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
Relaxed 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 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

- Visit the grand Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca, one of the most impressive temples in Morocco, before exploring the sights of the country's first imperial city of Meknes.
- Feel like you've travelled back to the Middle Ages in the labyrinthine medina of Fes, under the eye of a local tour guide.
- Go behind the scenes of Game of Thrones and Gladiator in the fortified red city of Ait Benhaddou, and pay a visit to a community-run teahouse that provides local women with an income.
- Take a guided tour through Marrakech's lively medina and join the nightly carnival of fortune-tellers, dancers, and medicine men in Djemaa el-Fna square.
- Stay in a traditional Berber homestay to understand the culture and tradition of an indigenous population who have stood the test of time.
- Discover the dramatic red dunes of the Sahara Desert and spend the night camping under North African stars.
- Admire Morocco’s changing landscapes from the comfortable seat of a private, air-conditioned minivan.
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.
Aegean Escape

- Athens Sightseeing Tour (with Acropolis)
- Ancient Ephesus Through the Ages
- Medieval Tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights
Iconic Israel - 2022
- Sample wines integral to Israeli traditions at a vineyard in Golan Heights.
- Enjoy a traditional Druze lunch and learn about this Arab-Israeli community.
- Get a taste for Israeli cuisine on a walking food tour in Carmel Market.
- Connect with the Orthodox Jewish community at a home-hosted dinner in Jerusalem.
- Engage in a conversation with a Holocaust survivor at Yad Vashem.
- Enjoy 2 nights in Tel Aviv, Israel’s dynamic and thriving strip of metropolitan life.
- Sail on the tranquil waters of the Sea of Galilee aboard a replica boat reminiscent of the 1st century.
- Explore the Old City of Jerusalem including the Western Wall and the Via Dolorosa – the Way of the Cross.
- Venture to the 2,000-year-old ancient Roman city of Caesarea.
Jerusalem Express (dan Panorama Jerusalem)
- Day 1 – Arrive Tel Aviv / Jerusalem
- Arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in Jerusalem. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Day 2 – Jerusalem – City Sightseeing
- Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Enter the Old City and walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road. See the Jewish Wailing Wall, the Kotel, and continue to the Christian Quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Proceed to the New City and view the Knesset, Israel’s parliament and visit Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. NOTE – on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, instead of Yad Vashem the tour will take you to visit the tomb of King David, the room of the Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey. (B) Day 3 – Jerusalem – Massada & Dead Sea
- Morning travel to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, where you will learn about the heroic story of the Jewish fighters. Ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod, where the Zealots of the first century made their last stand against the Romans. Visit the remains of the walls, palaces, synagogue, water cisterns, mosaic floors, roman baths and other findings. Descend by cable car. Afternoon, enjoy the unique opportunity to swim and float in the Dead Sea that many believe has its therapeutic effects. (B) Day 4 – Jerusalem / Depart Tel Aviv
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)
Jordan Discovery

- Be awed by the towering, windswept rock formations at Wadi Rum, and witness how the colours change as the sun makes its way across the sky.
- Meet Bedouin locals, learn about their ways, and sleep under the stars in a desert camp in the far-out destination of Wadi Rum.
- You never forget your first glimpse of The Treasury in Petra, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Spend a day taking in the majesty and mystery of this unforgettable place.
- 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.
- Relax in the seaside town of Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea relax around its untouched reefs and transparent waters.
Israel Holyland Tour

- Guided visits of Caesarea, Muhraka, Megiddo & Acre
- Guided visits of Tiberias, Capernaum, Tabgha, Mount of Beatitudes & Banias, with boat ride on the Sea of Galilee
- Guided visits of Cana, Yardenit, Nazareth & Beit Shean
- Guided visit to the Qumran Caves, Masada & Dead Sea, with opportunity to float on the Dead Sea
Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - 2022
- Visit the Church of All Nations, built over the rock on which Our Lord prayed the night before he was crucified.
- Celebrate daily Mass at several significant religious sites.
- Sail on the Sea of Galilee, where Our Lord performed such miracles as his walking on water, calming the storm and feeding the multitude.
- Visit the ancient cities of Nazareth and Bethlehem.
- Stop at the Garden of Gethsemane, the site of Christ's betrayal by Judas.
- Visit the Pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralytic.
Istanbul Express (Deluxe Class)
- Day 1 – Istanbul
- Arrive to Istanbul, Turkey where you are met and escorted to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Day 2 – Istanbul – City Sightseeing
- This morning depart on a full day city tour, visit magnificent St. Sophia’s Basilica built originally by Constantine the Great. We continue our visits with the fascinating and impressive Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets, it’s beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework. Then visit the Byzantine Hippodrome where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place as well as the famed Topkapi Palace. Finally we visit the famous vast and bustling Grand Bazaar. (B) Day 3 – Istanbul – City Sightseeing
- Today’s tour starts with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, the center for the spice trade in Istanbul. Continue on the Bosphorus Cruise, a magical journey which covers both European and Asian shores. You will see the marvelous monuments and districts like: Maiden Tower (Kiz Kulesi), Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy, Fethi Ahmet Pasa Mansion, Ortakoy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Military School, Arnavutkoy, Bebek and more highlights of Istanbul located on both sides of the Bosporus. In the afternoon cross over the Bosphorus Bridge to Asia and visit Beylerbeyi Palace, which was the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We end our day with a visit to Camlica Hill, one of the highest points of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. The Camlica Hill has a wonderful panorama including the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, historical Peninsula and islands. (B) Day 4 – Depart Istanbul
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)
European Explorer plus Greek Island Cruising
- Explore Barcelona's Gothic beauty on a walking tour including Las Ramblas
- See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia & the 1992 Olympic Games complex
- Take a traditional Motoscafo across the iconic lagoon to the island of Venice
- See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square
- See Venice's iconic canals & gondolas
- Special Stay Contiki's Austrian Gasthof
- Dinner of traditional Austrian food prepared by Contiki Chefs
Israel Discovery - Small Group, 2022 Small Group
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Sea of Galilee: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Kinneret, the very place Jesus is said to have walked on water.
- Sea of Galilee: Meet one of the archaeologists who found the Ancient Galilee Boat and hear the story of its excavation.Alternatively, cruise the serene waters of lake Kinneret for glorious views of the Golan Heights.
- Tel Aviv: Enjoy a Welcome Drink and mingle with your fellow travel companions to begin your journey.
- Tiberias: Participate in a Friday night Shabbat dinner.
- Jerusalem: Toast the culmination of your travels with a lively Celebration Dinner.
- Dining Summary: 8 Breakfast (B), 2 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 1 Dinner (D)
- Tel Aviv: Explore with your Local Expert and see the Habimah National Theatre, Rabin Square and browse around the Carmel Market.
- Tel Aviv-Yafo: Visit the ancient port and artists' quarter and see the famous clock tower and old harbour.
- Caesarea: With your Local Expert, explore the Roman and Crusader ruins of Caesarea, formerly one of the splendid cities in Palestine.
- Nazareth: Visit the Church of the Annunciation built on the site where the angel Gabriel is said to have appeared to Mary.
- Sea of Galilee: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Kinneret, the very place Jesus is said to have walked on water.
- Capernaum: Visit the Synagogue where Jesus taught and the Mount of Beatitudes, where he preached the Sermon on the Mount
- Masada National Park: Alongside your Local Expert, ascend to the ancient fortress of Masada by cable car where Jewish Zealots held out for three years against Herod's armies, before sacrificing themselves.
- Jerusalem: Visit the Garden of Gethsemene and see the Temple Mount, Room of the Last Supper, the Pool of Bethesda and Ecce Homo Arch.
- Jerusalem: Visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.
- Jerusalem: At the Israel Museum, wander to the Shrine of the Book wing housing the Dead Sea Scrolls.
- Tel Aviv: Meet a local artist for a private tour of their studio in Jaffa's artists’ quarter.
- Sea of Galilee: Meet one of the archaeologists who found the Ancient Galilee Boat and hear the story of its excavation.Alternatively, cruise the serene waters of lake Kinneret for glorious views of the Golan Heights.
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 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.
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.
Turkey: Hike, Bike & Kayak

- Get a taste of incredible Istanbul and its bustling backstreets with your local leader.
- Hike the valleys of Cappadocia and picnic among surreal fairy chimneys that dot the landscape.
- Visit Ephesus’s astounding Roman ruins, where the Greco-Roman world still feels very much alive.
- A kayak trip over a sunken city is the perfect way to experience the lush blue waters of the Mediterranean.
- Hike the famous Lycian Way with breathtaking views of the Turquoise Coast.
Turkey Encompassed

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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
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