A Grand Journey Through Ancient Myths & Enchanting Sand-Swept Splendour

Mykonos is the principal town of the island of the same name, which is part of the Cyclades, and could well be described as the most sophisticated of the Greek Islands. Visited by innumerable international celebrities - you may even see some enjoying a coffee on the sidewalk - it is not surprising that it is considered by many to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is also an island with beautiful landscapes, scores of churches, some fascinating monuments, and windmills. Read more about Mykonos, Greece

Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast and the centre of the seaside district of the same name. While best known as a starting point for visiting Ephesus, once one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a history dating from 3000 BC, there’s also a delightful range of activities in town. Places of interest include: the City Walls, of which one gate remains to-day; the peninsula at the end of the bay with its castle and swimming beaches; several aqua parks with wave-pools and white-water slides; Ladies Beach, once segregated but now open to all; and Dilek Peninsula National Park. Read more about Kusadasi, Turkey

Rhodes is the principal city of the island of the same name, situated in the Aegean Sea. It is renowned for having the longest summer of any of the Greek islands. It is famous for being the site of the Colossus of Rhodes - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - as well as being the home of the Citadel of Rhodes, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Read more about Rhodes, Greece

Antalya is the 'capital' of the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. It is a sprawling modern city, but Old Antalya which surrounds the Roman harbour, with its historic museum, and the many buildings - now restored as homes, boutique hotels, inns and restaurants - that date back to Ottoman and even Roman times, give it its own distinctive atmosphere. There are numerous fascinating archaeological sites to visit, or take a day excursion to one of the wonderful National Parks, and even experience some white water rafting, or you can simply enjoy the dramatic sea and mountain views. Read more about Antalya, Turkey

Istanbul (Byzantium from 660 BC, Constantinople from 330 CE, and Istanbul since 1930) is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city proper in the world. It has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus, in the NW of the country, for 25 centuries, and as Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was a metropolis of stunning splendour when the great capitals of Europe were mere villages and is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. Read more about Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul (Byzantium from 660 BC, Constantinople from 330 CE, and Istanbul since 1930) is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city proper in the world. It has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus, in the NW of the country, for 25 centuries, and as Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was a metropolis of stunning splendour when the great capitals of Europe were mere villages and is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. Read more about Istanbul, Turkey

Volos is a coastal port city situated about midway on the Greek mainland, 326 km north of Athens. This picturesque town earned its place in history as the birthplace of Achilles and the port from which Jason set out to find the Golden Fleece. It has a remarkably large proportion of modern buildings, built after the devastating earthquake of 1955. Read more about Volos, Greece

Thessaloniki is the capital of Greek Macedonia, and has a history that dates back to the fourth century BC. The rebuilt 20th-century city has a modern European layout, and is a hub for international trade and culture. Regarded by many as Greece’s ‘hippiest city’, the influence of the east is pronounced, both in the delicious food and the relaxed lifestyle. Read more about Thessaloniki, Greece

Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region, and the economic centre of this Greek Island. It is a town with modern buildings, but it is probably the surrounding area of amazing beaches, delightful villages, and impressive gorges that accord it its popularity. Heraklion is home to some of Greece's most important archaeological sites. Read more about Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Port Said lies at the northern end of the Suez Canal on the Mediterranean coast. Built in 1859 to house workers on the canal, it is now an important harbour for Egyptian exports. Due to its numerous old houses with grand balconies on all floors giving the city a distinctive look, being a duty-free port, its public and private beaches, and its cosmopolitan heritage, it has become a popular tourist resort. Read more about Port Said, Egypt

Jeddah is a Saudi Arabian city located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. The city is the principal gateway to Mecca, Islam's holiest city. With a thousand years of trading behind it and home to some of the world most successful merchants, it is natural that Jeddah is the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia. Read more about Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah is a Saudi Arabian city located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. The city is the principal gateway to Mecca, Islam's holiest city. With a thousand years of trading behind it and home to some of the world most successful merchants, it is natural that Jeddah is the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia. Read more about Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Salalah, which lies in the southern Dhofar region, is the second largest city in Oman, and is known for its glorious history, heritage, rich culture, traditions and wonders of nature. The beautiful beaches are also very popular, with scuba diving and bird watching favourite tourist activities. Not surprisingly, it is known as the ‘Stunning Jewel’ of Oman. Read more about Salalah, Oman

Muscat, lying on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman, is the capital and largest city in the Sultanate of Oman. The climate is very hot, with annual average temperatures ranging from 24C. to 33C., but it can get as high as 49C in the summer. Read more about Muscat, Oman

Khasab was built by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 17th century, at the height of their naval presence in the region. It dominates the narrow (50km) strait separating the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Its natural harbour gave shelter from tough seas. Read more about Khasab, Oman

Dubai, The Pride of the United Arab Emirates, is situated on the southern Arabian Gulf. The subtropical climate sees blue skies, temperatures reaching the mid-40s, and little annual rain. The city is all about contemporary shopping with more than 70 shopping malls in the city and indoor entertainment. Read more about Dubai, United Arab Emirates