Middle East Tours & Trips

1,073 Middle East trips. Tours from 223 tour companies. 3,536 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

1,073 Trips match your criteria (21 - 40 shown)

Egypt & Israel in 12 days - The Enigma of the Pyramids & The Holy Land - LUXURY
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Abu Simbel, Aswan, Cairo, Dead Sea, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Luxor, Tel Aviv, Valley of the Kings

Highlights

  • Aswan
  • Cairo
  • Giza
  • Luxor
  • Nile River
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, 50 Plus, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Very well organised, excellent guide and information. Superb coach driver."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
18-Day Egypt Jordan and Israel's Treasures Discovery Tour
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Private Guided
Why we love them
They're experts in creating personalized travel experiences and have a top-rated reputation.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Traverse the awe-inspiring Giza Pyramids atop a camel, allowing their grandeur to envelop your senses.
  • Wander through the holy Jerusalem, and experience its rich history, cultures, and stunning architecture.
  • Traverse Petra's rose-hued canyons, discovering their remarkable sandstone facades and timeless history.
  • Peruse the priceless artifacts in the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Tutankhamun's Golden Mask is the prize piece
  • Uncover the breathtaking colossal statues adorning the facade of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Alisa helped us with Japan, and now has helped us create a wonderful trip to China. We are excited for the trip, and if it is as good as our Japan trip was, it will be wonderful."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Egypt Cultural Trip
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Immersion of the ancient Egyptian culture.
  • Explore the ancient cities and temples in Egypt.
  • Explore the most famous tombs and pyramids in Egypt.
  • Visit the great temple of Abusimble and Lake Nasser.
  • Explore the slums of Cairo and old mosques.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Sailing, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I very rarely provide negative feedback due to my sympathy for companies and their need for business. However, on this occasion, I deem it extremely important to do so, mainly due to the horrendous experience one can easily incur with Look at Egypt Tours. I booked the ‘Egypt Christian Journey: Biblical Tour of Egypt’ tour through Tourradar, with Look at Egypt Tours being the local guide. This is what I experienced: - First of all, there was nothing remotely Christian about this tour, and my guides demonstrated no knowledge of Christianity or the Christian historicity of the places that I visited. The tour manager, Waled, even had the audacity to want to book me onto a Belly Dance Nile cruise the moment I landed in Cairo. He seemed to forget that I was on a Christian pilgrimage of sorts and that I wanted to focus on my faith. - The attempt to book extra events would become the norm on Waled’s part, despite my persistent refusal. It was apparent that, right from the start, his aim was to extort as much money as possible from me. - Waled had instructed me not to exchange my Pounds Stirling beforehand and that he would take care of it. Upon reaching my hotel after my arrival in Cairo, he exchanged my money into bills of 200 Egyptian Pounds only. This was inconvenient since I needed small change for tipping. I had told him this. But he shrugged and did not seem to care. He then proceeded to ask for a tip for both him and the driver. I had no option but to hand out a huge chunk of my money. I realised that he had cleverly set this up. - My guide for Cairo and Alexandria was Mohamed, who was one of the sleaziest people I’ve encountered. He gawked at every single attractive woman that walked by and would shout at the top of his lungs to show off his English-speaking skills. He was highly dismissive and failed to answer any questions I had about the sites. I always felt like I was being spoken at rather than to. Mohamed was also rude to other tourists in public and would often barge past them. It was embarrassing being with him. He constantly smoked and grunted his way through things like an animal. - Mohamed would pick me up at the hotel in the morning and rush through the day, always ensuring that we finished around 14.00 or 15.00. On one day, when we had finished at around 13.00 and the pyramids were around the corner, I asked him to stop our bus so that I could make most of the day. He laughed and ignored me. So, I always ended up in my hotel in the early afternoon with nothing to do. Thankfully, I was at the Hilton Hotel Pyramids Golf, which is such a beautiful and tranquil place. - I had prepaid for lunch for most of my days on this tour. However, both Waled and Mohamed did their best to avoid getting lunch, and there were some days when it was skipped. On one occasion, when I raised this concern with Mohamed, he stopped the bus, hopped out, bought a sandwich from a filthy vendor, and shoved it into my hand. It was disgusting. The lunch skipping was disgraceful and was only done so that both Waled and Mohamed could pocket my prepaid money. - Both Waled and Mohammed had the vain and bizarre request of wanting their photographs taken at every site, as though they were tourists themselves. They rarely conducted themselves in a professional manner and were often too busy posing rather than guiding. - My hotel in South Sinai, the St. Catherine Plaza Hotel, was hell on earth. It had been abandoned since COVID and is now being run by what seems to be local Bedouin. Although they were pleasant, the hotel is derelict and extremely filthy. Please be aware that none of the information online about this hotel has been updated, and all the photos are old. My hotel room floor was caked in urine, and I had to live with that nauseating smell for two days. Rather than being productive and searching for an alternative, Waled merely joked about the hotel. He had failed in his due diligence of the place. - Climbing Mount Sinai is certainly not for the faint of heart and is not worth the effort. There was no mention beforehand of how strenuous it can be. It had been planned that Waled would accompany me during the hike, but he was conveniently ill that morning and could not attend. A local Bedouin boy, sweet but not handy, was hired to escort me. The hike was dangerous, and a couple of tourists got lost on the way. After a total of 8 hours of a horrendous hike, I returned to find Waled miraculously recovered. He then had the audacity to ask me for money for the Bedouin boy, whom I had already tipped. - I finally confronted Waled about my bad time during the tour and came close to asking for a refund, especially for my missed lunches. He laughed and denied that I was owed lunch. But he was quickly silenced when I showed him my original itinerary from Tourradar, the very same itinerary he had. I then had the last laugh by forcing him to pay for my last hotel meal. - The only good thing about Look at Egypt Tours was the bus driver on this tour. Ebrahim was such a gentleman and did more than Waled and Mohamed could. He saw how tired and distressed I was at times and did his best to cheer me up, going so far as to buy me breakfast and water. I shamed Waled with this, but he only laughed and called Ebrahim nothing but a bus driver. It is clear that I will never use Look at Egypt Tours again. I have had an amazing experience with Tourradar in the past, so it was certainly not their fault. They should, however, do a thorough review of Look at Egypt Tours. It’s amazing how one tour company can have the power to put you off an entire country. They should be called ‘Never Look Back at Egypt’ Tours. Do not use this company."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $150 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Flavours of Turkey and Greece -I-
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They introduce travelers to passionate local guides and take them to off-the-beaten-path restaurants and attractions you couldn't find on your own.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Best for History Lovers - Ephesus - Troy - Pergamon - Athens Acropolis
  • Gallipoli and First World War Battlefields
  • Saronic Islands Day Cruise

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"Wonderful, we really liked it."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Israel & Jordan Explorer 7D/6N (from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Petra

Highlights

  • Walk the old streets of Jerusalem and learn about its history Float in the Dead Sea’s salty waters and take a mud bath Visit the Petra ruins, one of the Seven World Wonders

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Generous cancellation

More
Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle featuring a 3-night Greek Islands & Turkey cruise - 2024
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Why we love them
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Piraeus, Santorini, Thessaloniki

Highlights

  • Visit 2 breathtaking monasteries in Meteora and learn about the resident monks.
  • Take in the views of Santorini’s volcanic caldera and towering cliffs from your cruise ship.
  • Feast on local Greek cuisine and fine wine in a traditional taverna.
  • Explore ancient Corinth on a guided tour featuring the Agora.
  • Admire the view from the Acropolis, home to the legendary Parthenon.
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This was a tremendous trip. Nice mix of New Zealand s spectacular scenery and cultural highlights. In Australia Cairns was interesting for culture and great barrier reef, which is unfortunetely getting bleached due to rising ocean temps.The Sydney Opera house was amazing. Our Auastralian guide was knowledgeable and very organized. Only complaint was that at 37 folks the trip was too large in our opinion."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Highlights of Turkey
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Visit the ancient cities of Troy, Pergamom, Hierapolis and Ephesus
  • Explore the iconic sights in Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace
  • Relax in the resort town of Kusadasi
  • Marvel at the beauty of Pammukale’s terraces and hot springs
  • Admire the unique beauty of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys

Themes

Cultural, History

What travelers are saying

"Hilariously bad support from outsourced call centers. They flat out bs you making up answers. They did not actually book all the hotels stated in the tour so there were some last minute changes that were very disruptive. The bus was missing luggage liners in the shelf above the seats so stuff was falling out while driving and I was hit by a heavy laptop bag."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Best of Turkey
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antalya, Blue Lagoon, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Fethiye, Istanbul, Konya, Oludeniz

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.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Michelle Middleton is an asset to the customer care team. Easy and honest communication throughout!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card
...
...

Middle East Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
3,536  Reviews
See all Middle East tour reviews
Excellent
2,045
Great
628
Average
82
Disappointing
11
Terrible
6
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

History in the Heat

I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & bein...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Nile Cruise

This was a wonderful trip - I enjoyed it enormously. Visit to the temples at Karnak & Luxor Khaled Lotfy was an excellent & inspirational group leader. He ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

postscript

Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared bo...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Nile Cruise

I do not have a very long 'bucket list', in fact Egypt is the only destination on it and this holiday did not disappoint. From the flight to Cairo to the flight ho...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Egypt - Truly a Wonder of the Wordl

I have always dreamt of visiting Egypt and seeing for my self the many ancient wonders going back to the dawn of history. This trip was a dream come true. Having b...

Write a Review

Middle East Tour Selection Trips

  • Traveling with a tour company will ensure safety. Your guide will know exactly where to go and where to avoid, as well as be a good liaison between you and the local culture.
  • Many of these countries require complicated visa guidelines, so find a tour operator that can arrange visas for you. It will save you a headache and you’ll avoid any costly mistakes.
  • War and conflict may be a concern in this region at the moment, but do not rule out these beautiful destinations. Check travel warnings before your trip. You will often find that these countries only have conflict in small or surrounding areas and that tourism is not affected.
  • Both men and women should dress conservatively. Besides respecting the local culture, long loose pants and sleeves are great protection from the sun.
  • Anti-American sentiments are most often more political than personal. Locals are known to be gracious and accommodating. The cultures of this region value hospitality and kindness towards visitors very highly.
  • Make Israel the last stop of your Middle East tour because some Muslim nations may restrict your access if they see Israeli stamps in your passport.
  • Do not seek out or go to political demonstrations. Though it’s tempting to be in the middle of the action, it is seriously dangerous.

Additional details

What Countries are in the Middle East?

The Middle East sits in between the east of Europe and the west of Asia and is considered a transcontinental region instead of a continent on its own. This part of the world is vast and rich in a diversity of countries, culture, religion, ethnic groups and languages. In total, there are 17 countries that are a part of the Middle East:

  • Bahrain
  • Cyprus 
  • Egypt
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Palestine
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Syria
  • Turkey
  • The United Arab Emirates
  • Yemen 

Do’s and Don’ts for traveling in the Middle East

The truth is that the Middle East is so vast that etiquettes differ from country to country. Things you can do in Dubai can greatly differ to things you can do in Iran or Saudi Arabia. That being said, however, this is a basic do’s and don'ts to follow when visiting the Middle East on a tour.

It is a very friendly, vibrant and culturally enriching destination and you should encounter few problems on your trip so long as you are respectful of the rules.

Do’s

  • Dress Conservatively
  • Learn Arabic! It is probably one of the most beautiful languages to exist with a mammoth of history behind almost every word. 
  • Make an effort to learn about the human-rights situation, issues and current affairs in the different countries you venture to. 
  • Definitely learn some basic greetings – this is highly encouraged and it would make for a great first impression amongst locals. In Arabic, hello is salamu alaykum.
  • Try the street food! Much like visiting Asia, the best tasters of the cuisine lays in the hidden stalls and hole in the wall restaurants on the streets. 
  • Visit the mosques. Some of them are considered the holiest places on earth, and the most beautiful ones are spread across the countries of the Middle East. Being in the presence of one, along with the mecca of devoted locals, is  one of the most unique and spiritual experiences you can have while traveling to this part of the world.
  • Always drink bottled water, never tap.

Don’ts

  • Handle food with your left hand
  • Kiss in public. Public displays of physical affection are usually looked down upon.
  • Drink in public. Make sure if you do that it is discreet, otherwise it is against the rules and pretty taboo.
  • If you’re a man, don’t initiate a handshake with a woman. It is almost always going to be interpreted wrong 
  • Be cautious about taking pictures and filming in public. Some locals may be sensitive to it. Be sure to be respectful and ask locals if you can take pictures of them. 
  • If you’re traveling during Ramadan, be aware of the rules of this religious festival.  
  • Definitely do not talk about your opinion on religion or interfere with the political situation in the respective country. It’s good to brush up on national affairs but bringing it up in conversations with locals can easily be a sensitive subject.  

Safety Tips for Traveling in the Middle East

While it is a privilege to be a visitor in the Middle East, there are some safety tips that every traveler should know. As in every foreign country, you need to keep your valuables close. Pickpocketing is common, especially in market places or bus stops, so be cautious about what you put in your bags and how secure they are.

Another thing specific to the Middle East is to dress respectfully. Cover your shoulders and legs when walking around, especially at mosques, to be respectful of cultural values. Look around and see what other local men and women are wearing and try to be as conservative.

Along the same lines, be aware of the social norms in each country to avoid any trouble. Whether that is showing public affection, drinking in public, conversation etiquette or abiding by gendered seating rules in restaurants or transportation. Speaking of transportation, Uber is one of the safest ways to travel around most of the countries in the Middle East. If you get into local cabs, make sure you decide on a fair before riding. 

It is also advisable to travel in pairs, especially if you’re a woman. It is usually very safe to travel solo in most Middle Eastern countries, just make sure that if you ever feel lost or confused ask locals for help. In the rare cases that you feel like you’re being followed or unsafe, seek out local tourist police or head to the nearest hotel or shop with authorities that can help you out.

What to Pack for the Middle East

Knowing what to pack for the Middle East can be tricky. With specific religious and cultural customs, it is essential to know what to stuff in your bags and what to leave behind. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a general guide on what to bring along!

You can definitely expect very strong sun in this region so bring enough sunscreen, sunglasses and make sure you stay hydrated throughout every activity in the day. Heat stroke is common and easily avoidable with enough water.

For clothing, if you’re going to the UAE or Lebanon, shorts are totally okay. However, if you visit other countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, that’s a different story. Depending on what country you’re flying to, be sure to brush up on what’s okay to wear amongst locals and what is illegal. 

Don’t forget your swimsuit because the Middle East is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches, namely in Oman, Cyprus, Turkey and Lebanon, amongst many. Take flip flops but make sure beachwear only stays in the beach. Pack collared shirts or a long dress when going out to anything fancy or simple trousers and a T-shirt when traveling around.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 1073 trips to Middle East and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!