Category MIDDLE EAST
MARSĀ ALAM – THE RED SEA’S CORAL PARADISE Marsā Alam is a relatively new but rapidly developing resort town located about 270 km south of Hurghada. As recently as the 1990s, this was just a small fishing village – today… Continue Reading →
Egypt – magnificent ancient monuments and artefacts in the country of the Pharaohs. One of the most stunning Coral reef and colorful sea creatures in the world.
LUXOR – THE LIVING MUSEUM OF ANCIENT EGYPT My adventure with ancient Egypt began in Luxor, the former Thebes – a city that served as capital of the pharaohs’ mighty empire for centuries. The 4-5 hour bus ride from Hurghada… Continue Reading →
EL GOUNA – EGYPT’S VENICE During my eight-day Egyptian adventure, I dedicated just one day to typical beach relaxation. The rest was filled with fascinating excursions, starting with a trip to extraordinary El Gouna – often called “Egypt’s Venice.” This… Continue Reading →
NUWEIBA – SINAI’S HIDDEN GEM BETWEEN TABA AND SHARM EL SHEIKH Nestled along the stunning Red Sea coast, Nuweiba offers one of Sinai Peninsula’s most breathtaking landscapes. This tranquil town sits in a picturesque bay where golden desert mountains dramatically… Continue Reading →
Iran Travel Guide: Money, Accommodation, Transport & Sightseeing Currency & Payments Iran has a unique monetary system that may surprise travelers: Accommodation in Iran Recommended lodging options in major cities (2023 prices): Tip: Paying in rials often works out cheaper… Continue Reading →
Hamadan: Ancient Ecbatana and Gateway to Persian Treasures Journey to Persia’s Historic Heart Our trip from Shiraz to Hamadan is a voyage through time. Opting for a flight+bus combination (~$45 flight + ~$5.50 bus) cuts travel time from 18 to… Continue Reading →
Persepolis and Necropolis: Witnesses to Ancient Persia’s Glory Persepolis: Ceremonial Capital of the Achaemenid Empire Founded in 518 BCE by Darius the Great, Persepolis served as the ceremonial capital of the mighty Achaemenid Empire. This architectural marvel took over 150… Continue Reading →
Shiraz: City of Poetry, Roses and Wine The VIP night bus from Bandar Abbas to Shiraz (about $8) offers a comfortable transition from Qeshm Island. Shiraz, known as the “City of Poets and Gardens,” served as Persia’s cultural capital for… Continue Reading →
Qeshm: The Tropical Jewel of the Persian Gulf Our journey from Yazd to Qeshm is an adventure – an overnight bus to Bandar Abbas (about $5), followed by a ferry (about $3.50) to the largest island in the Persian Gulf…. Continue Reading →
Yazd: Desert Jewel & Cradle of Zoroastrianism The 4-hour bus ride from Isfahan to Yazd (about $3) transports you to one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities (5,000+ years!) nestled between two deserts. As the spiritual heart of Zoroastrianism… Continue Reading →
Isfahan: The Jewel of Persia and “Half the World” The journey from Kashan to Isfahan takes just 3 hours by bus (about $4), but transports you to what was once the capital of the Safavid Empire and among the world’s… Continue Reading →
Kashan: The Jewel of Persian Architecture and Desert Oasis Nestled between Tehran and Isfahan, Kashan is a hidden gem of Persian culture. As one of Iran’s oldest cities with a history stretching back to Neolithic times (excavations confirm settlements dating… Continue Reading →