- 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.
Best Things to Do in Middle East
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Things to do in Middle East - Expert's guide
Often characterized by dry desert, ancient civilizations, and archaeological sites, the Middle East is a mass of historical structures and natural wonders unlike any other in the world. From massive sand dunes perfect for adventure, the relaxing health resorts by the Dead Sea, and the bustling markets of Marrakech, there is no better place for a destination full of diverse attractions.
In the Middle East you can visit grand mosques such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Blue Mosque, as well as see ancient ruins like the Pyramids of Giza and Petra. History buffs, adventure lovers, the spiritual, and those looking to relax in the sun will all find the Middle East an amazing destination.
1. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza should be a stop on anyine's tour of Egypt. Looming 450 feet in the air under the basking Egyptian sun, the pyramids are the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. They are one of the current Seven Wonders of the World, and when you gaze in wonderment at them, you'll see why.
The Great Pyramids consist of three main pyramids, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, in addition to three smaller pyramid complexes and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The area also includes several ancient cemeteries and the ruins of a small village, so you'll want to spend some time here exploring.
2. Petra, Jordan
The lost city of Petra is a historical and archaeological city in Jordan. The area surrounding Petra has been inhabited since 7,000 BC, while the city itself has been inhabited since the 2nd century BC. Petra's first inhabitants were an Arab group called the Nabataeans, who made Petra their capital and main source of revenue from trading.
Petra's most famous structure is the Al-Khazneh temple, which is believed to be a mausoleum for the Nabataean King Aretas IV. The temple is built into the side of a sandstone rock face, like many other structures in Petra. To access the ancient city, travelers must hike through a .75 mile long gorge, called Siq. It is a fairly challenging hike to the temple and other sites in the lost city, so bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, and sunscreen.
3. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, UAE
If you want to immerse yourself in the cultural and religious world of the Middle East, there are perhaps no fewer gorgeous places to do so. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, combines modern and traditional islamic architecture to create one of the most scenic and spiritual places of worship.
The mosque was built between 1996 and 2007, and covers 30 acres of land. Natural materials were chosen for much of the architecture, including marble, gold, crystals, and ceramics. The mosque holds an impressive number of 40,000 worshippers and is the largest mosque in the UAE.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque has several unique features inside its stunning structure. The carpet in the main prayer hall is thought to be the largest in the world at 6,570 square feet. A chandelier inside the mosque is the third largest in teh world, and is made of millions of swarovski crystals. A unique lighting system on the outside was designed to reflect the phases of the moon, and gray clouds are projected onto the outside walls that get lighter and darker with the phases of the moon.
4. The Blue Mosque, Turkey
The Blue Mosque, which is officially named Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul. The mosque was built in the 17th century and is still used today, while also attracting many tourists. Inside the mosque, the walls are adorned with over 20,000 hand painted blue ceramic tiles. Along the walls are over 200 stained glass windows which allow natural light inside the mosque. The most important feature inside the Blue Mosque is the mihrab, a semicircular niche that indicates the direction of Kaaba in Mecca.
in 2006, Pope Benedict XVI visited the Sultan Ahmed Mosque during his trip to Turkey. This was a significant trip, as it was only the second papal visit in history to a Muslim place of worship.
5. Western Wall, Israel
Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall is considered the holiest site in the world. The wall was originally built as part of the expansion of the Second Jewish Temple on Temple Mount in the first century. The Western Wall refers to a 187 foot exposed section of a 1,600 foot wall of the Herodian Temple Mount complex, most of which remains hidden behind residential buildings. The Western Wall section faces a plaza and is used for prayer.
The plaza was created in 1967 and is often used for prayer and religious gatherings like Bar and Bat mitzvahs. Jewish people come to this wall to mourn the destruction of the temple on Temple Mount, and on Jerusalem Day.
6. Baalbek, Lebanon
At around 9,000 BC, the ancient city of Baalbek was an important place for human civilization. Today, it stands as a wondrous place dotted with islamic archeological wonders. Top attractions in Baalbek include the Temple of Bacchus, and the Temple of Jupiter, two of the largest roman temple ruins in the world. Visitors can also see the tomb of Kholat, daughter of Hussein and granddaughter of Ali.
Any history buff or architect enthusiasts will love discovering the Mesopotamian, Roman, Christian and Islamic structures that bedeck the city.
7. The Dead Sea, Israel
The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank. The shores along the Dead Sea are 1,412 feet below sea level, making it the lowest land elevation on Earth. It is 997 feet deep, making it the deepest salt lake in the world. It is also one of the world's saltiest bodies of water, and is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean.
The Dead Sea is one of the world's first health resorts, and for centuries has been the supplier of products like asphalt and potash. Here in the Dead Sea, visitors can enjoy mud baths, luxurious spas and floating around the water that is mystically known to have healing properties.
8. Shah Mosque, Iran
Considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and a masterpiece of Persian architecture, the Shah Mosque is one of Iran’s main attractions. Located in Isfahan, a city laced with bazaars, squares and magnificent architecture, the mosque is open daily for locals and tourists to admire.
Construction for the mosque begain in the 17th century, and its grandeur comes from the beautiful seven color mosaic tiles and calligraphy. Inside the central point of the dome, are interesting acoustic properties that enable the Imam to speak quietly and still be heard by everyone under the dome.
9. Marrakech, Morocco
Most tours of Morocco will take you to Marrakech. It is an old fortified city filled with vendors, and it boasts the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco. No trip to Morocco is complete without the visit of this souq, filled with gold, silk, islamic art, carpets, jewels and just about everything you would want to take home from this beautiful country.
Marrakech is one of the largest cities in Africa, and is a popular tourist destination. The city is packed with beautiful gardens, the most famous being the Menara Gardens, which were built in 1130.
You won't want to miss visiting the beautiful mosques during your trip. Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in Marrakech and its original stone work can still be seen today. You should also make time for a trip to the Marrakech Museum. The architecture and intricate tilework are reason enough to visit, and inside the museum you will find exhibits featuring traditional and modern Moroccan art, pottery, and coins.
10. Liwa Oasis, UAE
If you’re looking for an endless, breathtaking sight of shimmering gold sand dunes hidden away from the buzz of the city, Liwa Oasis is one of the most authentic experiences of the Arabian gulf you can find. Here visitors can explore camel farms, fortresses and epic sunsets, along with watching offroad and camel racing events during the Liwa Festival.
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