Middle East Adventure Travel & Expeditions
The Arabian Gulf, which for many years was closed to adventure-minded Western travelers, is a choice spot for those seeking a Middle East expedition. Visit the United Arab Emirates, from futuristic Abu Dhabi to the island of Sir Bani Yas, home to the nearly extinct Arabian onyx. Ride in locally crafted dhow boats through the intricate inlets of the Musandam Peninsula, where towering cliffs rise from turquoise seas. Venture into the countryside of Oman, one of the world’s two sultanates, to see the fortress of Bahla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Middle East adventure travel at its best also includes Iran, an incredible nation of rich art, poetry, architecture, and history—and with some of the friendliest, most hospitable people on earth; the rose-colored ruins of Jordan’s Petra; Turkey’s scenic Turquoise coast; and the fabled Silk Road history of the Five ‘Stans region.
Zegrahm offers the most comprehensive, off-the-beaten-path Middle East adventure tours, complete with regional experts and guides who have personally selected the stops on your itinerary. The local people are genuinely thrilled to share their lives with us—you may find yourself invited to several private homes and perhaps even a wedding or two! By land or by sea the most magical sites of the Arabian Gulf are included in your Middle East expedition: the frankincense capital of Salalah, the desert oasis of Yazd, the Sa’ad Abad Palace in Tehran. Join us and discover the wonders for yourself.
The itineraries we offer vary from year to year; below please find our upcoming Middle East adventure travel expeditions.
Expeditions to Middle East
Crossroads of Empires: Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt & Jordan
Our Mediterranean expedition and Suez Canal tour introduce us to the legacies of the world’s most celebrated empires. As we visit Crete, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordon, expect to be wowed by archaeological ruins, art, and architecture, from the Palace of Knossos in Crete to the World Heritage Site of Rhodes to the ruins of the Bellapais Abbey in Cyprus. Mediterranean adventure travel should always include some water time, so plan to enjoy a world-class snorkel excursion over the coral reefs of Sharm el Sheikh’s warm, translucent waters.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Iran: Wonders of Persia
For those seeking an authentic immersion into the art, poetry, architecture, and history of Iran, we offer our Iran: Wonders of Persia expedition. Guided by Middle East expert Gary Wintz, this Iran expedition offers an in-depth view of the turbulent and colorful history of Iran. Formerly Persia, the country’s magnificent ruins and ancient cities, architecturally astounding mosques and citadels, and savory cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression. We also include a Tehran tour, visiting the Sa’ad Abad Palace-complex and the National Museum of Archaeology.
Upcoming Departures
Legendary Empires: Giza, Baalbek, Byblos, Petra, Luxor
Explore Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan to discover the treasures of history’s Legendary Empires. Begin in Giza where we gaze upon the mysterious Sphinx and marvel at the Great Pyramid—the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Continue to Lebanon to view the remains of 7,000-year-old Byblos and Roman Baalbek. Enjoy a daylight transit of the Suez Canal, then travel overland to the magnificent rose-red city of Petra. Back in Egypt we visit the Monastery of St. Catherine at the base of Mt.
Upcoming Departures
Sands of Time: Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar & Oman
A popular itinerary, we are pleased to offer this Arabian Gulf expedition. Closed to Westerners for many years, the region is an intriguing juxtaposition of gleaming cities, ancient villages, soaring mountains, and undulating sand dunes. We visit the Sultanate of Oman, several city-states on a United Arab Emirates tour, and the countries of Bahrain and Qatar.
Upcoming Departures
Voyage through the Red Sea
We start our 2012 Red Sea adventure with a two-day Egypt tour where we view the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, along with several of Alexandria’s impressive monuments. We then explore Byblos and Baalbek, Lebanon. After a daylight transit of the Suez Canal, we resume our Egypt expedition with visits to the Monastery of St. Catherine and Luxor. Then, it’s on to Saudi Arabia, then Sudan, Eritrea, and more, as well as the sublime islands of the Dahlak Archipelago with its migrating seabirds and plethora of marine life.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.