Middle East Travel Guide

Explore the cultural, natural and adventurous attractions of Middle East with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your itinerary with our list of best places to visit, things to do, and unique souvenirs to take back home.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide for the Middle East

Looking for an exotic holiday that offers a mesmerizing mix of culture, adventure, and natural beauty? Look no further than the Middle East! This region of Asia boasts a rich history, a diverse range of landscapes, and a wealth of activities to suit every traveler.

Introduction to the Middle East

The Middle East is a region that encompasses countries in Western Asia and Egypt. It is home to a wide variety of cultures and religions, including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

List of Places to Visit in the Middle East

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Middle East is a treasure trove of museums and historical sites that offer insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Here are a few must-visit landmarks:

  • The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
  • The ruins of Persepolis in Iran
  • The Petra in Jordan
  • The Hagia Sophia in Turkey

Natural Attractions of the Middle East: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For those looking to explore the great outdoors, the Middle East has much to offer. Here are some of the most popular natural attractions:

  • The Dead Sea in Jordan
  • The Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan
  • The Mount Sinai Trek in Egypt
  • The Taurus Mountains in Turkey

Hiking/Biking Routes of the Middle East

The Middle East has some of the most beautiful hiking and biking routes in the world. Here are a few that should be on your list when visiting:

  • The Lycian Way in Turkey
  • The Red Sea Hills in Egypt
  • The Jebel Shams mountain range in Oman

Best Things to Do in the Middle East: Activities and Tours

From camel riding to hot air ballooning, the Middle East offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained. Here are some of the best things to do in the region:

  • Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia in Turkey
  • Go on a camel trek in the Sahara Desert in Egypt
  • Take a dip in the Dead Sea in Jordan
  • Explore the ancient city of Persepolis in Iran

Week-Long Itinerary for the Middle East

Here is a suggested itinerary to make the most of your week-long stay in the Middle East:

Day 1: Explore the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt Day 2: Take a camel ride in the Sahara Desert in Egypt Day 3: Visit Petra in Jordan Day 4: Take a dip in the Dead Sea in Jordan Day 5: Go hot air ballooning over Cappadocia in Turkey Day 6: Explore the historical sites of Istanbul in Turkey Day 7: Visit Persepolis in Iran

Food and Drink Scene of the Middle East

Must-Try Dishes

Middle Eastern cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and healthy ingredients. Here are a few dishes you simply can’t miss:

  • Shawarma in Lebanon
  • Kebab in Iran
  • Mansaf in Jordan
  • Kunafa in Egypt

Local Beverages

Middle Eastern countries have a vibrant drinking culture with a wide range of beverages to try. Here are some you should taste:

  • Tea with cardamom in Turkey
  • Turkish coffee in Turkey
  • Qahwa (Arabic coffee) in Jordan
  • Hibiscus tea in Egypt

Where to Stay in the Middle East: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Middle East offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in Jordan
  • The Ritz Carlton in Turkey
  • The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh in Egypt
  • The Abbasi Hotel in Iran

What to Buy in the Middle East: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No trip is complete without a few souvenirs to take back with you. Here are some unique items to buy in the Middle East:

  • Handmade carpets from Turkey
  • Palestinian embroidery from Jordan
  • Alabaster vases from Egypt
  • Persian rugs from Iran

Local Culture and Customs of the Middle East

Travelers to the Middle East should be aware of local customs and traditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Show respect for local cuisine and customs
  • Avoid public displays of affection

Best Time to Visit the Middle East

The best time to visit the Middle East is during the fall and spring months when the weather is pleasant. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, traveling during the winter months can also be a good option.

Do’s and Don’ts of the Middle East

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Middle East:

Do:

  • Learn a few Arabic phrases
  • Dress modestly
  • Respect local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Drink alcohol in public
  • Disrespect religious sites
  • Get involved in political discussions

Safety and Health

Safety in the Middle East

Like any destination, the Middle East has its share of safety concerns. Here are some tips to stay safe while in the region:

  • Avoid traveling to areas with political unrest
  • Stay alert when in crowded areas
  • Be careful when crossing busy roads

Health in the Middle East

Travelers to the Middle East should be aware of health risks such as heatstroke and mosquito-borne diseases. Here are some tips to stay healthy:

  • Stay hydrated in hot weather
  • Use insect repellent
  • Seek medical help if you experience any health issues

Getting to Middle East: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports in the Middle East

International airports serving the Middle East include:

  • Cairo International Airport in Egypt
  • King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia
  • Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates

Bus Stations in the Middle East

Travel within the Middle East is usually possible by bus or shared taxi. Some popular bus stations include:

  • Turgutreis Otogar in Turkey
  • Bawaba Al Quds bus station in Jordan
  • Luxor bus station in Egypt

Other Options

Travelers may also consider taking a train or renting a car to explore the region.

How to Get Around in the Middle East

Public transportation is available, but many travelers find it more convenient to rent a car or take a taxi to get around.

Conclusion

With its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and wealth of activities, the Middle East is the perfect destination for adventurous travelers. So why wait? Start planning your Middle Eastern adventure today!

Traditional boats backed by the quickly rising skyline of Dubai Traditional boats backed by the quickly rising skyline of Dubai North of Tehran North of Tehran Persepolis Persepolis Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem Gulf states have some of the world's highest rate of airplane seats per inhabitants Gulf states have some of the world's highest rate of airplane seats per inhabitants Inner city bus in Tehran Inner city bus in Tehran High-rises made of mud in Shibam, Yemen— High-rises made of mud in Shibam, Yemen—"Manhattan of the Desert" A traditional ''dhow'', a fishing boat, off of the Muscat coast. A traditional ''dhow'', a fishing boat, off of the Muscat coast. Covered souq in Sidon Covered souq in Sidon A fancy Arabic mixed grill. Clockwise from top: lamb ''kofta'', chicken ''shish tawuk'', beef ''shish kebab'', ''rozz'' (Arabic rice), vegetables. A fancy Arabic mixed grill. Clockwise from top: lamb ''kofta'', chicken ''shish tawuk'', beef ''shish kebab'', ''rozz'' (Arabic rice), vegetables.


    Bahrain
    Dead Sea
    Iran
    Iraq
    Israel
    Jordan
    Kurdistan
    Kuwait
    Lebanon
    Levant
    Mesopotamia
    Oman
    Palestinian territories
    Persian Gulf
    Qatar
    Saudi Arabia
    Syria
    Turkey
    United Arab Emirates
    Yemen