Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs and Pyramids demonstrates how a modern country has carefully protected its ancient heritage. Cairo, the capital of Egypt has a vibrant but chaotic personality. Activities include a Felucca ride on river Nile, the Egyptian Museum, Pyramids of Giza, the Citadel, the Lord of the Sphinx, the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar and the Mohd Ali mosque.

Make a day trip to Alexandria to admire the Pompey's pillar, Roman Amphitheatre and the new Alexandria library.

Aswan, which is a train ride from Cairo has marvel like the Great Temple of Ramses –II and the smaller temple of Nefertari or spend some time looking at the azure waters of lake Nasser.

Proceed further to Luxor to for a visit to the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of Kings, magnificent sunset views at the majestic temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor. You have the option of exploring these places on a Nile Cruise as well.

A trip to Siwa Oasis from Cairo for its dunes that move with the wind, the green palms, hot water springs and surreal lake sunsets will be memorable one too.

Dubai, where big is beautiful and superlatives like the world's largest mall, tallest building, continue to be created, is not only the playground of the rich and famous. This buzzing city is international travel destination with hordes of entertainment facilities, glitzy malls as well as traditional retail outlets for shopping and record busting architecture is a place for all budgets. Take a break from the never ending shopping and visit the Jumeirah mosque, Dubai Museum, the Gold Souk, Wild Wadi water park, hotel Burj Al Arab, get the thrill from the Desert Safaris in SUVs or even better a Hummer Safari and a Dhow Cruise in the Dubai Creek. Get a bird's eye view of the sprawling metropolis from atop the Observation Deck of BurjKhalifa. Take a tour or choose to stay at Atlantis the Palm located on Palm Jumeirah, one of the man-made islands for indulging yourself in luxury of the surroundings and a variety of fun and adventure like the Acquaventure, Lost Chambers and Dolphin Bay. Shopaholics cannot say NO to the annual Dubai Shopping Festival extravaganza.

The other emirates of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are day trips from Dubai.

Istanbul is an intoxicating medley of two cultures of the East and West colliding and blending together. The shouts of merchants at bazaars, the blast of ship horns, the periodic calls to prayer give a unique character to this melting pot of cultures. Stroll around Sultanahmet, an area studded with grand monuments like the Hagia Sophia (a Church, a Mosque and now a Museum), Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Moving around the Grand Market or Kapalicari, one of the largest covered markets in the world lined with an assortment of fine jewellery, antiques, carpets, trinkets and souvenirs (60 streets!) is an experience in itself. The Bosphorus Cruise on river Bosphorus that separates Europe and Asia,takes you past picturesque villages, restored buildings, palace hotels and mansions that line the waterways.

Other must visit places in Turkey include Capaddocia which is a land of extreme beauty. Make your way through the valleys between fairy tale chimneys and caves. Take off on a hot air balloon tour of the deep canyons and the beautiful natural spectacle unfolding beneath you.

Travel to Pamukkale (the Cotton Castle) for the breathtaking beauty of salt terraces filled with hot water springs and the sight of the night setting on the aquamarine pools. Don't miss walking into a Sheesha joint for authentic Turkish cuisine.