Lifestyle / Travel

Luxurious Journeys in the Heart of the Middle East

From Jordan to Giza, here are some must-experience Middle East luxury travel adventures worth discovering for lasting memories

Oct 06, 2023 | By Florence Sutton
Photo: Unsplash

When it comes to experiencing the enchanting beauty and rich history of the Middle East few places can rival the allure of Israel. The country offers travelers a unique blend of ancient wonders, modern luxury, and diverse cultural experiences. You can experience the Middle Eastern atmosphere, the aromatic spicy food, mesmerizing music, and iconic architecture without compromising on the level of luxury. 

To take an exclusive travel experience to the next level, use custom private tours to explore Israel. Embark on an unforgettable journey in this captivating region, and let your experienced guide handle the logistics. Not only that but Israel offers the perfect base for side trips to see the highlights of Egypt and Jordan. 

Discovering Israel: A Land of Contrasts

Take a private tour and personalize your itinerary to your interests and preferences, ensuring a truly unique experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient archaeological sites, savoring delectable cuisine, or basking in Israel’s natural beauty, enjoy the ultimate level of comfort and customization with a tailor-made tour.

Must-Experience Luxury in Israel

Tour Israel Wineries – Visit some of the excellent wineries in the Golan Heights or Zichron Ya’akov where there are wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and visitor centers.

Indulge at a Luxury Hotel – Among the top luxury hotels in Israel are wellness resorts on Mount Carmel, hotels overlooking the Ramon Crater, and if you’re looking for classic historic hotels there is the American Colony Hotel and the King David in Jerusalem.

High-End Shopping in Israel  – Find luxury brands and exclusive one-off stores at Kikar HaMedina and Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv as well as the Ramat Gan Mall. For something unique check out the arts and crafts market on Tel Aviv’s Nahalat Binyamin Street.

Relax in Hot Springs – Enjoy the unique experience of Israel’s hot springs at Hamat Gader in the Golan Heights, Hamei Tveria on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, or at the Dead Sea Hot Springs. 

Israeli Haut Cuisine – In addition to tasting some of the local delicacies and classic street food like falafel and shawarma, the country has several upscale fine dining establishments. There are restaurants owned by celebrity chefs like Popina and Blue Sky; international award-winning restaurants like OCD, and even a restaurant (Machneyuda) run by a Michelin-star chef, Assaf Granit.

Must-Visit Places For Luxury Travel in Israel

Whether you are a luxury traveler or not, certain sites in Israel should not be missed.

Explore Jerusalem’s Old City: Visit the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.

Machane Yehuda Market: Savor the flavors of Israeli cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs in this century-old market also famed for its excellent restaurants.

Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial: Pay your respects at this poignant memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

Tel Aviv: Start exploring this Modern Metropolis at Carmel Market, and continue to the colorful historic neighborhood Neve Tzedek. Relax on one of the beautiful beaches, discover the Bauhaus architecture, and don’t miss Tel Aviv’s charming historic joint municipality, Jaffa.

The Dead Sea: This natural wonder is at the lowest point on Earth. The mineral-rich water has therapeutic qualities, and the shore of the sea is lined with some excellent spa resorts that use Dead Sea products in their spa treatments.

Jordan: A Journey through History and Scenic Beauty

Photo: Unsplash

Much like Israel, Jordan offers a wealth of historical and natural wonders best explored through private tours. Here, you can immerse yourself in the stories of ancient civilizations, traverse stunning desert landscapes, and relax in luxurious accommodations.

Make a side trip from Israel to Jordan’s most famous tourist site – the Ancient City of Petra. You can choose to fly to the Jordanian capital, Amman, and from there take a chauffeur-driven car to Petra, or take a private tour to Petra overland from Israel. 

Petra: The Rose City

Petra, often referred to as the “Rose City,” is a renowned archaeological site located in southern Jordan. It was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in ancient times and is celebrated for its remarkable rock-cut architecture and intricate facades, including the iconic Treasury and Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a vast network of tombs, temples, and buildings carved into sandstone cliffs, from the 4th century BC. Petra served as a crucial hub for ancient trade routes, and its historical significance, combined with its breathtaking natural beauty, makes it a captivating archaeological destination. Today, Petra continues to attract visitors from around the globe, offering a glimpse into the Nabataean civilization.

Egypt: A Timeless Land of Pharaohs and Pyramids

Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs, beckons with its awe-inspiring historical sites, the timeless Nile River, and the grandeur of ancient pyramids. One of the most luxurious experiences in Egypt is a cruise down the Nile River, and the top must-do activity is visiting the pyramids of Giza.

As with Jordan, you have the choice of flying from Tel Aviv to Cairo or traveling overland via Sinai. This can be a long journey but it does give you the opportunity to see some of the breathtaking landscape. You might even consider stopping at Sharm el-Sheikh, a beach resort city in the Sinai Desert on the shore of the Red Sea. The resort has several luxury hotels with excellent golf courses, water sports, and casinos. The area is particularly famous for its brilliant dive sites.

Giza Pyramids: Witnessing Greatness

Photo: Unsplash

The Pyramids of Giza, near Cairo, Egypt, are iconic ancient structures, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, built over 4,500 years ago. Visitors can explore these colossal tombs, entering the Great Pyramid and admiring the Sphinx nearby. To add luxury to your trip, consider a cruise down the Nile River, which offers guided excursions to temples and historical sites along the riverbanks, complete with fine dining and entertainment. This combination of ancient wonders and a Nile cruise promises an unforgettable luxurious Egyptian experience.

Crafting Your Luxurious Middle Eastern Adventure

Embarking on a luxurious journey through Israel, Jordan, and Egypt offers a wealth of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. These countries promise a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As you explore the wonders of the Middle East, you’ll discover that this region truly is a treasure trove of luxurious and enriching experiences.

 

For more on travel stories, click here.


 
Back to top