Visit Istanbul

Visit Istanbul's church turned mosque turned museum

Visit Antalya, a coastal city in Turkey known for its ancient ruins and Mediterranean beaches. Explore the well-preserved Roman theater of Aspendos (one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world), wander through the historic Kaleiçi district (Ottoman-era houses and narrow streets), and relax at Konyaaltı Beach (a long pebble beach with views of the Taurus Mountains).

Visit Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city on the Aegean coast. Explore the ancient Agora of Smyrna (one of the best-preserved Roman marketplaces in Anatolia), stroll along the Kordon promenade (a lively waterfront with cafes and sunset views), and see the historic Asansör (a 19th-century elevator connecting neighborhoods with panoramic vistas). Don't miss trying local specialties like boyoz (flaky pastry) and kumru (grilled sandwich) at the Kemeraltı Bazaar.

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).

Visit Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Perform the Hajj pilgrimage to the Kaaba (the black cube at the center of the Grand Mosque, the most sacred site in Islam) and see the Zamzam Well (a historic well believed to have miraculous properties). Explore the surrounding mountains like Jabal al-Nour, where the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation.

Visit Tel Aviv, Israel's vibrant coastal city. Stroll along the 14km-long Tel Aviv Promenade (Tayelet) with Mediterranean views, explore the UNESCO-listed White City (over 4,000 Bauhaus buildings), browse the Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) for fresh produce and street food, and relax at Gordon Beach (popular for swimming and beach volleyball).

Visit Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Explore the Masmak Fortress (a clay and mud-brick citadel pivotal in the unification of Saudi Arabia), see the Kingdom Centre Tower (a 302-meter skyscraper with a sky bridge offering panoramic city views), and wander through Diriyah (a UNESCO World Heritage site and historic home of the Saudi royal family).