Whether you are in search of a luxurious, relaxing vacation, or an adventure full of culture, tradition, and mystery, unforgettable experiences await you in the Middle East. Considered the "cradle of civilization," the Middle East is the birthplace of many of the world's major religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and the Baha'i faith, as well as the site of many of the world's great empires and cultures, which have produced some of the most amazing works of art, architecture, literature, and technology the world has known.

Some of the most popular nations to visit in the Middle East are Egypt, Israel, and Turkey. Egypt is both a thoroughly ancient and completely modern country. Travelers can stay in Cairo, a contemporary city with historic Islamic charm, or Alexandria, an ancient city that has developed with the times, but still holds glimpses of its ancient legacy. For more adventurous travelers, the pyramids of Giza or the shores of the Red Sea await.

Turkey, formerly the pride of the Ottoman Empire, attracts visitors mainly to its largest city, Istanbul, which has become a cosmopolitan city and a unique corner of modern Europe. Known as the city of one thousand mosques, the city has long served as an intersection between Western culture and the Islamic world. a few of the most well-known sites for visitors to Istanbul are the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and the Yeni Mosque.

Despite historic conflicts and the dangers of visiting modern Israel, the city of Jerusalem has still managed to hold its place as one of the top tourism destinations in the world. With a mild climate, a mixture of diverse cultural traditions, and ties to all of the Abrahamic faiths, Jerusalem is a memorable location for anyone's vacation. The most common destinations in Jerusalem are, of course, the Dome of the Rock, the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.