Visit AlUla and Hegra

Saharan plateau of prehistoric rock art.

Sandstone arches and rock art in the Sahara.

Sacred red monolith at the desert heart.

Tombs of the pharaohs near Luxor.

Parthian desert city whose temples fused Greek, Roman and eastern styles.

Xi'an's buried army of clay warriors.

White travertine terraces and pools.

The Parthenon and its temples on the rock above Athens — the birthplace of democracy, best climbed at opening time.