Uncovering the Middle East

The Middle East is one of the most beautiful parts of the world, yet it remains one of the least visited. After years of reported unrest, tension and problems, many countries in the area are now seeking to move on, open their borders and usher in a new era of peace and friendship with neighbours. This new feeling of cordiality has meant that many areas of the Middle East are now offering amazing holidays to attract tourists to this unmistakably beautiful, ancient and culturally diverse area.
Listed below are five top destinations in the Middle East that are suited for a whole variety of vacations, from weekend breaks to all inclusive holidays lasting for a week or more:
1. Hurghada, Egypt
An international centre for water sports, such as kiting, sailing, swimming and snorkelling, Hurghada is one of the most beautiful and popular holiday destinations in the Middle East. A particularly popular destination for those who enjoy year-round sun and diving, the city has fast become one of the leading tourist hotspots in the Red Sea region.
Action activities are popular here with quad biking in the Sahara Desert, camel riding, jet skiing and more, all popular with visitors. Shopping is cheap and there are many excellent places to dine and enjoy a mix of cuisine from across the globe.
2. Amman, Jordan
No area in the Middle East has undergone a bigger transformation than Amman in recent years. The city has been redeveloped extensively to attract a new breed of tourist from both east and west and the result is a charming and elegant city that combines the best of its ancient history with amazing new technological developments, such as a vast range of shopping malls and many western restaurant outlets.
Many tourists head to the older area downtown, where the magnificent King Hussein Mosque is situated. Jabal Amman is the ancient heart of the city, containing many of its famous souks, ancient buildings and monuments, cultural sites and museums. For a city break, Amman is a perfect choice for those seeking something a little different to what the rest of Europe can offer.
3. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
If you are considering Egypt holidays for the family, then Sharm el-Sheikh is ideal. Located on the Sinai Peninsula, the resort has been specifically designed with outstanding hotels, shops, bars and restaurants situated in and around this picturesque city.
This warm and welcoming city is an ideal all-year-round holiday destination with very warm summers and mild winters. Its long stretches of natural beaches are a huge attraction and the area has been further developed with luxuries such as shops and golf courses, while the marina has been extensively redeveloped for yachts.
4. Tel Aviv, Israel
Known as ’The City That Never Sleeps’ Tel Aviv is a very popular tourist destination, boasting 1.6 million visitors a year. The city has been named as ’hottest city for 2011’ by Lonely Planet, while National Geographic rated Tel Aviv as the ninth-best city for beaches in the world.
Boasting an eclectic mix of modern resources and historic cultural sites, including a number of outstanding public parks, Tel Aviv is the perfect destination to investigate at your leisure, or to party the night away!
5. Luxor, Egypt
Flying into Luxor now is relatively simple and affords you the perfect base from which to see the incredible Valley of the Kings. This attraction, along with the many cruises along the River Nile, put Luxor on the map but the city also boasts many other outstanding attractions. Indeed, the city, built on the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, has been labelled as the world’s finest open-air museum.
The temples at Karnak, Luxor Museum, the Mummification Museum, Medinet Habu, Malkata, and the Tombs of the Nobles are all more than enough to keep any enthusiastic Egyptologist happy!
So next time you are considering where to go on your holidays, have a think about travelling slightly further afield to the Middle East; a beautiful, scenic part of the world that will not only exceed all your expectations, but will provide you with the perfect holiday at an outstanding price.