Visit Tehran

Visit Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. See the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's largest mosques with 82 domes and capacity for 40,000 worshippers), explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi (art museum with a striking dome structure and global collections), drive the Formula 1 circuit at Yas Marina Circuit, and stroll along the Corniche waterfront with views of the city skyline.

Visit Doha, the capital of Qatar. Explore the Museum of Islamic Art (designed by I.M. Pei, housing one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Islamic art), stroll along the Corniche (7-kilometer waterfront promenade with views of the skyline and traditional dhows), shop at Souq Waqif (a restored traditional market selling spices, textiles, and handicrafts), and see the futuristic skyscrapers of West Bay.

Visit Baghdad, capital of Iraq. Explore the historic Al-Mustansiriya University (one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1227), see the Abbasid-era Al-Kadhimiya Mosque (a major Shia shrine with intricate tilework), stroll through the bustling Al-Mutanabbi Street (famous for its book markets and cultural heritage), and visit the National Museum of Iraq (home to artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia, including the Code of Hammurabi).

Visit Isfahan, a historic city in central Iran. Explore Naqsh-e Jahan Square (a UNESCO World Heritage site with Shah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque), stroll across the Si-o-se-pol bridge (a 33-arch Safavid-era bridge over the Zayandeh River), and admire the intricate tilework at the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (one of Iran's oldest mosques dating back to the 8th century).

Visit Shiraz, the cultural capital of Iran. Explore the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) with its stunning stained-glass windows and morning light displays, wander through the historic Eram Garden (Persian garden with cypress trees and pavilions), see the tomb of Hafez (14th-century poet in a tranquil garden setting), and sample local dishes like kalam polo (cabbage rice) and faloodeh (rosewater sorbet).

Visit Istanbul, Turkey's historic city straddling Europe and Asia. Explore the Hagia Sophia (a 6th-century Byzantine cathedral turned mosque and museum), marvel at the Blue Mosque's six minarets and 20,000 Iznik tiles, wander the Grand Bazaar (one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops), and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for views of palaces and bridges linking continents.

Visit Dubai, a futuristic city in the United Arab Emirates. Ascend the Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building at 828m with observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors), shop at the Dubai Mall (one of the largest malls globally with an aquarium and ice rink), experience desert safaris in the Arabian Desert (dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin camps), and admire the Palm Jumeirah (artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree with luxury hotels).

Visit Jerusalem, a historic city sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Explore the Old City's Western Wall (a remnant of the Second Temple), walk the Via Dolorosa (the path Jesus is believed to have taken to his crucifixion), and see the Dome of the Rock (an iconic Islamic shrine with a golden dome). Discover the Israel Museum (home to the Dead Sea Scrolls) and Mahane Yehuda Market (a bustling spot for local food and culture).