The 1958 discovery of oil transformed Abu Dhabi from a rural backwater into a modern metropolis with one of the world's highest per-capita incomes. Today it features skyscrapers, malls, luxury hotels, tree-lined boulevards, and gardens, while retaining an Arabian mystique. Cruise the Gulf and nearby islands on a traditional dhow, visit Heritage Village to see traditional crafts, or browse the souk for gold and Bedouin silver jewelry.

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.

Limassol is the jumping-off point for Cyprus's ancient riches: ruins, lemon, orange and olive groves, mountains, and beaches. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its museum. Explore ancient Curium for mosaics, theater, basilica, and sea views. In Nicosia, see St. John's Cathedral, Venetian fortifications, the old town, mosque, and museum. Shop for lace, copper, jewelry, and pottery, and enjoy appetizers, fresh seafood, and local wine.

Renowned as the site of the former Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Rhodes was home to the Knights of St. John from the 12th to 16th centuries. Their famous Palace of the Grand Masters remains a "must-see," as are many of the inns occupied by the Crusaders and the replica of the old church. For a more in-depth look at the city, visitors can take in the Archeological where the Acropolis of Rhodes and the ancient stadium offer perfect photo opportunities.

Europe's classical metropolis, Ephesus, was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Explore the ruins of its massive Theater, the Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library.

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.