Whether they’re wandering the streets of Muscat in search of new places to eat or finding the best spot to watch the sunset in the seemingly endless Negev Desert, our Middle East specialists return to the region regularly to expand their knowledge. Not only do they look for new ways to experience familiar landmarks, such as the pyramids and Petra, they also look for hidden corners and overlooked treasures.
Our travel guides will give you a glimpse of their expertise, whether that’s an in-depth exploration of Amman or adventures for families in Israel. We can help you pack for the region’s wildly variable climate, suggest a good route for driving in Oman and recommend the best way to cruise on the Nile. Whether you’re looking to focus your travel on a particular country or you want to visit several at once, our guides will give you a taste of what’s possible so you can make the most of your time in the Middle East.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Middle East specialists
Our travel guides share our specialists' passion and knowledge for the Middle East. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.
Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt
A Nile cruise is the classic way of exploring Egypt. Drift down the Nile in a comfortable cruise boat, making stops to visit Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs. Egypt specialist Steve outlines how you can make the most of your cruise.
Luxury Egypt: live like a pharaoh
A room at the foot of the Great Pyramid, an opulent ship on the Nile, and private guides — Egypt specialist Emma outlines the most indulgent ways to enjoy the country’s classic sights.
What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide
Home to some of the world's most historical monuments and best dive sites, Egypt's size makes it possible for the first-time visitor to see many of its highlights in a relatively short trip.
Family holidays in Egypt
From the sun-baked pyramids of Giza to the imposing Temple of Karnak, Egypt’s ancient monuments hold a special allure for people of all ages. Here, specialist Sharidan explains the best places to stay and things to do for a family visiting Egypt.
Jordan and Egypt: Petra to Giza and Luxor
In the sun-baked desert of Egypt and a hidden wadi in Jordan, ancient empires built enormous stone edifices that still stand thousands of years later. Middle East specialist Albert discusses the best way to see both countries on one trip.
A guide to visiting Oman for the first time
Oman’s understated pleasures make it a great introduction to the Middle East. Snorkel in the Arabian Sea, visit a traditional fish souq or livestock market, and stand alone at the edge of the Omani Grand Canyon.
Family trips to Jordan
With ancient ruins, a rock-carved city, and a cinematic red-sand desert, Jordan is a great option for families who want to embrace adventure (without sacrificing comfort). Here, Audley specialist Olivia outlines her ideal Jordan family trip.
Self-drive Oman: Deserts, mountains and markets for the adventurous
For confident drivers, Oman makes an adventurous self-drive destination, says specialist Paula. You can venture into the towering golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands, navigate winding mountain roads and see goats sold at the timeless Nizwa livestock market.
Family holidays in Oman
Peaceable Oman provides a family-friendly introduction to the Middle East. From camping out in the desert to discovering hatchling turtles, children can feel like explorers while parents are reassured by the country’s stable history.
Amman for more than one night
Jordan’s capital city is much more than just a rest stop on your way to the country’s many ancient sites. It invites you to explore the Roman amphitheatre, take a cooking class in a family kitchen and see the oldest known human statues.
Explore the mysteries of Petra
A hidden city that’s carved into sandstone cliffs, Petra was one of the wonders of the ancient world. Jordan specialist Nick offers a guide to the history and important sites in this vast city.
Honeymoons in Egypt
A private tour of Giza’s pyramids, an opulent Nile cruise to see the ancient temples and tombs, snorkelling amid the thriving reefs of the Red Sea — specialist Hannah discusses what you might do on a honeymoon in Egypt.
Past civilisations of Ancient Egypt
Discover the culture and history of Ancient Egypt on a tailor-made trip. Our knowledgeable specialists can create a unique itinerary for you that suits your interests, including a few places that you might not have known about.
An insider’s guide to Istanbul, from the Hagia Sophia to fried-fish sandwiches
Bridging Asia and Europe, Istanbul effortlessly mingles modern commerce and ancient cultures. One-time resident Ninwa introduces you to the city she loves, from the big-name sights like the Grand Bazaar to the best place to buy fish sandwiches right off the boat.
The King's Highway in Jordan
Travelling the King's Highway in Jordan means seeing 5,000 years of history. Visit sites of the Holy Land, the churches at Madaba and Mount Nebo, the castles of Kerak and Shawbak, as well as the ancient city of Petra.
Travel into Oman's Empty Quarter
Adventure into the Empty Quarter in Oman. Journey across this vast desert region, surrounded by nothing but rolling sand dunes for as far as the eye can see and camp beneath a blanket of stars.
Honeymoons in Oman
Whether you want to relax in style in a converted palace, lounge by a beach, or have a private tent for two under the desert night sky, Oman is an underrated honeymoon destination. Specialist Olivia suggests her top picks for honeymoon-worthy hotels.
Family trips to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Five great ideas
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories offers a veritable playground for families. You could repel down the side of a desert crater, dig up ancient pottery shards on an archaeological site, or explore the spray-painted backstreets of Tel Aviv.
How to pack for the Middle East
First-time visitors can find it tricky to pack for the Middle East. Specialist and one-time resident Talia offers packing advice for handling the dramatic swings in temperature, the wide variety of terrains and the conservative culture.
Travel guide to Jerusalem
Easily combinable with an itinerary to Jordan, and fascinating enough to merit a trip in its own right, the enthralling sights and monuments of Jerusalem are certain to charm you. History has never seemed so alive.
Highlights of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is beguilingly complicated. From the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City to the sere, sweeping vistas of the Negev, explore the historical and religious significance of this country with Olivia from our Israel team.
