It all started here, the birthplace of civilisation. From ancient Mesopotamia to the first greatest Kingdom of Egypt.
The Middle East is where the ancient trespasses into the present. There’s the iconic Pyramid of Giza, intruding into the landscape from 4000 years ago – and the Temple Mount of Jerusalem, the holy place to three great religions. The beauty of Petra, the Rose-Red City, still translates after two millennia – and Tunisia’s Roman pillars give the place its Mediterranean charm. But even in the current-day medinas of Morocco, or the souks of Iran, there’s the essence of tradition, floating with the spice-aromas through the age-old air.
Top 10 trips in the Middle East
15 Days From £1,395
Fall under Turkey's spell touring Goreme's Open Air Museum, the ruins of Ephesus and...
13 Days From £2,440
Discover Iran, one of the world’s most fascinating and least-visited countries, a place...
9 Days From £1,467
From the mighty pyramids of Giza, the temples of Abu Simbel, the bustling Khan al...
22 Days From £5,575
Join Peregrine for a cultural and historical small group adventure through the Middle...
14 Days From £3,315
With the sweeping desert and echoing formations of Wadi Rum, the hidden, hand-hewn...
14 Days From £2,435
Egypt is more than the Great Pyramids of Giza. Discover the tombs, temples and...
14 Days From £3,745
Journey through a history of Biblical proportions on this Peregrine small group...
Explore our 7 ancient wonders of the Middle East
We've put together a list of some of our favourite places to see ancient history come to life. Do something different and experience Peregrine’s 7 ancient wonders of the Middle East.
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Why we love the Middle East
- Israel’s complex story is best told with the help of a local leader. Journey through the culturally and religiously significant cities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, via the imposing Mount Carmel and shores of the Mediterranean Sea
- The United Arab Emirates is a land of vast oil reserves, huge sand dunes and gleaming feats of architectural engineering. Evolving at a pace that needs to be seen to be believed, the UAE’s blend of culture, tradition and modernity results in a real cosmopolitan feel
- The iconic sight of Al Khazneh in Petra is recognised all over the planet, but there’s a whole world beyond it just waiting to be discovered. Spend the night in a Bedouin desert camp in the Wadi Rum before a full day of exploring the old Roman road, amphitheatre and tombs of ‘The Treasury’
- Oman’s Wahiba Sands offers the ultimate in desert landscapes. Out past the palm-lined oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, relish an evening of traditional Omani food and music around an open fire under the stars
- Away from the traffic of mainstream tourism, Iran retains a sense of mystery and splendour. The ancient palace of Persepolis is one of the most impressive UNESCO sites in the world
Destinations in The Middle East
What travellers are saying about the region
Read more about the Middle East
Jan 14, 2019
Mystics and merchants in Turkey
Finding friends and fortune in the far-flung northeast region of Turkey.
Oct 19, 2018
Why I loved travelling through the Middle East...
We hear about everything from war and terrorism to religious extremism and denial...
Oct 04, 2018
Israel, the unexpected holiday destination for...
If you’re looking for an amazing food and wine destination that is a bit more off...
Sep 07, 2018
5 reasons why the Middle East should be your...
In news headlines over the last few decades, the Middle East has often been...
Sep 05, 2018
I loved my tour of Jordan so much that I moved...
How does one tell their dad that they want to move to a run-down, conservative,...
Apr 19, 2018
What it’s like staying with the Bedouin in Wadi...
Some Bedouin still live in the desert, in tents they have woven themselves from...
May 24, 2017
What it’s like to travel during Ramadan in...
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, a time when millions of...
Apr 28, 2017
A map of Jerusalem’s most iconic sights
Explore Jerusalem's essential attractions with this interactive map of the ancient...
Feb 07, 2017
‘Arrival visas are a piece of cake’: An Iran...
Want to know the ins and outs of travel in Iran? Go to the source, that's what we...
Jan 25, 2017
Everything you need to know about travel in Iran
Travellers touch down in Tehran with images of shimmering mosques and palm trees,...
Dec 27, 2015
Lebanon lives on: ‘These buildings represent...
Time was, Lebanon was the place to holiday. Balmier than the French Riviera,...
Nov 09, 2015
Traveller stories: the biggest challenge I...
OK I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that Iran must be filled with many...
Mar 12, 2013
11 things you didn’t know about Egypt
A land of mystery, myths, pharaohs and pyramids – Egypt's about as enigmatic as...