Middle East & Africa Travelers Recommend

Cruising the world’s longest river has long been a popular pastime for intrepid travelers. The most authentic and intimate way to cruise the Nile is aboard a felucca, a traditional sailboat used in Egypt since ancient times. Here are some of the best options for Nile felucca cruises throughout Egypt.

Cairo

Even the most time-pressed travelers can enjoy some time on the Nile River aboard a wooden felucca sailboat from Cairo. During an hour-long cruise, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city skyline—its mosques, bridges, and skyscrapers—as you bob along, enjoying a warm breeze and a cool drink. Choose between an afternoon or sunset sailing.

Luxor

There’s something undeniably romantic about watching the sun set over ancient Thebes as you float along the Nile, and a short evening cruise is an excellent option for travelers with limited time in Luxor. Those with more hours to spare can embark on a full-day Nile River cruise to explore sites like the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon alongside an Egyptologist guide.

Aswan

From the city of Aswan, a Nile cruise might take the form of a sunset sail around Elephantine Island, a leisurely sail along the Nile River banks to learn about daily life at the farms that hug the shore, or a private tour to Kitchener Island to visit the lush Aswan Botanic Gardens.

Standing on the edges of the United Arab Emirates’ deserts, including the Empty Quarter that extends into Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi makes a wonderful point of departure for dune-based adventures. From camel rides to Bedouin-style camps, here are some of the top desert experiences available from the UAE capital.

Desert and Dinner Excursions

The most popular desert trips from Abu Dhabi fill the afternoon and evening, and feature sports, Bedouin traditions, and dinner at an Arabian Nights-inspired camp. Most begin with a 4WD dune bash, sunset photo ops, camel riding, and sand boarding. Then, it’s on to a tented camp for activities such as henna painting, falcon displays, and a barbecue buffet dinner and belly dancing shows beneath the stars.

Sports Trips

Sports-only trips are ideal if you want to enjoy the all-action opportunities of the desert and don’t mind skipping the usual afternoon and evening entertainment. Many of these trips happen in the cool of morning and include ATV or dune buggy treks, or sports such as dune bashing and sand boarding.

City and Desert Combos

Perfect for travelers with limited time, combo tours let you experience a number of different activities in one time-saving and hassle-free package. Some options team an afternoon-evening desert safari with an Abu Dhabi city tour and a Dhow boat dinner cruise, all packed into two days of sightseeing.

Liwa Desert Expeditions

Situated on the fringes of the UAE’s Empty Quarter—also known as the Rub’ Al Khali—Liwa is one of the country’s most beautiful deserts, and is characterized by towering red dunes. Trips to Liwa give you a feel for the scale and beauty of a large Arabian desert. Full-day group or private tours include dune drives, a visit to Liwa Fort, and usually, lunch at a desert resort.

Private Tours

Popular with couples and groups seeking quieter, less-crowded trips, private desert tours come in many different forms. Options include lantern-lit dinners for two in the dunes, intimate sunrise tours, and personal wildlife safaris followed by a private dinner table at an exclusive desert retreat.

Overnight Stays

Experience the UAE desert at both of its most magical times—sunset and sunrise—with an overnight desert expedition. Most start with a classic evening desert-and-dinner tour before letting you sleep in your own Bedouin-style tent or desert villa, so you can wake to breakfast and dawn breaking over the dunes.

With its show-stopping architecture, glam shopping, and sunny beaches, Abu Dhabi deserves its reputation as a rising star of the Middle East. And under two hours from neighboring Dubai, it's a popular choice for a day trip. Here's how to visit.

Group Tours

A budget-friendly and fun way to experience the highlights of Abu Dhabi is on a group tour from Dubai. Many of these tours include visits to the Corniche, Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Heritage Village, and Ferrari World.

Private Tours

For a more personalized experience with greater itinerary flexibility, opt for a private tour. With a guide all to yourself (go ahead and ask all the questions you want), you'll have even more time to acquaint yourself with this modern city by visiting only the attractions you're interested in.

Abu Dhabi from Above

If you think Abu Dhabi is impressive from the ground, wait until you see it from above. A seaplane tour of the city takes passengers soaring from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, offering aerial views of each city's top attractions and a thrilling landing on the water.

Things to Know

• Most Abu Dhabi day trips last upwards of 8 hours, so prepare for a full day.

• Round-trip hotel transfer from Dubai is included on most tours.

• Seaplane excursions include a 45-minute flight and sometimes include time to explore Ferrari World.

• Abu Dhabi is less than 2 hours from Dubai by car.

Just beyond the towering skyscrapers and luxury hotels of Dubai, one of the Middle East’s most fascinating metropolises, lies the desert of the United Arab Emirates—an incredibly interesting natural landscape of much more than just sand dunes. From camel rides to ATV adventures, here’s how to visit the desert around Dubai.

Highlights

• Take a camel ride through the dunes of the Dubai desert for a traditional view of the stark and spectacular landscape.

• Hop into a 4WD vehicle for a day of dune bashing and desert exploration.

• Experience the thrill of sandboarding down desert sand dunes.

• Watch a falconry demonstration to learn about the hunting skills of the Emiratis’ favorite bird.

• Tuck into an alfresco BBQ dinner while watching a live tanoura (whirling dervish) and belly dancing show.

• Sleep beneath the stars on an overnight safari to a Bedouin camp.

The Sahara Desert looms large in the imagination of the traveler in Morocco. And anyone who's been to see this natural wonder will tell you that it's an absolute must for any visitor to Marrakech. Here are some option for what to do and how to visit.

Camel Rides

One of the best (and most traditional) ways to experience the Moroccan desert is by camel. A camel ride through the palm groves of Marrakech and into the desert can take as little as a few hours, and often includes a stop at a local Berber home for mint tea and a snack.

Hot-Air Balloon Rides

Gazing down at the desert and foothills of the Atlas Mountains from a hot air balloon gives you an idea of the size and scope of the vast Sahara Desert. This bucket list–worthy experience is a great way to kick off a day in Marrakech or further exploration of the desert.

Buggy and Quad Bike Tours

For a desert-style adrenaline rush, opt for a tour of the desert and palm groves by buggy or desert quad bike. These small-group tours by all-terrain vehicle allow you to safely take in the stark landscapes of Morocco in as little as half a day.

Desert Camping

Experiencing the Moroccan desert beneath the stars is a completely different experience than by day. Those who have a night to spare will be rewarded with a camping trip into the desert, which often includes a camel trek from M’hamid into the Merzouga dunes of the Zagora Desert to a Bedouin desert camp, a sunset over the dunes, and a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars to the tune of local folk music.

Multi-Day Tours

The beauty and diversity of the Moroccan desert warrants more than just one day of exploration. On a multi-day trip, you might explore the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Benhaddou or the cinematic city of Ouarzazate, stop at Atlas Studios (one of the largest movie studios in Africa), camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, or take in the scenic beauty of the Dades and Todra gorges.

With a history dating back as early as 3100 BC—the time of some of Africa’s oldest civilizations—Nubia has long fascinated visitors to southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Here are some rewarding ways to discover Nubians’ unique culture and heritage.

• Visit with a Nubian family in a traditional community on the banks of the Nile River.

• Sail the Nile River to Soheil Island to observe daily life at a Nubian village.

• Chat with the locals over a glass of Egyptian coffee or karkade (hibiscus tea).

• Dig deeper into Nubian history at the Nubian Museum in Aswan, as well as the Aswan High Dam.

• Explore Gharb Soheil Village, a fishing village turned open-air museum.

As a nation made up of mostly desert, the United Arab Emirates has become a top destination for desert adventures, many available just outside of Dubai. All-terrain vehicles carry passengers out into the dunes for sand boarding, camel treks, picnics, balloon rides, and starlit barbecues without any other signs of human habitation in sight. See below for your options.

Sandboarding

You can experience the rolling dunes from a 4x4 vehicle as it takes you from the city into the desert and then strap on a board for the exhilaration of sandboarding, which is easier to master than snowboarding and a great family activity.

Sand Buggy and Quad Bike Rides

For an even greater adrenaline rush, hop on the saddle of a sand buggy or quad bike for a guided tour of the dunes. Out on your own personal vehicle, you’ll have uninterrupted, 360-degree views of this otherworldly landscape. Another option is to see the desert from above in a hot air balloon. This is the best way to see just how vast the Arabian Desert truly is.

Camel Rides

An equally exhilarating and more traditional activity is camel riding. These animals have been central to survival in the Arabian Desert throughout history, and you’ll learn why on a visit to a camel farm.

Camping Out

If you’re interested in the culture of the nomadic tribes that once traveled these sands, spend an evening at a desert campsite, where you can watch the sun set over the dunes, wee a traditional Tanoura dance performance by the light of a campfire, feast on a barbecue dinner and swap stories over a shisha (a traditional Arabic water pipe).

Dubai thrums with serenity throughout Ramadan, when stores close, the faithful fast, and the city empties. If your visit lands during the Islamic holy month, you’re in for fewer lines, more culture, and a great time. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the Islamic lunar month of obligatory fasting, intense prayer, and spiritual reflection, as well as nightly feasts and fun. It falls at a different time each year, during which Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink, tobacco, and sex from sunrise to sundown to focus on their worship. Nightfall sees lively meals called iftar shared with friends and family, while Islam’s biggest holiday, Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan with three days of eating, thanking, and gift-giving.

Be mindful of rules and traditions.

While non-Muslims aren’t expected to fast, eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in public during daylight hours. Refrain from swearing or playing loud music in public, and be aware that everyone is expected to dress modestly—women should cover their shoulders with a pashmina or shawl, and all visitors should cover their legs (down to the knee). Swimwear is acceptable in beach and pool areas.

Plan your meals in advance.

With shorter work hours and a fasting public, daytime food options are limited and last-minute dinner reservations impossible as Muslims meet to break their fast. Map out international hotels and shopping centers, which cater to hungry visitors and sometimes offer daytime meals, and always carry water—a city tour of Abu Dhabi is a good way to secure a cultural experience and a meal at a seven-star hotel.

Immerse yourself in the culture.

Don’t be shy! Try fasting for a day on a desert safari before breaking into a traditional iftar with your guide, or take a guided walking tour through Old Dubai to learn about Emirati culture and visit the Dubai Museum.

Sightsee in the city.

Dubai’s top attractions see way smaller crowds during the Holy Month. Book a guided city tour to see architectural masterpieces such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj al-Arab hotel or learn about the holiday at mosques, souks, and royal palaces.

Stay up.

When Ramadan breaks at nightfall, Dubai comes to life (perhaps even more so than usual). Malls stay open later and suhoors, or pre-dawn meals, keep people moving into the early hours.

Jordan’s Golden Triangle presents a land of startling contrasts: from the otherworldly desert landscape of Wadi Rum to the rose-red city of Petra and the sandy beaches and colorful corals of Aqaba. Here are a few ways to tour Jordan’s three main attractions.

Petra

The grand ruins of a rock-carved Nabataean capital hidden deep in the Shara Mountains, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular choice for a tour from Amman. Visitors can explore the impressively preserved ruins, which were discovered in 1812 but date back to 312 BC, and admire the Siq, Treasury, Royal Tombs, and Monastery.

Wadi Rum

A hike through the nearby desert of Wadi Rum, with its towering sandstone cliffs and dazzling sunsets, reveals many wonders. It’s famously the filming location for 1962 movie “Lawrence of Arabia,” and visitors can tour what’s said to be Lawrence’s house, trek through the dunes on a camel, or camp out beneath the stars in a traditional Bedouin tent. For a more personalised experience, opt for a small-group or private tour.

Aqaba

Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, is where to swap desert sands for palm-fringed beaches and discover some of the Red Sea’s best scuba diving sites. The port is also a popular stop for cruise ships, and cruise visitors can opt for a shore excursion to Wadi Rum or Petra.

Golden Triangle Tours

The easiest way to take in the highlights of Jordan’s Golden Triangle is on a multi-day tour from Amman. As well as exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba, a 4-, 5- or 6-day tour often visits other Jordan attractions such as Jerash or the Dead Sea, and they typically include hotel or airport pickup, accommodation, and some meals.

Dubai’s souks —traditional covered markets—offer a more atmospheric shopping experience than modern malls. Largely located in the old quarters of Deira and Bur Dubai, souks specialize in a single type of product such as textiles or gold. Here’s what to know before diving in. Compare, haggle, and pay cash. Always shop around and explore each souk thoroughly to compare the stall prices. Then, be ready to haggle—it’s expected. Start by offering 50 percent of the quoted price and work from there. Then, if you’re not happy with the final price, walk away—the vendor may call you back. Paying cash should help you push down prices, too. Shop at all the souks. Dubai’s main souks clustered near each other, making it easy to visit them all in one outing and compare prices. Start at Deira’s Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Perfume Souk—all within steps of each other—before riding an abra boat across Dubai Creek to Bur Dubai’s Textile Souk. Know the day’s gold price. Gold at Deira’s Gold Souk is government-checked, so you can be sure it’s the real deal. Check the day’s fixed gold prices (as shown on the electronic stands), then haggle on the “making” charge: the additional fee that reflects the intricacy of each piece. Check customs rules for spices. The aromas and colors of Deira’s Spice Souk make it an unmissable experience. If you’re shopping for goodies here—think saffron, frankincense, nuts, or coffees—check your home country’s customs regulations beforehand and ask the vendor to seal and label whatever you buy. Visit in the mornings and evenings. Time your shopping for the mornings or evenings; souks are open 9am–10pm Saturday–Thursday (with a break between 1pm–4pm). On Fridays, most souks don’t open until 4pm. Cover up. Dubai’s souks are traditional spaces that reflect local customs, so wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. Book a guided tour. If you’re unsure about shopping or navigating the souks, book a tour for valuable pointers. A guided souk shopping tour will help you get your bearings, scope out what each souk sells, and give you useful haggling tips.

Bedouin culture forms an important part of Jordan’s heritage, as semi-nomadic tribes make up more than 30 percent of the country’s population. From camel rides through the desert dunes to a stay in a Bedouin camp, these are some of the best ways to experience Bedouin culture in Jordan.

• Tour Jordan’s top attractions, including Wadi Rum desert, Feynan, and Petra, with a Bedouin tour guide and driver to discover the area’s history.

• Trek by camel through the sand dunes to Bedouin communities to learn about local customs over a glass of mint tea with a Bedouin family.

• Feast on a typical Bedouin dinner around a campfire to get an authentic look at Bedouin life.

• Sleep in the desert beneath the stars in traditional Bedouin goat-hair tents on an overnight tour.

• View ancient rock carvings believed to date back 12,000 years and learn about their significance from your dedicated local tour guide.

Visitors to Cape Town usually love the city's urban flair, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to outdoor activities, but you may not realize there are great wildlife safari trips you can take from Cape Town, too. Here are some options for heading out on safari.

Full-Day Tours

Even the most time-pressed visitors to Cape Town have the opportunity for an African safari experience, thanks to a variety of day trips from the South African capital. The Aquila Private Game Reserve represents the closest place to the city where it’s possible to see the Big Five—African elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffalos—as well as the endangered Aquila black eagle and some 70 other bird species. Learn about lion conservation during a day trip to Inverdoorn Nature Reserve, known for its wide variety of free roaming species. Those who prefer the water can spot the Marine Big Five—southern right whale, great white shark, bottlenose dolphin, African penguin, and Cape fur seal—aboard a wildlife-watching cruise.

Multi-Day Tours

Multiple days mean multiple chances to observe South Africa’s varied wildlife, and tours from Cape Town typically range from two to eight days. Along the Garden Route, go hiking through Tsitsikamma National Park, stroll the beaches of Jeffreys Bay, canoe the waters of Wilderness National Park, observe elephants at Addo Elephant National Park, and explore Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. Shorter itineraries take travelers to Klein Karoo on the Western Cape to see the Big Five and other wild animals.

Most journeys to Egypt begin and end in Cairo, but a mere 3-hour drive from the capital will bring you to Egypt’s second largest city—Alexandria. Here’s how to visit this culturally rich seaside metropolis, at once both ancient and modern, that could not feel more different from the nation’s capital.

Group Tours

For travelers on a budget, a group tour offers a wallet-friendly way to experience Alexandria while benefiting from the insight of a local guide and the intimacy of a small group. Depending on the day trip you choose, you might visit the former site of the Alexandria Lighthouse, the Roman Amphitheater, the Catacomb of Kom El-Shoqafa, the Library of Alexandria, the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel, Pompey’s Pillar, and Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque (El Mursi Abul Elabas).

Private Tours

Booking a private full-day tour from Cairo to Alexandria means you’ll have your guide—even an Egyptologist guide, depending on the option you choose—all to yourself, freeing you up to ask as many questions as you like. An added benefit is a more flexible itinerary (and some tours are completely customizable); spend time exploring the points of interest that intrigue you and skip the ones that don’t. 

Things to Know

• Alexandria is located on the Mediterranean coast, 137 miles (220 kilometers) northwest of Cairo.

• Day trips to Alexandria can last anywhere from six to 12 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Most guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo.

• Choose a small-group tour or a private tour guide.

Dubai’s desert setting and dazzling sights offer a magical setting for romance. Enjoy torchlit dinners in the dunes, gaze at the illuminated skyscrapers on a dinner cruise, or make a grand romantic gesture by chartering a private yacht to sail along the coast. Here are some ideas for a romantic stay in Dubai.

Tour the City by Private Car

Make your sightseeing special on a private city tour via car or limousine and be whisked around sights such as the Burj Al-Arab and Dubai Marina in a cocoon of comfort and privacy by a personal chauffeur-guide. Up the luxury on a tour that includes a flexible itinerary and admission to the Burj Khalifa’s observatories to enjoy the views—most romantic at sunset.

Take a Dinner Cruise

Join an evening cruise to dine against a backdrop of Dubai’s city lights. Add a dash of old Arabia by choosing a trip along Dubai Creek aboard a wooden dhow, or go for the wow-factor on a cruise around Dubai Marina featuring dazzling skyscraper views.

Splash Out on a Yacht Trip

A private yacht cruise along Dubai’s coast is one of the most decadent ways to see its 21st-century cityscape. Charter a skippered motor yacht, bring your own drinks, and whisper sweet nothings as the sights go by.

Book a Couples’ Spa Experience

Enjoy a spa experience for two at one of Dubai’s lavish spa retreats. Relax in a steam room, whirlpool, and hammam in a private couple’s suite and enjoy a massage, scrub, and other therapeutic treatments alongside your beloved.

Fly Above the City

Dubai’s skyscrapers and palm-shaped Palm Jumeirah island look incredible from above. Take a private helicopter flight to see the sights from the air, perhaps choosing a tour that includes luxury return hotel transfers in a Hummer limousine.

Enjoy Dinner at the Atlantis

The Atlantis hotel is one of Dubai’s most glamorous dining spots. Prebook a table at one of its eateries—choices include the seafood restaurant framed by the giant, fish-filled tanks of its aquarium—for a dinner to remember.

Dine in the Desert

Dubai’s desert has a timeless beauty, especially at sundown. Head into the dunes by 4WD on a private experience that starts with a dune bash and finishes with dinner for two in flickering torchlight—perfect for a proposal or celebration.

Dubai is one of the world’s most expensive vacation destinations, but with smart planning it’s possible to keep your costs down. From choosing combination tours that cut your transportation fares to buying a discount-crammed attractions pass, here are a few ways to save money in the city.

Book a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Dubai’s sights are spread out, so paying for cabs and metro trains quickly adds up. Limit costs by booking a 1-day or multi-day pass for a hop-on hop-off bus that gives you unlimited cross-city travel for one price. Tours typically cover key sights such as Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina and often include perks such as museum tickets and guided walks.

Bundle Two Activities with Super Savers

Super Saver passes combine two bestselling activities into one tour for a lower price than if you were to book them separately—letting you experience Dubai’s quintessential activities while simultaneously cutting costs. Popular pairings include desert-and-dinner expeditions and dinner cruises and desert safaris teamed with city tours.

Choose Tours that Include a Meal or Tastings

If you’re heading off to sightsee on a city tour, choose one that includes a meal or tastings so you won’t need to pay for the equivalent meal yourself. Many include lunch or dinner at top restaurants, such as the Burj Al-Arab, giving you a way to experience glamorous dining spots at a great value. If you want to experience old Dubai, some tours offer tastings as you walk or let you learn about Emirati culture over an authentic local meal.

Buy a Sightseeing Pass

Passes that provide entry to a number of Dubai attractions for a single price save you money as you sightsee. Options include cards valid for an allotted period that give you cut-price admission to must-visits, such as the Burj Khalifa, as well as discounts and deals on tours and at restaurants, shops, and theme parks.

Opt for a Combination Tour

Combo tours pair together some of Dubai’s most popular activities to fill a day—think a city tour followed by a waterpark visit. These tours typically include transportation, so you avoid the cab, bus, or metro fares you’d pay if going independently. Other tours bundle several essential activities into two days and incorporate transportation throughout, saving you even more.

You don't have to blow your travel budget on a room at the Burj Al-Arab to enjoy the hotel's luxe interiors and over-the-top opulence. Instead, make afternoon tea your ticket into this Dubai landmark.

The magnificent atrium—the world's tallest at nearly 600 feet (180 meters)—within Burj Al-Arab serves as the setting for afternoon tea, where diners are treated to multiple courses of pastries, scones, and dainty sandwiches, all accompanied by a selection of teas from around the globe.

Ways to Experience Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al-Arab

Combine your afternoon tea experience at the Burj Al-Arab with a visit to Dubai's other famous landmark, the Burj Khalifa, where you can look down on Dubai from the At the Top observation deck. Another option is to have afternoon tea as part of a more comprehensive city tour, with visits to the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeriah, plus the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

The sport of falconry, where graceful birds of prey swoop through the sky to catch small game, is woven into the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates—it's been a part of desert life in the region for hundreds of years. While you might not expect such a sport in ultramodern Dubai, the city is, in fact, an epicenter of falconry and a wonderful place to witness the skill of falconers and their trained birds. Here are a few ways to do so.

Falconry Displays

Viewing falconry in action is an impressive and thrilling experience, one that's often included in day tours into the Arabian desert outside of Dubai. These tours are great for those pressed on time, as they typically include a camel ride and dinner in a Bedouin-style camp, allowing travelers to fit many of Dubai's iconic desert experiences, including falconry, into a single day.

Interactive Experiences

The only thing better than watching a falconer in action is becoming a falconer yourself. Pull on a glove for a hands-on lesson in both modern and ancient techniques of falconry from a top-notch falcon trainer. You'll quickly have birds launching from your fist to collect food and return to your waiting hand. These experiences often take place at the Dubai Desert Conversation Reserve, where travelers can begin or end a visit with some wildlife-spotting for gazelle, Arabian oryx or hares.

Falcon Hospital Visits

Tour the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the region's first and only facility dedicated to falcons, to gain a deeper understanding of the close relationship between the Bedouin culture and the desert's birds of prey. The onsite treatment center rehabilitates injured birds and caregivers are happy to provide insight into common ailments and treatments, while a small museum showcases traditional falconry equipment and information on the various falcon species.

The second saltiest major body of water on earth, the Dead Sea possesses such high salinity that it makes swimmers become super-buoyant. Here’s what you need to know about visiting one of Israel’s top attractions from Tel Aviv.

Full-Day Tours

Located 61 miles (98 kilometers) from Tel Aviv at 1,312 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea makes a relatively easy day trip. Tours often include stops in the Judean Desert such as the Inn of the Good Samaritan, the mountaintop Masada fort, the Ein Gedi Oasis, the ancient settlement of Qumran, and the city of Jericho—one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. No matter what tour you choose, you’ll have free time to float in the salty water or take a therapeutic mud bath.

Multi-Day Tours

With so much to see in the region surrounding the Dead Sea, a multi-day tour becomes an enticing option for those with more time to spare. Lasting anywhere from two to five days, a Dead Sea tour from Tel Aviv might include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, the caves of Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found), Nazareth, and the Sea of Galilee.

Things to Know

• Day trips to the Dead Sea can last upwards of 12 hours, depending on the option chosen.

• Combine your visit to the Dead Sea with stops at sites like Masada and Old Jerusalem.

• A guided tour allows you to see other points of interest on the way to and from the Dead Sea.

• Multi-day tours take you to Israel’s highlights, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Masada.

• Some tours include pickup and drop-off at Tel Aviv hotels.

The ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the jewel of Jordan. And, though you could spend days exploring this spectacular sandstone settlement, travelers who are short on time can see the highlights of the ancient city during a day trip from Amman. Find out more below.  

Private Tours

If you’re on a tight schedule but want to see as much of Petra as possible, private tours are the way to go. With private tours from Amman, you dictate the timings. This means you can get your trip underway as early as you wish, or perhaps a little later, with pickup from your hotel. 

Opt for private round-trip transfers from Amman and either explore Petra independently or hire your own local guide. Alternatively, pick a more comprehensive private tour package that includes a guided excursion of Petra. Tours can be tailored to your specific interests, be they art, history, or culture. It’s also possible to add on additional experiences, such as a short horseback or camel ride, as well as visits to Little Petra and the Dead Sea.

Group Tours

Group tours to Petra from Amman offer a good-value and are an efficient and hassle-free way to see the top sights in the ancient Nabataean city. As with private tours, sightseeing experiences vary depending on which tour you choose. Pick a bare-bones excursion that includes transfers from Amman and free time at Petra, or opt for an all-inclusive tour with round-trip transfers, a guided tour of the site, a horseback ride, and even lunch. 

Things to Know

• Petra is about 140 miles (225 kilometers) from Amman. Driving takes 2.5–3 hours. 

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat to protect you from the desert sun.

• Some tours include entrance fees to Petra.

• Full-day tours from Amman typically last 8–13 hours. 

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is one of the many family-friendly activities in the United Arab Emirates. More than just a showroom or museum, Ferrari World is a full-scale amusement park and an interactive experience that has something for every age and interest. Here’s how to visit.

Guided Tours

Ferrari World theme park is situated just outside of Abu Dhabi, and it’s also possible to visit on a guided day trip from Dubai. Tour options of Ferrari World range from a full-day visit dedicated to the car-centric theme park to a combination Abu Dhabi city tour, which includes visits to popular area attractions such as Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Corniche, and a Bedouin heritage village as well as entrance to the theme park. For a true bucket list-worthy experience, combine your amusement park visit with a tour that includes a seaplane flight over the landmarks of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Ferrari World Tickets with Transport

Travelers who’d rather take in the roller coasters, rides, and attractions of Ferrari World at their own pace can still enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from Dubai with a combination entrance ticket and transfer. This hassle-free option includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai hotels with a comfortable, air-conditioned ride to and from Ferrari World. With your entrance ticket in hand, you can skip the line and maximize your time inside the 21-acre (85,000-square metre) park.

Close to the border with Oman, the date-palm oasis of Al Ain—the Garden City of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—is very literally a breath of fresh air from Dubai. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Al Ain on a small-group or private day trip from Dubai.

Group Tours

With a small group and an English-speaking guide, a typical full-day tour to Al Ain city begins with a journey across the desert landscape extending from Dubai to the Hajar Mountains on the Omani border. There’s a lot to see in Al Ain—highlights include the ancient irrigation falaj (channels) used to provide water to the date palms; Al-Jahili Fort, built in the 19th century to protect the oasis from invading forces; and Jebel Hafeet, the second-tallest mountain in the country. Some tours also include visits to the Al Ain National Museum, Sheik Zayed Palace Museum, and the quirky Camel Market, where locals have long brought their livestock to trade.

Private Tours

With so much to see in Al Ain, visitors will benefit from the flexibility and customization of a private tour to the oasis. Your own private guide can help you plan the perfect itinerary to see the sights most important to you, while you get to ask as many questions as you want.

Things to Know

• A visit to Al Ain is a must for history buffs.

• Visit Al Ain with the value and intimacy of a small-group tour or the customization and flexibility of a private tour guide.

• Dubai tours to Al Ain can take upwards of 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.

While Dubai steals the tourist spotlight with its record-breaking skyscrapers and futuristic hotels, it also offers museums that showcase traditional Emirati life, architecture, and customs. Here are our picks for the city’s must-see museums.

Dubai Museum

Dubai’s main museum is located inside old Dubai’s Al Fahidi Fort—a restored, 18th-century fortress with a round tower. Inside, dioramas, exhibits, and photos trace Dubai’s Bedouin roots and meteoric rise from pearl-trading port to futuristic city. 

**How to Visit:**Buy a 1-, 2-, or 5-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket and disembark at the museum stop, or book a tour that covers old Dubai.

Women’s Museum (Bait Al Banat)

Hidden near Dubai’s Gold Souk, this illuminating museum spotlights the history and role of women in Emirati life. View works and photos by female artists, try on a burka, learn about pioneering women of the United Arab Emirates, and more. 

**How to Visit:**Join a culture-themed walking tour around old Dubai.

Coffee Museum

Coffee lovers will enjoy this museum in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Attractions include timelines charting coffee’s history, demos of roasting and brewing in various countries, and fresh coffee for visitors.

**How to Visit:**Several old Dubai walking tours include museum entry.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

Once home to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum—Dubai’s ruler from 1912 to 1958—this palace turned museum is one of the city’s oldest buildings. Wander the courtyards to admire the wind towers and carved doors, and view the antique artifacts and collections inside.  

**How to Visit:**The house features on many heritage-focused Dubai tours.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Perhaps more educational hub than museum, this cultural center offers a window into local life and traditions. Activities range from shared Emirati meals in the courtyard to Q and A sessions with local spokespeople, tours, and more.

**How to Visit:**Choose a tour that calls at the center during time at Dubai’s Al Fahidi quarter.

Heritage and Diving Village

Located in the old Shindagha area, this open-air living-history museum offers re-creations of bygone Dubai life in the form of Bedouin tents, craft making, souks, and a maritime village that harks back to the city’s onetime dominance in the pearl-diving industry. 

**How to Visit:**Make the village a stop on a Dubai hop-on hop-off bus tour.

With three days in Dubai, there’s time to experience all of its main draws, from desert expeditions and day trips to the open seas, scented souks, amusement parks, and deluxe leisure experiences. Here’s how to get the most out of a 3-day trip to Dubai.

Day 1: Desert Delights Flanked by sands, Dubai is the perfect base for delving deep into the Arabian desert. Float above the dunes at sunrise by hot-air balloon, or burn rubber on a quad or buggy ride. Alternatively, sample Bedouin culture with a wildlife experience: watching the ancient art of falconry and scouring the dunes to spot Arabian oryx, gazelle, and more.

This afternoon, continue with a 4WD guided desert tour. Most trips include a dune bash, sunset photo ops, and a Bedouin-style camp sojourn beneath the stars replete with a barbecue, sparkling belly dancers, and activities such as camel riding and henna art.

Day 2: Capital City or Coastal Cruising Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s futuristic-looking capital, is a popular and easy-to-do day trip from Dubai. Most tours take a day to show you its top sights, including the white-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Plus, some include entry to the avant-garde Louvre Abu Dhabi or Ferrari World, the huge indoor park of Ferrari-branded rides.

Another day-trip option takes you across the border to Oman’s Musandam Peninsula to cruise along its mountainous coast. Settle in on an Arabian dhow and drift around its steep-sided bays, where you can swim and snorkel in the aquamarine waters.

Day 3: All Things Dubai Today's the day to immerse yourself in Dubai. Begin by admiring the 360-degree views from the Level 124 observatory at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, in the early-morning light. Or take a dawn seaplane flight to see the rising sun glinting on Dubai’s skyscrapers. For daylong fun, head for the thrilling fantasy worlds of Dubai Park and Resorts, or take a city sightseeing tour. There’s a tour option for all, from modern architecture round-ups to city-wide overviews and hop-on hop-off bus tickets. Speedboat or yacht trips are exhilarating ways to see the sights while enjoying the breezes and waves of the Persian Gulf.

Make your last evening truly memorable with a gourmet dinner at one of Dubai’s opulent hotel restaurants. Or book an evening cruise on the Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek, letting the city lights come to you as you relax and dine in style.

With three days in Cairo, you can cover a lot of ground, including the city's famous Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, and the ancient Ptolemaic city of Alexandria. Here's how to do it all in three days.

Day 1: Classic Cairo

Spend your first day in Cairo familiarizing yourself with the highlights of the city. Start with a tour of the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of ancient artifacts, many of which were pulled from the tombs of old pharaohs. Book a guided tour and get whisked to the highlights you want to see, including the gold mask of King Tut himself. The museum also has a number of mummies and a gargantuan statue of King Khafre. In the afternoon, head to Coptic Cairo, aka Old Cairo. Tour its ancient churches, including the famous Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum with a guide who adds context to the neighborhood, which also includes mosques and a synagogue. Finally, join a tour of Khan el-Khalili, the most famous souk (bazaar) in the city, where you can pick up everything from food to locally made perfumes to papyrus paintings.

Day 2: Pyramids and Other Ancient Sites

Put your newfound knowledge of Egyptian history to use at the country's most famous attraction: the Giza Pyramids. Join a tour to enjoy round-trip transport to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home not only to the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, but also to the iconic Sphinx. Many visitors also opt to preebook a camel, horse, or quad ride in the desert sands for ease. Consider a tour that includes visits to Saqqara and Memphis, as well, for more ancient exploration. Saqqara is best known for the Pyramid of Djoser, a step pyramid dating back to the Third Dynasty. Memphis was the ancient capital of Egypt and home to all sorts of ruins, notably ancient temples. Get dropped at your hotel afterwards to freshen up before supper: A dinner cruise on the Nile is an enchanting way to end your day.

Day 3: Journey to Alexandria

Spend your final day on a day trip to Alexandria, the second-largest city in Egypt. Named for its founder, Alexander the Great, this coastal city is home to numerous important points of interest, many dating back to its heyday as the hub of Hellenistic culture. Typical tours include a visit to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the largest roman burial site in Egypt that features an interesting blend of Greco-Roman and ancient Egyptian decorative features. Other notable sights include the Roman Amphitheatre, the only one in Egypt, and the seaside Citadel. Full-day tours also often include a stop at the Modern Alexandria Library, an ode to the ancient Great Library of Alexandria, which thrived under the Ptolemaic Kingdom but later disappeared.