Old World Historic Destinations

Egypt

Egypt is the cradle of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, rich with ancient treasures, pyramids, tombs and temples. Moreover, it is the fusion of various cultures and religions that survived and co-existed peacefully for so many years that give Egypt its unique identity.

Archaeological sites, Pharaonic tombs, ancient temples, vibrant bazaars and sailing down the Nile are only some of the experiences that will give the traveler an insight into the historically rich tapestry that weaves this amazing country. The beauty of Ancient Egypt, the stunning Mt. Sinai at sunrise, camel trekking into the desert with local Bedouins, donkey rides into the Valley of the Kings makes for some of the most exotic and cherished experiences you will ever encounter. In a journey of a lifetime, indulge into the truly memorable expedition across Egypt’s sandy deserts to the spectacular Gilf Kebir, location of the famous Cave of the Swimmers, romantic and remote landscapes following the great explorations of the Long Range Desert Group and Count Almasy.

While Sinai is an area of outstanding natural beauty, delicate eco-systems and home to many Bedouin villages, a visit to Luxor will take you to the depths of the ancient wonders, Valley of the Kings, and the famous Karnak Temple. The Pyramids, Tomb of Tutankhamum and the wind sculpted rock formations, cliffs with corals and fossils dating back millions of years are some of the other highlights that make Egypt as a tourist destination and truly one of the wonders of the world.

Greece

Greece is the true amalgamation of cultures, colors and civilizations that are not only diverse in nature but rich in history and heritage. Much before most of the world was still trying to break out of its cocoon Greece was known to have already developed its birthright through the elements of chaos, drama, tragedy and democracy. Combined with its deep respect for its ancient traditions, it still believes in the proclivity to partying, an inheritance that has been brought down from the Dionysos.

It is a land of contrasts and ecological value, endowed with a rich and diversified natural environment – legacy of a rare geomorphology. The country’s abundant natural gifts that include thousands of indented coasts, imposing rocky massifs, caves, gorges, lakes, rivers, biotopes of spectacular beauty and unique natural habitats have made Greece a truly unique and popular tourist destination.

Greece is full of ancient archeological sites and monuments of distinctive charm. The rich cultural and historical mosaic has left its impression on every region of the country emphasizing the diverse manifestations of the Greek tradition to date. The Acropolis of Athens, Monastery of Aghio Oros, Temple of Epicurean Apollo, Thessalonica and Monastery of Meteora are the sites characterized as the monuments of cultural heritage. Among its more ancient attractions are the navel of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and remnants of Atlantis at Santorini.

China

China situated in eastern Asia and bounded by the Pacific in the East is the third largest country today and one of the four oldest civilizations in the world. It has a written history dating back 4,000 years and boasts rich cultural relics and historical sites.

China claims to be the inventor of the compass, paper and gunpowder as well as having built three ingenious engineering projects 2,000 years ago that include the Great Wall, the Grand Canal and the Karez irrigation systems. Now they represent the rich cultural heritage of this mighty Chinese nation.

It has a 9000 mile coastline where scenic rivers like the Yangtze meander their way from the northern and central mountains to the oceans of the east. The diversity of this nation is vast and unique, in that we see western winds blowing across desert sand dunes, pandas munching bamboo forests in central highlands and rice terraces climbing mountains in the south.

Beijing, one of China’s thriving communities has been confirmed to have existed since the last 3000 years. In the year 1215, it was established as the capital of the newly declared Yuan Dynasty by the Mongol leader Kublai Khan. It was during his rule that the city truly blossomed – imperial palaces were built, streets broadened and temples as well as canals were built. Beijing’s major attractions include the Forbidden City, Jing Shan Park, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Mansion of Prince Gong and Hutongs.

The Yangtze River is known as China’s “Mainstreet.” For thousands of years, this 4,000-mile river provided a vital and only link between China’s seacoast and the rich, fertile lands of inland provinces.

China will always be linked to its ancient civilization, friendly people, and many of the world’s most revered treasures, such as The Great Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses and the Yangtze River. Even today we find impressive architecture and towering skylines in Shanghai and Beijing, luxury accommodations as well as exquisite cuisine.

India

India is a vast country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse historical background. An amalgamation of different ethnicities, traditions, cultures and languages has manifested into many architectural wonders that makes India the land of the unique and the exotic. Its first civilization flourished almost 5000 years ago along the Indus River. The journey since then has been colored with hundreds of rulers and dynasties helping to shape India as we know it today.

In a country as diverse and complex as India, people here reflect the rich glories of the past, the culture, traditions and values relative to geographic locations and the distinctive manners, habits and food that will always remain truly Indian. The colorful mosaic of Indian festivals and fairs – as diverse as the land, is an eternal expression of the spirit of celebration for the Indian people.

India is set apart from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas, the highest, youngest and still evolving mountain chain on the planet. The subcontinent as it is rightly called, touches three large water bodies and holds every kind of landscape imaginable. An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking, and its sheer size promises something for everyone.

From north to south India extends a good 2000 miles and represents a diversity that is distinctive and spectacular, ranging from the snow covered Himalayas in the North to the sun-drenched beaches of Kerela in the South, from the Rajasthan deserts in the West to the lush forests of north Eastern India. The Taj Mahal in Agra, Meenakshi Temple in Chennai, Arjuna’s Penance at Mahabalipuram, Bharathiyar Illam in Tamil Nadu, the Hawa Mahal, Amber fort and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, the Ajmer Sharif in Ajmer and many more make up for the unique attractions that India has to offer. Honeymoon getaways, hill stations, pilgrimage sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and beach resorts, there’s something for every traveler in India

Italy

Italy has long been recognized as a country full of historical and cultural attractions. Two-thirds of the world’s historical artistic heritage is in Italy. Rome, the Eternal City, contains the ruins of the Roman forum and Coliseum as well as the independent state of the Vatican City with its famous Sistine Chapel. Naples is close to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and Mt. Vesuvius is another famous attraction. Florence has been a centre of the arts since the fourteenth century, and has many museums and art galleries along with the Pitti Palace and Ponate Vecchio. The town of Pisa is home to the famous leaning tower and Sienna with its ancient piazza and cathedral is a must see. The majestic Alps in the north, the soft and green hills of Tuscany and Umbria, the romantically rugged landscape of the S Apennines and the Bay of Naples, dominated by Mt. Vesuvius are some of the world’s most famous sights.

Italy is also known as the land of la dolce vita (the sweet life) and is one of the world’s most loved travel destinations. Whether it’s culture, gastronomy, haute couture, or simply the art of dolce far niente — doing nothing and just soaking up the atmosphere – this is a country for lovers of all that is good in life.