Middle-East Discovery Guide
Egypt · Jordan · Israel
Dreaming of a holiday where every turn reveals centuries-old stories, buzzing markets, and epic desert scenery? Egypt, Jordan, and Israel deliver history by the bucket-load—alongside warm hospitality, dazzling food, and plenty of adventure. Use this guide to plan where to go, what to eat, and how to travel smoothly.
Egypt – Ancient Monuments & Nile-Side Life
Why Visit
Pyramids older than Rome, temples glowing at sunset, chaotic yet magnetic cities, and the timeless Nile sliding through it all—Egypt feels like nowhere else.
Unmissable Stops
| Place | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Cairo | Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, sunset felucca rides, Islamic Cairo mosques |
| Giza | Great Pyramid, Sphinx, sound-and-light show after dark |
| Luxor | Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, sunrise hot-air balloons |
| Aswan | Island monasteries, Nubian villages, boat trip to Philae Temple |
| Alexandria | Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel, Mediterranean corniche cafés |
Practicalities
- Best time: Oct – Apr (pleasant days; busy Dec – Jan).
- Dress: Shoulders and knees covered at religious sites; scarf for women when entering mosques.
- Stay safe: Carry water and sunscreen, keep valuables in hotel safes, use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps at night.
Eat Like a Local
- Kofta – spiced lamb skewers, straight off the grill
- Ful medames – slow-cooked fava beans, Egypt’s breakfast staple
- Mulukhiyah – garlicky green soup with rice and chicken
- Baklava – flaky pastry stacked with pistachios and drenched in syrup
Outdoor Ideas
- Desert camping in the surreal White & Black Deserts
- Red Sea diving around Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh
- Sinai trekking to the summit of Mount Sinai for sunrise
Tip for connectivity
eSIMs such as those from Yoho Mobile spare you airport SIM queues and roaming shocks—download before you fly and go online the moment you land.
Jordan – Rose-Red Cities & Starry Deserts
Highlights at a Glance
- Petra – walk the Siq at dawn, watch the Treasury glow pink, climb to the Monastery for sweeping views.
- Wadi Rum – 4×4 over sand dunes, camel ride at sunset, overnight in a Bedouin camp under galaxies of stars.
- Dead Sea – effortless floating and mineral-rich mud masks.
- Amman – hilltop Citadel, Roman Theatre, the city’s humming café scene.
Culture & Etiquette
Hospitality is sacred—accept tea, use your right hand when eating or greeting, and dress modestly outside the resorts.
When to Go
Spring (Mar – May) and autumn (Sep – Nov) bring mild, sunny days ideal for hiking Dana Biosphere Reserve or canyoning Wadi Mujib.
Adventure Menu
- Hiking: Jordan Trail segments, especially Dana to Petra.
- Diving: Aqaba’s reef and easy-access wrecks.
- Camping: Sleep beneath sandstone cliffs in Wadi Rum; jeep tours reach remote arches and canyons.
Pack smart: breathable layers, a scarf (sun/dust cover and mosque visits), sturdy footwear, universal plug adapter (230 V), and a small gift or two for new friends.
Israel – Sacred Cities & Mediterranean Vibes
Essential Experiences
- Jerusalem Old City – Western Wall at dawn, Via Dolorosa, rooftop views from the Austrian Hospice.
- Masada – hike the Snake Path before sunrise, then float in the Dead Sea below.
- Tel Aviv – Mediterranean beaches by day, world-class nightlife after dark.
- Haifa – stroll the terraced Baháʼà Gardens tumbling toward the port.
- Eilat – year-round sun and Red Sea corals perfect for snorkelling.
Nature Escapes
- Ein Gedi oasis hikes, waterfalls, and wild ibex.
- Rosh Hanikra sea-carved grottoes and cliffside cable car.
- Sea of Galilee campsites for dreamy sunrise paddles.
Practical Notes
- Entry: Many nationalities receive a free 90-day visa on arrival; you’ll get a separate entry card instead of a passport stamp—don’t lose it.
- Getting around: Trains link main cities; sherut shared taxis run even on the Sabbath when buses pause. Car hire offers flexibility, but driving in central Tel Aviv can be hectic.
Street-Food Hits
- Hummus – warm, velvety, topped with chickpeas and paprika.
- Shawarma – sizzling meat shaved into a fluffy pita.
- Falafel – herby chickpea fritters with salad and tahini.
- Shakshuka – eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce, best for brunch.
One-of-a-Kind Moments
- Underground Jerusalem – wade Hezekiah’s Tunnel, carved 2,700 years ago.
- Camping by the Sea of Galilee – moonlit swims and BBQs on the shore.
- Ramat Gan Safari – drive-through wildlife reserve on Tel Aviv’s doorstep.
Final Pointers
- Plan ahead for peak seasons and religious holidays—accommodation and transport fill fast.
- Respect local customs: modest clothing, no drones near military zones, and always ask before photographing people.
- Stay connected with an eSIM covering all three countries if your itinerary crosses borders.
- Travel insurance that covers adventure sports is a must for desert tours and diving.
- Slow down—tea with a Cairo shopkeeper or stargazing in Wadi Rum often become a trip’s defining memories.
Safe travels and happy exploring!