Ad Deir Monastery, Petra, Jordan

Middle East

The Middle East is perhaps one of the most contrasting regions from modern, fast-developing cities to ancient world temples and varied landscapes.

Dubai is commonly known as a rapidly developed city of superlatives, having the fastest, the biggest, the tallest, the largest or the highest. Other, less developed, countries in the Middle East include Lebanon, an ancient country with an abundance of castles, temples and mosques and Oman, whose cities exude a sense of timelessness.

The landscapes of the Middle East are also varied. While eastern Iran is dominated by large salt flats and vast sand deserts, Yemen’s desert of the Empty Quarter is still only inhabited by nomads. As your itinerary is completely tailor-made, the journey ideas given for each destination in the Middle East are just suggestions to give you some idea of the possibilities on offer. Please call one of our team to discuss your travel ideas and to create a journey individual to you.

Need inspiration?
Browse our Middle East holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Hud Hud Wahiba £££££

  • Oman
  • Tented Camps

In the Wahiba Sands, Hud Hud camp is set up on a tailor-made basis, using authentic handmade Bedouin tents, carefully selected for the environment and sited to ensure privacy and fantastic views. Hud Hud exclusive camps evoke a traditional, luxurious Arabian ‘encampment’ and is designed in Hud Hud’s inimitable style, in keeping with the ambience of the environment and the region.

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The Oberoi, Al Zorah £££££

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Beach and Island Escapes

For those travelling to the UAE looking for a more natural experience, visit Ajman, surrounded by a 247-acre protected forest, but just under half an hour drive from Dubai. The hotel is reached by private roads into the forest. With a beachfront location and a backdrop of mangroves, the area is home to sixty species of bird.

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Intercontinental Amman £££££

  • Jordan
  • City

Situated at the top of one of Amman’s seven hills, the Intercontinental is in the heart of the business district, within walking distance of the city centre and a short taxi ride from popular sites such as the Citadel. The guestrooms are contemporary and comfortable, and many have views of the city. Facilities include a choice of restaurants plus a spa as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, both heated.

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Desert Nights Camp £££££

  • Oman
  • Tented Camps

Desert Nights is a luxurious desert-style camp based in the heart of Wahiba Sands, Oman.

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Six Senses Shaharut £££££

  • Israel

To the south of the Negev Desert in Israel, is the small community of Shaharut, nestled in the Arava Valley. This is where you will find Six Senses Shaharut, nestled into a dramatic cliff. With a focus on sustainability and wellness, the 58 suites and villas, many with private pools, are designed to blend in with the desert topography and preserve the terrain.

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Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa £££££

  • Oman
  • Beach and Island Escapes

The Shangri La consists of three separate hotels all around 124 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Al Waha caters primarily for families with kids clubs and activities, and then there is the 5-star Al Bandar and lastly the 6 star Al Husn, which has fewer rooms and suites and caters for the top end of the market.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Charlotte Lawton

Charlotte is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Asia.

My strong sense of belonging in Asia stemmed from a childhood in Hong Kong and Nepal. My Grandmother was born in a tent in India. Some of my clearest memories are of walking through a dense, tropical jungle while hailstones the size of cricket balls rained down on us; of being carried on my father’s shoulders as we trekked through the Himalayas; my mother wearing flipflops on a snowy mountainside; and me falling into Dal Lake in Srinagar as we disembarked from our houseboat. 

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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