Middle Eastern Vacations
Middle Eastern Vacations
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that has no defined boundaries. It spans parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. The Black Sea and the Caspian Sea are to the north, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea is situated to the west of the region. The Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea border the Saudi peninsula.
The Middle East has much to offer in terms of scenic locations. Visitors to this region will love the magnificent array of deserts, mountains and beaches. Rich in culture and heritage with deeply rooted religious values and an entirely different way of life, the countries in the Middle East will be quite a refreshing experience for anyone.
The Middle Eastern region has a well developed and well connected rail network. You can also use the bus services or the car rentals provided by reputed car rental companies. Also, most of the cities in the Middle East offer the metro and subway rail services. Numerous exquisite lodging options are available all over the Middle East for the convenience of the travelers. The type of lodging that is available varies from country to country. Lodging facilities range from expensive luxury hotels to mid-priced accommodation to suit different budgets.
Egypt
Officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, Egypt is a country in North Africa. The Sinai Peninsula, a triangular peninsula in Egypt, forms a land bridge in Western Asia. Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and monuments like the Giza Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. You can marvel at many artifacts like the Karnak temple and the Valley of Kings in the city of Luxor.
Iran
There are many places of tourist attraction in Iran. The city of Kashan in central Iran houses many mosques, beautiful gardens, and houses restored to their traditional glory. You can visit the desert oasis and the cave village in Garmeh, where you can camp with the nomads in the Zagros Mountains. The Kish Island of Iran that lies along the waters of the Persian Gulf is situated to the Southwest of Bandar Abbas. It is a popular center for cultured pearls and large aquariums. The island also offers other attractions such as a ride in the glass-bottom boat, water skiing, and scuba diving.
Sudan
Sudan is the largest country in Africa and it is officially known as the Republic of Sudan. The official language of this country is Persian. Sudan is home to the ancient Meroe Pyramids that belonged to the Nubian Kings. These magnificent structures were built between the 4th century BC and the 3rd century AD. Khartoum is a city where the two Niles meet. This is a popular tourist destination, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture.
Iraq
Iraq, officially known as the Republic of Iraq, is in the western part of Asia. The Zagros mountain range covers the northwestern part of the country, while the eastern part of the country is covered by the Syrian Desert. The northern part of Iraq includes a part of the Arabian Desert. The climate in Iraq ranges from mild to cool in winters, while the summers are hot and cloudless.
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. It is also known as the "Land of the Two Holy Mosques," which is a reference to the mosques in Mecca and Medinah. The Asir region in the south west of Saudi Arabia has lofty mountains as high as 3,000 meters. With a lovely climate and greenery everywhere, this region attracts many tourists.
Yemen
Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is located on the southeast region in the Arabian Peninsula. In Yemen, you can visit the Old City of Sanaa which is located in the mountains at an altitude of 2200 m and was first inhabited more than 2500 years ago. The religious and political heritage of the city is depicted by the 106 mosques, 12 hammams and 6500 houses that were built way back in the 11th century.
Syria
The Syrian Arab Republic, commonly known as Syria, is a country in southwest Asia. You can visit the ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo, and Bosra, which are listed in the UNESCO's World Heritage list. The country has huge castles, labyrinthine medieval souqs or marketplaces, and sacred Umayyad mosques, which are popular tourist attractions. Syrians are among the most friendly and hospitable people in the world.
Israel
Israel is a country in the Middle East between Egypt and Lebanon. It is a holy place for both the Christians and the Muslims. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world visit this country. Some of the major tourist attractions in this country are the Carmel market in Tel Aviv, Negev Desert, underwater sightseeing at Eilat, National parks, and the beautiful beaches. The Synagogue Church of Annunciation and the Grotto of Annunciation are places you can visit when you are in Nazareth.
Jordan
Jordan, also known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is an Arab country in Southwest Asia. It is bordered by Syria, Iraq, Israel and Saudi Arabia and the country has control over a part of the Dead Sea. Jordan has a Mediterranean type of climate. The Levant region of the Fertile Crescent in Jordan is considered to be a part of the region known as the "Cradle of Civilization." The red desert sands of Wadi Rum, coral-filled Gulf of Aquaba, and the Dead Sea are some of the popular tourist destinations in this county.
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates or states. This country, located in southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, is bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia. The seven states are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ummal-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. Abu Dhabi is the capital and also the 2nd largest city in the country. UAE offers many attractions to its visitors. You can visit the mountains of Hatta, enjoy a camel ride in the deserts of Abu Dhabi and dive in the beaches near Ras Al-Khaimah. Go on a shopping spree in the malls and the markets of Sharjah.
Lebanon
Lebanon is a beautiful country in West Asia bordered by Syria, Israel, and the Mediterranean Sea. There are many places you can visit in this country. You can look at the Phoenician findings in Tyre, Roman Baalbek's temples in Beirut, and Mamluk architecture in Tripoli. Lebanon has a mild Mediterranean climate. Most parts of Lebanon are covered by mountains except for the narrow coast line and the Bekaa Valley.
Kuwait
Kuwait or the State of Kuwait is an Arab country that is bordered by Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Kuwait, in Arabic, means "fortress built near water." The political and economic capital of Kuwait is the Kuwait City. The sandy Arabian Desert covers most parts of the country. There are many activities and attractions in Kuwait. The National Museum, Liberation Towers, Kuwait Towers, the Kuwait Scientific Center, Musical Fountain, and the numerous mosques are quite popular with the tourists.
Oman
Oman, officially known as the Sultanate of Oman, is one of the Middle Eastern countries. It is largely covered by the desert and is bordered by the Gulf of Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the Arabian Sea. The capital city, Muscat, has many places of interest to keep its visitors occupied. The palace of Sultan, Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Mirani are some of the places you can visit while you are in the city. The beaches at Yitti, Seifa, and Quiryat draw huge crowds of tourists.
Qatar
Qatar is an Arab country in the Middle East. Located in the Qatar peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, it is bordered by Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. Aladdin's Kingdom, Doha Fort, Doha Zoo, and Heritage House Museum are some places you can visit in this country. In Dukhan, you can see a range of low limestone outcrops that run north-south from Zikrit to the southern border. Qatar has mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Bahrain
Bahrain, or the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small Arabic island country in the Persian Gulf. The island country is ruled by the Al Khalifa Royal Family. Bahrain means "two seas" in Arabic. The sweet water springs in this country harbor some of the most beautiful pearls in the world. The National Museum in Manama and the traditional houses in Muharraq, the burial grounds at Sar, Bahrain World Trade Center, and King Fahd Causeway are some places of interest in this island country.
