Best Vacations in the Middle East: 5 Trips Across the Region
Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea
A one-week Jordan trip is one of the single most-complete archeological weeks in the world. Petra, Wadi Rum desert camps, the Dead Sea, and Amman all fit in a week with mid-tier lodging at $2,200 to $5,500 per person including flights. Combines well with Egypt or Israel for two-week trips.
Israel: Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
A one-week Israel trip balances the historical weight of Jerusalem (Old City, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Masada, Dead Sea) with Tel Aviv's modern food and beach scene. Mid-tier Israel week runs $2,400 to $5,500 per person including flights. Add the Galilee for a longer trip.
Egypt
Egypt remains the Middle East's historical crown. Cairo plus a Nile cruise plus Abu Simbel fits a one-week to ten-day itinerary at $1,800 to $6,500 per person including flights. October through April is the comfortable window; summer is punishing in Luxor and Aswan.
Dubai
Dubai is the Middle East's modern city trip: ultra-modern architecture (Burj Khalifa), desert day trips, luxury hotels, and the Dubai Mall. A four to five night Dubai trip runs $2,200 to $6,000 per person with mid-tier hotels and flights. Combines well with an Africa safari or Southeast Asia trip because Dubai is the single-biggest international connection hub between those regions.
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