2010 is all about Jordan, Petra (Andre) and Alex(andria)
What makes Jordan your must-see for 2010? Here's a clue - it's got nothing to do with a jilted Aussie, cup-size, or a cage-fighter-turned-reality TV star. No no, 2010 is set to see the rise of the Middle East continue on apace, with Jordan, Oman and Egypt continuing to create a buzz with travellers desperate to break the extra-long winter spell with some well earned sunshine, and deeper holiday experiences. So far in 2010, Egypt is the most popular destination on responsibletravel.com. And between 2008 and 2009, responsibletravel.com saw a 121% increase in travellers enquiring about holidays to Oman. In 2009, responsibletravel.com put together the Jordan destination travel guide to show there's more to Jordan than her architecture... But don't just take our word for it, we've got our genuinely tanned, unedited and verified reviewers keen to share the Middle Eastern love... "One of the best holidays we've ever had, and will definitely be back, especially to the sites of upper Egypt. My children, aged 13 and 11, and 72 year-old mother all loved it too, so it is very well suited to a wide age range..." - Penny Shankar on the Nile cruises, 19th century style. "Seeing the beauty of the coral reef and fish accompanied by a really professional and encouraging instructor. A Bedouin style meal under the full moon up in the mountains above the Red Sea." - Alison Craze describes her best bits from our Red Sea diving holiday. So if like us you're fed up with February already and want to throw off the thermals and bobble hat, check out some of our best experiences in the Middle East, with not a collagen lip in sight... London to Aqaba, Jordan, by rail
How far can you go by train? How about following Agatha Christie's trail across Europe to the Middle East by rail! From London you travel across some of Europe's most varied landscapes to the Balkans, and onwards to the very heart of the Islamic world. From the Ottoman sights of Old Istanbul to the troglodite villages and subterranean churches of Cappadocia in the centre of Turkey, to crossing the border to Syria and on to Amman in Jordan, this railway holiday is a journey of discovery on the golden age of travel.
Set in the famous Eel Garden snorkelling and dive site, this Red Sea diving holiday operates from a Nubian-style restored building in a 5 star resort. Spend your days catching site of the prehistoric Chignon, Red Sea Dragon, and Butterfly Fish, or mix it up with a little windsurfing and camel riding. Venture into the Bedouin Village of Assalah or nearby Dahab’s central bay. At the end of the day, retreat to your luxury chalet built with traditional Sinai stonework. Camping tours to Oman
Fantastic 9-day overland camping adventure in Oman! Go back to basics with no modern conveniences in this exhilarating trail following the spectacular coastline south from Muscat all the way to Salalah. Experience traditional life in Oman, visit local fishing villages, and see the conservation work of the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary. Sinai desert retreat holiday
This journey gives you a chance to experience the wonder of the Sinai desert in the company of the Bedouin. On this journey, take time to explore the desert environment before spending three days in your personally chosen retreat spot. Sleep under the stars and make unforgettable journeys both on foot and on camels. Witness the remarkable clarity of the desert light, the brilliant night sky, the vibrant colours of the sands and rocks, the landforms sculpted by the wind and water.
Jordan family holiday Jordan, with its spectacular desert scenery, archaeological treasures and Dead and Red Seas, is an ideal destination for a short but varied trip. Petra is indisputably one of the most amazing sites in the world. Hidden for centuries, it wasn't until a Swiss explorer 'discovered' it in 1812 that the 'Lost City' finally became known to the western world. Wadi Rum too is one of the most stunning desert-scapes in the world and we spend a night camping out under the stars. A trip to Jordan would not be complete without a soak in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and a chance to swim or snorkel over the coral of the Red Sea. Sinai Bedouin beach camp accommodation, Egypt
Try something a little more rustic staying on a Bedouin-owned camp in your very own husha located directly on the beach, perfect for watching the sunrise from your bed. Choose between holiday relaxing on the white beach, diving, kite-surfing, snorkelling or making exciting trips to Gebel Musa, oases and canyons guided by the Bedouin tribes. At night sit around the campfire and drink hot, sweet delicious bedouin tea.
Nile cruises, 19th century style Jump on a Dahabia or "Golden Boat" and sail the Nile like a 19th century royal. Take advantage of a customised itinerary and sail to well-known sites like the Temple of Horus, as well as some off-the-beaten track treasures at Gabal Elsisilah. Unlike the larger Nile cruisers, the Dahabia takes only small groups, and enables you to stop off and experience local life in smaller Egyptian villages away from the main tourist trail. See more Africa & Middle East holidays.
