Mosques and Sunset in Cairo - Egypt
CANARY ISLANDS  |
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Lanzarote, Canary Islands
At the northeastern tip of the Canaries, Lanzarote offers some
of the most unusual scenery to be found, with its unique "lunar"
landscape of the Timanfaya National Park. Wander in the well-preserved
colonial town of Tequise, the island's former capital, or visit
the unusual house of the island's famed artist, the late Cesar
Manrique, who designed it as part of the volcanic landscape.
Las Palmas, Canary Islands
The capital of Gran Canaria is a delight for strollers with areas
such as Ciudad Jardin, where beautiful gardens surround the Canarians'
homes, and the old quarter of Vegueta, where Christopher Columbus
stopped in 1492. Explore the island's beautiful landscape; the
highlight is a visit to the Guanches' caves, where the island's
primitive inhabitants once dwelled.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
The port of Santa Cruz has colorful markets and fine museums,
but be sure to drive through the island's lush landscapes or enjoy
the amazing views from the snow-capped peak of Spains highest
mountain, 11,600-foot Mount Teide.
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| DJIBOUTI |
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Djibouti, Africa
Capital of the small African republic of the same name, Djibouti
is built on three level tracts of land linked by broad piers.
Djibouti sits at a natural crossroads, on the arid northern shores
of the Horn of Africa, just across from the extending point of
the Arab Peninsula. The French recognized this strategic location
in 1888, when they built the port as the capital of French Somaliland.
A tour of this city on the horn of Africa will take you past the
Presidential Palace and L'Escale, where fishing dhows and tall
ships anchor. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets near
the Plaza of Mahamoud Harbi and enjoy the kaleidoscope of the
market.
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| EGYPT |
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Alexandria, Egypt
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., Alexandria is Egypt's
center of culture, learning and science. Its lighthouse, the world's
first, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alexandria
is also the departure point for excursions to Cairo and the Pyramids.
Port Said/Cairo, Egypt
At the entrance to the Suez Canal, Port Said is a bustling city
and a free port. To the south, Cairo and the ancient monuments
of the Egyptian empire have fascinated visitors throughout the
centuries. The mystifying Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza, over
four thousand years old, stand majestically on the outskirts of
the city at the edge of the desert. Cairo's Museum of Antiquities
holds one of the finest collections of artifacts in the world,
including the astounding treasures of King Tutankhamen's tomb.
Safaga (Luxor, Karnak), Egypt
Safaga serves as a gateway to the magnificent antiquities of Luxor
and Karnak. Site of the ancient metropolis of Thebes, Luxor has
a history which goes back to 2000 B.C. Like Babylon and Nineveh,
it was considered one of the great cities of the ancient world,
but of the three it is only here that the splendor survives. Marvel
at the massive columns and statues. Stroll down the Avenue of
the Sphinxes to the grand ceremonial gateway of the Temple of
Amun-Ra. Sail across the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, sacred
burial ground of the Pharaohs.
Suez Canal, Egypt
One of modern engineering's most celebrated achievements, the
110-mile Suez Canal links the Mediterranean with the Red Sea.
The first attempt to excavate a canal was recorded in 2100 B.C.,
and over the years Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, French
and British all have tried their hand, the latter two succeeding
in the late 19th century in a joint effort.
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| MOROCCO |
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Agadir, Morocco
Across the river from the gleaming new town of Agadir is ancient
Taroudant, where you can meander within old city walls and see
merchants selling handicrafts, fashioned by centuries-old methods.
Follow caravan trails south along the coast; a view of Berber
life awaits in the pink-walled town of Tiznit.
Casablanca, Morocco
The economic capital of Morocco and the second largest city in
Africa, Casablanca is an exotic blend of African, Arabian and
European cultures. White-washed houses and peaceful mosques line
the narrow streets of ancient Medina, the original Arab Section.
Nearby, souks hum with the activity of contented shoppers bargaining
for fine leather and handicrafts. The Ain Daib quarter in the
southern part of the city boasts a strand of oceanfront resorts
and restaurants set along the beach. Visit the mysterious "pink"
city of Marrakech with its famed market and snake-charmers.
Tangier, Morocco
The "Gateway to Africa," located at its northwestern tip, Tangier
is a fashionable resort that retains all of its age-old mystery
and excitement. French and Islamic influences meet and merge in
this fascinating old city. Mosques and minarets overlook the shadowy
streets of the bazaar, while the higher part of town, with its
broad boulevards and lovely parks, looks down on the ocean.
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| SENEGAL |
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Dakar, Senegal
The capital of Senegal on the tip of Western Africa is a modern
town with a charming colonial center known for its handicrafts,
textiles, silver-work and beaches. Watch the local fishermen or
take a trip to see the beautiful African hinterland.
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| TUNISIA |
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Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis is the major North African gateway to the Roman and Punic
ruins of Carthage. You will be awed by the city's ancient Roman
baths, cisterns, and basilicas. Be sure to visit the theater and
amphitheater as well. True adventurers will not want to miss a
trip to Sidi Bou Said, a charming seaside village set high atop
the cliffs.
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