Middle East Tours - Trips to the Middle East

Most popular Middle East tours

Experience the world’s wonders up close on Middle East guided tours. Journey back to another time as you explore Jerusalem’s religious landmarks, Jordan’s lost city of Petra, and Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza.

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Egypt & the Nile

with Jordan extension

The Wonders of Ancient Israel: Christian Heritage

with Jordan extension

United Arab Emirates: Dubai & Abu Dhabi

The Wonders of Ancient Israel

with Jordan extension

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What our travelers say about their Middle East guided tours

Trip of a Lifetime

01/05/2018 by 4-time traveler Caitlin O.

Israel has always stuck out to me as a fascinating place to visit, between modern Tel Aviv and ancient ruins of Jerusalem, in a region few dare to go. I was initially very nervous, regarding safety and security, however, GoAhead Tours did not let me down. My tour director, Miky, was very attentive..

See more reviews of The Wonders of Ancient Israel

Moments That Took My Breath Away!

7/27/2018 by first-time traveler Diane

My experience in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain was absolutely wonderful! Our tour director, Mr. Vijay, proved each day to be genuinely interested in making sure we were well informed and were one happy group! His knowledge of the cities, cites and history of the country, made me feel extremely pleased

See more reviews of United Arab Emirates: Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Finally made it to Egypt!

04/04/2018 by 10-time traveler Sidney M.

My brother and I had been wanting to take this trip for several years, and finally made it! We were so pleased with all aspects of our tour. As in my past 9 Go Ahead tours, the company came thru in fine style to provide all of us a memorable vacation. Our tour director Atef, was great.

See more reviews of Egypt & the Nile

Trip of a Lifetime

01/05/2018 by 4-time traveler Caitlin O.

Israel has always stuck out to me as a fascinating place to visit, between modern Tel Aviv and ancient ruins of Jerusalem, in a region few dare to go. I was initially very nervous, regarding safety and security, however, GoAhead Tours did not let me down. My tour director, Miky, was very attentive..

See more reviews of The Wonders of Ancient Israel

Moments That Took My Breath Away!

7/27/2018 by first-time traveler Diane

My experience in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain was absolutely wonderful! Our tour director, Mr. Vijay, proved each day to be genuinely interested in making sure we were well informed and were one happy group! His knowledge of the cities, cites and history of the country, made me feel extremely pleased

See more reviews of United Arab Emirates: Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Trip of a Lifetime

01/05/2018 by 4-time traveler Caitlin O.

Israel has always stuck out to me as a fascinating place to visit, between modern Tel Aviv and ancient ruins of Jerusalem, in a region few dare to go. I was initially very nervous, regarding safety and security, however, GoAhead Tours did not let me down. My tour director, Miky, was very attentive..

See more reviews of The Wonders of Ancient Israel

Moments That Took My Breath Away!

7/27/2018 by first-time traveler Diane

My experience in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain was absolutely wonderful! Our tour director, Mr. Vijay, proved each day to be genuinely interested in making sure we were well informed and were one happy group! His knowledge of the cities, cites and history of the country, made me feel extremely pleased

See more reviews of United Arab Emirates: Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Know where you want to travel on a Middle East trip?

How it works

Planning a trip is a breeze with the help of Go Ahead Tours’ experts working behind the scenes.

Work with our in-house experts

Choose from 175+ tours all around the world. Need help narrowing down? Call our regional experts at 1-800-590-1161 to talk through how you like to travel.

Sit back & get ready for your trip

Your tour package includes handpicked hotels, breakfast daily and other select meals, comfortable transportation, an expert Tour Director, guided sightseeing, and more.

Take off on an adventure, stress-free

Your local Tour Director will meet you and your group on the first day, and be your go-to for the best sites, flavors, and stories of the region.

Middle East travel tips

Where to go in the Middle East

Wondering where to travel in the Middle East? A guided trip is a great way to get the most out of your journey. When you join one of our Middle East tours, you’ll have an expert Tour Director and local guides by your side at every step of the way.

The top Middle East destinations offer something for everyone, whether you're a history lover or prefer modern cities. Explore the ancient spiritual epicenter of Israel, walk through lands once ruled by pharaohs in Egypt, or be dazzled by the glamour of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

These are just some of the best places to see in the Middle East:

Old Town of Jaffa in Tel Aviv, Israel
Hanging Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa, Israel
The Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel
The city of Petra, Jordan
Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Al Ain Oasis in United Arab Emirates
The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
The Temples of Karnak and Luxor in Egypt
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo, Egypt

When to visit the Middle East

The best time to travel to the Middle East depends on how comfortable you are with heat, as most of the region has warm temperatures all year long.

Summers are particularly hot in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, with temperatures reaching highs in the 100s F during the day. Drinking plenty of water, limiting your alcohol intake, and using proper sun protection is extremely important in order to prevent the effects of dehydration and heat stroke while on a Middle East trip.

The late fall, winter, and early spring months bring more moderate temperatures across these destinations. The off season is a nice time to take an Egypt tour after the summer crowds have retreated.

Israel is a year-round destination, with warm summers (reaching highs around 90 F during the day) and moderate winters (with daily highs in the 60s F). We recommend joining one of our Israel tours in the late fall or winter if you prefer more comfortable temperatures and don't mind the chance of some rain.

Dining tips for the Middle East

When you visit the Middle East, you'll have the chance to sample flavors that may be new to you. The meals included in our Middle East vacation packages will give you a taste of regional specialties. We recommend trying different things to see what you enjoy!

Olives, hummus, sesame seeds, and herbs are typical in many meals across the Middle East. In Israel, try falafel with salad made of tomato, onion, cucumber, and pepper. Egyptian cuisine uses the bountiful harvests of the Nile Valley—corn, eggplant, zucchini, chickpeas, and citrus fruits are popular in many dishes. In the United Arab Emirates, one-pot dishes like fareeth, a stew made with vegetables and bread, and al harees, a porridge of barley and meat, are popular.

While on one of our MIddle East guided tours, ask your Tour Director for advice about what the local must-try is, and where to find it.

Packing tips for the Middle East

Packing light is recommended for a Middle East trip. Try to keep your belongings to one suitcase and one carry-on per person, so you're comfortable managing your baggage at the airport.

Be sure to prepare for potential sun exposure by bringing sunscreen and having lightweight, loose-fitting layers. A comfortable pair of walking shoes is key, since you'll be on your feet exploring new destinations with local guides on tour.

When traveling, it's important to be informed of and respect local customs. In particular, women should take care to dress modestly when visiting the Middle East. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are considered to be more liberal than some neighboring cities, local customs concerning dress are strict. Men and women should wear clothing that covers the tops of arms and legs, including the shoulders and knees. Women are required to be covered completely when entering mosques in the United Arab Emirates, so bring a scarf that you can wear over your head.

Once you've reserved a Middle East tour package, we'll send you detailed information about how to get ready for your trip. You can also download our mobile Tour Companion App to find a packing list!