One of the oldest tourist destinations on Earth, Egypt has been enticing visitors to explore its wonders for thousands of years. Travelers come here to marvel at such triumphs as the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and the rock-cut sun temple, Abu Simbel. But monuments are not all Egypt has to offer. In the 21st century, Egypt tempts visitors with the legacies of ancient history and so much more: In Cairo, medieval mosques and ancient, Coptic churches are interwoven with the skyscrapers of modern life; on the Nile River, luxury cruise vessels pamper guests while winding their way through the timeless Nile Valley; and along the seacoasts, sumptuous beach resorts and exquisite coral reefs draw divers and snorkelers from around the world.

The city of 1,000 minarets, Cairo unfolds along both banks of the Nile River with a staggering mix of history and cultures. The immensity and diversity of the city is astonishing, making it easy to understand why Egyptians think of their capital as the “Mother of the World.”

Cairo’s Europeanized city center is filled with broad streets and rococo apartment buildings that reflect the style of late-19th-century Paris. The Islamic Quarters is a fascinating jumble of medieval lanes, bustling bazaars, and wondrous monuments; and the Coptic quarter is Cairo’s oldest inhabited section on the east side of the river.

No visitor to Cairo can miss a day trip to the three Great Pyramids and lion-bodied Sphinx, just beyond the outskirts of Giza City. You can explore inside the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the largest and oldest of the three, in the morning or afternoon and witness the magical Sphinx Sound and Light Show in the evening.

The world’s longest river, the Nile is the timeless lifeblood of Egypt. Nearly all of Ancient Egypt’s cultural and historical sites lie along the banks of this almost mythical river. A cruise down the Nile-whether for a few hours or a few days-is a magical journey through 5,000 years of history and the highlight of any Egyptian itinerary. If you have time, a 7-day cruise is the best way to soak up your surroundings and fully explore the magnificent monuments and temples en route. Set sail from Luxor or Aswan and retrace the routes once taken by Egypt’s great kings and queens. You’ll pass the great Pharaonic temples of Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo; Luxor’s Karnak and Luxor temples; and the legendary Valley of the Kings.

If your schedule is tight, half- or one-day cruises are available from spots all along the Nile. You’ll enjoy spectacular views that are only visible from the water and the onboard

guide will point out the highlights. Cruises are also available on Lake Nasser, south of

Aswan. These three- or four-day excursions offer one of the best ways to visit the breathtaking Sun Temple of Ramses II, Abu Simbel, as well as some otherwise inaccessible sites.

While many travelers may associate Egypt with its vast tracts of arid land, divers from around the world look at the country’s palm-fringed coasts as the star attraction. On the Sinai Pensinula, with its sun ¬kissed beaches and luxury hotels, resort areas cater to both experienced and novice divers. Nuweiba is a good spot for beginners and snorkelers. Dahab is known for the difficult Blue Hole and Canyon. And Sharm el-Sheikh, at the tip of the peninsula, offers some options for beginners, though the best known sites (such as Pas Mohammed Reserve) are for experienced divers only.

The Red Sea Coast, especially the town of Nurghada, is also renowned for its dive sites. The Red Sea boasts a truly unique ecosystem with more than 250 species of coral and 1,248 species of fish, many of which exist no where else in the world. There are some shore dives here but most sites are accessible via daylong boat trips or extended dive safaris.

Thanks to India’s popularity with both the international business and leisure crowds, its major cities all house a number of sophisticated, modern hotels catering to the demanding traveler. Providing the perfect launch pad from which to explore the thriv ­ing metropolises, these accommodations offer the latest high-tech amenities, luxury touches and attentive service, all presented with patented Indian flair.

As the center of the country’s film and fashion scenes, and its commercial hub, Mumbai is a city that’s always on the go, and its top hotels reflect this high level of energy and style. All the five-star brands have a presence in town, and a number of these hotels are flagships or historic properties. Opened in 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower combines Moorish, Oriental and Florentine architecture with stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The Oberoi, Mumbai also boasts sea vistas, along with a Banyan Tree Spa to pamper guests. Set among 11 acres of gardens, waterfalls and lotus pools, The Leela, Kempinski is a haven near the Central Business District, while Starwood’s two city hotels - the towering Grand Central, Mumbai and lush oasis, The Maratha ­ each melds aspects of India’s colonial past with the latest technologies.

Technology is what has earned Banga ­lore its moniker of India’s Silicon Valley, and the city’s hotel scene has risen to the title. Hidden away on nine verdant acres, which include a private lagoon, The Leela, Bangalore marries ornate domed ceilings and grand archways with essential busi ­ness services and 21st-century creature comforts. At The Taj West End, 20 acres of landscaped gardens pay tribute to Bangalore’s other nickname, the Garden City; here guests luxuriate in plush Heritage Suites and stellar cuisine, like the exotic Vietnamese served at Blue Ginger. Fine dining and understated luxury are also the hallmarks of The Oberoi, Bangalore, where the 30 new suites boast flat-screen televisions, walk-in closets and separate steam cubicles in the bathrooms.

India’s new urban style is likewise embodied by The Park hotels, an Indian-based chain that’s brought world ­class boutique chic to the city centers. Boasting contemporary design and art pieces along with innovative cuisine and hot nightlife, The Park has proved a popular choice with both business and leisure travelers in cities like Banga ­lore, Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Visakhaptanam. It’s not unusual to find today’s Indian city streets lined with shops by marquee international brands; everything from iconic British department stores to shops selling designer sneakers are popping up in all the metropolises. Yet the posh shopping centers and boutique streets also boast an impressive array of local names. Whether designing clothing, jewelry, accessories or home goods, a new crop of Indian designers have made their mark by mixing Eastern materials with Western techniques and sensibilities. The result is stylish, high-quality goods that transcend trends, and instead evoke traditional Indian motifs while still seeming very now. Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore in particular are the best spots to pick up some of these new designer souvenirs.

The luxury of the Raj era lives on at India’s magical palace hotels, which re ­create the sumptuousness of the past while offering the latest modern-day accents. Known for its abundance of lavish palaces, the state of Rajasthan is home to the larg ­est number of these standout royal retreats.Once the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Taj’s Rambagh Palace welcomes guests to 85 richly decorated rooms and suites, along with majestic gardens. Also in Jaipur, The Oberoi Rajvilas re-creates the grandeur of the Rajput princes with 32 acres of pavil ­ions, reflection pools and private court ­yards, surrounded by luxury tents and villas.

In nearby Jodhpur, Taj’s Umaid Bhawan Palace is set in what was once one of the largest private residences in the world. Today guests enjoy 64 lavish rooms, as well as extensive grounds and public spaces designed by Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester in a mix of Eastern and Western styles. Balsamand Lake Palace, also in Jodhpur, is a former summer palace of the Marwar regime that’s set on a 13th-century man-made lake. Suites and deluxe rooms are furnished with antiques and medieval Rajasthani fabrics, while horse-drawn carriages and vintage car rides heighten the nostalgic vibe.
After extensive renovations, the 18th ­ century fort palace of Devi Garh - tucked into the Aravali Hills near Udaipur - has been transformed into an all-suite luxury hotel with a stunning antique-meets-mod ­ern design. Local materials like marble and semiprecious stones mix with contempo ­rary furnishings, colorful accents and clean lines to create a unique heritage hotel that exemplifies the New India. A full-service spa offers treatments and packages with a holistic bent, while a fine-dining restaurant and lively bar-both boasting sweeping scenic views-provide the backdrop for memorable holiday evenings.

Nearby in Udaipur, the sprawling Oberoi Udaivilas’ cluster of domed, white build ­ings sits on the banks of Lake Pichola. Rooms boast private walled courtyards or private pools, along with views of either the lake or a neighboring wildlife sanctuary. Lake Pichola is also home to the Taj Lake Palace - although this hotel sits in the lake instead of on its shores. Called the floating palace, this romantic white marble and mosaic structure celebrates bygone eras with Royal Butler service and rooms opulently decorated with murals, rich fabrics and claw-foot bathtubs.

Finally, the Pink City of Jaipur is home to Samode Haveli, a heritage hotel set in the former manor house of the Samode royal family. Built over 150 years ago, the property now features 29 individually designed rooms furnished with antiques and old family portraits; the Maharaja and Maharani Suites take the opulence one step further with mosaic-covered walls. Fans of heritage properties will also enjoy the majestic Palace Hotel (known as Bikaner House) in Mount Abu.

At one time, train travel used to be the preferred means of transport of gentlemen and ladies-a luxurious, comfortable way to get to your destination. This tradition continues in India, where it’s possible to experience weeklong stays on trains that have been restored to include all the detail and ceremony of the locomotive’s heyday. Must-see Rajasthanl cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur are on the agenda of The Palace on Wheels, which features actual coaches that were once used by the fabled Raj rulers.

In between visiting historic sites and exploring the cities, guests enjoy top ­notch cuisine and accommodations on the train. Following the route of the legendary Marathas, in the state of Maharashtra, The Deccan Odysseys 21 coaches house guest suites, a business center, lounges, a bar, dining cars and even a beauty parlor, Ayurvedic massage center and gym. Patrons disembark in such cities as Goa, Mumbai and Pure to experience a variety of cultural activities.

Perhaps not the Last Crusade, there are many other adventurous destinations that may be worthy of those with the bold spirit of Indiana Jones. And, wip and fedora are optional.

Consider in the South of France, Apt Cathedral (Cathedrale Sainte-Anne d’Apt), which is a former cathedral, and national monument of France, in the town of Apt in Provence. Now the church of Saint Anne, the former cathedral was the seat of the bishop of Apt until the French Revolution.

According to historic accounts Saint Anne was the mother of the Virgin Mary, who in turn was the mother of Jesus Christ. Saint Anne’s life of service to God did not end with the one great gift of her daughter. According to legends of an early account of her life, when her husband Joachim died, Anne married his brother Cleophas, with whom she had another daughter. This child was also named Mary and became the mother of James the Lesser, Joseph the Just, Simon, and Jude. Anne later married again and had another daughter who gave birth to James the Greater and John the Evangelist.

Saint Anne did not live to see the torment and execution of Christ. However, even in death she continued to play an important part in the lives of early Christians. Sometime after the resurrection of Christ, Mary Magdalene, her brother Lazarus, and other apostles were driven from Jerusalem because of their faith. They journeyed by boat carrying the remains of Saint Anne and set ashore in Marseille, France. Her remains were taken farther inland from the coast to what is now France, where they were concealed in a crypt. These events were transcribed in the Martyrology of Apt, dating from the second century.

Charlemagne consulted the text in an attempt to locate her body nearly seven hundred years later. All efforts appeared to be in vain until the reconsecration of the Cathedral of Apt. During this ceremony, a fourteen-year-old deaf mute began striking the main altar with his staff, greatly disturbing those in attendance, including the emperor. Charlemagne was so impressed with the determination of the boy to draw attention to the altar that he gave orders to open its stairs after the mass. An underground door sealed with stones was uncovered. When these were removed, the boy led the group through the underground catacombs of the church to a wall, which he also struck with his staff. The company eagerly broke through the wall to find a crypt containing a casket of cypress wood. Inscribed on it were the words “Here lies the body of Blessed Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary.” Charlemagne had the recollection of these events written up, notarized, and sent to the pope in Rome. The original papers of this corre ­spondence are still in existence today.

Because of these events, the Cathedral of Apt became an important pilgrimage site, and the cult of Saint Anne spread throughout France, becoming particularly strong in Brittany. Many Breton legends claim Saint Anne as a Breton queen who escaped a brutal husband. One legend sup ­poses that angels led her to a ship that landed in Jerusalem, where she gave birth to the Virgin Mary.

Thinking of the Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) in Southern Italy evokes many images of romance … seaside activities and sunny beaches. But there are other aspects of visiting this beautiful region of Italy. Small resort towns of Positano and Amalfi have much to offer, including culture, shopping, boating, fine dining, and 5 star hotels. But, for nature lovers, there is another less-explored side to Amalfi. Situated at the foot of rugged mountain peaks that form the Sorrentine peninsula, the hillside villages along the Amalfi coast are perfect starting points for nature walks and hikes.

There are hikes and trails that have been mapped out, at varying degrees of difficulty. If you prefer a leisurely walk through forests overlooking the sea, this area is for you. There are also more difficult trails leading to the peaks and between towns for the more adventurous.

Here’s an example of one of our favorite Amalfi Coast hikes, which leads from the town square of the town of Amalfi to the small hilltown of Pogerola. From the main square in front of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, ascend the main street for 500 yards, until the road goes through an archway under a block of houses. Then take the side road to the left (Via Casamare). Follow this around a hairpin bend to it’s end. The path starts here with steps climbing the hillside, and ultimately leading directly to the main square in Pogerola.

This path provide an attractive route to or from the hilltop village of Pogerola. The easily graded and exceptionally well-built path is unusual in that it goes through light woodland rather than farmed terraces with ever wider views as you gain altitude. The path winds its way towards the mountains, climbing the northern flank of a side spur of the main Amalfi Valley.

Walking time: approximately 1 hour.

Search and book accommodation in Amalfi and Sorrento.

Many travelers have stayed away from Naples (Napoli), Italy in recent years. Tour companies have bypassed this cultural center from ancient Greek and Roman heritage, owing to reports of crime, and hectic daily Neapolitan life. But, we decided to make this interesting and cultural city a centerpiece of our recent travels in Italy.

It is true that life and traffic in Naples can be frenetic and tricky to navigate. However, the historic center of the ancient Kingdom of Naples is truly a gem not to be overlooked. Exploring the narrow streets on foot can be an enchanting experience. The medieval cathedrals and churches are excellent locations to explore some of Italy’s greatest artistic wonders.

Sitting in the shadows of Vesuvius, the volcano that erupted in 79 AD, burying Pompeii in a virtual time capsule under 6 feet of ash, Naples carries on its daily life complacent about the prospects of another eruption at some unknown future point in time. We encountered a number of older and younger travelers, enjoying the unique charms of the city, not the least of which is the local Neapolitan cuisine. A seaside kingdom, Naples is famous for its abundant seafood, and the cuisine reflects this heritage with some of the best Italian fare in southern Italy.

Naples can be an excellent base for exploring surrounding areas of interest, including Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, and others. For the more adventurous, join a tour of the crater of the active volcano Vesuvius. Within the city limits, exploring the historic city center can afford days of exciting finds. The National Archeology museum not only contains the ancient Roman treasures of Pompeii, but also other rare antiquities from the Greek and Roman periods, and far-flung civilizations including ancient Egypt. Also native to Naples are the many street vendors and shopfronts which produce fine hand-made Nativity scenes.

As far as lodging, there are a wide range of hotels and hostels that can be booked at any time of the year. We like to experience the local hospitality and chose a moderately priced bed and breakfast bordering on the historic center, named Il Giardino Segreto (The Secret Garden). With tongue in cheek, this B&B’s website advertises to stay in Naples, and “don’t die.” While somwhat humorous, the owners are beckoning for travelers around the globe to visit their fascinating city, and actually find that it is pleasant and safe to stay. In fact, entering at Via Foria 216, one would never recognize that a private bed and breakfast exists behing the iron gates, bordering apartment buildings and storefronts. Entering behind the gate (which is accessible 24 hours), one enters into a serene refuge with large and surprisingly quiet guestrooms. To the rear, a private door enters onto the Secret Garden, which is a hidden botanical paradise with tropical flora and palm trees found elsewhere in places like Florida or Mexico. The bed and breakfast’s owners are at your service, and will offer advice, touring recommendations (and maps), and an excellent Italian breakfast.

Along Via Foria, which borders the north end of the central historic district, it is safe to stroll day or night. And there are several fine sidewalk dining options offering local fare. One notable option is the Sailor’s Daughter, which for half the price of a high-end tourist restaurant, will serve up a feast of local pasta and seafood favorites. Don’t forget to end the evening with a glass of the local favorite, Limoncello, a lemon-based liquor, made from native lemons the size of grapefruits.

Our advice to anyone who is planning a trip to Southern Italy, is to not bypass the cultural gem of Naple (Napoli). You can book a variety of excellent hostels, hotels, and B&B’s by clicking here: Naples Hotels and Hostels

If you have interesting experiences or recommendations on traveling to Naples (Napoli), Italy, please post them here, and share with your fellow travelers to Italy.

Italy

Southern Italy. Alleged victims of the tarantula spider’s bite could supposedly cure themselves through frenzied dancing, which sweated out the poison. The dance is characterized by light, quick steps and a “teasing” flirt. The strange private ritual takes place annually on June 29th at 6am at the celebrations for the Feasts of Saints Peter and Paul in Galatina, the only place on theSalentinePeninsula where tarantism has survived.

Source: Eyewitness Travel Guide - Italy 2005