Middle East

Muscat & Oman

Offering far more than spectacular desert landscapes, Oman has a proud and ancient culture and a wealth of archaeological wonders. Suffused with the mystery and romance of Arabia, Oman is relatively untouched by modern tourism. The capital Muscat is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East and has a magnificent setting between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea. From Muscat, take day tours to visit ancient stone forts, picturesque fishing villages, rugged mountains, canyons, oases and sand dunes.

Petra

The legendary city of Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The spectacular approach to Petra is via a 1.4 km-long rock canyon with steep sides. Built by the Nabataeans in 100 BC it is renowned for its impressive rock cut architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of the canyon, the sides become increasingly narrow until the famous ‘Treasury’ is glimpsed through a narrow gap in the rock. Used in the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” this astonishing gateway into Petra is just the beginning. Within the city are many tombs, an amphitheatre and a magnificent hilltop monastery.

The Greco-Roman city of Jerash, Jordan

Just outside Jordan’s capital, Amman, is the magnificent ancient city of Jerash. This well-preserved Greco-Roman archaeological site is one of the largest outside Europe. Jerash features a long colonnaded street, plazas, temples dedicated to Artemis and Zeus, a hippodrome, baths, the Triumphal Arch of Hadrian and a grand amphitheatre. Enough structures remain intact for archaeologists and historians, and even the casual visitor, to piece together ancient life under the rule of a Roman emperor. We highly recommend a visit as part of your tour of Jordan.

Oman’s Musandam Peninsula

Oman’s stunningly beautiful Musandam Peninsula is perfect for 4WD mountain safaris and dhow cruises or snorkelling to see the amazing marine life. Dubbed the Norway of the Middle East, the dramatic Musandam Peninsula is characterised by soaring golden cliffs, narrow channels and jagged rocks that resemble glacier-carved fjords without the greenery. The seas are also rich in coral, fish and dolphins. The Peninsula is just two hours by road from Dubai or a short flight from Muscat.

Desert Landscapes of Wadi Rum

The astonishing landscapes of Wadi Rum are home to a number of Bedouin tribes who until recently, still lived a nomadic lifestyle. The desert was made famous by British officer and author T.E. Lawrence – the famous Lawrence of Arabia – who took part in the Arab struggle against the Turks and Germans during the World War I. Spend a night or two in a romantic desert camp and soak up the colours and spectacular rock formations of the unique landscape.

The Dead Sea

Visit the fabled Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at 422m below sea level. The salts and minerals are considered to provide many health benefits to humans. The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, and its main tributary is the Jordan River. As its name suggests there is nothing living in the Dead Sea and it is perfectly safe to swim in. The Dead sea is so high in salinity that you can float in it with your arms and legs sticking out of the water. The Dead Sea is also the lowest body of water on the surface of Earth being 400m below sea level.

U.A.E.

For most travellers, when they hear about the United Arab Emirates they think Dubai. Which in fairness it true, a bustling city filled with iconic skyscrapers and palm-shaped islands there is plenty to see and do. But there is also more to the U.A.E. Visit traditional buildings along Dubai Creek, view the grand Jumeirah Mosque, and explore the winding alleyways of the spice souk. Relax on the beach or take a sunset excursion by 4WD into the desert dunes for an evening feast under the stars.

Israel – Masada

Explore the stunnig mountain fortress of Masada. Discover 3000 years of history as you explore the many sacred and historical sites of the Holy Land. Israel is at the heart of the world’s three mane monotheistic religions, making it one of the Middle East’s most intriguing countries. Wander the winding streets of old Jerusalem, including the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Ascend the mountain fortress of Masada and float in the saline waters of the Dead Sea. Visit modern Tel Aviv renowned for its Bauhaus architecture and dynamic culinary scene.