The region rewards smart combinations — a glittering city, an ancient wonder and a night in the desert, all within easy reach thanks to the Gulf stopover.
The region rewards smart combinations — a glittering city, an ancient wonder and a night in the desert, all within easy reach of each other.
Because the Gulf hubs sit on the Australia–Europe route, the Middle East is unusually easy to string together: a stopover here, an ancient city there, a desert camp in between. These are the routes our team have refined over decades — build them out, mix them up, and we'll tailor the rest.
From a short stopover to a two-week grand tour of the ancient world.
Circuits shaped around a single passion.
Egypt's Pyramids and Nile, then Jordan's Petra and Jerash — the ancient world's greatest hits.
Oct – AprWadi Rum, the Wahiba Sands and the Empty Quarter — luxury camps under the stars.
Oct – AprDubai and Abu Dhabi's theme parks, beaches and desert — a hit with every age.
Nov – MarIstanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and the Turquoise Coast — now visa-free.
Apr – OctTwo combinations are hard to beat: Dubai + Jordan (a glittering stopover paired with Petra and Wadi Rum, about 8–10 days), or Turkey on its own (Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast, 10–14 days). Both are easy, safe and unforgettable. See the sample routes above.
A Gulf stopover needs just 2–4 days; Jordan 5–7; Turkey 10–14; and a Turkey–Jordan or Egypt-and-Jordan combination around two weeks. The region rewards focus over rushing. See our best time to visit guide.
Yes — that's the beauty of the Gulf stopover. Break your Australia–Europe flight with a few days in Dubai or Doha, or add Jordan and Egypt on the way. See our getting there guide.
Always — these are starting points. We tailor the pace, destinations and season to you, and keep every plan aligned with current Smartraveller advice. Family-run since 1974. See our Middle East tours.