Travelers have marveled at Egypt's archaeological wonders for centuries, ever since the Ancient Greeks visited the pyramids. Today, the ancient wonders attract millions of tourists each year to the pyramids, temples, mosques and great monuments of the Nile Valley, as well as the stunning diving resorts of the Red Sea.
While the few huge, dusty cities – Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor – are a babble of exotic sounds and smells. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheik, on the Red Sea coast, are doors to a magical underwater world of Technicolor fish and coral favored by divers, while other adventurous travelers head inland. Here, you can discover monasteries amid the arid mountains of Sinai or the distant desert oases, homes of the hardy nomads whose camel trains still wander the Saharan sands.

Straddling two continents, Europe and Asia, and bordering the volatile Middle East, Turkey has an unrivaled history stretching back thousands of years. From the ancient Hittites to the Ottomans, dozens of civilizations have made Turkey their home, leaving behind them a dazzling historical and archaeological heritage. Turkey has become one of the best and modernized tourist countries, attracting millions of American & European holidaymakers each year. Among the top draws is Istanbul with its fabulous setting, the wealth of historic sights and the vibrant cultural life. Also not to be missed are the amazingly well-preserved remains of Greco-Roman cities such as Ephesus or Pergamon, and the coastal resorts with their sandy beaches and hedonistic nightlife.

Cyprus is a deeply enjoyable holiday island that boasts myriad charms all year round. Within one compact and sweepingly attractive island are a variety of rich landscapes and eclectic travel experiences. Cyprus as a destination is not just about its (admittedly very attractive and impressively clean) beaches, as it also offers skiing and hiking in its voluminous mountains, charming hilltop villages and vine-blessed slopes with nearby towns where you can sample the seriously underrated Cypriot wine. There is a dash of Mediterranean swagger to go with the bright lights and buzzing nightlife.

The smallest in North Africa – Tunisia packs a lot in. It is a truly kaleidoscopic nation, ranging from Mediterranean beaches to the Sahara desert, from ancient souks to Star Wars film sets.
Despite its location, edging the Sahara, Tunisia is a surprisingly fertile land. It has six national parks; that around Lac Ichkeul is one of only two UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserves in the world. If you are feeling energetic, the view from the near-deserted village of Takrouna over the mountainous north is stunning. Alternatively, visit a central desert oasis like Zaafrane, Tozeur or Kebili with its hot pools. Finally, when you are tired of culture, history and nature, simply lie on the beach and relax at some point along its 1400km (875 miles) stretch of Mediterranean coastline.

Thailand has a rich and colorful culture, and many exotic monuments and stunning beaches, which draw millions of visitors each year, ranging from budget-conscious back packers to those seeking luxurious pampering in a spa.
Equally memorable are the trails leading deep into the rainforest past cooling waterfalls, and the natural beauty of the translucent sea lapping onto endless white, soft sand. Not to be missed is the dynamic Bangkok, a city that is larger than life, with its futuristic high- rise buildings juxtaposed against the glittering Grand Palace.

Malaysia is the rising star of South-East Asian tourism, a nation looking forward to the future while cherishing the traditions of the past. Centuries of trading have resulted in a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions.
Tropical island resorts and endless white sandy beaches offer a taste of paradise, while beneath warm coral seas, world-class diving sites await exploration. Orangutans, the oldest rainforest in the world, city skyscrapers and majestic mosques and temples plus a gorgeous coastline are enough to tempt even the most jaded visitor.

For a long time, the Republic of the Maldives was one of the best-kept secrets in the world; a beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and sun seekers alike. Now the tourism potential of the country has developed significantly; the islands have become an increasingly popular long-haul destination.
However, the Maldives is somewhat divided between being an idyllic tourist destination, and being a country with indigenous people who rarely intermix with the tourists.
The resort islands offer nautical delights from night-fishing trips, windsurfing and scuba diving. Many islands embrace enormous lagoons, where bright blue-green water laps gently. Indeed, photos of the Maldivian sea look doctored: it is only when you travel there, you discover the sea is really that luminous, enchanting color.

Greece today offers the traveler, the comforts of modern Europe in close proximity to the stark beauty of the ancient world. There is no doubt that the historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern western world - in its literature, art, philosophy and politics. Reminders of the country's glory are all over Greece - from Athens' Parthenon and Delphi's Temple of Apollo, to the ruins on Crete of the Minoan city of Knossos, a civilization reaching even further back into history.
Wherever visitors travel in Greece, they assure a warm welcome, as the Greeks have a strong tradition of hospitality.

Stylish, cultured, good humored and volatile – Italy, with its golden light, stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has inspired poets and painters for centuries.
Perhaps more than any other country, it has influenced the course of European development, particularly in culture and political thought.
Italy combines art, history and contemporary fashion with stunning natural landscapes; the turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda offer one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of Sand, Sea and Sunshine, while the snow-covered slopes of the Dolomite mountains are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.