Truly said, Israel has always been a gem, an unusual place with significant meaning and uniqueness. Nonetheless, do not mistake it for an isolated place from its surroundings. For hundreds of years, Israel has been an integral part of the Middle East in general, and the "Levant" – the most eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea – in particular.
Therefore, one who seeks to truly understand the country must cross its borders and go to the neighboring countries. This gives you a chance to be exposed to the area: the rich fabric of different people, beliefs, and traditions, and the exceptionally complex, ever-changing web of the relations between them.
On the next page, we will discuss some of the magic that the Middle East tours of Ayla Tours have to offer.
Discover the Middle East
Over the years, we have learned that a tour through the Middle East just might evoke a new conception of the intricate relationships of the people living in the area. The gentle net of interrelations between the people, and the constant exchange of ideas is not limited to theories or history books; It is very real and touring this region may perhaps be just the best way to get to know the many cultures and learn about the connections between them.
Besides the services we offer to travelers within the borders of Israel, Ayala Tours provides services covering Jordan, Egypt, and the Sinai Peninsula. It is hard to grasp how powerful and special these places are, and how much they differ from each other. the golden sands and crystal-clear water of Sinai are nothing like the major city of Cairo or the ancient city of Petra. Leaving Israel for the sake of a visit to Jordan and Egypt, one might begin, little by little, to have an idea of this area and its rich, ancient history.
Welcome to Egypt
Egyptian culture is a blend of the archaic with the modern, as Egypt is one of the most ancient cultures in the world: the country was settled as early as 4000 B.C. and is considered to be one of the first civilizations in the history of humankind. Today, being one of the most influential countries in the Arabic-speaking world, Egypt is a cultural center in the Middle East, one of the biggest countries in Africa, and a major regional power in North Africa. However, the influence of the country is indeed not limited to political power, as Egypt has a big cultural effect on the entire Middle East.
Given the importance of the country and its rich heritage, Egypt is a fascinating destination to visit
and will satisfy every tourist’s fantasy. Not only the country is full of beautiful architecture and antique ruins, but the capital Cairo is a busy metropolis with all kinds of attractions: There are the famous pyramids of Giza of course, but Cairo also has plenty of other fascinating attractions, like the Souks (a market district), the ancient Egyptian Museum, and the city citadel. And do not forget about the Nile – this magnificent river is the lifeblood of Egypt.
The Magic of Jordan
Jordan is a country filled with history and beauty, home to many marvelous sites and sceneries. For example, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Jordan’s most popular attractions – the red city in the desert, best known for its astonishing temples and palaces, all carved out of the red rocks of the Jordanian desert. Wadi Ram is a beautiful canyon located in the eastern Jordanian desert. The canyon contains stunning sandstone cliffs and waterfalls, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing hike. Amman, Jordan’s capital, and the largest city in the country – is home to many historical sites, including the Citadel and the Royal Palace.
Sinai Peninsula
The Peninsula of Sinai is in the east-northern part of the country and shares a border with southern Israel. Crossing the border from the harsh, rocky land of the mountain around Eilat, will uncover something wonderful and very different: suddenly you are not in some desert wasteland anymore. you are in an area that reminds Thailand or the Philippines rather than the classic image of the Middle East. All left to do is sit at the beach or take a swim, chill out or go scuba diving. Enjoy!