From the undeniably majestic, ancient city of Petra to the world-renowned temple of Luxor, the Middle East is brimming with fascinating historical wonders. Embark on a journey that takes you through 12 days of exploration and discovery, unveiling the unique wonders of the region. Journey through majestic temples, historic monuments, and breathtaking sights to discover the true wonders of the Middle East. With picturesque locations, historical significance, and remarkable experiences, this itinerary will leave you with truly unforgettable memories.
1. Astonishing Wonders of the Ancient Middle East
The ancient Middle East was home to a wealth of astonishing wonders, standing testament to the ingenuity and mastery of the civilizations which inhabited it. From beautiful palaces to elaborate gardens, the region is full of world-renowned sites.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon – Sometimes hailed as the eighth wonder of the world, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were a marvel of their time. Built by King Nebuchadnezzar II, the gardens stood as a testament to the engineering skill of the ancient people in the region. Designed to look like a paradise, the gardens were designed to hang above the ground, sustained by a complex system of pumps and waterwheels.
Palace of Darius I – Constructed by King Darius I between 515 BCE and 486 BCE, the magnificent palace was the royal center of power for the Achaemenid Dynasty. Built on a hillside overlooking the city of Persepolis, the palace was renowned for its grand columned halls, its stunning bas-reliefs, and statues that reached three stories high.
Royal Tombs of Ur – Located in what is now Iraq, the Royal Tombs of Ur are the remains of an ancient city built by the ancient Sumerians. The tombs are known for their ornately decorated interiors, and for the many artifacts that have been found within them, including a treasure of finely crafted jewelry. The site is thought to be one of the oldest and richest archaeological sites in the world.
Troy VI – Situated at the site of the legendary city of Troy, Troy VI is an ancient settlement thought to date from between 2700 BCE and 1800 BCE. The site is known for its great wall defenses, its palaces and other structures, and its large cemetery. It’s believed that the city was destroyed by an earthquake, and the ruins are now a popular tourist destination.
Jerusalem – One of the world’s oldest cities, Jerusalem has long been hailed as a holy city by Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. Home to some of the holiest sites in the world, such as the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall, Jerusalem is a grand example of religious architecture and one of the most beloved cities in the world.
2. An Unforgettable 12-Day Adventure
A 12-day journey packed with exotic surprises – that’s what our unforgettable adventure was all about. We’ve seen extraordinary places, eaten delicious food, experienced new cultures and made friends along the way. Here’s a peek into our extraordinary journey:
- Canadian Rockies – We started off on an awe-inspiring journey through the Rocky Mountains in Canada, with its breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
- Hawaii – The second stop on our adventure was Hawaii, where the sun shined brightly and gave way to breathtaking sandy beaches surrounded by deep azure waters.
- Japan – Japan provided us with a unique cultural experience. Between enjoying Japanese cuisine and exploring traditional temples, we couldn’t get enough of this beautiful country.
- Southeast Asia – From the beaches of Thailand to the hustle and bustle of the night markets in Vietnam, there was plenty to take in and explore in this vibrant region.
From snorkeling to tiger spotting, browsing exotic markets to mountain trekking, the days were filled with amazing activities. Everywhere we went, we were met with kindness and enthusiasm. It was definitely an adventure to remember!
The journey from Canada to Asia was a wonderful way to discover and experience different parts of the world. Being able to experience so many unique cultures and cuisines first-hand was a truly special experience.
The 12-day journey was like a dream come true. We experienced some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery and tasted some of the best food in the world. It was a journey that left us wanting more – and it’s one we’d highly recommend!
3. Dive into Centuries of Cultural Heritage
As the world’s oldest living civilization with a history of over 5,000 years, China is a vast land of culture and heritage. From the oldest piece of pottery in history to the Ancient Great Wall, Chinese culture’s depth and breadth is unparalleled.
The ancient architecture of Beijing’s Forbidden City, and the grandeur of The Yangtze River are a testament to the legacy of Chinese civilizations. There are so many places to explore in order to gain insight into Chinese history.
The hustle and bustle of Shanghai’s The Bund highlights the city’s transition from an old fishing town to a modern metropolis, and visitors are invited to visit Temples of Heaven and the Garden of the Humble Administrator in Suzhou to take in an even older piece of history.
- The Great Wall – Built over 2000 years ago to protect the people from invasions
- The Terracotta Warriors – A remarkable feat of ancient engineering originally created to protect the first emperor of China
- The Palace Museum – This Beijing residence, which was built in the 15th century for China’s emperors, is now home to some of China’s most precious artifacts
- The Temple of Heaven – This ancient temple, located in Beijing, was used by the emperor of the Ming and Qing dynasties for prayers in the hope of good harvests
- The Forbidden City – This immense complex was once the seat of power and home of Chinese royalty.
When visiting China, tourists have the opportunity to step back in time and explore centuries of culture and history. From the Buddhist temples of Chengdu to the extravagant nightlife of Hong Kong, each city in China has its own unique story to tell.
Visitors can also find cooking classes, festivals, and walks around narrow alleyways to uncover the culture of China. Exploring the country is certainly a journey worth taking.
4. Explore the Land of Legends and Mystery
Now, for those of us out there looking for a real change of scenery, a chance to explore something more mysterious, something you can’t quite put your finger on…look no further than the land of Legends and Mystery.
This is a world of the unknown, where forgotten gods, long lost creatures, and forgotten turns in history all come to life. The Land of Legends and Mystery is the perfect destination for seekers of the bizarre.
Begin your exploration in the forests of wild yew, where strange mushrooms light up the path at night, and gods whisper their secrets on the wind. Venture onwards to the fast-moving rivers of ancient secrets and monumental discoveries.
If you’re looking for something a little more out-of-this-world, a pilgrimage to the mountain of the Talking Stones may be in order. Hear the secret stories of long forgotten civilizations and be mesmerized by the hidden gems that only a few select have ever been able to experience.
Discover the depths of ancient grottos, filled with secrets and artifacts unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Dive deep into the waters of the unknown and uncover stories untold.
Follow the winding path of the sea-breeze, and let the breath of history guide you to majestic ruins that tell tales of magicians and monsters. Discover the tales of the immortals and uncover the secrets hidden deep within the Land of Legends and Mystery.
So there you have it– the captivating historical marvels the Middle East is so proud to call home. From ancient ruins to living cities, these 12 days will be sure to quench your thirst for a touch of cultural mystique. Wherever your journey takes you, be sure to leave with newly gained memories, experiences, and appreciation for the amazing sights and sounds the Middle East has to offer.
