Adventure Holidays in the Middle East

Name: Middle East
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.6 (647 reviews)

The cradle of civilisation is a must for adventure seekers with an eye on history

Activities in Middle East

Culture Cycling Walking Family

Tours in the Middle East

The fascinating countries that fill the borders of the Middle East have been calling out to avid explorers for centuries – and for good reason.

So don’t wait to head out on a true adventure across the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, where you can explore Saudi Arabia’s holy cities, ancient tombs in Egypt, the towering sand dunes in Oman, or the iconic Nabataean ruins of Petra in Jordan.

Our Top Destinations in the Middle East

Egypt Jordan Oman Saudi Arabia

Middle East Holidays

11 Days from USD 5220

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Embrace your adventurous spirit in the Pearl of Arabia

Culture

7 Days from USD 3373

USD 2700

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Explore ancient and natural wonders in the Pearl of Arabia

Culture

9 Days from USD 1642

USD 1465

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

From Amman to the Dead Sea via Petra and the Wadi Rum desert, visit Jordan's essential stops

Culture

9 Days from USD 2623

USD 2475

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Discover temples and tombs and travel by Nile cruise boat

Culture

9 Days from USD 2473

USD 2250

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Unravel the myths and legends of Ancient Egypt

Culture

13 Days from USD 3718

USD 3420

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Travel Egypt and explore its history, food and landscapes

Culture

12 Days from USD 3523

USD 3150

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Our most comprehensive Jordan trip. Visit every UNESCO site, plus nature reserves and all the highlights.

Culture

9 Days from USD 4648

USD 3825

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Discover ancient Egypt in style along the Nile from Luxor to Awan

Culture

9 Days from USD 2398

USD 1920

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Cycle through Jordan's desert and visit the most impressive historical UNESCO sites

Cycling

13 Days from USD 7348

USD 6900

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Discover ancient treasures in the birthplace of Islam as it begins to open to the world

Culture

9 Days from USD 3898

USD 3120

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Discover the ancient to modern Kingdoms of Jordan

Culture

8 Days from USD 1648

USD 1425

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Enjoy a magical desert trek through Jordan

Walking & Trekking

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Top three Middle East tours

1. The Lost City of Petra, Jordan: Discover the legendary lost city of Petra. Carved into red and pink sandstone cliffs, the vast subterranean township was once a thriving trade centre and capital of the Nabataean Empire between 400 BC and AD 106. In 1812, a young Swiss explorer – whose ambition was to discover the source of the Niger – disguised himself as a Bedouin in order to explore the area and stumbled upon the fabulous ghost town of ornately decorated tombs, temples and theatres.

2. Nile Cruise, Egypt: Sail between Aswan and Luxor by cruiser to witness the landscape of the Nile Valley and the lavish tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and savour the tranquility of your setting during a day aboard a felucca – these single-masted wooden boats have been sailing the Nile since ancient times. From here watch the golden late-afternoon sun dissolve into a spectacular sunset.

3. A Week in Oman, Oman: Spend a night deep in the desert in very comfortable accommodation and navigate the dunes of the Wahiba Sands in 4x4s; marvel at stunning views over the Grand Canyon of Arabia from Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman; wade in the cooling, turquoise waters of an idyllic desert oasis and uncover historic forts before witnessing the weekly live auction cattle market in Nizwa, an event not to be missed!

The trip started out as a bit of a disaster as Royal Jordanian airways had to divert to Cairo, due to the current situation between Israel and Iran. That couldn’t be helped . Upon arrival in Amman 12 later, we were met by an Exodus rep.
Because time had been lost there was a lot of catching up to be done.
Out tour guide Mikhled had made some very sensible decisions , and although it had been a very long 36hours, from leaving home, we went straight to some of the most wonderful sights as soon as we got to the hotel.
So in fact, we didn’t miss out on anything because of the diversion.
The hotels were clean, friendly and catered for all our needs. They were centrally located too.
The distance between some locations was a lot, but the coaches were air conditioned and lots of stops on the journeys.
There was only 8people on the trip, and it was great, as everyone got along really well.
Evening meals were not included, however Mikhled, gave us lots of options . being a vegetarian was a bit hit and miss at times, but the starters made up for the main meal. Mikhled took us to some family homes for dinner, and that was very special.
Petra , the main attraction was very quiet due to the “Middle East” situation, which made it all the more enjoyable . It was very hot, so not being busy was ideal. Lots of free time on both days there . Mikhled never rushed us.
The Dead Sea wa amazing, if not a little weird. It certainly needed to be done. A half day of relaxing at The Red Sea was welcomed.
The holiday Inn was amazing, I had the luxury of a “Sea View” room, which was amazing .
Bethany beyond The Jordan was very special to me, however slightly marred by the Military , carrying firearms in such a holy place.
Understandably, as Israel was a stones throw away, but it did ruin it for me.

Berna Owers A Week in Jordan

A highlight tour of some of Jordan’s best sites and an insight into Jordanian life. This was my first trip to a proper “middle eastern” country which is a part of the world we hear much about, some people say it’s this or it’s that, but to actually see it and experience it yourself is so enlightening. Jordan was great, as I mention later, it is safe and welcoming for us visitors. I never saw or had even a slight inkling of something untoward happening.

This trip obviously involves a fair bit of travelling around from one location to another. Our bus/coach was very good, high quality, comfortable with good aircon! We were a group of 16 in what much have been around a 50 seat coach, so there was plenty of space for everyone which made travel comfortable. I appeciated that.

The itinery is good for a one week trip, everywhere we went was worthwhile. Our guide Mikhled managed our time at each location well and I never felt rushed. We have plenty of time at Petra which may be the main attraction for many people visiting Jordan. It got very hot here and you cover a surprsing amound of ground walking around what is a very large site. While I agree with Exodus’s assessment that overall this is an Easy/Moderate activity level trip. The first day at Petra can perhaps push the boundaries of that for some people. Mikhled gave us a great tour of the main parts of Petra and at the conclusion of this told us we had free time to explore by ourselves and we would meet back at the hotel at a given time.The hotel was very conveniently close to the main entrance, a few hundred metres. Mikhled often gave a guided tour of a location and then allowed us free time afterwards. That was good.

Most dinners (Tea! I’m a northerner) are not included in this trip. Most evenings our guide Mikhled offered the group the option of joining him to dine at a local restaurant. There was no compulsion to do this, you are free to do your own thing but most of the time the group dined together. I liked the food in Jordan. Herbed and spiced chicken, lamb and beef featured heavily but not hot spices. We were treated to some Jordanian specialities like “Upside down”. As Exodus mention, seafood is the main fare in Aqaba on the Red Sea but there are plenty of other choices if that’s not your thing. Exodus also mention the famous “Zarb” at the Wadi Rum desert camp. This was indeed excellent and probably my single favourite meal of the trip.

The trip comes to a relaxing end at the Holiday Inn Dead Sea resort. Nice hotel, unlike any Holiday Inn I’ve stayed at before. There’s an optional trip to Bethany Beyand the Jordan. I’m not religious but still went there. There is still some history to see and an interesting border between Jordan and Israel down the middle of the River Jordan. Floating in the Dead Sea was a one of those experiences you’ve got to tick off. It was a good and slightly strange experience, the water is weird!

Garry Ward A Week in Jordan

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