Middle East and Africa

The Mideast’s history is unreadable because it is a story that has been meticulously engraved into the stones that dot the area; it is there in the flagstones of ancient Roman highways, in the construction blocks of Ancient Egypt, and everywhere from Petra to Persepolis. Here, people first established towns and learned to write—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam originated here. In a Middle Eastern coffeehouse or tight lane, someone will ask you home for lunch within minutes. The region is filled with spontaneous, honest greetings, and they can affect how you view the Middle East. Jerusalem, Beirut, Cairo, Istanbul, and Esfahan are ancient-modern metropolises. Middle East towns feature the aspirational architecture of the three monotheistic faiths. They sit beside bazaars and coffee shops that capture the mystique and storytelling charm of the Thousand and One Nights region. The Middle East has big rivers (Nile, Euphrates), tremendous deserts (Sahara, Empty Quarter, Wadi Rum), and stunning green landscapes. Explore snow-capped mountains in Turkey, Iran, Lebanon and the colourful Red Sea.