Mellanöstern och Afrika restips

When many people dream of the Arabian Desert, they dream of exotic belly dancers, camel riding and, more recently, tearing through the dunes in a 4x4. The 1001 Arabian Stars Private Safari is a great option. Starting in the early afternoon, you are taken through the dunes in a 4x4 to a camel farm. After riding the camels, you will watch the sun set across the sand. As night falls, the camp becomes alive with belly dancing, delicious barbeques and sheesha smoking. This is a great way to experience how life was for the Arab settlers in the Dubai desert. The next morning, you will be returned to your hotel. If you’re tight for time or don’t fancy sleeping in the desert, then there are several one day tours available too, in which you drive towards the Hatta village, which has existed since the 16th century. The Hatta village lies on dry river beds, which wind up the mountain towards a glorious oasis, where you can cool off in the turquoise rock pools.

If you’ve explored the Marrakech medina and haggled for bargains in the sprawling souk, heard storytellers weave their magic in the Djemaa el Fna square, and dined al fresco on Moroccan cuisine, it’s time to travel further afield to discover more of the magic of Morocco. Marrakech sits in the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, North Africa’s chain of mountains linking Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Here, the High Atlas range is cut by the Draa River and Ourika Valley, 30km (19 miles) from Marrakech. The oasis-like Ourika Valley is a popular day trip destination from Marrakech, offering glimpses of waterfalls, unspoilt landscapes and encounters with Morocco’s traditional Berber people. The ancient Berber trails winding across the Atlas Mountains cover some pretty rough terrain, so it is best traveled by off-road 4WD on a longer day trip excursion.

Start your scenic exploration of Dubai on the water. Before you begin, take a moment to imagine the city as the somewhat sleepy fishing port it was 40-odd years ago. Now get out on Dubai Creek, the city’s major waterway, on a customized version of a dhow, a traditional Arab boat, and marvel at the soaring, constantly-changing skyline. Return at night for a dinner cruise to see Dubai’s concrete colossi blazing with light. It was the distinctive shape of dhow sails which inspired one of Dubai’s defining landmarks: Burj al Arab, standing proudly offshore, bills itself as the most luxurious hotel in the world. Whether you fall for the extravagant swirls, royal blues and acres of gold leaf of its interior is a matter of taste, but few could remain unmoved by the incredible views from its summit. The restaurant Al Muntaha (“the highest”) is on the 27th floor, and is one of the best places to get a view of Dubai’s skyline and those extraordinary man-made features.

Dubai has transformed in the last 100 years from a port town to the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, and a center for great shopping, glitz and glamor and high romance. With tall skyscrapers filling the skyline, this is where Tiger Woods famously teed up from the helipad of the tallest hotel in the world – the Burj Al Arab Sailboat Hotel. Make your way over to the Dubai Museum to take in four millennium’s-worth of discoveries. After learning about how Dubai transformed from a small fishing town to the business hub it is today, take an abra across to Deira. This water taxi is a well-used form of transport and will give you a great opportunity to take in the sights of the city as you cruise across the creek. Make the most of the many souqs (markets) in Deira to haggle for anything from a belly dancing uniform to a block of gold! This fantastic tour will give a real taste of what the United Arab Emirates is like outside of Dubai.

Med tanke på dess enastående arkitektur, glamorösa shoppingcenter och palmkantade stränder är det föga förvånande att Abu Dhabi anses vara en av Mellanösterns höjdpunkter för besökare. Abu Dhabi ligger mindre än två timmars bilfärd från Dubai och är därför ett populärt resmål för dagsturer. Med en 45-minuters flygtur med sjöflygplan får du en fantastisk utsikt över Palm Jumeirah, World Island och F1 Grand Prix-banan Yas Marina Circuit. Om du vill utforska Abu Dhabi grundligt kan du åka på en stadstur som täcker alla de främsta sevärdheterna: Schejk Zayed-moskén, bergsvägen vid kusten och beduinlägret vid Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. Alternativt kan du uppleva det moderna Abu Dhabi på en tur med arkitekturtema i Masdar, Yas Island och Saadiyat Island. Besök falksjukhuset eller den fartfyllda äventyrsparken Ferrari World. För dem som vill ha en äkta VIP-upplevelse går det att kombinera en stadstur i Abu Dhabi med en lunch på det majestätiska hotellet Emirates Palace.

The Dead Sea is the second saltiest major body of water on earth, and it is this hyper-salinity, which causes swimmers to be super-buoyant within it, that makes it one of Israel’s major attractions. The Dead Sea lies 1,312 feet below sea level and is located about 98 km from Tel Aviv. It is fed by the River Jordan and has no outlets streams, causing its high salinity, which is too extreme for marine life and gives it its morbid name. So what’s there to do in such a salty calm and lifeless body of water? Well, it’s nearly impossible to sink in the Dead Sea, so a popular activity is to have your picture taken while floating on the surface of the water and reading a book. It is also a great place to give yourself a mud bath, as the Dead Sea is one of the world’s richest sources of natural salts. There are plenty of beaches to choose from.

With its futuristic skyscrapers, manmade archipelagos and vast stretches of sandy coastline, Dubai paints a striking picture. The most thrilling way to cover a lot of ground and enjoy sweeping views of these sights is by soaring overhead in a helicopter. Helicopter tours in this city definitely add another dimension to a sightseeing experience, but the aerial views also show off the city'€™s startling contrasts and inspired architecture. Take a 15- or 25-minute helicopter flight over Dubai and you'€™ll get an unbeatable bird's-eye view of landmarks such as the Dubai Marina and the grand Burj Al-Arab hotel. Best of all, you'€™ll fly right over the dramatic Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands archipelago. The two ambitious manmade island projects, one a series arranged in the form of a 17-frond palm tree and the other a collection of islands forming a map of the world, are equally mind-boggling feats of design that are most impressive from above.

No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to the pyramids. The iconic image of the towering Sphinx is one of the most recognizable in the world, and these tours from the capital city will ensure that travelers see these desert wonders up close before heading home. Group travel can be a blast, but sometimes visitors want to explore on their own. A private tour from Cairo lets travelers decide where to spend their time and leaves plenty of room for individualized attention. A professional Egyptologist provides hotel pick up and drop off, and guides tourists through a variety of the most famous landmarks in Egypt, including the famous Giza Pyramids, the iconic Sphinx, Egypt’s ancient capital, the oldest pyramid and the best example of the transition from “step” pyramid to “true” pyramid.

Perhaps the best way to start getting to know Cape Town is from the top of Table Mountain. It’s best to ride the cable car here when the sky is clear, or else your view will be of clouds! Head to the V&A waterfront, with its swish collection of boutiques, restaurants and popular aquarium, and pick up the hop-on hop-off bus to get from A to B. See the surfers catch mighty waves at Camps Bay, behind Table Mountain, or learn the basics with a surfing lesson at Big Bay. Other good beaches for swimming and surfing include the yachties’ favorite Clifton and family-friendly Hout Bay. You have to see Africa’s wildlife while you’re in Cape Town, and the Aquila Game Reserve is the place to do it. Horseback, Jeep and quad-bike safari tours highlight the famous elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and mountain leopard sightings, but you’ll also see wildebeest, zebras and giraffes.

When dressing for an Abu Dhabi desert safari, it’s best to wear some closed toed shoes for walking out on the dunes, as well as bring a change of clothes should you end up covered in sand. After all, many desert trips offer guests the chance to sandboard on dunes, and even though the boards are wide and relatively stable, there’s always the chance a soft landing could leave you covered in sand. Depart from the city in afternoon and four-wheel across the dunes, reaching a point where profound silence is nature’s only sound. Watch the sunset while sipping tea in a pillow-lined Bedouin camp and sit and watch as stars burst through a clear, inky black sky. Throughout the trip, new adventures and unique experiences are found around every bend, from riding a camel, to Henna tattoos, to a belly dancer’s enchantment. Pass a water pipe around a campfire that dances into the night.

Tel Aviv is a new city, established only a century ago, so it’s a prime location for lovers of modern architecture. In fact, the White City area has such a concentration of international-style Bauhaus buildings, it’s been declared a World Heritage site. The dining is multicultural in Tel Aviv, a city that crams more sushi restaurants into its lushly treed avenues and shopping malls than most Japanese cities can boast. Of course, you’re going to want to try some down-home Jewish cooking like gefilte fish, chopped liver and the Tel Aviv specialties, humus and falafel. Tel Aviv is an ideal base for day trips to Israel’s highlights. Tour the Old City of Jerusalem and visit biblical, Byzantine, Armenian and Jewish sites in the city. Have a lighter-than-air float and wellness session in the Dead Sea, followed by a scrub in the natural minerals of the therapeutic mud. Travel through the desert to Jericho, one of the world’s oldest cities.

Located on Yas Island, Ferrari World is a fantastic example of the Western-style fun to be had in the UAE. Much more than simply a showroom or even museum, Ferrari World is a full-scale amusement park and interactive experience that has something for everyone. There are junior rides for younger kids, thrilling Ferrari-themed amusement rides, 4D exhibitions that put you in the driver's seat, and of course, a gallery of the world-famous sports cars from the past, present and future. There's also plenty of shopping, and delicious Italian dining options. Ferrari World is open every day from 11am to 10pm. To get to Yas Island from Dubai requires taking a bus from the Al Ghubaiba green line metro station to the Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station, then another to Yas Island, and then either walk a bit more than a mile (2.5 km) or take one of the frequent shuttle buses on Yas Island that go from the bus station to the Ferrari World entrance (with stops in between).

Most journeys to Egypt begin and end in chaotic Cairo, but a mere three-hour drive from the capital will bring you to Egypt’s Second City — Alexandria, the seaside metropolis that could not feel more different from the nation’s capital. Though it was once the country’s premier destination for foreign visitors, Alexandria’s once-legendary sophistication has diminished over the years. Nonetheless, today the city has a youthful vibe that derives, in part, from its position as the country’s window onto the Mediterranean. Alexandria is a great place to experience the Egypt of the 21st century, but it also has plenty of historical monuments and palaces. The following sites can be easily combined for a great Alexandria daytrip from Cairo.

The capital of the United Arab Emirates—as well as the largest and richest—manages to hold on to its cultural heritage while modernizing at a dizzying rate. Day 1: Culture and Religion Start with a morning visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where you’ll see white marble imported from around the globe, the world’s biggest marble mosaic and the world’s biggest carpet Day 2: Past and Future Abu Dhabi pre-oil boom would be almost unrecognizable, and to see what life was once like, spend the morning at the charming UAE Heritage Village. This open air museum includes reproductions of traditional desert-dwelling tents, an old mosque and workshops in local crafts like metalwork, weaving, spinning and pottery. Day 3: Day Trip to Al Ain Al Ain, another significant city in the emirate, is only a two-hour journey through the rolling red sand dunes from Abu Dhabi.

Aswan has been a trading city for millennia, so a visit to the excellent souk is a fitting start. Then head for the Nubia Museum, a compelling site which records Nubian art and culture which would otherwise have been lost under Lake Nasser when the High Dam was constructed. The modern structure is intended to evoke a Nubian village, set in a handsome landscaped garden. Afterward take a walk in nearby Fatimid Cemetery where domed tombs form an eerie, atmospheric village. Finally, see the crack in the enormous Unfinished Obelisk. Cross to Elephantine Island, a fascinating ancient site which once formed the boundary between Egypt and Nubia, to see the villages of Siou and Koti. On the island’s southern tip, visit the ruins of Abu, among Egypt’s oldest antiquities. Then see how the life-giving waters of the Nile have worked their magic in Aswan’s Botanic Gardens, a lovingly landscaped oasis whose towering palms attract a wealth of birdlife.

The Pyramids of Giza are at the top of most people's do-before-I-die lists. For an in-depth experience, go for a private tour of the Pyramids and the Sphinx in the fascinating company of a professional Egyptologist and archaeologist. Only a few kilometers away from Cairo, literally on the edge of the city limits, the Pyramids are an ever-present reminder of Egypt's mysterious, ancient history. At night, the Pyramids come to life in a brilliant Sound & Light show - it's a sight not to be missed! Follow echoing crowded lanes on a walking tour through Old Cairo's bazaars and ancient winding streets. In the afternoon, visit the world-renowned Egyptian Museum and Khan el-Khalili bazaar, then dine on the River Nile on an unforgettable dinner cruise. Hire your own private guide for the day and swap Cairo's big-city mayhem for Alexandria's Greco-Roman Mediterranean atmosphere, tour the archaeological treasures of Memphis and Saqqara, or visit the desert oasis town of Fayoum.

There are few places in the Middle East where modernity and history fuse with such a sense of intrigue than in Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut. An ornately constructed metropolis set on the eastern Mediterranean coast, this city once known as “the pearl of the Middle East” is rapidly beginning to regain its glitz and luster. Chic, sexy, and centrally located, Beirut is the perfect capital for basing yourself while touring the wonders of Lebanon.  A nation home to snowcapped mountains, golden beaches, sprawling vineyards, and temples which date back millennia, it’s hard to believe it’s all found in a nation smaller than the state of Connecticut. Though every corner of the country offers something for inquisitive visitors, here’s a three day itinerary to get you traveling Lebanon while based in the capital of Beirut.

You can’t visit Morocco without paying a visit to the cultural capital of Marrakech, a city of contrasts that is as bewildering as it is enchanting. Less than 2.5 hours south of Casablanca, it’s possible to visit Marrakech on a day trip, but with so much to see and do, multi-day trips can also be a great way to take in all the sights. With only a day to spend in the city, start off with a visit to the UNESCO-listed medina, the heart of historic Marrakech, centered around the bustling square of Djeena El Fna. This is the central hub of the city, where you can lose yourself in the labyrinth like souks, tuck into steaming tagine at a rooftop restaurant and be entertained by a constant stream of snake charmers, fortune-tellers and street musicians. Spend the afternoon checking off the sights with a tour of the opulent Bahia Palace, a visit to the 16th Century Ben Youssef Medersa and a stroll around the colorful Jardin Majorelle, owned by designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Muscat’s Old Town is one of the city’s most atmospheric districts and the most popular way to take in the sights is with a walk along the picturesque Muttrah Corniche. Stroll through the colorful harbor, stopping at the famed fish market and dipping into the maze of the Muttrah Souk to pick up some unique Omani souvenirs, then marvel at the opulent Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace) overlooked by the towering 16th-century forts of Mirani and Jalali. Check out the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Gulf, then spend the afternoon unveiling Oman’s colorful history at one of the city’s many museums – the Bait Al Zubair Museum, the Land of Frankincense Museum or the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum are all fascinating choices. Escape the city for a day trip into the Hajar Mountains, where you can explore the traditional mountain villages and souks, or plan an overnight stay in the desert, with a trip to the Wahiba Sands.

Upon arrival, you’ll find Luxor divided into three areas: Luxor, Karnak, and Thebes.To see all three easily, consider an adventure in an exotic locale and take a hot air balloon flight over your arid new surroundings. A private tour of the East Bank will give you an insider view of some of the most impressive temples in upper Egypt with your own Egyptologist guide. Round off your exploration of the varying avenues and temples of Luxor with a comprehensive West Bank Tour. A step back in time to the days of pharaohs and slaves, and the grizzly stories of bandits and tomb raiders of Tutankhamen should set your hairs on end. So much arid beauty surrounds this Saharan gem of a city, that you should not miss this iconic landscape. Consider a luxury cruise with private guides on perhaps the most famous rivers in all the world, the Nile, in either 8 or 5 day excursions. Truly an unforgettable experience worth writing many a postcard about.

While Dubai may get the most tourist attention in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi -- the capital city -- offers a completely different and more traditional experience. Where Dubai is filled with mega-malls and skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi has grand mosques, luxurious desert palaces and busy camel markets. To fully appreciate the diversity of the UAE, you should plan to spend time in both cities. If you’re basing yourself in Abu Dhabi, it’s possible to visit Dubai on a day trip, allowing you to see some of the highlights of the country’s modern hub. Thanks to a five-lane highway connecting the two cities, the 81-mile (130-kilometer) trip only takes two hours by car or bus. On a Dubai City Sightseeing Tour from Abu Dhabi, you’ll make the quick, air-conditioned drive, followed by visits to the Burj Al Arab -- Dubai’s most recognizable landmark and the Jumeirah Mosque.

Taking a Johannesburg city tour is a great way to experience the city's highlights, and they only take up about 3 hours, leaving you ample time to see some of the city's other attractions such as Constitution Hill and the Zoology Museum. Round out this day with a night out in the nearby suburb of Melville. Melville is sort of a Bohemian enclave mixed with a university town. On your second day, take a walk on the wild side with trips to the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve and Sun City Resort. A twelve-hour tour takes you from your hotel to the aforementioned nature reserve, where you'll search (from the safety of a 4x4) for the so-called "big five" - lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and African buffalo. The second half of the trip takes you to Sun City, a casino resort/golf course with numerous bars and restaurants. On the last day of your trip, head to Soweto for half a day.

The “Rose-Red City of Petra,” carved some 2000 years ago by the rather mysterious Nabateans into pink sandstone cliffs, is truly a wonder of the world. The precise grace of these ancient architects is revealed with aplomb, at the end of a steep, narrow, smoothly worn gorge called the Siq, that opens onto the exquisite sunlit façade of “The Treasury,” its exquisite cascade of columns familiar to anyone who has seen an Indiana Jones movie. The wind-sculpted wilderness that surrounds Amman has inspired prophets, kings, and cinematographers with its awesome dreamscape of sunset-streaked mountains, ancient stone villages, and the magnificent Dead Sea Dead Sea. Amman makes a very comfortable base from which nature lovers can explore the unforgiving dunes and spectacular rock formations of Wadi Rum Wadi Rum, where Lawrence of Arabia first befriended the Bedouin. History buffs could consider trips to Umayyad-era (circa 700 AD) castles.

It’s a little Las Vegas in style, but the Red Sea resort port of Hurghada is brilliantly positioned for snorkel adventures and desert encounters. Glass-bottom boat cruises are fun, and the corals and sea creatures you’ll see are just the beginning if you join a Red Sea snorkeling cruise to Giftun Island. Jeep safaris visit oases and Bedouin villages for camel riding, folklore and a spectacular desert sunset, followed by a traditional Bedouin barbecue dinner under the stars. The Red Sea is just one side of Egypt, and you can’t say you’ve seen the real Egypt without taking in the monuments and mummies of Luxor. Explore the pharaohs’ underground tombs in the Valley of the Kings, across the River Nile from Luxor, known in ancient times as Thebes. On the Nile’s east bank, Luxor Temple features the gigantic seated statue of Rameses, soaring obelisks and towering corridors of columns. Nearby Karnak is another maze of ancient statues and colossal columns.