Arabia to the adriatic

Dubai  is the largest and most populous cityin the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, it is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the country.

Dubai is a global city and business hub of the Middle East. It is also a major global transport hub for passengers and cargo. Oil revenue helped accelerate the development of the city, which was already a major mercantile hub, but Dubai's oil reserves are limited and production levels are low: today, less than 5% of the emirate's revenue comes from oil. A growing centre for regional and international trade since the early 20th century, Dubai's economy today relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services.

Dubai has attracted world attention through large construction projects and sports events, in particular the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. As of 2012, Dubai was the most expensive city in the Middle East. In 2014, Dubai's hotel rooms were rated as the second most expensive in the world.

Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (the most populous being Dubai), and also capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE's seven emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. The city of Abu Dhabi has an estimated population of 1.8 million in 2016.

Abu Dhabi houses federal government offices, is the seat of the United Arab Emirates Government, home to the Abu Dhabi Emiri Family and the President of the UAE, who is from this family. Abu Dhabi's rapid development and urbanisation, coupled with the relatively high average income of its population, has transformed the city into a large and advanced metropolis. Today the city is the country's centre of political and industrial activities, and a major cultural and commercial centre, due to its position as the capital. Abu Dhabi accounts for about two-thirds of the roughly $400-billion United Arab Emirates economy.

Salalah is the capital and largest city of the southern Omani governorate of Dhofar. Its population in 2009 was about 197,169.

Salalah is the second-largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, and the largest city in the Dhofar Province. Salalah is the birthplace of the current sultan, Qaboos bin Said. Salalah attracts many people from other parts of Oman and the Persian Gulf region during the monsoon/khareef season, which spans from July to September. The climate of the region and the monsoon allows the city to grow some vegetables and fruits like coconut and bananas. There are many gardens within the city where these vegetables and fruits grow.

On the western coast of Saudi Arabia, where sandy dunes meet the azure waters of the Red Sea, lies Jeddah — the gateway to Mecca and a vibrant center of culture and commerce. The city impresses with its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern achievements: visitors can stroll through the historic Al-Balad district with its coral stone houses, then explore luxury malls or the striking Corniche promenade.

Jeddah is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and warm hospitality, welcoming pilgrims and traders from around the world for centuries. Tourists are drawn not only by the rich cultural heritage but also by the chance to dive among some of the most picturesque coral reefs in the region. The famous Floating Mosque and the King Fahd Fountain — one of the tallest in the world — have become iconic symbols of the city.

Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Situated in southernmost Jordan, Aqaba is the administrative centre of the Aqaba Governorate. The city had a population of 148,398 in 2015 and a land area of 375 square kilometres (144.8 sq mi). Today, Aqaba plays a major role in the development of the Jordanian economy, through the vibrant trade and tourism sectors. The Port of Aqaba also serves other countries in the region.

Aqaba's strategic location at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea between the continents of Asia and Africa, has made its port important over the course of thousands of years.

Beneath the bright Egyptian sun, Luxor stretches along both banks of the Nile — a city often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. Once the mighty capital of ancient Thebes, Luxor captivates visitors with its monumental sites: the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings where Tutankhamun rests, and the Colossi of Memnon standing tall in silent majesty.

A walk through Luxor is not just a tour, but a true journey through time. Here, history is felt in every stone, in the shadow of towering columns, and in the calm of dawn as the sun rises over the ruins. Visitors are welcomed not only by awe-inspiring archaeology, but also by serene Nile cruises, hot-air balloon flights, and the warmth of locals who live side by side with their rich heritage.

the chief port of Egypt; population 4,084,700 (est. 2006). Founded in 332 bc by Alexander the Great, it was a major center of Hellenistic culture, renowned for its library and for the Pharos lighthouse.

the chief port of Egypt; population 4,084,700 (est. 2006). Founded in 332 bc by Alexander the Great, it was a major center of Hellenistic culture, renowned for its library and for the Pharos lighthouse.

Mediterranean sunshine, the scent of lavender, and centuries of history accompany travelers arriving in Selcuk, a small Turkish town located just a few kilometers from the legendary Ephesus. This place blends the charm of Anatolian life with ancient ruins, where every stone tells stories from the Roman Empire and Byzantine times. The town is an ideal base for exploring one of Turkey’s most famous archaeological sites, but it is also worth exploring in its own right: ancient mosques, a Byzantine fortress, and remnants of aqueducts can all be found here.

In Selcuk, time flows slowly, allowing you to thoughtfully explore museums and street markets full of spices and handmade ceramics. In spring, the town hosts a tulip festival, and nearby lies the House of the Virgin Mary—a place of Christian pilgrimage. This rare combination of antiquity, religious significance, and modern Turkish life makes Selçuk a destination that leaves not only photos, but a lasting impression.

Istanbul – the largest city in Turkey, located on the Bosphorus. Until 1930 it was known as Constantinople and served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires. The city and its surroundings preserve monuments of ancient civilizations, including temples, palaces and fortifications. Today Istanbul is an important cultural, commercial and industrial hub. Tourists come not only to admire its historic landmarks, but also to shop at world-famous Turkish bazaars, where you can buy spices, jewelry, antiques, colorful hookahs and bargain like a local.

Istanbul – the largest city in Turkey, located on the Bosphorus. Until 1930 it was known as Constantinople and served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires. The city and its surroundings preserve monuments of ancient civilizations, including temples, palaces and fortifications. Today Istanbul is an important cultural, commercial and industrial hub. Tourists come not only to admire its historic landmarks, but also to shop at world-famous Turkish bazaars, where you can buy spices, jewelry, antiques, colorful hookahs and bargain like a local.

Kepez is a coastal town in the province of Çanakkale, Turkey, located 3 km from the city center of Çanakkale. As of 2010, the town had a population of 11,744. To the south of Kepez was the ancient city of Dardanos. North of Dardanos lies the Dardanos Tumulus, where in late 1959, an entrance to a monumental tomb was accidentally discovered and excavated. The tomb, built from finely carved stone blocks, consists of a 5.20-meter-long covered dromos, an antechamber, and a burial chamber.

Çanakkale, which translates as "fortress of potters," became known for its pottery craft. Its strategic location on the shore of the Dardanelles Strait earned it the name "Gateway to the Aegean Coast" — according to legend, this is where Alexander the Great crossed, followed centuries later by the conquering army of the Ottomans.

The second-largest city in Greece and the capital of Central Macedonia, Thessaloniki (more correctly in Greek, "Thessaloniki"), is today the cultural capital of the country: the city is known for its festivals and events. Moreover, it is also a city with over 3,000 years of history, where traces of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, as well as the once-dominant Jewish population, have been preserved. The old city center, located north of the modern center, miraculously ¹ survived the great fire of 1917. ² It is now a UNESCO World Heritage.

Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 square kilometres (33.0 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 metres (1,119 feet) at its highest point. There are 10,134 inhabitants (2011 census), most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town).

Izmir

Bodrum is a famous Turkish resort on the Aegean Sea, located in the province of Mugla. The city is located in the extreme southwest of the country, on the coast of ancient Caria, which today is called the Turkish Riviera. Bodrum is perhaps the most international of all cities in Turkey. It is famous for its restaurants, night clubs, the atmosphere of eternal celebration and the bohemian lifestyle. This combination is especially attractive for young people from Europe and liberated Turks who come here in the summer to swim, soak up the sun, and “hang out” in open-air pubs, discos and bars. Curious tourists in these parts are attracted by the desire to get acquainted with the millenary history of the region, to see the ancient and medieval monuments located here.

Heraklion or Heraclion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. It is the fourth largest city in Greece. According to the results of the 2011 census, the population of the city proper was 166,209 inhabitants, the municipality's was 173,993 while the Heraklion urban area has a population of 225,574 and it extends over an area of 684.3 km2 (264.2 sq mi).

Heraklion is the capital of Heraklion regional unit.

The Bronze Age palace of Knossos, also known as the Palace of Minos, is located nearby.

Santorini, classically Thera, and officially Thira, is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast of Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago, which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. It forms the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 (28 sq mi) and a 2011 census population of 15,550. The municipality of Santorini includes the inhabited islands of Santorini and Therasia and the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana. The total land area is 90.623 km2 (34.990 sq mi).Santorini is part of the Thira regional unit.

The island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the Minoan eruption(sometimes called the Thera eruption), which occurred about 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of metres deep. It may have led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 110 km (68 mi) to the south, through a gigantic tsunami. Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis.

It is the most active volcanic centre in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc, though what remains today is chiefly a water-filled caldera. The volcanic arc is approximately 500 km (310 mi) long and 20 to 40 km (12 to 25 mi) wide. The region first became volcanically active around 3–4 million years ago[citation needed], though volcanism on Thera began around 2 million years ago with the extrusion of dacitic lavas from vents around the Akrotiri.

Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 square kilometres (33.0 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 metres (1,119 feet) at its highest point. There are 10,134 inhabitants (2011 census), most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town).

Piraeus is the gateway to Athens , which, in turn, is rightfully considered the center of the centers of the whole world, with the main attraction - the acropolis. Piraeus is an old port city serving the port of Athens, the largest port in Greece to date. Piraeus is part of the great Athens, which boasts an abundance of attractions, including unique monuments of national fine art. More than two hundred museums and galleries, including the University History Museum, the Ceramics Archaeological Museum and many others, will hospitably welcome you within their walls and familiarize themselves with the culture of this area.

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The city has a population of 13,510 and is the administrative center of Kotor Municipality.

The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. It is located on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. Some have called it the southern-most fjord in Europe, but it is a ria, a submerged river canyon. Together with the nearly overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen, Kotor and its surrounding area form an impressive landscape.

Since the early 2000s Kotor has seen an increase in tourists , many of them coming by cruise ship. Visitors are attracted by the natural environment of the Gulf of Kotor and by the old town of Kotor. Kotor is part of the World Heritage Site dubbed the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor.

The fortified city of Kotor was also included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list as part of Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da Mar in 201

Dubrovnik is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Its total population is 42,615 (census 2011). In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.

The prosperity of the city was historically based on maritime trade; as the capital of the maritime Republic of Ragusa, it achieved a high level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries, as it became notable for its wealth and skilled diplomacy.

In 1991, after the break-up of Yugoslavia, Dubrovnik was besieged by Serbian and Montenegrin soldiers of the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) for seven months and suffered significant damage from shelling. After repair and restoration works in the 1990s and early 2000s, Dubrovnik re-emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.

The capital of Malta - Valletta , is the first and almost the only city in Europe, which was once designed by architects and built according to all the rules and norms of construction. Valletta is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities on the Mediterranean. Klaipeda is on the list of the few remaining fortified towns. The center of the city is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, and today the residence of the President of the country, here is the seat of the Maltese Parliament. The list of places to visit in Valletta includes the Castilla Palace, the Admiralty (where the National Museum of Fine Arts is now located, with the largest painting collection in the country), a charming place in the city - the beautiful Hastings Gardens, and this is not the whole list of the riches of the capital of Malta .

Salerno is one of the most popular seaside cities in Italy, intended for recreation at sea. The climate here is warm and mild, which is typical for all cities of the Neapolitan Riviera. Tourism in Salerno is at a high level, as the city is a rich historical and cultural center. Salerno contains many attractions interesting for lovers of history, art and culture.

Rome is the capital city and a special comune of Italy (named Comune di Roma Capitale). Rome also serves as the capital of the Lazio region. With 2,872,800 residents in 1,285 km2(496.1 sq mi), it is also the country's most populated comune. It is the fourth-most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. It is the centre of the Metropolitan City of Rome, which has a population of 4,355,725 residents, thus making it the most populous metropolitan city in Italy. Rome is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, within Lazio (Latium), along the shores of the Tiber. The Vatican City (the smallest country in the world) is an independent country inside the city boundaries of Rome, the only existing example of a country within a city: for this reason Rome has been often defined as capital of two states.

Rome's history spans 28 centuries. While Roman mythology dates the founding of Rome at around 753 BC, the site has been inhabited for much longer, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. The city's early population originated from a mix of Latins, Etruscans, and Sabines. Eventually, the city successively became the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, and is regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization and by some as the first ever metropolis. It was first called The Eternal City (Latin: Urbs Aeterna; Italian: La Città Eterna) by the Roman poet Tibullus in the 1st century BC, and the expression was also taken up by Ovid, Virgil, and Livy. Rome is also called the "Caput Mundi" (Capital of the World). After the fall of the Western Empire, which marked the beginning of the Middle Ages, Rome slowly fell under the political control of the Papacy, which had settled in the city since the 1st century AD, until in the 8th century it became the capital of the Papal States, which lasted until 1870. Beginning with the Renaissance, almost all the popes since Nicholas V (1447–1455) pursued over four hundred years a coherent architectural and urban programme aimed at making the city the artistic and cultural centre of the world. In this way, Rome became first one of the major centres of the Italian Renaissance, and then the birthplace of both the Baroque style and Neoclassicism. Famous artists, painters, sculptors and architects made Rome the centre of their activity, creating masterpieces throughout the city. In 1871, Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, which, in 1946, became the Italian Republic.

Rome has the status of a global city. In 2016, Rome ranked as the 14th-most-visited city in the world, 3rd most visited in the European Union, and the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. Its historic centre is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The famous Vatican Museums are among the world's most visited museums while the Colosseum was the most popular tourist attraction in world with 7.4 million visitors in 2018. Host city for the 1960 Summer Olympics, Rome is the seat of several specialized agencies of the United Nations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The city also hosts the Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) as well as the headquarters of many international business companies such as Eni, Enel, TIM, Leonardo S.p.A., and national and international banks such as Unicredit and BNL. Its business district, called EUR, is the base of many companies involved in the oil industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and financial services. Rome is also an important fashion and design centre thanks to renowned international brands centered in the city. Rome's Cinecittà Studios have been the set of many Academy Award–winning movies.