United Arab Emirates
The largest city in the Persian Gulf also gives its name to the largest of the United Arab Emirates. Created after the British pulled out of the Persian Gulf in 1971, the Emirates consist of seven sheikdoms formerly known as the Trucial States. During the 3rd millennium BC, the climate of this area was more temperate than today's, and a flourishing Bronze Age culture developed on Abu Dhabi's coast and in the desert oasis area of Al-Ain/Buraimi. The remains of this ancient civilization have fascinated archaeologists since their discovery in 1960. Go for a meandering desert safari in a speciallyequipped 4WD vehicle and ascend to the top of Jebel Hafit for a spectacular view of the desert and Gulf.
Yemen
Welcome to the land of the Queen of Sheba and a Thousand and One Nights. The newly-united Yemens are a marvelous concoction of desert sheikdoms, muddaubed skyscrapers, crenellated fortress towers, fierce-eyed tribesmen and black-shrouded women. Yemen also boasts an astonishing landscape, ranging from monsoon, drenched mountains to and coastal plains. A land only recently emerged from years of war between North and Soudi, the peoples of the two Yemens now co-exist peacefully, if a bit warily. Aden now wears a slightly faded facade of colmial architecture dating from the days of the British Protectorate. High on a volcanic mountain overlooking the port are 18 huge cisterns, built during the reign of the Himyarites in the lst cennny AD. Still intact, they can hold 45 million liters of water.
Turkey
In times past, Alanya was dominated by the 13th-century Castle of Alâedden the Conqueror. Today you'll find its brooding ruins to be in marked contrast to the lively beachside resort scene spread out below. Alanya's coastline is punctuated by hundreds of caves and grottoes, which can be seen by excursion boat. Guests may also wish to travel to the nlins of the dme most important archaeological sites of ancient Pamphylia. In Side, see the nymphaea where fountains played from waters supplied by a complex aqueduct system.Aspendos is the site of a perfectly preserved 12,000-seat amphitheater where you may walk upon a nwble-tiled stage. And in Perge, see where 100,000 prosperous inhabitants spent their leisure time watching games in the enormous stadium or enjoying the waters of the public baths.
[Manama], Bahrain
In the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, the island of Bahrain was called Dilmun, a paradisiacal place where gardens blossomed m profusion and rivers ran ficely. Today, residents point to an ancient gwled tree said to be 'the Tree of Life' from the Garden of Eden. In fact, Bahrain's many bubbling springs have made the island more fertile than most Arab States.The city of Manama features a magnificent mosque and an excellent archaeological museum, revealing that Bahrain's roots as an important trading power go very far back in time. You may also explore the extensive archaeological digs at the so-called Portuguese Fort, or Qal'at Al Bahrain. From about 3000 BC, seven cities were built on this site, each one larger and more complex. The island also contains at least 85,000 Dilmun period burial mounds, some 35 feet high, which are a unique feature of Bahrain's landscape.
Oman
Oman's Musandam Peninsula juts upward like a finger poking into the gut of the Strait of Hormuz. Two great fiords, the Elphinstone and Malcom, thrust deep channels into the Peninsula's red bedrock. Entering these waters, you are surrounded by dramatic ciff walls towering 3,000 feet and more - home to thousands of nesting seabirds. This is one of the most ruggedly beautiful coastlines in the world and one of the least accessible. Because of its strategic military importance, the Musandam Peninsula is rarely open to foreigners. As a Song of Flower guest, you will be one of the few Westerners to see this awe-inspiring landscape. Diving and snorkeling expeditions and water sports are a few of the activities to be enjoyed in the clear waters surrounding Musandam.
Turkey
With its beautiful beaches and near-perfect weather, this town on the Turkish Riviera is one of the nation's finest resorts. King Attalus II of Pergainon established this city during the 2nd century BC, along a crescent shaped bay before the dramatic Taurus Momtains. Relax m the beach, wander through the ancient streets of Antalya's Old Quarter or explore nearby Perge, known for its ancient Theater, Roman Baths and religious monuments relating to the worship of Artemis. Those who wish to can opt for an excursion to Aspendos to view the best, preserved Roman Theater in the Mediterranean, and continue to Side to explore many 2nd century buildings and the renowned Agora, the former commercial center of the city.
[Petra], Jordan
The only seaport of Jordan, Aqaba is the gateway for our complimentary three-night land tour of the ancient city of Petra and Jerusalem. Dating back to the 4th century BC, Petra was once the capital of a flourishing civilization that stretched from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. The city is so well preserved that not much has changed in thousands of years. The town itself is carved out of solid rock and features intricate Roman-style pediments and columns of red sandstone. Explore Petra by foot and on a short horseback ride, or experience the splendors of the desert with a jeep ride to Wadi Rum, site of many of the exploits of Lawrence of Arabia.
[Piraeus], Greece
At the beginning of Westem civilization, some 2,500 years ago, a grand Acropolis was built atop a hill in what is now known as Athens. Here lie the ruins of four of the most impressive monuments of the ancient world: the Propylaea; the Temple of Adiena Nike; the Erechtheum temple and the Parthenon. Most amazing of all is the vivid contrast of the ancient settlement to the tall buildings and busy highways of modem Athens, a capital offering everything from historical museums and the colorful 'Plaka' area to chic restaurants and fine boutiques.
Indonesia
Sunset in Indonesia
Land of perfect harmony. The morning of the world. Island of the Gods. Bali is an enchanted island, bewitched with an otherworldly loveliness. Here green terraced rice fields march up gentle hillsides topped by temples and shrines. And every view fills the eye with beauty and the soul with serenity. Impired by the beauty of their land, the Balinese have created a culture in which nature, art and religion are harmoniously integrated. Life is an art form eloquently expressed, and virtually every work of art is a religious statement. In villages such as Ubud and Petiatan, discover the Balinese way in traditional paintings, the gamelan orchestra, the ritualistic Kecak and Barcftig dances, wood carving, stone sculpture and puppetry.
Thailand
A mirror of Venice in Asia, this "City of Angels' is a bustling place with a maze of extensive waterways constantly in motion. Everything fiom ferries, barges, tugboats, sampans and a variety of water-going vessels traverse the canals (called klongs). In between the office towers are beautiful parks, boulevards, gardens and the magnificent Grand Palace complex. Among the city's 400 Buddhist temples is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, containing a much revered statue carved from a single piece of jade.
Indonesia
The South Celebes (now Sulawesi) hold some of the least developed lands in Indonesia. Here wild animals roam freely in vast jungle preserves, teak and ironwood plantations are tended by local farmers and exquisite handicrafts are created by villagers of a dozen different cultures. The island of Buton, with its tiny port of Bau Bau is typical (if any part of Indonesia could be called typical!) of Sulawesi's eclectic heritage. A former sultanate, the island traded extensively with China and Java, producing a rich cultural tradition. The hilltop teakwood palace of the former Kings contains relics such as the cloth money once used in Buton, a forerunner of the modem banknote. Nirvana Beach is an appropriately named beachcomber's delight.
India
Bombay has been powered by money ever since its beginnings as a port for traders from Africa and Arabia. Bombay also evokes a wealth Of sensations, from the sights, scents and sounds of its bustling bazaars to the truly bizarre. Only Bombay could create a statue of a stem Queen Victoria guarded by an adoring array of stone snakes, monkeys and rats. And only in Bombay does one see larger-than,life Kohl,eyed starlets gazing from billboards overlooking ancient Hindu temples (Bombay is India's Hollywood). In Bombay, skyscrapers containing the corporate offices of India's modem day moguls look out upon the city once ruled by the great Maratha, Gujarat and Moghul Empires. And in Bombay, you will see the many faces of Shiva mirrored in the multiple personalities of India's greatest, most exotic and enthralling city. Note: Bombay is the gateway for our complimentary 3-night land tour of Old and New Delhi, Agra and the immortal Taj Mahal.
China
Canton (or Guangzhou) is one of China's oldest cities and has been a major gateway to the country for over a thousand years. Some of the first foreigners to visit here were the Romans, who arrived in the 2nd century. In 1685, Canton was opened to foreign trade and British ships from the East India Company began to arrive regularly, trading Bengal opium for tea and silk. It was from here that the Opium wars of the 1840s burst forth when Emperor Dao Guang issued an edict banning the drug trade. The first president of the Republic of China, Sun Yat-sen, was born just north of the city, and the impressive Memortal Hall was built in his honor. Other sites of interest include the Chen Clan House with its exhibits of Chinese art and thee Canton Zoo, home of Canton's most famous residents, the giant pandas.
India
Set on the Malabar coast amid small islands and narrow inlets, Cochin has a history of being a premier port along the fabled "spice route" to the East, The Portuguese, Dutch and British struggled to gain cmtrol of the city during the 400,year long colonial period, and guests see a unique mixture of architecture as they explore the sights. A visit to the St. Francis church reveals the tomb of the PomVese explorer Vasco da Gama. Those who wish may also tour the "Mattancheri" or Dutch Palace, which houses some of India's finest Hindu frescoes and ceremonial costumes.
Vietnam
Facing the East China Sea, coastal Da Nang is rich in both ancient and modem history. Art and artifacts of the Champa tribe from the 7th century are on display in the city's Cham Museum while Buddhist shrines peer out from the Marble Mountains above the rolling countryside. Reflecting a more recent past, a sutrising French influence can be detected in the local dialects and architecture of Da Nang. In the ancient city of Hue, which was the traditional capital of Vietnam's Annam Dynasty, you'll discover a classical city of literary and artistic traditions which have survived in spite of the devastation of war. The Hue River flows between a modem city to the south and a traditional village to the north, filled with colorful open air markets and sidewalk vendors.
[Pergamon], Turkey
Along the coast of Turkey lie the ruins of some of man's earliest cultural, religious and medical advancements. From Dikili, joumey to ancient Pergamon, located 1,000 feet above the fertile Caicus Valley. It once rivaled neighboring Ephesus in weatth and power. Among the ruins of this fascinating city, see the Acropolis, the Altar of Zeus and the Asclepion, an ancient medical center dating from 131,210 AD. It is said that Galen. Rome's celebrated physician, treated patients here with medicinal herbs, water and mud baths, massages, music and auto-suggestion - much like a modern day health spa.
Qatar
It's understandable if you don't know much about Qatar after all, it's a small country and few visitors have touched its shores. A rocky, low,lying desert peninsula reaching into the Gulf, Qatar is a hard-scrabble land that begs for water. But under the surface, there's wealth apienty in enormous oil and natural gas fields. QataT's rulers are the immensely powerful and numerous Al Thani family, who arrived from Central Arabia in the 1700's. Before oil production began in the 1960's, pearling and date palms supported the populace. Recent findings of flint workings and other signs of human habitation prove that nomadic people lived here as long as 50,000 years ago. Your visit to Qatar may include fascinating tours of Doha's falcon market and the Emir's private wildlife farm, where the rare Arabian oryx may be seen.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the Arabian Peninsula's most cosmopolitan city - and the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates. Unlike other Gulf states, Dubai's thriving economy is fueled not by oil, but by trade, which may explain its laissez-faire attitude. And if you liketo shop, this is THE PLACE, especially if you're in search of electronics, gold, antiques and carpets. The souks in Dubai and nearby Sharjah vary from tiny stalls to covered malls. Don't forget to haggle - it's expected. You'll have two complimentary hotel nights in Dubai in which to explore the city and the other nearby Emirates. More pastimes in Dubai include a dhow excursion on the tidal creek which winds through the city, a game of golf on the only real grass links in the Emirates, a tour of Sharjah, an evening safari into the desert for a barbecue and traditional dancing and a thrilling demonstration of the ancient Arabic art of falconing.
India
The ivory beaches of Goa seem to go on forever, thus making it a favored destination for sun worshippers and those seeking a more sedate way of life. Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961 and still has a definite Iberian flavor. 16th-century Portuguese villas adorned with twisted rope columns in the manueline style contrast with elaborately carved Hindu temples to create a surprising harmony in this beautiful resort.
Vietnam
Vietnam's northern most seaport, Haiphong is situated against miles of rice paddies along the Red River Delta and is our gateway to Hanoi. The city is considered an architectural museum with a rich history dating to Neolithic Times. The One Pilllar Pagoda, built in the 11th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, is constructed of wood and designed to resemble a lotus blossom, the symbol of purity. The Temple of Literature also dates to the 1 1 th century and is a fine example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and final resting place is near the Citadel and is open to the public. And the more recent influence of the French can still be seen in the many colonial buildings, tree-lined streets and sidewalk cafes.
Vietnam
Spectacular Halong Bay is one of the naturl wonders of Vietnam and its magical landscape has been compared to Guilin, China. Three thousand islands rise from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin while traditional sampans enhance the scene. Some believe the bay is inhabited by a mysterious giant marine creature, known as the Tarasque, while other legends tell of the island being created by a great dragon. The islands are dotted with innumerable caves and grottoes, including the huge "Hang Dau Go" where stalactites appear in the shape of gnomes and the walls sparkle in the light.
Yemen
In the time of the Romans, Yemen was known as 'Arbia Felix'- or bountiful Arabia. Today's visitors find Yemen to be one of the most fascinating and fruitful destinatiom in the Middle Fast. From Hodeidah, joumey high into the Haraz mountains to a lost world. As d-le air becomes cooler and the landscape greener, you'll notice terraced farms clinging to the steep hillsides. The way of life of the hill people has not changed in thousands of years. Guests will be also be treated to a complimentary overnight air/land tour of Yemen's capital of Sana'a, a wondrous medieval walled city containing the best preserved examples of Yemen's unique architecture. In these fanciful multi-story tower homes, adorned with stained glass windows and ornamental rooftops, the top floor or mafraj, is used for entertaining, enjoying a pinch of qat and listening to music played on al-ud (lute).
1997 will be an incredibly exciting and historic time to visit Hong Kong, for this is the year the British Crown Colony officially becomes an autonomous region of China. Despite the change of flags, Hong Kong will continue to be the cosmopolitan hub of the Far East, where you can see, do, buy, eat or experience virtually anything your heart desires. Take the Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for one of the world's most exciting views, cross the harbor to Kowloon aboard one of the famous Star Ferries or travel under the harbor on one of Hong Kones ultra-modem, snakelike subway trains. After a morning of shoppmg and exploring, enjoy high tea at a bastion of colonial gentility which will never change - the Peninsula Hotel.
Turkey
Interior of Aya Sophia Mosque, Istanbul
Strategically located on the shores of the narrow Bosphorus Strait separating Europe and Asia, Istanbul is the natural gateway between East and West and has been a trading center for centuries. Once the capital of the powerful Byzantine empire and later called Constantinople, Istanbut's rolling hills are home to many ancient monuments that seem to blend harmoniously with the modem city. Among the sites are the Galata Tower, Taksim Square, Suleymaniye Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the brilliant Blue Mosque No joumey to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered bazaar in the world - a maze of shops selling everything imaginable.
Indonesia
Dutch traders arrived in Jakarta ir, tiie early 1600's and quickly established the Dutch East India Company at Batavia, thus dominating Indonesians history for over 300 years. Today, Jakarta is a city of contrasts, where airconditioned limousines pass tri-shaw peddlers and sleek office towers cast shadows on former colonial residences. The history of Jakarta unfolds in its many interesting museums. Gabled Dutch warehouses in Batavia and the old port of Sunda Kelapa, populated by a fleet of colorhil 'PinisC or sailing ships, are reminders that jakarta's days as a sea port are not long past. At the nearby Taman Mini Indonesia outdoor museum, guests may sample the many wondrous worlds of the Indonesian archipelago in a series of pavilions and exhibits featuring traditimal materials and crafts from each province.
[Taipei], Taiwan
Keelung is our gateway to Taipei, Taiwan's freewheeling capital and booming businm center. Taipei is one of the 'Four Little Dragons,' which along with Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong, have transformed Southeast Asia into an economic powerhouse. In Taipei's furious pursuit of capital, it's surprising to find quiet oases of the past. In the elaborately decorated 18th-century Lungshan (Dragon Mountain Temple) and the more restrained Confucius Temple, the old pray for the souls of long-dead ancestors and young yuppies pray for future business successes. Through an ironic quirk of history, Taipei actually holds mainland China's greatest artistic and cultural measures (all 250,000 of them!) which guests may inspect at length at the National Palace Museum. Chinese Nationalist history is remembered in the huge Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, dominating Taipei's center.
Indonesia
In 1980 Komodo Island was designated a National Park and it is now considered one of the most unique wildlife regions in the world. Komodo is the indigenous home of the famed Komodo dragon, the prehistoric-looking monitor lizard that grows to lengths of 10 feet and may weigh as much as 300 pounds.
Indonesia
Just over a century ago, in 1883, the island of Rakata Besar disintegrated with the most violent explosion in recorded history. When the central mountain of Krakatau erupted with a force of over 20,000 atomic bombs, it displaced enormous quantities of rock and debris collapsing the island. This catastrophic explosion caused tidal waves 100 feet high and was heard 2,500 miles away in Brisbane, Australia. What remains today is Anak Krakatau (son of Krakatau) which is a 500-foot high island surrounded by waters reaching a tempera.
Malaysia
Malaysia's capital is a fascinating mixture of the old and the new, the East and the West. The city's architecture reflects strong evidence of its British colonial heritage mixed with Moorish influence. Touring Old Town, you'll discover Christian churches next to Moslem mosques and Hindu temples, all playing an intrinsic part in Malaysian culture. The Blue Mosque in Shah Alam, on the way to Kuala Lumpur, is the most beloved house of worship in Malaysia.
Turkey
From Kusadasi, travel inland to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most impressive and best preserved archaeological sites in Turkey, if not the world. While exploring the marble streets of this revered city, you'll marvel at its past glory. See the Amphitheater, where St. Paul once preached, and the house where the Virgin Mary lived out her last days. Learn about the Great Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. View the Library of Celsus, the Badis, the Gymnasium and the Fountain of Trajan - all magnificent treasures of a long-gone Roman city that once numbered 200,000 souls.
Kuwait
Lorig before Kuwait City was bom, a small island off its shores harbored an outpost of the Bronze Age Dilmun civilizatim called Tel Sad. Alexander the Great, realizing the importance of the location, turned the island into a thriving Greek colony which he christened Ikaros. And now, on the island known as Failaka, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a Hellenistic temple to Axtemis. In Kuwait's National Museum, visitors can see the great Stele that stood in the temple, as well as newer reminders of Kuwait's precarious history. A totally wrecked section of the museum that once housed the art collection of the Al Sabah family has been kept as a poignant reminder of the destruction wrought by Iraqi troops during the Gulf War. The Al Sabahs, who migrated from Central Arabia's Najd area, have ruled Kuwait for 300 years. They preside over a citizenry which enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. Join Kuwaitis in a favorite pastime - camel racing. This is a not-so-passive spectator sport, since onlookers frequently drive pell-mell beside the track in 4WD vehicles to cheer on their favorite mounts. Guests may also inspect the oil fields which blazed for months after the war. And see the awesome twisted metal wreckage near Al Jahra, where allied forces stopped a fleemg convoy of Iraqi trucks, cars, tanks and looters in their tracks.
[Flores], Indonesia
With its spectacular ridge of smoking volcanoes, high mountain lakes and stretches of tropical forest, Flores is considered one of Indonesia's most beautiful islands. The port city of Larantuka was a Portuguese colony for about 300 years, and the culture reflects a good deal of Iberian influence. Guests will travel inland to a traditional village where they will be greeted by the residents and witness some of the dramatic and exciting local dances. Other traditional arts endure as well, primarily in the form of some of the finest handwoven ikats in the archipelago.
Indonesia
Close to worldly Bali and its refinements, yet at least a century removed in ambiance, Lombok is largely untouched by modem influences, seemingly cloaked in a timeless veil of ancient traditions centered around the religious practices of its Sasak peoples. The island's rugged, dramatic landscape leads the eye ever upward to towering Mt. Rinjani, the second tallest peak in Indonesia, where it said die gods toss rocks of fire and snow in a giant game of catch. The old princely capital of Cakranegara is filled with reminders of a different time - in the bedchambers of the charmingly rickety royal palace, faded photos of royal personages gaze from the past at visitors.
Maldive Islands
On a map of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are mere fly specks. Dravidian and Sinhalese peoples were the first inhabitants, arriving m 500 Bc. Sunni Muslims ruled the islands until 1968, when they became the Republic of the Maldives. Malé, the capital, is a haphazard hodgepodge of tin-roofed houses and intriguing shops selling handicrafts and goods from Singapore. Fishing boats and sailing ships, called 'dhonis' provide transport to the outlying islands. Malé's pristine beaches, warm waters, teeming coral reefs and nearperfect weather make it a tropical retreat for relaxation - and a diver's paradise.
India
Mangalore is located in India's Karnataka region, home to magnificent 8th century ruins and a mosaic of rice paddies, weaving a rich tapestry of scenic sensations. This deeply religious city offers an intriguing look into the spiritual and architectural diversity of India. Among the highlights are the thousand-pillar Chandranatha Temple of Mudbidri and St. Aloysius Church, adomed with brilliant frescoes painted by Italian masters.
Maldive Islands
Paradise lost becomes paradise found on this pristine island of gentle breezes and crystal clear waters. Each atoll of the Maldives is a living, growing organism, with as much natural beauty to be discovered under the waters as on the surface of its coconut palm, topped islands. The coral reefs are alive with colorful fish, and one can see down to depths of forty feet or more with the naked eye. Guests will be pampered at a nearby resort where a cool drink and a delightful beach,side barbecue await. While enjoying your stay, also learn about the cultures of the Redin people who reside on the island. They are said to be the first inhabitants of the Maldives, who settled here some 4,000 years ago.
Oman
Oman is a land of incredible contrasts - in many ways, it seems like three different countries. In the south are frankincense and myrrh and green tropical mountains swept by monsoon rains. In the middle are the great wadis or dry riverbeds, pockmarked by an ancient system of tube wells which provide water for villages and date palm groves. In the north and east are the forbidding interior mountains - as recently as 50 years ago, the intrepid explorer Wilfted Thesiger (who travelled twice by camel across the Empty Quarter), dared not go here for fear of being killed by xenophobic tribesmen. Happily, Oman's seaside capital of Muscat is much more hospitable. In fact, it's an enchanting and very old city, with an ageless patina bom of a long heritage as a haven for merchant ships calling from as far away as India, Africa, and even China and Java. In Mutr-ah, explore a souk unmatched for its variety of Bedouin weavings, Omani khanjas (curved daggers) and antique silver jewelry.
[Torajaland], Indonesia
Nestled on a lush plateau in the mountains of Sulawesi live one of Indonesia's most fascinating peoples - the Torajans. An ancient legend of the Toraja states that their ancestors came down from the stars, and their uniquely shaped houses were designed to resemble the vessels which carried them from the heavens. Today, visitors are enchanted by these traditional houses and the Torajans' highly ritualistic ceremonies.
Malaysia
Penang is called "The Pearl of the Orient," with its lush, tropical landscapes and rich historical treasures. The British arrived here in 1786, establishing the island as their first trading post east of India. Today in the capital city of Georgetown the British architecture is contrasted by Oriental temples. Among the highlights are the 19th century Fort Comwallis; the clan house of the Khoo Kongsi Chinese; and the War Chayamangkalann, a Thai temple renowned for its enormous statue of the reclining Buddha. To obtain an incredible panorama of the island, dotted vnth its many wooden bridges, journey high atop Penang Hill, resting 2,700 feet above the sea.
Thailand
Phuket is Thailand's only island province and is known throughout the world for its scenic beauty, with its lush, steep hills, coconut plantations and rice fields. The coast is lined with rocky cliffs and the white sand beaches are among the most exotic in all of Asia. In addition to the natural scenery, visitors to this extraordinary island enjoy a variety of cultural events including performances of Thai boxing, sword fighting and classical Thai dancing.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Scattered across the Bay of Bengal and stretching nearly to Sumatra are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. One of the first visitors to the area was Marco Polo. Port Blair is the only town of size and was used by the British as a penal colony for Indian freedom fighters. The Andamans' isolation and bounty of botanical and marine life are remarkable. The majority of the islands are uninhabited, encircled by coral reefs, white sandy beaches and beautifully clear water. The islands are also home to five Aboriginal tribes, several of which have barely emerged from the Stone Age. The Indian government has taken extreme care to protect the Islands and their peoples from the ravages of modem civilization.
Egypt
The pyramids at Giza
Port Said is the Mediterranean terminus of the Suez Canal. The city was created by the builders of the Canal in 1859 and named after Said Pasha, Egypt's ruler. The opening of the Canal in 1869 was marked by a number of celebrations, including the premiere of Verdi's great opera, Aida. Port Said became an important fishing port, but when the Aswan Dam was built on the Nile, fishing declined because of a lack of nutrients. The port was invaded by British paratroopers in 1956 and closed from 1967 to 1975 during the Egypt/Israel wars. Today the city is an industrial free zone, primarily populated by administrative offices of the Suez Canal Authority and by Egypt's newly-hatched computer industry. Some of the original administrative buildings dating from the Victorian era can still be seen in the center of the city.
Vietnam
Now an active port and a popular seaside resort, Qui Nhon has seen more than its share of wars during its long history. It was the site where the Tay Son naval fleet was defeated in 1792 and again in 1801. The spiritual history of the Champa Kingdom can be explored at the 13th century Hung Than Towees ancient ritual complex. The Cu Mong Pass, just south of Qui Nhon is the area where the Chanis warriors held off advancing Tonkinese soldiers for more than 150 years. During the Vietnam war, Qui Nhon was a stronghold for American soldiers. And outside the city, guests will recall the military tragedy of Mi Lai, where 347 Viemmese civilians lost their lives.
[Myanmar] Burma
Pagan, Burma
"Me golden dome said, this is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you know about." So remarked Rudyard Kipting over 100 years ago, and today the glistening stupa of the Shwedagon pagoda continues to dominate Rangoon. Plated in solid gold slabs, adomed with 5,417 diamonds and 2,317 other precious genes, it is said that there is more gold on this pagoda than in all the vaults of England. Beyond this brilliant symbol of Buddhism lies the colonial architecture of Rangoon, seemingly unchanged since the British departed in 1948. The National Museum offers insight into Burma's past and is home to a royal throne from the Mandalay Palace as well as gem-studded swords, jewelry and serving dishes. The fabled "1,000 scents of the Orient" can be sampled at numerous markets where red chilies and fragrant cinnamon bark mingle with the scent of tropical fruits and herbs. From Rangoon, guests can enjoy an exclusive optional airfiand tour of Pagan, Burma's revered cultural capital.
Greece
This ancient city on the island of the same name was the site of the former Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though the statue was destroyed by an earthquake, many other ancient monuments remain. You'll see the best of Rhodes by walking through the old section of town and along the Street of the Knights, to the ancient Stadium, the Amphitheater, the Temple of Apollo and the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters - headquarters of the Knights of St. John between 1309-1522.
[Luxor], Egypt
Safaga leads the way to the wonders of ancient Egypt. As you leave the Red Sea and drive through dry desert mountains to the River Nile, you will be greeted by a stupendous sight from a distant time - that enormous burial ground of the Pharaohs known as the Valley of the Kings. View the tombs of countless rulers, including Tutankhamen and the dynasty of Ramses, representing more dm 3,000 years of Egyptian primacy in the ancient world. From here, continue on to Luxor (the ancient city of Thebes), which contains glorious monuments to Egypt's achievements in architecture, education and art in the temples of Luxor and Karnak and the Colossi of Memnon.
Vietnam
On the maps, it's Ho Chi Minh City, but everyone still calls it Saigon. Here visitors will explore Saigon's eventful past and hopeful future. Reunificatim Hall is one of the more fascinating sites in the city, both because of its striking architecture and the history it tells. The History Museum houses an excellent collection of artifacts from the Bronze Age Don Son civilization to the Chams, Khmers and Vietnamese. About 1.5 hours outside the city are the tunnels of Cu Chi, an intricate subterranean network built during the Vietnam War which connected underground hospitals, offices, conference areas and dining halls. Also nearby is the beach resort of Vung Tau. Once known as "Cap Saint Jacques," it was a beach resort for French colonists as early as the 1890s. Today it is equally popular with the Saigonese, and our call here allows you to enjoy some of Vietnam's beauty.
Oman
Scalloped like a huge seashell, the coastline of the Sultanate of Oman is the longest on the Arabian peninsula. Salalah is the capital of Dhofar Province and it is where the Sultans of Oman made their summer residence in a rambling white palace overlooking the town and sea. At one time, Oman's imperial rule extended from the Empty Quarter to East Africa and Zanzibar, but visitors were not allowed in Oman without a personal invitation from the Sultan. Now, under the progressive rule of Sultan Kaboos, all that is changed. Salalah's wide beaches and inviting green hills welcome you to a tropical paradise. Watered by the Indian Monsoon, Salalah is a green anomaly in the and Arabian peninsula. On the southern slope of Jabal Qarra Mountain, paradise flycatchers and iridescent butterflies play among tamarinds, fruit trees, coconut palim and other tropical flora, while just over the crest lies a bare, stony desert. Southern Oman is also rich in historical treasure - many of them dating from Old Testament times. Journey to the ruins of Dhofar and Ubar, the ancient center of the once thriving frankincense trade.
Greece
Santorini is perhaps the most naturally alluring of all the Greek islands. Thousands of years of volcanic activity have created steep clffs that rise above the ocean's edge and a spectacular jagged coastline that forms a striking bay. One of the highlights of Santorini is the archaeological site of Alaotiri, discovered in 1967 under a thick blanket of pumice. This remarkably well, presmed Minoan site, dating back to the Bronze Age, reveals the advanced lifestyle of the early Greeks. In the nearby village of Megalochori visit the Boutari Winery, where Assyrtico grapes produce a rare white wine. Those who wish to may opt for a helicopter flyover to view the dramatic crater scenery of Santorini.
[Borobudur], Indonesia
Semararig is the gateway to some of the most fascinating scenic spots in Java - and Indonesia. Domiant volcanoes loom over terraced rice fields and fertile plantations line the roads leading to the temple of Borobudur. This stupendous Buddhist temple was carved out of the top of a mountain during the 8di century and contains over two million cubic feet of sandstone - it is the largest monument of antiquity in the Soudiem Hemisphere and the largest stupa on earth. The temple is built in the shape of a mandate with 72 stupas containing life-sized statues of Buddha. The central Stupa is eerily empty - symbolizing nothingness or Nirvana, the highest state in Buddhism. No words can describe the overwhelming size and spiritual power of this cosmic colossus!
China
Shantou is a lively city of 700,000 and the center of two unique local cultures - the Hakka and Chauzhou, with their own languages and cuisines. Until the 19th century, Shantou was a small fishing village, but with the end of the second Opium War, concession rights were granted to Britain. Foreign entrepreneurs arrived to trade in silk, porcelain and tea and the small fishing village grew to become an important commercial port. Neighboring Chauzhou is ideal in size and much older - it is one of the 'four famous ancient towns of China.' In 1980, the area was selected as one of China's four Special Economic Zones.
Egypt
Squarely situated at the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el Sheik occupies a strategic position guarding the entrances to bodi the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. It was for this reason that it became a natural gathering place for ancient normdic tribes and a pivotal site for several biblical events. Mount Horeb is said to be the ancient Mount Sinai, where Moses encountered the Burning Bush and received the Ten Commandments from God. Anothet important religious site is the serenely beautiful monastery of St. Catherine, where guests may inspect a library of tare manuscripts and view exquisite Byzantine icons. For snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, some of the world's most colorfiil corals and reef fish are only a few feet from shore.
It was Rudyard Kipling who put Singapore on the map when he advised adventurous Victorians to "feed at Raffies." Writers such as Kipling, Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad and Mark Twain made Singapore their favorite haunt - and a byword for oriental intrigue. Raffles is still there, but today's Singapore is one of the worlits most dynarnic cities, a melting pot of colorful cultures and a crucible of economic growdi. Singapore is one of Asia's great trading crossroads, offering seemingly endless shopping opportunities. Visitors can't help but notice how spotlessly clean and gloriously green it is, particularly considering its size and population. You'll find Singapore's traditional culwml heritage and intrigue aplenty in the bustling shops and markets of the city's driving ethnic neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Little India, the Colonial Quarter and Arab Street. Don't miss Jurong Birdpark, housing over 3,000 birds of 300 species.
[Cairo], Egypt
The town Of Suez, at the soudiem terminus of the Suez Canal, dates fiom the 16th century, and is an important port for international trade. Just a few hours away lies Cairo, home to 18 million people and the Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the River Nile.
Egypt
T'hough little noted, a rudimentary canal linking the Mediterranean and Lake Timsah (dien the Northern end of the Red Sea) existed as long ago as 1900 BC. The transit of the present-day Suez Canal takes about 17 hours and it is still a one-way street for all traffic. Ferdinand de Lesseps' engineering masterwork was begim in 1859, and the Canal was opened with great fanfare ten years later. Access to the Canal was blocked for long periods during the 1952, 1967 and 1973 wars, but shipping resumed again and today Egypt earns substantial revenues from transit fees.
[Damascus], Syria
Here is an oppommity to explore a fascinating country and important historic sites which were once inaccessible to Americans. The medieval ramparts of Tartous tell you that invading armies were no stranger to this rough land. Greeks, Romans, Cnisaders, Turks and the French all sought to control the gateway to Damascus and the East. In Damascus, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Roman walls surrounding the Old City are a relatively new addition. Follow the padi of the desert caravans to Syria's most prized historic treasure, ancient Palmyra, where imperious Queen Zenobia sent out armies to conquer Asia Minor and Egypt. Atop a mountain pass overlooking the Syrian coast, explore the massive stone fortress of the Crac des Chevatiers. Built by Crusaders 800 years ago, the castle is so well preserved you expect to see armored knights clankmg around the halls.
China
Xiamen is actually an island (Amoy) which was settled in the early years of the Ming Dynasty. By the 17th century it had become a haven for Ming princes fleeing the invasion of the Manchu. The British Fleet arrived in 1841, forcing the doors of Xiamen to open to trade with Europe. Widiin a few years, the nearby island of Gulangyu bmme a European enclave. In addition to the British, the French, Gertnans, Belgians, Americans and Danes all established consulates here. Today, reminders of this era can be seen in the colonial buildings found on this charming island. In Xiamen, guests will have a special opportunity to meet and interact with Chinese schoolchildren, who will captivate hearts (and activate cameras!) with their smiles and enthusiasm.