This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers rich culture, history, and cuisine. Explore Chinatown, the Arab Quarter, and Little India; take in harbor views at Boat Quay; shop along Orchard Road; enjoy a night safari at Singapore Zoo; relax in Bukit Timah Nature Preserve; wander futuristic Gardens by the Bay; and unwind with a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its many cultural layers, from the Petronas Towers and Royal Palace to Gothic churches, Colonial remnants, and a restored Malay timber house in a heritage center. Browse markets and shops for crafts, pewter, jewelry, and batik. Enjoy the fusion of Malay, Chinese, and continental cuisine-try curry, spicy broiled duck, satay, or broiled fish.

Pulau Pinang, as it is known locally, is the northern gateway to Malaysia and also the country's oldest British settlement. The word "Pinang" in Malay refers to the areca nut palm, which provides the betel nut, an essential ingredient in a delicacy chewed by millions in the Far East. Today Georgetown is noted for the largest collection of pre-war houses in all of Southeast Asia and the Penang Heritage Trust has been established to maintain its unique heritage.

Explore Langkawi's relaxed charm: farms, fishing villages, rice paddies, myths, dramatic mountains, and pristine beaches. Start at Eagle Square, then ride the Langkawi cable car for sweeping views from Kereta Kabel. See handcrafted plates made from cinnamon wood and learn about rice farming at Laman Padi Langkawi. End with seafood sizzlers, coconut-chile dishes, and tea or chocolate treats in this romantic paradise.

With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand's largest island. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," this beautiful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that tower over the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. Apart from tourism, much of the province's wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 16th century.

With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand's largest island. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," this beautiful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that tower over the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. Apart from tourism, much of the province's wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 16th century.

Hambantota on Sri Lanka's southern coast is a gateway to Yala National Park, home to elephants, leopards, and diverse birds. Visit the sacred Kataragama Temple, relax at the Mahapelessa Hot Springs, and enjoy fragrant curries and fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants. End the day on Hambantota's golden beaches, with the warm Indian Ocean as a peaceful retreat.

Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, is located at the southern edge of North Male' Atoll Kaafu Atoll. Traditionally, Malé was the "King's Island," from where the ancient Maldive Royal families had their palace and ruled the country. Malé is dotted with mosques, wide streets, parks and markets. Tour the national Museum, the colorful Fish Market and the Friday mosque with its splendid golden dome.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and one of the most populous cities in the world. This bustling city offers a seemingly endless array of sights and cultural activities, and is the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Mumbai is home to India's Hindi film and television industry, known as "Bollywood." Mumbai is also one of the few cities that accommodates a national park, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, within its city limits.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and one of the most populous cities in the world. This bustling city offers a seemingly endless array of sights and cultural activities, and is the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Mumbai is home to India's Hindi film and television industry, known as "Bollywood." Mumbai is also one of the few cities that accommodates a national park, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, within its city limits.

Located in the northeast United Arab Emirates, bustling Dubai attracts visitors with its international facilities and exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Known as the Hong Kong of Arabia, Dubai's modern duty-free shopping malls and traditional souks offer some of the best bargains in the world on such luxury items as gold jewelry and designer creations. For a more historic outing, visitors can explore the museum at Al Fahidi Fort or venture out into the Old Quarter of Bastakia.

Located in the northeast United Arab Emirates, bustling Dubai attracts visitors with its international facilities and exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Known as the Hong Kong of Arabia, Dubai's modern duty-free shopping malls and traditional souks offer some of the best bargains in the world on such luxury items as gold jewelry and designer creations. For a more historic outing, visitors can explore the museum at Al Fahidi Fort or venture out into the Old Quarter of Bastakia.

The Sultanate of Oman is situated on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, neighboring Saudi Arabia and Yemen. In 1970, the son of Sultan Said bin Taimur overthrew his father's government and renamed the nation the Sultanate of Oman. During the Persian Gulf War, Oman served as a landing base for the allied forces. Salalah is gateway for visitors to explore the site of "Jebel Qarra," fabled to be the tomb of the biblical Job.

Archaeological finds show 5,000 years of civilization in Jeddah, whose mix of old and new makes Saudi Arabia's "bride of the Red Sea" so appealing. Explore Al Balad's narrow medieval alleys, built from Red Sea coral blocks. Browse the bustling Souq Al Alawi, the kingdom's largest bazaar. Stroll the Corniche past green landscaping, cafes, piers, and King Fahd's Fountain, then try kabsa, Saudi Arabia's national dish.

Cross the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, including Tutankhamen's tomb and Hatshepsut's mortuary temple. Take a jeep safari into the desert to a Bedouin settlement for sweet tea and flatbread, and watch the sunset over the sands. Shop for hand-painted papyrus, mother-of-pearl boxes, alabaster trinkets, jewelry, and ancient-style replicas. Enjoy lamb, falafel, and other Middle Eastern and Egyptian specialties.

Cross the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, including Tutankhamen's tomb and Hatshepsut's mortuary temple. Take a jeep safari into the desert to a Bedouin settlement for sweet tea and flatbread, and watch the sunset over the sands. Shop for hand-painted papyrus, mother-of-pearl boxes, alabaster trinkets, jewelry, and ancient-style replicas. Enjoy lamb, falafel, and other Middle Eastern and Egyptian specialties.

Aqaba, in southwestern Jordan, is Jordan's only seaport and the gateway to Petra. Petra dates back to perhaps 7000 BC, was one of the earliest farming communities in the Middle East, and was built from solid red rock with intricate carvings. Once the capital of the Nabataean civilization, it stretched from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. Enter through a half-mile chasm and see the magnificent Treasury.

Aqaba, in southwestern Jordan, is Jordan's only seaport and the gateway to Petra. Petra dates back to perhaps 7000 BC, was one of the earliest farming communities in the Middle East, and was built from solid red rock with intricate carvings. Once the capital of the Nabataean civilization, it stretched from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. Enter through a half-mile chasm and see the magnificent Treasury.

Explore Galilee: the Jordan River, Mount of the Beatitudes, Tabgha, and Nazareth. In Haifa, see the Bahai Gardens and shop at Panorama Center or Massada Street. South of Haifa, Ein Hod offers hand-blown glass, pottery, silver, gold, and crafts. Dining ranges from French and Continental to Middle Eastern, with fresh fish, grilled lamb, and homemade kanafeh-baked sweet cheese with pistachio and honey.

Explore Galilee: the Jordan River, Mount of the Beatitudes, Tabgha, and Nazareth. In Haifa, see the Bahai Gardens and shop at Panorama Center or Massada Street. South of Haifa, Ein Hod offers hand-blown glass, pottery, silver, gold, and crafts. Dining ranges from French and Continental to Middle Eastern, with fresh fish, grilled lamb, and homemade kanafeh-baked sweet cheese with pistachio and honey.

Piraeus is the gateway to Athens, the "Cradle of Western Civilization," famed for its lasting cultural and political influence. Driven by tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites. Athens remains a historian's delight, with the Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka's winding streets, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum's renowned ancient artifacts.

Sorrento is one of the world's most beautiful towns, with breathtaking coastal views and rich history dating back to the 11th century BC. Overlooking the Bay of Naples, it is a key point on the Sorrentine Peninsula and a top destination in Campania. Also plan a day trip to Capri, one of Italy's most celebrated islands, known for its natural beauty.

Rome offers endless choices: enjoy street performers at the Spanish Steps, wine and people-watching in colorful Trastevere, or the city's rich history and architecture. St. Peter's Basilica is a full-day visit, with the Sistine Chapel and panoramic views from the dome. Don't miss the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and Aventine Hill, which overlooks the Imperial Palaces ruins and the Circus Maximus.