Middle East

The question on everyone’s mind…Is it worth the time to visit the desert citadel of Bam after the devastating earthquake? The short answer is yes, with 99% of reconstruction complete as of 2018 with breathtaking life-size sandcastle towering over a desert oasis is a site you just cannot miss in Iran. Situated in a vast desert …

Israel’s allure is undeniable, with its tapestry of ancient history, vibrant cities, and varied landscapes. Selecting accommodation here isn’t merely a logistical decision but a pivotal chapter of your travel narrative. Engaging with the best hotels in Israel ensures your stay not only meets expectations but transcends them, deepening your connection with this magnetic country. …

Nobody could have predicted that Dubai would become a center for large-scale filming events a few decades ago. It is today a technologically advanced emirate with a thriving economy and Dubai is rapidly approaching the point where it is one of the biggest players in blockbuster filmmaking. This city has attracted worldwide film directors for …

Beyond the glass and concrete jungle of modern Dubai, lies the forgotten crown of the city, the commercial center known as old Dubai. Old Dubai is divided into two parts, Deira and Bur Dubai, by a saltwater body known as Dubai Creek. Dubai Creek, Dubai Back in the 20th century the Dubai creek was the …

Pakistan stands as a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of ancient history, intricate culture, and untouched natural grandeur. The best hotels in Pakistan not only offer sanctuary from the day’s adventures but deeply entwine with the narrative of the land itself. Lahore pulsates with life. Its streets hum with tales of bygone eras, where artisans …

Istanbul has a lot to offer for both national and international filmmakers. The city is known for its awe-inspiring architecture, stunning scenery and religious communities. It is also well known for its rich culture and delicious cuisine. So it will come as no surprise that there are so many wonderful movies set in Istanbul. Rich …

There is a reason that Iran is termed “the jewel in Islam’s crown” – like a prized jewel, it’s colorful, intricately beautiful and brings joy. Iran is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, combining fascinating history, incredible food and glorious foods with a warm welcome. Following these places and things to do in Iran is …

Isfahan is Iran’s top tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. Ancient Islamic architecture, three UNESCO world heritage sites, gorgeous bridges, friendly locals, and plenty of hidden locations to discover. And that’s without even talking about all the food. Oh, the food. Fesenjan (Pomegranate Walnut Stew),  Tahdig (Crunchy Fried Rice), Kabab koobideh (Barbecued ground …

You know that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you feel like you are in on a secret spot?That’s how I feel about Scuba Diving in Eilat in the very southern tip of Israel. It was outstanding, seriously, so much better than I was expecting, especially since I had never heard of it before googling …

The Middle East has a lot to offer both national and international filmmakers with exquisite natural and urban landscapes, a rich cultural tapestry – and various state-organized film tax credits and incentives programs. So it will come as no surprise that there are so many unforgettable movies set in the Middle East… The Middle East …

Turkey has a lot to offer both national and international filmmakers with exquisite natural and urban landscapes, a rich cultural heritage – and generous film tax credits and incentive programs. So it will come as no surprise that there are so many unforgettable movies set in Turkey.  Watching a good movie is the best way …

Crazy, chaotic, surprising at every turn – Tehran, the smoggy capital of Iran, is more than just an eternal traffic jam. The political, cultural, and economic heart of the Islamic Republic, one can not truly experience this dynamic country without spending at least a few days here…And don’t worry, there is no shortage of things …

If you’re looking for a trip with a difference, Qatar’s capital might just be it. We can’t pretend it’s a 100% relaxing experience (any place with an average temperature of 33°C is never going to be chilled, if you pardon the pun), but we can guarantee a fascinating trip. What makes Doha particularly captivating at …

War cinema is a realm where myths and legends of formidable figures are not simply penned in ink or sketched in pencil, but vividly recreated and immortalized on the silver screen. And among this genre, Israeli war movies hold a distinct place, encapsulating stories of the catastrophic conflict that marked an era and forever changed …

Afghanistan has a lot to offer for both national and international filmmakers with majestic and vast mountain ranges, a rich mix of cultures – and the charm and hospitality of the Afghan people. However, due to the country’s inaccessibility and bloody recent past, there are few movies set in Afghanistan – and even fewer that …

While we understand why Kuwait might not be top of your ‘To Visit’ list, we also think that you’d be missing a trick by letting this hidden gem slip by. After all, why follow the herd? It’s always worth trying somewhere different; you never know what you’ll find. In the case of Kuwait, you’ll find …

Qatar, a shimmering jewel of the Middle East, beckons with its modern allure and age-old traditions. Securing a stay in the best hotels in Qatar is paramount to fully savoring this country’s luxury and cultural tapestry. Doha, Qatar’s dynamic capital, thrums with energy. Here, historic souqs intertwine with soaring skyscrapers, each narrating tales of a …

In Saudi Arabia, the confluence of ancient tradition and contemporary splendor promises a journey unlike any other. The best hotels in Saudi Arabia don’t merely offer a place to rest; they serve as gateways to the country’s profound cultural tapestry. As you traverse Riyadh’s vibrant streets, you’re greeted with an elegant dance of the old …

Egypt, a canvas painted with history’s most vibrant colors, unveils its splendor, inviting you to witness its tales not just through ancient stones but through stays that echo its story. The best hotels in Egypt are not mere accommodations. They’re storytellers, each room a page, each view a mesmerizing illustration of the nation’s epic. In …

In Kuwait City, where modernity intertwines effortlessly with deep-rooted cultural heritage, the quest for exceptional accommodations begins. Your choice among the best hotels in Kuwait City sets the stage for your journey, transforming it from a simple visit into an immersive experience of unrivaled hospitality. This lively metropolis, a harmonious blend of architectural marvels and …

Trabzon, set along Turkey’s captivating Black Sea coast, lures visitors with its fusion of vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Selecting from the best hotels in Trabzon can turn a delightful exploration into an extraordinary adventure. This article guides you through Trabzon’s highlights, illustrating how the right accommodation is crucial to unlocking the city’s true charm. …

Istanbul, a city that dances between Europe and Asia, thrives on its blend of ancient history and vibrant modernity. The experience of staying in the city is shaped significantly by choosing the best hotels in Istanbul. Here, accommodation isn’t just a convenience but a bridge to the city’s heart. Divided by the Bosphorus, Istanbul’s landscape …

Dubai, an epitome of grandeur, magnetizes globe-trotters seeking a taste of opulence amidst a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city’s allure doesn’t merely lie in its architectural marvels, upscale shopping arenas, or sun-kissed beaches, but prominently in the unrivaled luxury offered by the best hotels in Dubai. With accommodations catering to every whim, …

Immersed in rich history and spiritual grandeur, Jerusalem calls to the hearts of countless travelers each year. As you tread its ancient stone paths, you’re swept into a world where tradition dances with modernity, and vibrant markets hum with life. Central to your journey, the best hotels in Jerusalem deliver the perfect balance between comfort, …

In the ethereal landscape of the Dead Sea, the best hotels serve not just as places to rest but as sanctuaries of rejuvenation and relaxation, amplifying the unique allure of the region. The right hotel here makes the difference between a visit and a transformative experience. Imagine starting your day with a breathtaking sunrise over …

Jeddah, with its pulsating energy and Red Sea allure, stands as an emblem of modern-day luxury meeting ancient charm. The best hotels in Jeddah are not just places to rest; they’re the gateways that shape your experience in this coastal city. Selecting the perfect accommodation isn’t just about comfort—it’s about capturing the essence of Jeddah …

Fethiye, Turkey’s coastal jewel, pulses with a seductive blend of ancient charm and modern flair. As one begins the quest for an unparalleled experience, choosing from the best hotels in Fethiye is paramount to unlocking the city’s treasures. Imagine waking up to the melody of the Mediterranean waves, or the allure of a sunlit labyrinth …

Bursa stands as a testament to Turkey’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and scenic beauty. At the base of Mount Uludağ, it beckons travelers with a promise of unique encounters. The best hotels in Bursa play a vital role in this promise, ensuring that your immersion in the city is both luxurious and authentic. This …

Bodrum, a mesmerizing coastal gem in Turkey, beckons with its rich tapestry of history and contemporary flair. As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over white-washed houses and azure waters, the city’s appeal becomes crystal clear. A pivotal component of this enchantment, however, revolves around where you lay your head at night. The best …

Doha, rising from the desert like a mirage, has earned its stripes as a beacon of luxury. As the focal point of Qatar, its allure isn’t merely in its radiant skyscrapers but in the promise of impeccable hospitality. The best hotels in Doha mirror the city’s transformative journey — from a pearl diving center to …

Oman, with its tapestry of timeless traditions and modern elegance, captures the imagination of discerning travelers. The search for resplendent retreats leads many to the best hotels in Oman, where luxury and culture harmoniously intertwine. Picture this: vast golden deserts merging with azure seas, ancient forts standing tall amidst cosmopolitan cities, and bustling souks inviting …

Strategically situated in the Middle East and often referred to as the Hashemite Kingdom, Jordan has a variety of landscapes and is one of the best countries for travelers to explore. Jordan is bordered by Israel and the Palestinian National Authority to the west, Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, and Saudi Arabia …

Oh! Turkey is a mysterious country straddling two continents and standing as an adventurer’s paradise that never fails to enthrall travelers with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural wonder; located in Europe and Asia, bordered by eight countries and surrounded by the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas. From the bustling city of Istanbul, with …

Is Israel on your bucket list? A group tour is a perfect way to experience this fascinating country in a safe, exciting, and rewarding way.  Let the experts plan your itinerary while you focus on your enjoyment.   Israel is an incredible mix of new and old.  History buffs will be in their element as history …

Pakistan is a land of wonder and adventure that beckons to the intrepid traveler with its vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. Bordered by Iran to the west, Afghanistan to the north and northwest, India to the east and southeast and China to the northeast, Pakistan will surely leave you in awe. Imagine standing …

Egypt! When you hear the name Egypt, what comes to mind? Ancient History, Human Civilization, The Nile River, and, yeah! Giza’s Great Pyramids.  Egypt’s historical sites are extremely distinctive to the region, like the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, the Valley of the Kings, and the lion-bodied figure known as the Sphinx, which sits alongside …

Welcome to Saudi Arabia, a captivating nation that skillfully mixes historic traditions with modern advancements. Saudi Arabia has significant religious significance as the country that gave rise to Islam and is currently the location of its two holy cities, Mecca and Medina. Its varied environments, from the huge Rub’ al Khali deserts to the breathtaking …

Oman is a Middle Eastern country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and is bordered to the northwest by the United Arab Emirates, to the west by Saudi Arabia, and the southwest by Yemen. This is not your usual country, and you will see why we say so as we dive deeper …

Welcome to Lebanon, a beautiful nation with a rich cultural history. Explore the historic Baalbek ruins, take in the breathtaking natural wonders of Jeita Grotto, and get lost in Beirut’s energetic streets. Visit the quaint coastal settlements of Byblos and Sidon and the gorgeous Bcharre highlands. Lebanon provides a wide variety of trip options with …

Iran, historically known as Persia, is considered the gateway to Central Asia, South Asia, and the Arab states of the Middle East. Because of its strategic location and southern access to the Persian Gulf, Iran has always been a significant nation. Iran has stunning natural beauty, a thriving culture, and a long, interesting history. Iran …

When you think of Egypt, films are not something that usually comes to mind first. Still, quite a lot of movies set in Egypt exist or were filmed there at least partially. It’s actually not that surprising either really, considering Egypt has some beautiful and unique backdrops for a director to film his or her …

Israel has seen its fair share of movie productions, both nationally and internationally with blockbusters as well as low-budget films. It has a long and rich history that has sparked the interest of storytellers through the years – which explains why there are so many remarkable movies set in Israel. In 1953 the Kirk Douglas …

Iran is one of the few countries that constantly produces films that are both thought-provoking and visually appealing. The films are recognized as being in a genre of their own, ranging from historical masterpieces to newer film directors. And while Iranian films have won awards at the Oscars, Cannes, and Berlin film festivals, they were …

Pakistan has a lot to offer both national and international filmmakers with exquisite natural wonders, intriguing urban landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. So it will come as no surprise that there are so many wonderful movies set in Pakistan.  Watching a good movie is the best way to get inspired and choose your next destination. …

As a country with a longstanding tradition in the art of strategy and combat, the history of Afghan has inspired many tales of war and, consequently, Afghanistan war movies. Myths and legends of mighty characters have been written in ink, drawn in pencil, or shot in a film. The Afghan War, spanning over two decades, …

Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant music scene make it an ideal destination for music enthusiasts from around the world. With a blend of Eastern and Western influences, Turkey’s musical landscape offers something for everyone, which is evident in the wide variety of music festivals held across the country each year. In this article, we …

The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s most captivating travel destinations, a place of abundant architectural wonders, unparalleled luxury, modern marvels, and surreal desert landscapes. Not to mention the world’s tallest building… There is so much to see here. It can all seem a little overwhelming — but discovering the most famous landmarks …

Are you thinking of heading to Israel and looking to undertake your own Bethlehem travels? Perhaps you are  already in Jerusalem, and are considering visiting Bethlehem to make a day trip to the Church of Nativity?  That’s awesome, but have you considered exploring further afield in the West Bank? To understand the political situation and witness first hand the realities of living under daily occupation… …

Dubai, one of the most recent metropolises in the world, is the result of hard work, vision, and ambition. It was once just a barren desert but the discovery of oil propelled it into development. Even after the depletion of oil, this city continued to thrive – especially thanks to tourism and all the crazy …

Israel is a place of passion and beauty, of magical landscapes and multi-faceted cities, of religious devotion and hedonistic parties. It’s a land of contradictions that has proved endlessly fascinating to travelers for centuries and is packed full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. One of these is the incredible Masada sunrise. Now, normally you would not catch …

Are you in Jerusalem and looking for more after exploring the hustle and bustle of the old town? Well, do not miss the Israel Museum, one of the countries [and indeed the world’s] premier cultural institutions with over 5000 years of regional artifacts! In addition, there is also a grand display of Jewish Art and …

There seems to not be much information online about catching a bus from Burgas to Istanbul, so I thought I would update the situation! Hopefully makes it a bit easier for people out there – If you are in Bulgaria, Burgas probably won’t be your highlight, especially with all the awesome things to do in …

Turkey is one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, a diverse nation filled with a rich culture, epic landscapes, incredible food, and history. So much history! Turkey still retains many treasures from the civilizations of history which have risen, fallen, conquered, or left its territory – including the Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Empire. Thankfully …

Looking for a guide to swimming in the Dead Sea? Thinking about walking on sunshine, singing on a cloud and lying on a sandy Israel beach? Both are pretty fantastical, to say the least… but how about floating on WATER!   …..Oh wait, that’s an everyday possibility, almost normality, but perhaps not so much if …

One of the oldest cities on Earth, rising from the desert plains is Yazd, Iran’s most exotic cities and will have you entranced from the moment you step foot into its legendary old town. Surrounded by deserts on all sides, Yazd might not have the huge ‘must see’ buildings of other cities in Central Iran …

A comprehensive guide to the absolute best things to see and do around Kerman in Iran – Don’t waste your precious time in Kerman Iran looking for closed museums or disappointing monuments, I’ve done the research so you don’t have too!  Chaotic, sprawling and rather ugly compared to the beautiful Iranian cities of Isfahan and Yazd …

The life and soul of Persian culture for millennia, Shiraz today is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Iran and for good reason, with plenty of culture, archaeology, food and local life to keep even the most jaded travelers interested for a few days. Long famed for the quality of its namesake wine (now banned by …

Chosen as the 2018 Tourism Capital City of Islamic Countries, Tabriz in Northern Iran is a historic city overflowing with heritage and culture. Sprawling, with the best bazaar in Iran, beautiful architecture and plenty of Azeri cultures to boot – there has been no better time to visit Tabriz then right now!  The biggest city …

The life and soul of early Persian culture, Shushtar today should be one of the biggest tourist destinations in Iran, but somehow its culture, archaeology, food, and local life have yet to be discovered by travelers in Iran. But you can be the first! While the historical oasis city of Shushtar is not on most …

Palestine is one of the most thought-provoking, emotional and ‘real’ countries I have ever visited. If you take the time to explore the reality of Palestine beyond the Nativity Church, you will be filled with hope, despair, anger and joy – possibly all at the same time. There are many more possible things to explore …

Israel is well known for its extraordinary history, vibrant culture, and remarkable urban landscapes. Fittingly, Israel is also home to eight of the more than 1,000 World Heritage Sites worldwide, as inscribed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Israel’s captivating UNESCO sites include ancient hilltop fortifications, extensive archaeological excavations, and holy …

If you’re heading to Palestine be sure not to miss the Battir Ecomuseum, a thousand year old natural landscape of terraces and springs used by generations of the same families, and a stunning valley recently inscribed as a UNESCO site under the title Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines! The Battir Ecomuseum is a museum under …

Do you want to make a difference on your holiday? Not interested in ‘fluffy’ volunteering with baby elephants and turtles which costs a lot and sounds nice but makes very little difference? Well let me suggest volunteering in Palestine with the Four Homes of Mercy NGO in the West Bank , a unique opportunity to …