We use cookies to enhance your journey. Privacy Policy

🎒 NEW 39 Backpacker Guides Live — SE Asia, South America, Europe & more · From £12/day
// Middle East

Middle
East

Petra, the Pyramids, Cappadocia, the Sahara — the ancient world, still standing.

The Middle East contains more UNESCO World Heritage Sites per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth, and a fraction of the tourists most of them deserve. Jordan is one of the safest, most welcoming countries in the Arab world — Petra alone justifies a long-haul flight. Morocco is Africa's most accessible country with a sensory intensity that makes European cities feel polite. Turkey bridges continents and contains everything from Aegean beaches to Armenian churches to some of the world's best skiing.

// Where to Go

Destination Guides

Cappadocia
Surreal volcanic landscape — fairy chimneys, cave hotels and dawn balloon flights.
Explore →
🏛️
Jordan — Petra & Wadi Rum
Rose-red city and the desert — guide coming soon
🏺
Egypt — Cairo & Luxor
The Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings — guide coming soon
🕌
Morocco — Marrakech & Fes
Medina chaos, riads and the Sahara — guide coming soon
🌊
Oman — Muscat & Wahiba Sands
The Arab world's most civilised destination — guide coming soon
✡️
Israel — Tel Aviv & Jerusalem
Ancient and electric — guide coming soon
// Budget Routes

Backpacker Guides

// Book Activities

Experiences Worth Booking

🎟️
Petra by Night & Day Tour, Jordan

The Treasury illuminated by 1,500 candles at night — then the full site at dawn.

Book →
🎟️
Cairo & Pyramids of Giza Tour

The last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World — extraordinary even surrounded by tourists.

Book →
🎟️
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Sunrise

The fairy chimneys at 300m — still one of the world's great travel experiences.

Book →
🎟️
Sahara Desert Overnight Camp, Morocco

Erg Chebbi dunes, a camel at sunset and sleeping under the Saharan stars.

Book →

Affiliate link — same price for you. Disclosure →

// When to Go

Season guide

Jordan, Israel, Egypt: October–April is ideal — spring is perfect, summers are dangerously hot (40°C+). Morocco: October–April for the coast and cities; the Sahara is year-round but March–May is beautiful. Turkey: April–May and September–October for the Aegean coast and Cappadocia. Cappadocia is magical in light snow. Oman: October–March — avoiding the extreme summer heat.

// Need to Know

Before you go

🇯🇴

Jordan's Petra is 3 hours from Amman. Stay at least one night in Wadi Musa to see the Treasury at dawn without rush.

🕌

Modest dress near religious sites is required across the region — cover shoulders and knees, carry a scarf. Respect the culture.

📅

Check Ramadan dates before booking — the atmosphere changes significantly during the holy month. Some countries restrict public eating.

💳

Israel entry can affect Jordan and Lebanon entry stamps in your passport. Check current regulations if combining multiple countries.

🦺

Most of the Middle East is considerably safer than media coverage suggests. Always check FCDO advice, but Jordan, Oman, Morocco and Turkey are very welcoming destinations.

// Bespoke Planning

Ready to plan your trip?

Tell us where you want to go and we'll handle the rest.

Plan My Trip →