A storied land that can be both sere and fertile, the Middle East and North Africa exist within a tangle of cultures, religions and empires, both ancient and modern. Here, you’ll find cities from myth that still hum with life as well as people who live in the world’s most extreme climates. You can explore temples and colossal monuments that date back millennia, as well as landscapes of otherworldly beauty. Our specialists return regularly to this antique land and can plan you a vacation to the Middle East and North Africa that takes in the region’s marvels.
We’ll help you uncover new perspectives on sights like Petra and the Pyramids of Giza, as well as delve into the hospitable soul of the region. You could find yourself slipping into a Bedouin tent to share mint tea, cruising the Nile on a wooden dahabiyya, taking a tagine cooking class or bargaining for a hand-knotted carpet in Morocco’s souqs.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our destination specialists at 1-855-838-8495
Where you can travel with us in North Africa & the Middle East
Our specialists can help you plan your trip, individually focusing on your tastes and interests, to the destinations below.
Trip ideas in North Africa & the Middle East
These itineraries will give you a starting point for what your trip could entail. They cover routes that we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favorite places to stay. Treat them just as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you and there are many more options available.
Imperial Cities & the Desert
Full tour of Morocco
Jordan & Egypt Combined
Sahara Caravan Trail
Jordan & Jerusalem tour
Our expert guides to exploring North Africa & the Middle East
Capturing our specialists’ extensive travel experience in North Africa and the Middle East, these guides share inspiration, recommendations and our honest advice for how to enjoy the best of what the region can offer in the most authentic ways. From the wealth of options we describe, you can narrow down the choices and start to shape your own trip.
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.
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.
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.
The Roman Empire - Tunisia & North Africa
North Africa’s Roman legacy includes the third biggest amphitheater in the world at El Jem as well as mosaics that rival those in Pompeii. Our North Africa specialists will plan your individual tour around the lasting highlights of this great Empire, the big sites and the lesser known ones.
Islamic festivals in North Africa and the Middle East
With the exception of Israel, all of the countries featured in our North Africa and Arabia program are predominantly Islamic; therefore it is important to be aware of the Islamic festivals that will be widely celebrated in these countries.
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.
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.