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Middle East Small Group Tours & Trips
257 Middle East trips. Tours from 34 tour companies. 3,513 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.
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Middle East Reviews & Ratings
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Nile Cruise
This was a wonderful trip - I enjoyed it enormously. Visit to the temples at Karnak & Luxor Khaled Lotfy was an excellent & inspirational group leader. He ...
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History in the Heat
I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & bein...
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postscript
Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared bo...
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Nile Cruise
I do not have a very long 'bucket list', in fact Egypt is the only destination on it and this holiday did not disappoint. From the flight to Cairo to the flight ho...
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Egypt - Truly a Wonder of the Wordl
I have always dreamt of visiting Egypt and seeing for my self the many ancient wonders going back to the dawn of history. This trip was a dream come true. Having b...
Middle East Tour Selection Trips
- Traveling with a tour company will ensure safety. Your guide will know exactly where to go and where to avoid, as well as be a good liaison between you and the local culture.
- Many of these countries require complicated visa guidelines, so find a tour operator that can arrange visas for you. It will save you a headache and you’ll avoid any costly mistakes.
- War and conflict may be a concern in this region at the moment, but do not rule out these beautiful destinations. Check travel warnings before your trip. You will often find that these countries only have conflict in small or surrounding areas and that tourism is not affected.
- Both men and women should dress conservatively. Besides respecting the local culture, long loose pants and sleeves are great protection from the sun.
- Anti-American sentiments are most often more political than personal. Locals are known to be gracious and accommodating. The cultures of this region value hospitality and kindness towards visitors very highly.
- Make Israel the last stop of your Middle East tour because some Muslim nations may restrict your access if they see Israeli stamps in your passport.
- Do not seek out or go to political demonstrations. Though it’s tempting to be in the middle of the action, it is seriously dangerous.
Additional details
What Countries are in the Middle East?
The Middle East sits in between the east of Europe and the west of Asia and is considered a transcontinental region instead of a continent on its own. This part of the world is vast and rich in a diversity of countries, culture, religion, ethnic groups and languages. In total, there are 17 countries that are a part of the Middle East:
- Bahrain
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Palestine
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Turkey
- The United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
Do’s and Don’ts for traveling in the Middle East
The truth is that the Middle East is so vast that etiquettes differ from country to country. Things you can do in Dubai can greatly differ to things you can do in Iran or Saudi Arabia. That being said, however, this is a basic do’s and don'ts to follow when visiting the Middle East on a tour.
It is a very friendly, vibrant and culturally enriching destination and you should encounter few problems on your trip so long as you are respectful of the rules.
Do’s
- Dress Conservatively
- Learn Arabic! It is probably one of the most beautiful languages to exist with a mammoth of history behind almost every word.
- Make an effort to learn about the human-rights situation, issues and current affairs in the different countries you venture to.
- Definitely learn some basic greetings – this is highly encouraged and it would make for a great first impression amongst locals. In Arabic, hello is salamu alaykum.
- Try the street food! Much like visiting Asia, the best tasters of the cuisine lays in the hidden stalls and hole in the wall restaurants on the streets.
- Visit the mosques. Some of them are considered the holiest places on earth, and the most beautiful ones are spread across the countries of the Middle East. Being in the presence of one, along with the mecca of devoted locals, is one of the most unique and spiritual experiences you can have while traveling to this part of the world.
- Always drink bottled water, never tap.
Don’ts
- Handle food with your left hand
- Kiss in public. Public displays of physical affection are usually looked down upon.
- Drink in public. Make sure if you do that it is discreet, otherwise it is against the rules and pretty taboo.
- If you’re a man, don’t initiate a handshake with a woman. It is almost always going to be interpreted wrong
- Be cautious about taking pictures and filming in public. Some locals may be sensitive to it. Be sure to be respectful and ask locals if you can take pictures of them.
- If you’re traveling during Ramadan, be aware of the rules of this religious festival.
- Definitely do not talk about your opinion on religion or interfere with the political situation in the respective country. It’s good to brush up on national affairs but bringing it up in conversations with locals can easily be a sensitive subject.
Safety Tips for Traveling in the Middle East
While it is a privilege to be a visitor in the Middle East, there are some safety tips that every traveler should know. As in every foreign country, you need to keep your valuables close. Pickpocketing is common, especially in market places or bus stops, so be cautious about what you put in your bags and how secure they are.
Another thing specific to the Middle East is to dress respectfully. Cover your shoulders and legs when walking around, especially at mosques, to be respectful of cultural values. Look around and see what other local men and women are wearing and try to be as conservative.
Along the same lines, be aware of the social norms in each country to avoid any trouble. Whether that is showing public affection, drinking in public, conversation etiquette or abiding by gendered seating rules in restaurants or transportation. Speaking of transportation, Uber is one of the safest ways to travel around most of the countries in the Middle East. If you get into local cabs, make sure you decide on a fair before riding.
It is also advisable to travel in pairs, especially if you’re a woman. It is usually very safe to travel solo in most Middle Eastern countries, just make sure that if you ever feel lost or confused ask locals for help. In the rare cases that you feel like you’re being followed or unsafe, seek out local tourist police or head to the nearest hotel or shop with authorities that can help you out.
What to Pack for the Middle East
Knowing what to pack for the Middle East can be tricky. With specific religious and cultural customs, it is essential to know what to stuff in your bags and what to leave behind. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a general guide on what to bring along!
You can definitely expect very strong sun in this region so bring enough sunscreen, sunglasses and make sure you stay hydrated throughout every activity in the day. Heat stroke is common and easily avoidable with enough water.
For clothing, if you’re going to the UAE or Lebanon, shorts are totally okay. However, if you visit other countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, that’s a different story. Depending on what country you’re flying to, be sure to brush up on what’s okay to wear amongst locals and what is illegal.
Don’t forget your swimsuit because the Middle East is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches, namely in Oman, Cyprus, Turkey and Lebanon, amongst many. Take flip flops but make sure beachwear only stays in the beach. Pack collared shirts or a long dress when going out to anything fancy or simple trousers and a T-shirt when traveling around.
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