Iran
Two ancient bridges span the Aras downstream of the Khodaafarin Dam. Only one, dating from the 13th century, remains more or less intact. The bridges are…
Must-see attractions in Middle East
Jerash
Near the South Theatre, this viewpoint offers a panorama of the forum and beyond – one of the first opportunities to truly take in the size of Jerash.
Lebanon
This harmonious khan just above the square was built in the late 16th century and chiefly served as a souq for silk and jewel traders. These days a French…
Golan Heights
An artisanal chocolate maker that offers tours (25 minutes) and chocolate-making workshops. Reservations are a must. If the chocolate doesn't tempt you,…
Wadi Rum
This attractive canyon threads through the rock massive known as Seven Pillars of Wisdom and makes for an interesting hike from the visitor centre.
Iran
Dominating the bazaar, the impressively large brick-domed Friday Masjed-e Jameh dates back to Seljuk and Ilkhanid times and features some interesting…
Iran
In a beautifully restored, multichambered subterranean bathhouse dating from the Sassanian period, lifelike mannequins document the different cultural…
Iran
With a warren of over 700 rooms, this 2000-year-old structure receives few visitors. Its crumbling outline makes a dramatic backdrop to the tiny village…
Wadi Rum
One of several spots on the 4WD tour route from which to enjoy the spectacular colours of sunset across the sands of Wadi Rum, here at the dunes close to…
Wadi Rum
On the longer 4WD tour routes, you can enjoy the spectacular views across the sands of Wadi Rum here in the shadow on Jebel Abu Khsheibah, near the Umm…
Jordan
A gorgeous Ottoman mosque, overlooking the traditional market area of Souq Hammam. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside, but anyone can enjoy its…
Iran
This spacious modern museum predominantly features 19th-century decorative arts, but the bottom floor has some 3000-year-old bronzes and ceramics from the…
Iran
Tucked away in a quiet mini park, this two-storey tomb tower (dating from 1115) may have started out as a Sassanian fire temple, like many Iranian Islamic…
Wadi Rum
Best seen in the late afternoon light, Umm Fruth Rock Bridge is tucked away in a remote corner of the desert and can be easily climbed without gear or a…
Oman
Well-preserved multistorey mud houses make this a fascinating place to wander around, and help demonstrate how Sinaw has always been an important trading…
Wadi Rum
The slopes of Jebel Qattar are one of several spots on the 4WD tour route from which to enjoy the spectacular colours of sunset across the sands of Wadi…
Sharjah
This 60m-high observation wheel is the place to head for bird's-eye views of the Sharjah skyline. Hop into one of the 42 capsules here to do a full circle.
Qeshm Island Geopark Headquarters
Qeshm Island
Head here if you're after information about the island's Unesco-listed geopark.
Iran
Sidelined in a small park near a large roundabout, the mosaics and turrets of Darbe Khoushk Gate are a Qajar remnant of Qazvin’s once-vast city walls.
Iran
Crumbling mud and eroded stone battlements tumble down a rocky hill next to the road, a poignant reminder of a disastrous 19th-century war with Russia.
Jerash
Built in AD 150, this is the monumental gateway to the Temple of Artemis. It was originally flanked by shops.
Southeastern Iran
Close to the turning for Shafiabad and Dehseif, a passageway leads down to an unusually accessible stretch of qanat, an underground water channel.
Iran
Philosopher Soravardi’s bust can be seen on a library wall. The 1851 Baha’i massacres were perpetrated in lanes behind the wall.
Jordan
An Ottoman house with colonnaded entry, built between 1890 and 1910. It's now a traditional coffeehouse (with a tree in front).
Tripoli
This long straight souq is fragrant with perfumes and spices. It segues into the main food-selling portion of the market area.
Iran
This beautiful mosque dedicated to Hossein catches the setting sun perfectly from its western face. It's off Ferdosi St.
Iran
Madraseh cells line the inner courtyard of this sizeable 1826 mosque, accessed through a spired portal on Imam St.
Iran
The seven-span Pol-e Jajim is the most famous of Ardabil's restored bridges across the Baliqli Chay (Fishy River).
Qeshm Island
This crumbling edifice is Qeshm Town’s best-known sight. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Iran
The covered bazaar is extensive and attractive, covering the triangle between Imam Khomeini and Beheshti Sts.
Iran
A delicate shrine to Seyyed Ibrahim set inside peaceful grounds right in the centre of the city.
Iran
The most appealing of Ardabil's restored bridges is the cute three-arched Pol-e Ebrahimabad.
Iran
This small but impressive 13-arched Sassanid bridge once served as Shushtar's entrance gate.
Wadi Rum
Easy to climb, this bridge offers great views across a broad expanse of desert.
Muscat
Sixteenth-century Al Mirani Fort was built by the Portuguese at the same time as nearby Al Jalali Fort. Although closed to the public, its presence looms…
Jerusalem
This synagogue complex offers a taster of four places of worship, tightly packed together and able to be visited with a single ticket. The two oldest…
Muscat
A visit to Mutrah Souq wouldn't be the same without a stroll through the narrow alleys that house the glittering gold shops. The bridal gold, worked into…
Jordan
Machaerus is known locally as Qala’at Al Meshneq (Castle of the Gallows), a fitting name given that it is renowned as the place where John the Baptist was…
Jordan
If you can find this little scrap of history near the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, you deserve a medal! Once a robust and practical structure, built by the…
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