Singapore to Athens

Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its diversity of cultures, from the soaring Petronas Towers and the royal palace to Gothic churches, colonial remnants and a restored Malay timber house in a lovely heritage center. Experience everyday life as you browse the bustling markets and shops. Shopping: Shop for crafts, fine pewter, jewelry and batik.

Visit a batik factory, a butterfly farm, a mosque, church and Indian temple, or just laze around on the beach. Hike the rainforest and waterfall-clad mountains that form the backdrop to the beautiful sandy beaches on the island known as “The Pearl of the Orient.” The capital of the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique culture and architecture.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island’s fabulous beaches.

As possibly the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in southern Asia, Galle is an exciting, internationally famous destination. The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built by the Portuguese and then fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. It now serves as an excellent example of the multicultural influences on the island, representing both European architectural styles and Sinhalese culture

As the capital of the low-lying, coral-bed Maldives, winsome Malé is surrounded by a sea wall, where you might watch the fishing dhonis return with the day’s catch. Also be sure to see Friday Mosque, a masterpiece of filigree-curved coral built in the mid-1600s, and the Mulee-aage Palace.

Enjoy the sights of this teeming city, visiting the many lovely Jain and Hindu temples, the Hanging Gardens, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the magnificent Victoria Station. Take a harbor cruise from the Gateway of India or travel to lush Gharapuri Island to see the 7th century rock-cut temples of the Elephanta Caves. Shopping: Lovely silks, fine gold jewelry, ornate woodcarvings, personal altars, finely carved screens and antiques abound.

Enjoy the sights of this teeming city, visiting the many lovely Jain and Hindu temples, the Hanging Gardens, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the magnificent Victoria Station. Take a harbor cruise from the Gateway of India or travel to lush Gharapuri Island to see the 7th century rock-cut temples of the Elephanta Caves. Shopping: Lovely silks, fine gold jewelry, ornate woodcarvings, personal altars, finely carved screens and antiques abound.

Explore this amazing emirate where ultra-modern architecture soars over traditional Arab styles. See the impressive Jumeirah Mosque and stroll through the narrow alleys of old Dubai. Visit a museum in a former all-boys school or journey along Dubai Creek in a dhow. Visit fascinating Sharjah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its fabulous souks.

As the world’s richest city, Abu Dhabi boasts opulent hotels, museums and a yacht-filled marina, all marvels of modern architecture. Explore the emirate’s old souks, sip a fragrant Arabic coffee, ride the dunes on an exhilarating desert safari, or dive into dazzling marine life.

Qatar’s capital and largest city displays a broad sea-front corniche lined with impressive, towering, and strikingly modern architecture. View it from the sea with a ride on a traditional dhow. Notable highlights include the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art, which houses the largest collection of Islamic artifacts in the world and the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum displays one man’s massive collection of everything from cars to stamps and ancient treasures.

Explore this amazing emirate where ultra-modern architecture soars over traditional Arab styles. See the impressive Jumeirah Mosque and stroll through the narrow alleys of old Dubai. Visit a museum in a former all-boys school or journey along Dubai Creek in a dhow. Visit fascinating Sharjah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its fabulous souks.

Discover this lovely old city, its charming streets, museums and lively souks. Travel into a lush countryside of coconut and banana plantations, mountains and seascapes to Job’s Tomb. Or explore a rugged landscape of desert, fishing villages and starkly beautiful mosques. Visit ancient Mirbat, the medieval capital of Dhofar and the starting point for camel caravans.

Jeddah, a Saudi Arabian port city on the Red Sea, is a modern commercial hub and gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities Mecca and Medina. Resort hotels, beaches and outdoor sculptures line the Corniche, a seafront promenade anchored by the iconic King Fahd’s Fountain. The city’s Al-Balad historic district dates to the 7th century and retains traditional homes built from coral.

Take a thrilling journey to Luxor and see the majestic Karnak and Luxor temples. Cross the Nile to the famed Valley of the Kings with the long forgotten tomb of Tutankhamun, the nearby mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the enormous Colossi of Memnon. Or take a jeep safari into the desert to a Bedouin settlement and enjoy the dramatic beauty of the vast sand dunes.

Take a thrilling journey to Luxor and see the majestic Karnak and Luxor temples. Cross the Nile to the famed Valley of the Kings with the long forgotten tomb of Tutankhamun, the nearby mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the enormous Colossi of Memnon. Or take a jeep safari into the desert to a Bedouin settlement and enjoy the dramatic beauty of the vast sand dunes.

Visit Aqaba’s castle fortress, archaeological museum and mosque. Or journey to magnificent Petra, an ancient city hidden behind rugged mountains. As you enter Petra’s main square through a narrow chasm, the superb facades of imposing monuments carved into the cliffs are revealed, the hues of the stone changing as the sun moves across the sky.

See how the emerging tourism meshes with ancient traditions of the Sinai Peninsula. You can also windsurf, golf, snorkle, dive and shop in this modern Red Sea city.

Limassol is the jumping off point to explore the ancient riches of Cyprus. See ruins, majestic mountains and scenery, stunning beaches, and vast groves of lemons, oranges and olives. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its fascinating museum. Or stroll through ancient Curium and admire its stunning mosaics, theater, basilica and panoramic views over the sea. Venture inland to Nicosia and its wonders like the Cathedral of St. John, the Venetian fortifications, a restored old town and mosque, and the Cyprus Museum.

Enjoy a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master’s Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood and savor the charm of this remarkable walled town. Or drive along the scenic coast to Lindos. Enjoy the whitewashed little town and climb to the ancient acropolis, its temples and wonderful views.

Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or journey to three monumental cities of antiquity – Priene, Miletus and Didyma – renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.

Climb up the magnificent Acropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon, the beautiful temples and the view over Athens stretched out before you. See city highlights including the new and old Olympic stadiums. Journey to Cape Sounion and the temple of Poseidon overlooking the sea, or visit ancient Corinth and the narrow Corinth Canal cut through miles of solid rock.