Top Middle East Local Immersion & Homestays Trips & Packages In 2025/2026

Highlights

• Discover the ancient and modern lives within Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history in the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, discover a WWI battlefield in Gallipoli, and immerse yourself in the vibrant vibe of the university town Eskesihir.
• Take in the dizzying diversity of this epic landscape with a visit to the stunning natural hot springs of Pamukkale, a cruise along the picture-perfect Turkish coast over Sunken Cities, and an optional hot-air balloon ride over the fairy-tale land of Cappadocia.
• Get to know the friendly locals over a home-cooked dinner in Cappadocia, then get treated to a Turkish BBQ feast by your local hosts in Kayakoy
• Pull on your walking shoes and set out on a half-day trek along a section of rugged coastline, following part of the ancient walking trail of the Lycian Way and exploring the exotic landscape of Cappadocia on a short hike in the valley.
• Get among local life, from taking local buses and trains to enjoying a traditional gulet (boat) trip and staying in one of the cave hotels that Cappadocia is famed for.

Highlights

• Spend three nights staying in the incredible region of Cappadocia, explore the caves, chimneys and the honeycombed terrain of this fascinating place.
• Discover the iconic sites of Gallipoli, Ephesus and Pamukkale with your locally-based leader by your side to teach you all about the history and culture intertwined here.
• Be welcomed into a local cave home and treated to a special home-cooked lunch prepared by your host. Tuck into delicious food and friendly conversations and top off your meal with a bite of traditional Turkish delight.
• Rub shoulders with friendly locals during a relaxing boat cruise through a series of picturesque islands and enjoy another homemade Turkish lunch with your hosts on board.
• Marvel at Istanbul's most revered sites during a guided walk where you'll discover the 17th century Blue Mosque, and head to the ancient Hippodrome to see intriguing monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Highlights

• Set sail on one of the world’s most iconic rivers with an included felucca trip down the Nile. Relax and soak up the landscapes as scenes of everyday Egyptian life pass you by.
• Bask in the unique atmosphere of Aswan and experience not only the warmth and charm of Nubian hospitality but also some delicious traditional cuisine at a local homestay.
• Explore the balmy Red Sea on a snorkelling adventure in Hurghada – sharing a tasty lunch aboard the yacht and looking out for clownfish, turtles and manta rays among the kaleidoscopic coral.
• Uncover one of the greatest cities in antiquity, Alexandria, reborn as Egypt’s alternative capital, and pay your respects at El Alamein – an important World War II battle site.
• Lose yourself in Cairo’s many iconic sites – visit Giza’s great pyramids (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), the Sphinx and maybe head inside The Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Highlights

• Take a guided hike through the High Atlas Mountains and spend a night with an Amazigh family’s gite.
• Travel in a camel convoy and a 4WD to Erg Chigaga in the deep Sahara – the most majestic place to watch the sunset – and spend a night in an Amazigh camp under the North African stars, away from any sound or light pollution.
• Veer off the beaten track to Tata and Tafraoute, deep in the Anti Atlas Mountain Range. Check out giant blue rocks, visit the traditional granary, meet the women at a local women’s coop producing Argan oil and duck in and out of souqs.
• Recharge with two days in seaside Essaouira where Jimi Hendrix spent time in the 60s, and explore the whitewashed houses, lively port and tiny, picturesque alleyways.
• Explore Ait Benhaddou – a UNESCO World Heritage site with a grand history and a long list of film and TV credits, on a walking tour with a local guide who knows all the local insights.

Highlights

• Wander around Salamanca's lit up Plaza Mayor by night and explore the cobblestoned streets of Seville by day – Andalusia's largest city.
• Enjoy an unforgettable Fado performance in Coimbra. Fado is an emotional form of Portuguese music which often expresses the hard realities of daily life, balancing both resignation and hopefulness.
• Make the most of your free time in Lisbon – this city has so much to offer, from its beautiful museums, monuments and parks to its famous trams, bars and restaurants.
• Buy fresh local produce at the morning market during your stay on The Algarve and soak up the sun on the calm beaches. Then, watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from your accommodations' rooftop terrace.
• Explore the twisting, colourful labyrinthine streets of the Fes and Marrakech medinas with a local guide to lead you to all of the best spots and ensure you don't get lost!

Highlights

• Trek through the dramatic red dunes of the Sahara Desert on a camel’s back, experiencing an unforgettable sunset – then stay under a blanket of North African stars in a desert camp.
• Embrace the Atlantic breeze in the coastal town of Tangier and see the vivid blue hues of Chefchaouen over sunset, while you explore the houses and laneways of this surreal city.
• Stay in a traditional Amazigh homestay high in the Atlas Mountains and enjoy a homecooked meal of Moroccan favourites, learning about the culture and traditions of an Indigenous population who’ve stood the test of time.
• Kick back in the coastal town of Essaouira and discover the winding laneways at your own pace. Then, meet a local fisherman by the seaside and learn about his life and this traditional practice.
• Explore the old medina of Marrakech and the labyrinthine medina of bustling Fes with knowledgable local guides, discovering the myriad of sights, smells and sounds along zigzagging lanes. Then, discover the colourful chaos of Djemaa el-Fna Square.

Highlights

• Get a hands-on history lesson at some of the world's most iconic ancient sites – the Pyramids of Giza (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and the Sphinx – with an expert local guide.
• Embrace countless opportunities to connect with locals and experience their culture. Lose yourself in Cairo's colourful Khan al-Khalili bazaar and share a meal with local communities along the way.
• Sail down the Nile on a traditional felucca and experience the excellent Nubian hospitality.
• Walk in the footsteps of ancient royalty as you explore the Valley of the Kings and admire the Karnak Temple – the cult temple dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut and Khonsu.
• Create your own Egyptian adventure during your free time on this trip – maybe explore Abu Simbel or relax at a local teahouse. The choice is yours!

Highlights

• Travel by camel across the dramatic red dunes of the Sahara Desert and spend the night camping under North African stars.
• Spend time in two of Morocco’s most picturesque towns – the 11th century kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and Chefchaouen, with its striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways.
• Tuck into a memorable dinner in Fes and dine on one of the city’s signature dishes – the salty and sweet pastilla, one of the best pies you’ve ever tasted!
• Join expert local guides to explore medinas, Roman ruins and rural areas and gain a deeper understanding of significant sites in Rabat, Volubilis, Fes, M’Goun and Marrakech.
• Take part in the traditional Amazigh activity of henna tattooing, where a naquasha will adorn your hands and feet with beautiful designs, supporting local women, their families and community with an income.