The Middle East, formerly called ‘the Near East’, is the cradle of civilization, and the source of
Judaism, Christianity, Islam, along with several others. This area is primarily arid. The most visited countries in this region are
Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan.
Countries in The Middle East include Israel,
Egypt,
Turkey, Jordan,
Lebanon, Syria, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab
Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
Search The Jerk's discounted Airfares to the Middle East now!
TRAVEL TO ISRAEL
Israel
as a modern nation was formed on May 14, 1948.
The Land of Israel has been a central concept of Judaism for over 3000
years. Israel is also known as “The Holy Land’ as it is central to Judaism and Christianity, and, in
minor, Islam. Israel is one of the most advanced countries in the region in economic and industrial
expansion. Its literacy rate is the highest in the region. There are many sites central to Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam centered in this region. Jerusalem is a city where the 1st century and the
21st century collide. In the holy city of City of Jerusalem you will see rabbis, nuns, priests, and
mullahs all mixing together.
Sites worth visiting include: The Western Wall, The Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olive’s, Rachel’s Tomb, the site of
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem (which houses the Dead Sea scrolls), the National Holocaust Museum, and many others.
Archaeological sites worth visiting include: Belvoir Castle (a crusader castle), Masada, Megiddo,
Caesarea, Nimrod Castle (a crusader castle). Also make sure to visit the Dead Sea and the Sea of
Galilee.
TRAVEL TO TURKEY
Turkey is a land of history at the
intersection of Asia and Europe. Turkey is ringed by water on three sides; the Aegean Sea,
the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. There are many fascinating archaeological sites worth
visiting throughout Turkey. Ephesus, a UNESCO world heritage site, and tour the restored ruins.
Ephesus was founded in the 13th century BC, remnants of its Hellenistic and Roman City are some of
the worlds best. Visit the nearby House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where the
Virgin Mary spent her remaining days after the death of Jesus. Visit the fine archaeological
ruins of the legendary city of Troy,or ruins of the historical city of Antioch.
Visit Istanbul, formerly Constantinople. Visit the Column of Constantine, Hagia Sofia,
Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Galata Whirling Dervish Hall, the Museum Archaeology, Maiden’s
Tower, Saint Sophia Church, the Blue Mosque, and many others. Don’t forget to visit the
Grand Bazaar for shopping.
Visit the Göreme National Park, in the Cappadocia region, to see the many rock formations,
caves, and rock carved churches and chapels. Visit Bodrum and see Bodrum Castle/ the Castle
of St. Peter, the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Mausoleum of Mausolus, or stay at any
of the numerous dazzling Aegean beaches located nearby. Bodrum is known for its fine Aegean resorts
and yachting.
