The Middle East has so many highlights it is difficult to know where to begin. Visit the atmospheric souk of Aleppo and the ancient city of Damascus, the beautiful hidden mountain monastery of Mar Moussa and a stunning desert palace. For the more active, there is time to swim - or float - in the Dead Sea, snorkel over the coral reefs of the Red Sea, and take a 4WD into the amazing landscape of Wadi Rum and spend a night under the stars. The highlight of any vacation is likely to be the magnificent “Rose-red City” of Petra, carved directly into the rocks of southern Jordan, a true wonder of the world. Add the immense ruins of Palmyra, the fantastic Roman sites of Baalbek and Jerash, and the Crusader sea-castle at Sidon and you’ll have all the ingredients for an unforgettable Middle Eastern experience.