Middle East Holy Land Tours & Trip Packages

Middle East Holy Land Tours & Trips

1,169 Middle East trips. Tours from 223 tour companies. 3,531 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

72 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Holy Land
Christian Journey in Israel
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beit Shean, Caesarea, Cha Am, Chalchuapa, Chamonix , Ein Gedi, Galilee, Jerusalem, Masada, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, Tel Jezreel, Tiberias, Yardenit

Highlights

  • Explore Caesarea's Roman ruins and history
  • Enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Galilee
  • Visit Yardenit for a meaningful experience at the baptismal site
  • Discover Qumran Caves, where Dead Sea Scrolls were found
  • Visit the Garden Tomb, associated with Jesus' burial and resurrection

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Nature & Wildlife, Religious, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Discover Israel & the Palestinian Territories
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Haifa, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Tel Aviv

Highlights

  • Challenge your perspective in Jerusalem: walk the ‘Way of the Cross’, and dine with a Palestinian family.
  • Learn the stories behind some of the most challenging and poignant works of graffiti that decorate the barrier wall in Bethlehem during a walking tour.
  • Access the glowing blue grottoes of Rosh Hanikra by cable car, then enjoy views over the Mediterranean Coast of Western Galilee.
  • Go underground to explore the excavated dungeon, crypt and halls that were used by the Knights of St John over 700 years ago in Acre.
  • Visit the remains of the clifftop fortress of Masada, the site of the famed siege at the end of the first Jewish–Roman War.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Holy Land, Digital Detox

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Explore Southern Italy
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alberobello , Bari, Jerusalem, Lecce, Matera, Naples, Puglia, Rome

Highlights

  • Stroll through the flourishing countryside of the Amalfi Coast and pick lemons straight from the tree.
  • Join the sophisticates of Puglia with a glass of Moscato di Trani and drink to Trani’s Adriatic beauty at a harbour-side bar.
  • Stay in a bit of local history and feel like a true Alberobello resident with a night in Alberobello’s unique trulli.
  • Explore the otherworldly Sassi of Matera – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a dramatic gorge.
  • End this Italian adventure sipping limoncello in the tangled streets of Bari’s Old Town.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Explore Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amman, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Haifa, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Madaba, Nazareth, Petra, Tel Aviv, Wadi Rum

Highlights

  • Explore the best of the Middle East as you discover Jordan and Israel. Explore Wadi Rum, wander the ruins of Petra and indulge in some serious history across Israel and Palestine.
  • Check out the rock-cut tombs and the remains of the ancient city of Petra.
  • Learn the stories behind some of the most challenging and poignant works of graffiti that decorate the barrier wall in Bethlehem during a walking tour.
  • Access the glowing blue grottoes of Rosh Hanikra by cable car, then enjoy views over the Mediterranean Coast of Western Galilee.
  • Spend the night trying to count the billions of stars or chat with the locals at our Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Rome to Southern Italy
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alberobello , Amalfi Coast, Bari, Forum, Jerusalem, Lecce, Matera, Naples, Pompeii, Positano, Puglia, Rome, Sorrento, Vatican City

Highlights

  • Wander around Rome's famous landmarks including the Colosseum, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and much more. This is a city that bucket lists were made for
  • Explore the vast, frozen in time ruins of ancient Pompeii, which emerged from the ashes after thousands of years, and take a peak inside the steaming crater of Mt Vesuvius, the volcano that destroyed it
  • Hike among the olive groves on the Path of the Gods along the spectacular Amalfi Coast
  • Stay in a bit of local history and feel like a true Alberobello resident with a night in Alberobello’s unique trulli
  • Explore the otherworldly Sassi of Matera – stone houses formed from natural grottoes and tufo cliffs overlooking a dramatic gorge

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Classic Israel & the Palestinian Territories
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Haifa, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Tel Aviv

Highlights

  • Explore the Ramon Crater in the Negev Desert in a 4WD, spotting constellations unimpeded by light pollution on a tour with an expert local guide.
  • Wash off the dust of the desert with a float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and spend time exploring Bethlehem and Jerusalem’s historic sites with your local leader.
  • Sample local wines like the region’s famous Syrah and join a cooking class at a refugee camp in Bethlehem.
  • Join Bedouin women for a special lunch at Lakiya Negev Bedouin Weaving, an initiative that empowers women to apply their traditional weaving skills to the manufacture and sale of their products, and earn an income.
  • Discover a different side of Bethlehem on a graffiti tour at the Separation Barrier where you will see murals created by notable street artists and learn how street art has transformed this area.

Themes

High Adventure, Religious, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Egypt, Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Abu Simbel, Acre, Amman, Aswan, Bethlehem, Cairo, Dead Sea, Haifa, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Luxor, Madaba, Nazareth, Petra, Sphinx, Tel Aviv, Valley of the Kings, Wadi Rum

Highlights

  • Be amazed by the beautiful scenery as you cruise down the Nile on a felucca.
  • Explore vibrant Cairo with its bustling markets and colourful streets.
  • Experience the feeling of weightlessness as you float in the super-salty Dead Sea.
  • Spend the night trying to count the billions of stars or chat with the locals at our Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.
  • Discover the sights, sounds and tastes of Jerusalem's Old City.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Explore Israel & Jordan
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amman, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Galilee, Haifa, Israel Museum, Jerash, Jerusalem, Jordan Valley, Madaba, Nazareth, Petra, Sea of Galilee, Tel Aviv, Tiberias, Wadi Rum

Highlights

  • Wander the quarters of jerusalem's old city
  • Taste your way through a local market
  • Learn about israeli
  • Palestinian and jordanian cooking
  • Ride through the wadi rum desert on a 4x4
Show more

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
72 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Holy Land
...

1

2

3

4

...

Middle East Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
3,531  Reviews
See all Middle East tour reviews
Excellent
2,045
Great
628
Average
82
Disappointing
11
Terrible
6
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

History in the Heat

I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & bein...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Nile Cruise

This was a wonderful trip - I enjoyed it enormously. Visit to the temples at Karnak & Luxor Khaled Lotfy was an excellent & inspirational group leader. He ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

postscript

Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared bo...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Nile Cruise

I do not have a very long 'bucket list', in fact Egypt is the only destination on it and this holiday did not disappoint. From the flight to Cairo to the flight ho...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Egypt - Truly a Wonder of the Wordl

I have always dreamt of visiting Egypt and seeing for my self the many ancient wonders going back to the dawn of history. This trip was a dream come true. Having b...

Write a Review

Middle East Tour Selection Trips

  • Traveling with a tour company will ensure safety. Your guide will know exactly where to go and where to avoid, as well as be a good liaison between you and the local culture.
  • Many of these countries require complicated visa guidelines, so find a tour operator that can arrange visas for you. It will save you a headache and you’ll avoid any costly mistakes.
  • War and conflict may be a concern in this region at the moment, but do not rule out these beautiful destinations. Check travel warnings before your trip. You will often find that these countries only have conflict in small or surrounding areas and that tourism is not affected.
  • Both men and women should dress conservatively. Besides respecting the local culture, long loose pants and sleeves are great protection from the sun.
  • Anti-American sentiments are most often more political than personal. Locals are known to be gracious and accommodating. The cultures of this region value hospitality and kindness towards visitors very highly.
  • Make Israel the last stop of your Middle East tour because some Muslim nations may restrict your access if they see Israeli stamps in your passport.
  • Do not seek out or go to political demonstrations. Though it’s tempting to be in the middle of the action, it is seriously dangerous.

Additional details

What Countries are in the Middle East?

The Middle East sits in between the east of Europe and the west of Asia and is considered a transcontinental region instead of a continent on its own. This part of the world is vast and rich in a diversity of countries, culture, religion, ethnic groups and languages. In total, there are 17 countries that are a part of the Middle East:

  • Bahrain
  • Cyprus 
  • Egypt
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Palestine
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Syria
  • Turkey
  • The United Arab Emirates
  • Yemen 

Do’s and Don’ts for traveling in the Middle East

The truth is that the Middle East is so vast that etiquettes differ from country to country. Things you can do in Dubai can greatly differ to things you can do in Iran or Saudi Arabia. That being said, however, this is a basic do’s and don'ts to follow when visiting the Middle East on a tour.

It is a very friendly, vibrant and culturally enriching destination and you should encounter few problems on your trip so long as you are respectful of the rules.

Do’s

  • Dress Conservatively
  • Learn Arabic! It is probably one of the most beautiful languages to exist with a mammoth of history behind almost every word. 
  • Make an effort to learn about the human-rights situation, issues and current affairs in the different countries you venture to. 
  • Definitely learn some basic greetings – this is highly encouraged and it would make for a great first impression amongst locals. In Arabic, hello is salamu alaykum.
  • Try the street food! Much like visiting Asia, the best tasters of the cuisine lays in the hidden stalls and hole in the wall restaurants on the streets. 
  • Visit the mosques. Some of them are considered the holiest places on earth, and the most beautiful ones are spread across the countries of the Middle East. Being in the presence of one, along with the mecca of devoted locals, is  one of the most unique and spiritual experiences you can have while traveling to this part of the world.
  • Always drink bottled water, never tap.

Don’ts

  • Handle food with your left hand
  • Kiss in public. Public displays of physical affection are usually looked down upon.
  • Drink in public. Make sure if you do that it is discreet, otherwise it is against the rules and pretty taboo.
  • If you’re a man, don’t initiate a handshake with a woman. It is almost always going to be interpreted wrong 
  • Be cautious about taking pictures and filming in public. Some locals may be sensitive to it. Be sure to be respectful and ask locals if you can take pictures of them. 
  • If you’re traveling during Ramadan, be aware of the rules of this religious festival.  
  • Definitely do not talk about your opinion on religion or interfere with the political situation in the respective country. It’s good to brush up on national affairs but bringing it up in conversations with locals can easily be a sensitive subject.  

Safety Tips for Traveling in the Middle East

While it is a privilege to be a visitor in the Middle East, there are some safety tips that every traveler should know. As in every foreign country, you need to keep your valuables close. Pickpocketing is common, especially in market places or bus stops, so be cautious about what you put in your bags and how secure they are.

Another thing specific to the Middle East is to dress respectfully. Cover your shoulders and legs when walking around, especially at mosques, to be respectful of cultural values. Look around and see what other local men and women are wearing and try to be as conservative.

Along the same lines, be aware of the social norms in each country to avoid any trouble. Whether that is showing public affection, drinking in public, conversation etiquette or abiding by gendered seating rules in restaurants or transportation. Speaking of transportation, Uber is one of the safest ways to travel around most of the countries in the Middle East. If you get into local cabs, make sure you decide on a fair before riding. 

It is also advisable to travel in pairs, especially if you’re a woman. It is usually very safe to travel solo in most Middle Eastern countries, just make sure that if you ever feel lost or confused ask locals for help. In the rare cases that you feel like you’re being followed or unsafe, seek out local tourist police or head to the nearest hotel or shop with authorities that can help you out.

What to Pack for the Middle East

Knowing what to pack for the Middle East can be tricky. With specific religious and cultural customs, it is essential to know what to stuff in your bags and what to leave behind. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a general guide on what to bring along!

You can definitely expect very strong sun in this region so bring enough sunscreen, sunglasses and make sure you stay hydrated throughout every activity in the day. Heat stroke is common and easily avoidable with enough water.

For clothing, if you’re going to the UAE or Lebanon, shorts are totally okay. However, if you visit other countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, that’s a different story. Depending on what country you’re flying to, be sure to brush up on what’s okay to wear amongst locals and what is illegal. 

Don’t forget your swimsuit because the Middle East is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches, namely in Oman, Cyprus, Turkey and Lebanon, amongst many. Take flip flops but make sure beachwear only stays in the beach. Pack collared shirts or a long dress when going out to anything fancy or simple trousers and a T-shirt when traveling around.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 1169 trips to Middle East and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!