Middle East Small Group Tours
Picture exploring the Middle East with small group for easier logistics. Tours typically cover Jordan, possibly Israel, and maybe adding Egypt, for the pyramids and Nile. Small groups mean you can navigate complex borders more easily, and have better access to sites, especially Petra. The Middle East is so rewarding, you’re discussing religion, politics, history in ways large groups can't manage. The region's fascinating and complex in equal measures.
10 best Middle East small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaMiddle East travel expert at TourRadar
- Anatolian Civilizations (Small Group)
- Egypt Group tour (Cairo, Cruise and Red Sea)
- 13-day Best of Turkey (Small Group Tour)
- 7 Days Group Tour of Classical Oman
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- The Ancient Story of Egypt - Small Group
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Anatolian Civilizations (Small Group)
108 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was pleasant and the people of Turkey were great. Recommending it.”
Jeremy, traveled in October
Small groups of 24 English speakers or 45 Spanish speakers visit Middle Eastern treasures. Limited numbers access hidden gems like underground cities and traditional cave homes in Cappadocia, while larger groups follow alternate routes through historic Bursa.
Duration 10 days Destinations Istanbul, Ankara, Urgup, Uchisar, Cappadocia, Goreme, Pamukkale, Selcuk, Izmir, PergamumSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 28 Group Type Group Operator Eskapas From $3,090
10% Off- NZ$2,781You save $309
Egypt Group tour (Cairo, Cruise and Red Sea)
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a well organised trip, I really enjoyed the it. I recommend this trip.”
Dinesh, traveled in May
Duration 8 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Hurghada Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 24 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Vacations to go travel From $2,745
45% Off- NZ$1,510+$708 upfront costsYou save $1,235
13-day Best of Turkey (Small Group Tour)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was excellent. Flo Tour is the best.”
Lesliati, traveled in December
Groups of 12-15 travelers dive deep into Middle Eastern landmarks. The intimate setting enables thorough visits to Istanbul's Basilica Cistern and meaningful interactions with local artisans during traditional craft demonstrations.
Duration 13 days Destinations Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Kusadasi, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara Age Range Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 24 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Flo Tours From
45% Off- NZ$3,444
Duration 7 days Destinations Muscat, Wadi Shab, Ad Dimaniyat Islands, Wadi Bani Khalid, Wahiba Sands, Jabrin, Bahla, Nizwa, Al Hamra, Jebel Shams Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $4,316
25% Off- NZ$3,237You save $1,079
Duration 12 days Destinations Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Kusadasi, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Pamukkale Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Angels Vacations From $5,540
10% Off- NZ$4,986You save $554
Personal guide leads private exploration of Middle Eastern treasures from Istanbul's Grand Bazaar to Cappadocia's fairy chimneys. Intimate group size allows extended time at sites like Mevlana Rumi's Tomb in Konya. Enjoy personalized attention at each stop, from Troy's ancient ruins to Pamukkale's thermal pools.
Duration 10 days Destinations Istanbul, Tekirdağ, Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Pamukkale, KonyaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Angels Vacations From $3,622
10% Off- NZ$3,260You save $362
Ancient theaters of Aspendos and Cappadocia's fairy chimneys await small groups. The tour takes in Konya's Mevlana monastery and traditional artisan workshops in Safranbolu, with expert guides sharing cultural insights.
Duration 14 days Destinations Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Kusadasi, Selcuk, Sirince, Pamukkale, Koycegiz, Fethiye, KayakoySee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Holitera Turizm From
10% Off- NZ$12,774
Personal attention comes naturally at Middle Eastern landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor Temple with our small-group format. Knowledgeable guides share detailed commentary while groups enjoy genuine cultural experiences in local markets.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Giza Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Global Conquest From
10% Off- NZ$2,933
Limited to 15 travelers, this Middle Eastern journey offers exclusive experiences from Istanbul's spice markets to Cappadocia's cave churches. Small group size enables authentic cultural interactions at local craft cooperatives and intimate dining experiences with traditional Turkish cuisine.
Duration 9 days Destinations Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kuşadası, Pamukkale Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator True Blue Tour From
10% Off- NZ$3,757
Oman in 3 Days – Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary is wonderfully balanced, offering something unique every single day. Wadi Shab amazed us with its turquoise pools and beautiful canyon.”
Анна, traveled in November
Duration 3 days Destinations Muscat, Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab, Ras al Hadd, Sur, Wadi Bani Khalid, Wahiba Sands, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator GidOman From
10% Off- NZ$1,379
Reviews of Small Group tours to Middle East
- Anatolian Civilizations (Small Group)
Excellent hotel Pera Palace, excellent guide Nazim, and excellent food.
- 13-day Best of Turkey (Small Group Tour)
An amazing tour. Mustafa is probably the best tour guide we've had after numerous trips. Excellent historian, caring, calm & organised. The tour itself was outstanding value. We highly recommend this tour.
I hardly recommend this tour it is awesome covers all the highlights of Egypt I just have to add Abu Simbel which I think it is a must. All the guides are very knowledgeable I never felt alone they even helped me with my shopping. I would recommend to upgrade the accommodations the only one which is really nice is the one in Cairo but the cruise and the hotel in Hurghada aren’t 4-5 stars the food and the room aren’t that level but for the price of the tour it is fair enough. Thank you so much Vacation to go I really enjoyed my travel to Egypt and for sure if I come back to Egypt I will call you!!!
Egypt Group tour (Cairo, Cruise and Red Sea)
What our customers ask about Middle East Small Group Tours
What unique access do small group tours provide in the Middle East?
Small group tours unlock experiences that larger groups simply can't access. Groups can enter Petra before the morning crowds arrive and explore the Valley of the Kings in Luxor with dedicated guides. The intimate size allows visits to local homes in Jerusalem's Old City. At the Philae Temple in Aswan small groups get private evening viewings of the Sound and Light show. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our small group size meant we could visit places larger tours couldn't access like small family restaurants in Cairo's Khan el-Khalili bazaar."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a Middle East small group tour?
Accommodations range from upscale international hotels to distinctive local properties. Guests stay at places like the Movenpick Aswan with Nile views the Steigenberger Royale cruise ship and unique cave hotels such as Arte Cave in Cappadocia. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The accommodations exceeded expectations from the elegant Marriott Mena House with pyramid views to the atmospheric cave hotel in Cappadocia."
What is included in the meal arrangements for small group tours?
The tours cover daily hotel breakfasts plus select lunches and dinners at local restaurants. The 10-day Ancient Egypt tour provides 9 breakfasts 5 lunches and 3 dinners as a standard package. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The food arrangements were excellent especially on the Nile cruise where we experienced authentic Egyptian cuisine in an intimate setting."
What is the best time of year for small group tours in the Middle East?
While tours run throughout the year spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring. These seasons work well for outdoor sites like Petra and the Pyramids. One TourRadar traveler recommended: "Our October tour had perfect weather for exploring outdoor sites and wasn't overwhelmed with tourists."
How much interaction do you get with local communities on small group tours?
The smaller group format creates natural opportunities to meet local residents. Travelers visit Nubian villages along the Nile and spend time with Bedouin families in Wadi Rum. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Our guide took us to local markets where locals shop they barely cared to hassle us they were going about their daily lives. We were able to see how the locals live in the cities and villages."
How much interaction time do you get with local guides on small group tours?
Travelers spend 6-8 hours daily with expert local guides during scheduled activities. The smaller group size allows guides to share detailed historical context at sites like Petra and the Valley of the Kings while answering individual questions. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Our guide Ibrahim was exceptional making every moment fascinating with his deep knowledge of Egyptian history and taking time to address all our questions personally."