From the tales of Scheherezade to the conquests of Alexander the Great, even 1001 nights cannot tell the magic story of the lands known as "Middle East".

Geographically, the Middle East encompasses southwestern Asia and Egypt. As culture, it goes beyond these geographies and places. These are the lands of the Hellenistic culture, extended by Alexander the Great up to India. These are also the lands of the Byzantine Empire in Asia and North Africa, propagating the Christianity to territories of immense proportion. These are the lands from where three of the world’s major religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - have seen birth and world expansion.

From the Antiquity to present day, the Middle East was known by its wealth. Golden palaces, rich agriculture, and the finest artifacts produced in arts and crafts attracted both conquerors and investors during millennia. From the most amazing jewelry to the smoothest cotton fabrics, and from picturesque tiles to petroleum, the Middle East was always and continues to be a world crossroads of trade - and one of its most opulent centers of luxury.

Ancient cultures of Egyptians, Romans, Crusaders and the modern Arabs, contributed so the lands of the Middle East were always and continue to be a melting pot of nations, civilizations and one of the most attractive places for conquerors and explorers.

Cultural Crossroads leads its travelers to amazing discoveries and experiences in Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Israel, with plans to extend beyond. From ancient ruins, traditional arts and crafts, music, religion and food, travelers will enjoy the various sights, sounds and scents of these countries. Enjoy the hospitality of our hosts and exclusive visits to special locations. It will be a journey you will never forget.

Cultural Crossroads Trips to the Middle East

• Civilizations of Eastern Turkey
  

  Cultural Crossroads takes to the most exotic parts of this majestically charming country. You will discover ancient civilization, pristine nature and authentic experiences with hospitable people of Turkey.

• Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya and Sailing Along the Turkish Coast
  

  From the ancient and modern city of Istanbul to fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, our journey takes us to many archaeological and historical sites in Turkey capping off our voyage of discovery sailing along the Turkish Coast.

• Mysteries of Less Traveled Turkey - 21 Day Trip
  

  From Christian temples hidden in caves and high-up rock hewn churches to picturesque mosques, this is one of Cultural Crossroads most visually striking tours. It also reveals in depth the secrets of the Hittite, Anatolian, Christian and Muslim civilizations. A real paradise for lost cultures and history enthusiasts. And, it puts us in contact with the REAL Turkey – its people in villages and small towns, some of them living as they were centuries ago, always hospitable and charming.

• Mystical Sites of Ancient Turkey
  

  Cultural Crossroads takes to the most exotic parts of this majestically charming country. You will discover ancient civilization, pristine nature and authentic experiences with hospitable people of Turkey.

• Sailing Along the Turkish Coast for Women
  

  Cultural Crossroads invites you to experience the highlights of Turkey. We begin our journey in the bustling city of Istanbul. We will visit the fairy-chimney land of Cappadocia, the Whirling Dervishes in Konya and then we'll sail along the Turkish coast visiting many archeological sites and relaxing onboard our Gulet (or traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat.) Join Cultural Crossroads as we enjoy the magic of this historical landscape.

• Explore Jordan - 7 Day Journey into History and Hospitality
  

  Join Cultural Crossroads to experience Jordan, the ancient crossroads of the Middle East. It is a country rich in archeology, culture, history and food. Travelers will experience this unique country with its busy city of Amman, the primeval desert of Wadi Rum, the stark but beautiful Dead Sea, and the mysteries of Petra. Come spend time with a shaman and learn about traditional Arab medicinal practices; take in a cooking class of local dishes; enjoy a Jeep ride into the desert and visit the unforgettable Nabataean city of Petra. Cultural Crossroads travelers also enjoy wonderful hand-on experiences such as making baskets out of cattail reeds and banana leaves with the women from the Wadi Al-Rayan Project. The project not only creates job opportunities for local women, it is environmentally friendly and preserves traditional handicrafts in the area. These are only some of the special treasures that await Cultural Crossroads travelers in this special place.

• The Wonders of Jordan - 11 Day Cultural Adventure
  

  Featured in National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" for 2010

  Travel through this land of warmth and hospitality, an amazing country rich in history and diversity. From the sea to the mountains to the desert, come explore Jordan’s breathtaking treasures and visit a new 7th Wonder of the World, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. Exclusive visit to the Royal Stables (not open to the public) Cultural Crossroads travelers will be joined by HRH Princess Alia, daughter of the late King Hussein, will join us for lunch and put on private horse show of her Arabian horses for us. Another exclusive is a Gala dinner party catered by 5 star hotels at the private King Hussein Club. Visit to a local herbologist who will tell us about the ancient Arab medical practices. Private lecture by a professional Arabic calligrapher about the roots of Arabic calligraphy. Take part in an interactive session, meet a Shaman who will talk about traditional Arab medical practices, and take herbal tea or coffee with some of the local Bedouin families. Meet local artisans and craftspeople, have hands-on experiences with the craftspeople and cook a Jordanian meal, as well as visit so many amazing cultural and historical spots in Jordan including Petra, one of the newest 7th Wonders of the World.

• Educational and Cultural Expedition to Egypt - 12 nights*
  

  Egypt is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It has a wealth of temples and monuments – and a history of peoples such as the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders and Turks who left their mark on the many sites left behind. Cultural Crossroads will explore the rich cultural heritage of this country through the great sites and the people who have passed on varied traditions. Travelers will get to meet artisans and craftspeople and hear first-hand how their craft was handed down within their family. We will visit the famous sites such as the Pyramids and Sphinx, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Queens and much more. Cultural Crossroads tour participants will also enjoy a private evening with Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities for all of Egypt. He will share with us what is presently happening in the archeological digs today, and why it is important, and also tell us about recent finds. Join Cultural Crossroads for this extraordinary opportunity to have a wonderful educational and cultural journey to Egypt.

• Educational and Cultural Expedition to Egypt with VPR. Host: Christopher Wren
  

  Join the Vermont Public Radio in this exclusive trip to Egypt. This tour is hosted by Christopher Wren, the former New York Times Chief Bureau for Cairo, book author and an expert on Egypt.

  Cultural Crossroads invites you to experience the rich history, wonderful antiquities and cultural heritage from the ancient world, including the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, and amazing temples. We explore Old Islamic and Coptic Egypt and the life and archaeological sites along Nile River. Travelers will visit the major monuments and museums as well as the lesser-known ones. We will have many opportunities to meet and talk with locals about the traditions that they have handed-down through the generations. An example of this is a third generation glass blower in his narrow one-room factory and storefront. It is believed that he has the last surviving glass-blowing workshop in Cairo. Finally, a trip to Egypt isn’t complete without visiting Luxor’s east and west banks and Aswan, the capital of the south

  Some special visits include a visit the Nubian Museum where the Director will give us a private tour and a talk about the history and heritage of the Nubian region. Nubia sits between Aswan in Egypt and Khartoum in Sudan. The Director will escort us for a visit to a Nubian village where we will meet the villagers and enjoy tea in one of their homes.

  At the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, our small group size will allow us to visit several small factories and workshops, (often one room), to see and learn about Egyptian handiwork and crafts directly from the artisans.

  In Cairo we will visit the galleries of famous Egyptian artists including painters, sculpture and photographers.

  The tour is for 8-16 travelers only, so you can enjoy the company of others, or fill the trip with your friends and/or family. Our small group size provides you with special opportunities and private access for unique cultural experiences.

  Cultural Crossroads is proud to support the Integrated Care Society. It was founded in 1978 by Suzanne Mubarak, and was intended to establish libraries and help with literacy. The project has now turned into a model to help communities work to improve themselves: http://www.ics.org.eg/