Culture | Caravan-Serai Tours

United Arab Emirates

Explore the EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Travel and Tours to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaima, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain

Strikingly modern and warmly traditional, the United Arab Emirates has everything you could want in a holiday destination. You can experience the very height of cosmopolitan luxury or hike wilderness areas alone. UAE has it all.

The United Arab Emirates, in spite of its small size, is a greatly diversified country. It is a melting pot of cultures and people from around the Arabian Peninsula and from across the seas. It is also a very young country – formed in 1971! Before the riches from oil, the main cities of the UAE were hardly more than tiny villages. Now, these centers of government and trade can boast skylines to rival those of European and American cities.

Each of the country’s cities has a different flavor: from cosmopolitan seat of government or buzzing trade hub, to elegant and traditional. All are within a short distance from each other, but offer the visitor a kaleidoscope of variety in sites, sounds, and activities. The UAE welcomes visitors with open arms and will definitely be a joy to any who wish to experience this young and warm-hearted country.

UAE Tours

We offer a variety of options for tours and travel to the United Arab Emirates. You can also combine a tour with Oman to see more of the Arabian Peninsula.

Book any time!

From $Call

Emirates Desert Adventure

Adventure Cultural History

5 Days

Latest Posts About the Emirates

Adventure Culture History

Tunisia

Mediterranean beaches, Roman ruins, Berbers, Sahara Desert, oases, salt lakes and moreTunisia

Discover this North African gem for yourself!

Tunisia’s strategic location on the northern coast of Africa have long attracted conquerors throughout the ages. Its proximity to Sicily and Sardinia meant millennia of European incursions, but this land on the edge of the Sahara Desert also attracted people from lands further away.

The most famous city of Carthage is thought to have been founded by a princess from Tyre, Lebanon, named Dido. She was the first to settle among the native people and founded Carthage in the 9th century BCE. The city quickly grew to be a major Mediterranean power, and that attracted rivals, most notably, Rome. They fought several wars, but in the end, Rome prevailed and destroyed Carthage, razing it to the ground in the 2nd century BCE. Rome ruled for another 500 years. Arab conquerors arrived in the 7th century and converted the native Berbers to Islam. The land was ruled by successive Islamic dynasties until being taken over by French colonial rule in the late 19th century.

After achieving independence in 1956, Tunisia mostly pursued a progressive social agenda and sought to modernize its economy under two long-serving presidents, Habib Bourguiba and Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. However, Tunisia remained an authoritarian state with an all-powerful ruling party and no significant institutions of representative government.

This came to an end in early 2011 after the popular uprising against corruption and authoritarian rule called the Jasmine Revolution caused Ben Ali to flee. It was also the spark of the popular uprisings across most of North Africa and the Middle East. Democratic elections have been held in Tunisia, and the transition to representative democracy, while not perfect, has been more successful here than in other countries in the region.

Tunisian society is very diverse, and Christians and Jews have lived among the Muslim majority for centuries. The old and the new are present in cities like the capitol of Tunis where the traditional Arab souk resides among modern office buildings. The tree and cafe-lined main boulevard in the city could be anywhere in southern Europe.

Tunisia has long been a popular holiday destination for Europeans and more and more Americans. Vacations in Tunisia can take many forms – a beach holiday, exploring ancient Roman and Punic ruins, discover the Berber culture, wander through extensive oases, Enjoy the beaches, but also enjoy the history and culture of this North African gem.

From $Call

Sahara Sands of Tunisia

5 out of 5

1 Reviews

8 Days

From $Call

Discover Tunisia

Adventure Cultural History

8 Days

Culture History

Saudi Arabia

Once forbidden to outsiders for tourism, Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to those who want to learn more about the country, see its historical and cultural treasures, and meet the Saudi people. Saudi Arabia can be a difficult place to get an understanding of without actually visiting. There are plenty of books and websites to read to try and get an idea of the country, but the average people and their way of life are almost unheard of outside the kingdom. We can read all about the oil, the deserts, the wealth and the royal family, but to really begin to understand the Saudi people, you have to meet them and talk to them on their terms.

November 2023

From $7300

Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Adventure Cultural History

12 Days

Recent Posts

Traveler’s Handbook for Saudi Arabia

Below are links to pages that contain important information about travel to Saudi Arabia

Introduction to Saudi Arabia

Adventure Culture History

Oman

Sultanate of Oman

From $Call

5 Day Oman Tour

Adventure Cultural History

5 Days

From $Call

10 Day Oman Tour

Adventure Cultural History

10 Days

From $Call

Wahiba Sands of Oman

Adventure Cultural

3 days

From $Call

3 Day Oman Tour

Adventure Cultural

3 days

Oman, located on the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, is a unique country with a rich history, including evidence of human habitation going back over 5,000 years. The country is bounded on the north and west by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, and on the east by the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, a newly established sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of treaties with Britain, who exercised a great amount of influence over the country, but it never became a British colony. In 1970, Qaboos bin Said al-Said overthrew, in a bloodless coup, the restrictive rule of his father, and has ruled as sultan ever since. Immediately upon taking over, he embarked on an extensive modernization program and has opened the country to the outside world while preserving the longstanding close ties with Britain. Oman’s moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Oman offers visitors modern conveniences alongside natural beauty, historical sites, luxury spas, rugged adventure and more.

Oman Tours

Oman is a country for which we do independent tours, but for which we rarely create set-departure group tours. If you would like to have a tour of this fascinating country created just for you, please give us a call! Short stays of just a few days to a week or more. The tours listed here can easily be combined with a tour of the United Arab Emirates, just call us for more information.

Contact Us

Use this form to contact us regarding travel to Oman or any of our destinations. You can also call us at 206-545-7300.

Culinary Culture History

Cuba

Explore Cuba!

This island nation is much more than forbidden cigars and rum. Meet the people, explore the island, learn the history with Caravan-Serai Tours.

Cuba has opened up to US tourists visiting on approved tours, and Caravan-Serai Tours is your destination specialist to help you plan your exploration of this long forbidden island.

Cuba is an island full of life. The people, the music, the arts, the food, the passion! Experience it all on a tour exploring this island nation that is eager to welcome visitors. We offer set departure tours throughout the year, just click on the buttons below for itineraries, dates, and prices.

If you have a special interest group that would like to visit Cuba, such as a medical association, music or culinary group, high school students, teachers, etc, we can create a special program to focus on those interests. Meetings, concerts, studio visits, school or university visits can be arranged as part of the program. Just call us with your ideas and we can work together to put together the perfect program.

Our tours include transportation in Cuba, most meals, a highly qualified English speaking guide, any entrance fees to sights on the itinerary, and accommodations. At this time, there are commercial airlines with regularly scheduled flights into Havana. Please note that the visa, departure taxes, and he required medical insurance are not included in the price of the tour, but may be included with your airline ticket – be sure to confirm prior to travel.

We make your Cuba dreams come true!

Cuba Tours

Caravan-Serai Tours offers both group and private legal travel to Cuba. Caravan-Serai Tours is an authorized sponsor of Cuba travel in accordance with the US Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) section 31 C.F.R. § 515.572(a)(1). If you would like to join a regularly scheduled departure, or would like us to create a Cuba experience for your school, church, or other group, just give us a call.

Prices starting at

From $2199

Western Cuba Tour

Culinary Cultural History

8 Days

Contact Us

Use this form to contact us regarding travel to Cuba or any of our destinations. You can also call us at 206-545-7300.

Adventure Culinary Culture History

Lebanon

Viva Lebanon!

A small country with an indomitable spirit

Lebanon packs a lot of history, culture, adventure and more into a small space. History that goes back thousands of years, including numerous conquests, each empire leaving a distinct mark on this tiny nation. In the past it was referred to as the Paris of the Mediterranean, and even after a shattering conflict, Beirut is again a shining, bustling seaside city. Most of Lebanon’s major sites are within a day’s drive to visit and return to Beirut, and you can be up in the mountains at the snow line and within a few hours be swimming at the beach. The terrain is as varied and diverse and the people of Lebanon, who will show show you what joie de vivre (joy of living) really means!

Lebanon Tours

Lebanon can be visited on its own or easily combined with another country such as Jordan or Egypt. If you also want to visit Israel on the same trip, there are some things to take into consideration when planning, so be sure to contact us for the latest updates.

From $Call

Lebanon - 5 Day Tour

Cultural History

5 Days

Recent Posts

Contact Us

Use this form to contact us regarding travel to Lebanon or any of our destinations. You can also call us at 206-545-7300.

Adventure Culinary Culture History

Turkey

Prices starting at

From $3425

Amazing Turkey

Cultural History

13 Days

Yachting in Turkey

Adventure Cultural

Turkey offers plenty of options for travelers. We have group tours, and we can book independent tours. Interested in cooking and/or wine? Try a culinary tour of this fascinating country. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, sailing? Turkey can accommodate you! Whatever your interest, call us and we can create the ideal tour of Turkey. Or, join us on one of our groups, and see the historical, cultural, and natural highlights of this extremely diverse destination!

Culture Faith History

Israel

Explore Israel

Modern, ancient, vibrant, serious. Plan your trip to Israel with Caravan-Serai Tours today!

Your trip to Israel is easily accomplished with Caravan-Serai Tours. We have several set departure tours available that will give you an excellent overview of the country. We can also create a private tour to fit your interests, whether they be to visit the holy sites of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, or visit the archaeological sites of the Romans and Crusaders. Israel also offers eco-tourism, kibbutz experiences, and spa vacations on the Dead Sea.

The small country is easily traversed, and if you are flying in you will arrive in Tel Aviv. A transfer to Jerusalem only takes about an hour, depending on traffic. If you arrive via the land border with Jordan at the Allenby Bridge crossing, the trip to Jerusalem is a little bit longer. You can also cross at Taba between Egypt and Israel near Eilat, and at the Arava border crossing near Aqaba in Jordan. We are happy to create a multi-country tour that includes Egypt, Jordan, and Israel – a popular combination!

Israel Tours

Let Caravan-Serai create the perfect Israel experience for you. We can do any length of itinerary, focus on what you are most interested in, and also combine with other destinations. Check out these week-long itineraries, and if you would like to book one as it is we can do that, or we can customize to suit your goals. Just contact us for more information.

From $Call

Highlights of Israel

Cultural History

8 Days

From $Call

Heritage of the Holyland

Cultural Faith History

8 Days

From $Call

Bibleland Tour of Israel

Cultural Faith History

8 Days

Contact Us

Use this form to contact us regarding travel to Israel or any of our destinations. You can also call us at 206-545-7300.

Adventure Culinary Culture Faith History

Georgia

Republic of Georgia

Tamada the Toastmaster, King Tamara, Qvevri Wine, its bread is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Treasure! Come visit Georgia with Caravan-Serai Tours

Georgia sits at the junction of east and west, located on the east coast of the Black sea in the south Caucasus. It shares borders with Russia in the north and Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan in the south. Mountains and valleys, wide basins, health spas with mineral waters, caves and waterfalls are combined in this land of varied landscapes and striking beauty. The capital, Tbilisi, stands on the banks of the river Mtkvari, and is a blend of modern and historic architecture, bridges spanning the river, hilltop cathedrals, and an old city with remnants of the days the Soviet Union controlled the country. With its warm climate, stone houses built around vine-draped courtyards, and winding streets, the city has a lively, almost Mediterranean feel to it.

Georgia has benefited from the advantages of a comparatively mild climate, a fertile soil, natural resources, a diversity of flora and fauna, which were very advantageous to its earliest inhabitants, dating back to the early Paleolithic era.

The inhabitants of Georgia have often fought to maintain their independence and national identity over the centuries. In struggling with outside influences from Achaemenid and Sassanian Persia, Greek and Roman, Persian and Arabs, Seljuk, Ottoman and Russia , Georgia managed to preserve its unique identity and culture.

The name of the Georgian nation derived from the indigenous proto – Georgian tribes Karts, who emerged in the eastern part of Georgia along the river Mtkvari, in the 8th – 7th C BC. People of this land are called Kart-veli and the land Sa- kartvelo. Greek travelers and colonists had seen the people working on the land with developed agriculture and viniculture and had called inhabitants of the area Georgians, from the Greek word geos (earth).

Discover this gem in the crossroads of east and west with Caravan-Serai Tours. Visit Georgia on a stand-alone tour, or combine it with a visit to one or more of its neighbors. We offer a regular departure Caucasus Tour, and we can coordinate independent, private tours for you.

Georgia Tours

Georgia has so much to offer visitors. Enjoy the natural beauty of this mountainous and verdant country, revel in the lively nightlife of Tbilisi, enjoy wines made in a 9,000 year old traditional process, dine on savory and sweet foods fresh from the farmers market to your table and more. Enjoy cultural and culinary, adventures, hike or ski in the mountains, and enjoy the beaches of the Black Sea. No matter what your interests are, you will find something in Georgia to excite you.

From $Call

Caucasus Food and Wine Tour

Culinary Cultural History

18 Days

From $Call

Wine Tour of Georgia

9 Days

From $Call

Azerbaijan-Georgia Tour

Culinary Cultural History

Recent Posts

Contact Us

Use this form to contact us regarding travel to Georgia or any of our destinations. You can also call us at 206-545-7300.

Adventure Culinary Culture History

Iran

Iran Welcomes You!

Explore the wonders of Iran

Home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, Iran will leave you sated with culture and history. The warmth of her people, the beauty of Iran’s natural world, and the magnificence of the monuments will make you wonder why you waited so long to succumb to her allure.

Caravan-Serai Tours has been leading groups to Iran since 1999. Our staff have all visited Iran, and we know the ins and outs of travel there for Americans. Iran is an amazing destination, not to be missed! We offer group and private custom tours. If you are interested in a custom tour, just give us a call.

Iran Tours

Travel to Iran for Americans is possible and just takes a little planning. Caravan-Serai Tours has been taking clients to Iran for over 20 years. Join one of our set group departures or let us create a private tour just for you or your group. Whether you are interested in seeing the highlights and getting an overview of Iranian history in a week, or want a more in-depth look at the culture, history, cuisine, and encounters with Iranians of all walks of life over a month, we can arrange it for you.

Please keep in mind that the visa process takes time, so we must be able to apply for it about 90 days before you plan to travel. The visa process for Americans is a 2-step process: first applying for the authorization (usually the most time-consuming part of the process!) and second is getting the visa stamp in your passport. If you are not traveling with an American passport, you may be able to get your visa on arrival but will still require authorization. Just contact us with any questions about travel to Iran and we are happy to answer them.

From $Call

Iran Tour

Culinary Cultural History

18 Days

Amazing Tour!

From $Call

Iran - Susa Tour

Cultural History

5 out of 5

3 Reviews

16 Days

From $3175

8 Day Iran Tour

Cultural History

8 Days

What to wear in Iran

This can seem a bit intimidating for women travelers, but in reality, it’s easy to find clothing that will be appropriate for wear in Iran. Women are wearing loose, comfortable pants with tops that go below their hips, and at least 3/4 length sleeves, and scarves. Men can wear short sleeved shirts but no tank tops or shorts.