This is a region of the world which is frequently in the news, but don’t let that put you off, there’s plenty of places you can enjoy exploring away from the hotspots. Here’s just a few of the many highlights!
Egypt is amazing, starting with the chaos of Cairo with its bustling bazaars, the imposing glory of the Pyramids of Giza and the world’s most famous lion with a human head (the iconic Sphinx). It is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a history that spans over 5,000 years. Then explore Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of pharaohs including Tutankhamun were discovered. The Nile is the lifeblood of Egypt, and a river cruise offers a unique perspective on the country’s landscapes, history, and culture. Egypt has been incredibly popular post Covid, so please book early!
Jordan’s also been very popular recently; the two undoubted highlights are Petra, the Rose City, famous for its rock-cut architecture and ancient water conduit system and Wadi Rum, a desert valley known for its stunning landscapes and the opportunity to experience Bedouin culture and go on desert safaris. Wadi Rum is often featured as a location for blockbuster sci-fi movies such is it’s otherworldliness.
Dubai is a city of superlatives with the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, as well as luxurious shopping malls, artificial islands, and a vibrant nightlife. It’s the perfect stopover destination to or from Europe as hotel prices are extremely reasonable for the very high standards, and a great transit point to North Africa or other Arabian gems like Oman or the brand new tourist destination of Saudi Arabia.
Jerusalem (Israel/Palestine) is the holy city for three major religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and home to religious sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.
Morocco: Known for its bustling souks, vibrant street life, and historic medina, imperial cities like Marrakech, Meknes & Fez offer visitors a glimpse into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re wandering the wind-battered port town of Essaouira, exploring the famous Kasbah in Aït Benhaddou or sleeping beneath the Saharan stars, a healthy dose of Maghreb hospitality makes Morocco truly unforgettable.
Experiences in this area
Petra to the Pyramids – Departing 24 October 2024
TWIN from NZ$22,598 per person, SINGLE from NZ$26,905 From floating in the Dead Sea more than 400 metres below sea level, to walking through the Siq for your first glimpse of the soaring facade of the Treasury at Petra. From … Continue reading
NEW! World Voyage I
180 Days | 83 Guided Tours | 37 Countries Circumnavigate the world Traverse the globe on an unforgettable voyage across vast oceans to destinations on six continents. From Ft. Lauderdale, discover faraway lands in the South Pacific and Asia. Witness … Continue reading
Jordan: Women’s Expedition
Share in the culture of Jordanian women on a tailor-made women’s adventure Join an eight-day Women’s Expedition in Jordan as we break the barriers of traditional tourism and discover sisterhood in this inspiring desert nation. Spend a night in Wadi … Continue reading
Morocco: Women’s Expedition
Leave the beaten path behind on an unforgettable all-female expedition Join Intrepid on this incredible female-only adventure – an unforgettable expedition to the remote and less-travelled reaches of Morocco. Begin in Marrakech, then set off to experience the side of … Continue reading
Active Jordan in Style
Enjoy the highlights of Jordan plus some less visited corners on this moderately active tour, staying in a luxury desert camp, a forest cabin and excellent hotels along the way. Delve back in time to learn about ancient civilisations, walk … Continue reading
Israel & the Palestinian Territories Real Food Adventure
Feast on classic dishes from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem Not only is Israel and the Palestinian Territories steeped in religious history and longstanding cultures, it has a food and wine scene to rival any other. Embark on an epicurean odyssey, … Continue reading
Saudi Explorer: Across the Arabian Peninsula
Visit the highlights of fascinating Saudi Arabia While Muslims have made pilgrimage to the birthplace of Islam for centuries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has only recently begun to open up to other travellers. This cultural tour of Saudi Arabia … Continue reading
Bedouin Trails of Jordan & Egypt
Walk through two ancient lands in one incredible adventure Journey through the neighbouring nations of Jordan and Egypt on this unique adventure from the Middle East to Africa. You’ll visit World Wonders, millennia-old landmarks and Unesco World Heritage sites. The … Continue reading
Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
There are few places in the world that could be described as outside the reaches of tourism, and Saudi Arabia may be one of them. Images of desert adventures or busy souks are only one side of this eclectic country, … Continue reading
Mountains, Deserts and Coast of Oman
Oman is a land of contrasts waiting to be explored, from the soaring sand dunes to the rugged mountains all the way down to the turtle-nesting beaches. Eat with an Omani family and sleep under canvas on remote coastline. Muscat – … Continue reading
