Middle East: Egypt, Jordan, Israel & Oman

Alexandria on the shores of the Med is all about history – the city was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. It’s also the perfect port for an unforgettable excursion to Cairo, where you can get up close to the staggering Pyramids of Giza, contemplate the enigmatic smile of the Sphinx and just gaze in wonder at the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, now housed in the Cairo Museum.

Port Said Governorate is one of the Canal Zone governorates of Egypt. It is located in the northeastern part of the country, on the Mediterranean Sea at the northern gate of the Suez Canal, making it the second most important harbor in Egypt.

Set on the Red Sea, Safaga is a watersports playground. Kite surfing and windsurfing rule here, but diving is also a top attraction with nearby reefs and wrecks. If sun worship is what you seek, the desert sun and black-sand beach will fast-track your sun tan. Experience the splendor of ancient Egypt on an excursion to Luxor, the Karnak Temple Complex and the 3,400-year-old Colossi of Memnon statues.

Set on the Red Sea, Safaga is a watersports playground. Kite surfing and windsurfing rule here, but diving is also a top attraction with nearby reefs and wrecks. If sun worship is what you seek, the desert sun and black-sand beach will fast-track your sun tan. Experience the splendor of ancient Egypt on an excursion to Luxor, the Karnak Temple Complex and the 3,400-year-old Colossi of Memnon statues.

Aqaba’s history dates back to 4,000 BC and was once a key Roman port. With year-round sun, you can enjoy watersports and explore the coral reefs of the Red Sea that teem with brightly coloured fishes. Magnificent Petra, an ancient city carved out of stone, and one of the World’s Seven Wonders, is nearby. Back in Aqaba, visit the 13th-century castle fortress, archaeological museum and mosque and enjoy a traditional lamb dish with yogurt and rice accompanied by mint tea or sweet Turkish coffee.

View Muscat from above by travelling on the Corniche and head out along the scenic Batinah coast. The medieval Nakhl Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop, offers magnificent views of the mountains and oasis below. The colourful Sultan’s palace and the Jelali and Merani forts are worth visiting, and if you seek to experience Omani culture, a stroll through the markets and narrow alleys is ideal. Exquisite local silver jewellery, exotic spices and handicrafts abound in the markets to tempt shoppers.

The world’s richest city boasts a wealth of culture, history and adventure, from the emirate’s old souks, where you can sip a fragrant Arabic coffee, to the rush of the world’s fastest rollercoaster. This 5,000-year-old metropolis is a fascinating mix of modern architecture and atmospheric back streets. Put your bargaining hat on for a friendly faceoff with the merchants at the souk to get deals on handicrafts, artwork, even spices and dried fruit for the cook back home.

Experience the blending of traditional Arab culture and modern western culture in Dubai. Gaze skyward to see the tallest building in the world, the 2,722-feet-high futuristic Burj Khalifa tower, or walk over to the impressive Jumeirah Mosque. Seek out jet-set haunts or stroll through the heart of the old city, Dubai Creek, which is home to the Dubai museum as well as the labyrinth alleyways of gold, spice and textile souks, where bargaining is part of the fun and ritual.

Experience the blending of traditional Arab culture and modern western culture in Dubai. Gaze skyward to see the tallest building in the world, the 2,722-feet-high futuristic Burj Khalifa tower, or walk over to the impressive Jumeirah Mosque. Seek out jet-set haunts or stroll through the heart of the old city, Dubai Creek, which is home to the Dubai museum as well as the labyrinth alleyways of gold, spice and textile souks, where bargaining is part of the fun and ritual.