in South Australia
- Connect with Locals
- Dive into Culture
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
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Top Middle East Attractions & Experiences
Top Middle East Experiences
Exploring the Pyramids of Giza and Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt.
Visiting the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, both stunning examples of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul, Turkey.
Seeing the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.
Bargaining for exotic souvenirs like hand-painted tagines or leather handicrafts in the souks of Marrakech, Morocco
Taking a Nile River Cruise and exploring the surrounding areas.
Riding a camel and camping in a Bedouin tent in the Sahara Desert of Tunisia.
Hiking North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal, Morocco’s High Atlas, and along the way meeting the Berber people along the way.
Scuba diving in Ras Mohammed National Park off the coast of Egypt.
Touring the Old City of Jerusalem, where multiple histories, religions, and cultures intersect
Visiting Shiraz, the City of Roses, known for its poetry and vineyards, and the close by ancient city ruins of Persepolis in Iran.
Top Middle East Attractions
19,704 Middle East Tour Reviews - Summary 91% Recommend
All Middle East tours, river cruises, expedition cruises, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.5 for all Middle East trips.
620 trips from 232 tour companies with 19,704 reviews
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