Middle East tours

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 trips, 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

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.

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 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!