Prague

After one glance at the multitude of black-tipped spires that beautifully dissect every view, you'll see why many call Prague the City of a Hundred Spires. Yet this beloved capital of the Czech Republic could also be called the City of Wide Eyes, for its beauty comes at you from every angle, and visitors and citizens alike cannot help but walk around wide-eyed with wonder trying to soak it all in.

Wide eyes have been the norm here since the Middle Ages, for Prague has remained one of the world's most beautiful cities for more than 10 centuries. All it takes to fall in love with the city is to simply walk through the intriguing maze of cobbled lanes, ancient courtyards, red-tiled roofs and green domes, until you stand face-to-face with an 1,100-year-old castle that guards it all. And there's always something new-another bridge spanning the Vltava River, a small square dedicated to Franz Kafka, a tower clock connected to the stars-around each corner.

Travel agents want you to know that Prague is not just for history professors and architecture students. This capital city is also a modern metropolis full of energy, art, shopping and music, appealing to young and old alike. Numerous gardens and parks fill in the gaps between the neck-craning structures, with some of the best on islands-like Kampa just off the Charles Bridge-filling the city of castles and cobblestones with welcoming, relaxing patches of green.

This City Was Made for Walking
The best way to experience these castles, cobblestones and gardens is with a good pair of shoes, walking through the four major districts that straddle both sides of the Vltava River: New Town (Nove Mesto), Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) on the eastern bank, and Little Quarter (Mala Strana) on the western bank in the shadows of Prague Castle. Your tour begins in New Town at Wenceslas Square, Prague`s main boulevard that began as a horse market 600 years ago. The massive National Museum and the State Opera dominate the square, shielding you from the morning sun as you walk north to the Old Town Square, a centerpiece of Prague's profound history. Here you can gaze leisurely past the buskers and performing dogs to the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the Astronomical Clock and the beautiful St. Nicolas Church while sipping a late-morning latte at an outdoor café.

Further north is Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, and the hauntingly beautiful remains of the once-thriving Jewish ghetto. Here you'll be drawn to the Old Jewish Cemetery, Europe's oldest surviving Jewish burial ground and Prague's most riveting memorial. The cemetery-where thousands of crumbling tombstones lean against each other high above bodies buried 12-deep due to lack of space-seizes the minds and hearts of all visitors.

City of Bridges
Afterwards you can choose from 14 bridges to cross the Vltava River on your way to Prague Castle and the Little Quarter, with each offering spectacular views of the city, but you must take the Charles Bridge. Built in 1357, the bridge is lined with monuments and statues and filled with street performers and artists. You could spend an entire day on the Charles Bridge, enjoying dawn when the stillness is eerily beautiful, up to the night when the bridge comes alive with such festivity that even the statues seem to dance.

The Charles Bridge also offers the best view of Prague Castle, but then again, Prague Castle is breathtaking from every angle. With a magnificent cliff-top outlook and a stunning scale that qualifies it as the largest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle is the political and historic center of the city. Spend half a day in awe here to tour the Spanish Hall, Rudolf Gallery and St. Vitas Cathedral, but only if you have awe left to spare.

After a revitalizing afternoon cappuccino, head down the bank to the Little Quarter, also known as the Lesser or Small Quarter. In a picturesque city like Prague, the Little Quarter may be the most picturesque, which is why many movies are filmed on its narrow streets. After strolling the manicured grounds of Vojan Park, a quiet refuge since 1248, end the day at a common beer cellar in Little Town Square to slay your hunger with sausages and pork knuckles, if you're a sausage and pork knuckle kind of person.

Exploring Prague the right way takes a lot of walking, but the first place you should walk is your neighborhood travel agency. Travel agents know which hotels are reputable and which tour operators you can trust-valuable information that can catapult a good vacation into the 'best vacation ever' category. They can also set up extended itineraries for you to explore the rest of the Czech Republic, which boasts 10 locations listed as UNESCO world heritage cites, in addition to countless castles, chateaux and monasteries.

Jerash mysteries of the dessert

Jerash Jordan

Full of historic adventure and desert mystery, Jordan not only manages to remain one of the most stable, modern and safe places in the Middle East, but also one of the most welcoming, hospitable countries in the world.

The locals love showing people around, for they're proud of their country. And proud they should be, for Jordan specializes in showing why the Middle East is like no place else on the planet. With a capital city dating back to biblical times, well-preserved examples of Greco-Roman architecture and some of the world's most significant historical attractions set in dramatic terrain, Jordan's position as a premier travel destination is undeniable.

Also undeniable is the kingdom's rich and vast heritage. For 10,000 years travelers have been swept up in the hustle of Amman, followed in the footsteps of prophets up Mount Nebo, gawked at the lost city of Petra, ridden a camel across T.E. Lawrence's famous dessert Wadi Rum, descended to the lowest point on earth for a luxurious float on the Dead Sea or lounged at Aqaba, the Red Sea Riviera.

Biblical landmarks, lost cities, Lawrence of Arabia — Jordan's got a lot going for it. To have a lot going for you on your trip to Jordan, contact a local travel agent. Travel agents know that you don't need divine intervention to enjoy a trip to this holy land when a solid itinerary with trusted tour operators will provide the perfect vacation experience.

Most tours of Jordan begin in the capital city of Amman, known in history's oldest texts as Rabbath-Ammon and Philadelphia. Centrally located, Amman is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities of the world, hosting an active civilization for more than 5,000 years. It was once part of the Decapolis—a league of 10 Greco-Roman cities—and the grand Roman style is still highly evident at the Amphitheatre, an imposing monument set into the side of a mountain that holds 6,000 spectators and dates back to 169 A.D.

Another member of the Decapolis is the ancient city Jerash. Although sometimes overshadowed by Petra, Jerash is lauded today as one of the largest and best-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside of Italy. It makes for a superb daytrip from Amman, where a one-hour drive will teleport you 2,000 years back in time. Life in ancient times comes alive as you enter through the monumental South Gate and into the spacious Oval Plaza before walking down the Cordo, the street of columns, and over chariot tracks still visible in the stones.

Jerash, along with Jordan's other sights, fall well behind Petra in terms of sheer, jaw-dropping impact; but so do most things in the world. Petra, the Rose Red City, is so well hidden in the canyons that it was lost to the world for 1,000 years until its re-discovery in 1812. Most people have seen pictures of these massive, improbable buildings of stone carved entirely into naturally pink rocks and not believed they actually exist. Seeing is not only believing, but also mind-blowing.

The legacy of the gifted Nabataeans, industrious Arabs who settled in the south of Jordan 2,000 years ago, Petra includes hundreds of buildings, facades, tombs and haunting rock drawings. Visitors enter through the siq—a narrow, 1.2 kilometer-long gorge with 100-meter cliffs on either side—before turning the last corner to become stunned at the sudden appearance of the Treasury, Al Khazneh, a 43-meter tall tomb. Upon this first glimpse of Petra, you'll understand why many call it the eighth wonder of the ancient world.

Wadi Rum could rightfully be called a wonder of the natural world. The inspiration for Lawrence of Arabia, Wadi Rum is a vast desert landscape, both silent and surreal, where massive mountains wrought by time into unique, twisted shapes rise out of the sand. The only inhabitants are a few thousand villagers and Bedouin nomads. There are no hotels, for travelers head out on camels for overnight stays in tents to enjoy this cathedral of nature, staring up at stars and ingesting the timeless solitude of the area.

Many landmarks of Christianity are scattered throughout Jordan, an essential piece of the Holy Lands, serving as pilgrimage sites to believers. Heading this list is Mount Nebo, where Moses

viewed the Promised Land he would never enter, for he is supposedly buried nearby. Also popular are the Sanctuary of Lot near the Dead Sea, where Lot and his daughters escaped when fleeing the destruction of Sodom, and Bethany beyond the Jordan, the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

Christian travelers, along with those from around the globe, are visiting Jordan now more than ever, and the country is sometimes beleaguered by the inflow, limiting the numbers allowed at sacred sites like Petra. Under these circumstances, it's wise to seek the professional guidance of a travel agent to find reputable tours of Jordan that guarantee admissions to Petra and all of the country's highlights.

Once on a travel agent-approved tour, you'll be rewarded with Jordan, a historic destination of incomparable grandeur. Contact a trusted travel agent today and relish in the history and the peace of this Middle East retreat.

LYON FRANCE

Filled with beguiling cities, sleepy villages and long stretches of river and mountains, Lyon offers an extraordinary cultural journey through Europe's finest landscapes and famous districts — in style. This is the vacation to pamper yourself in the luxurious spas, boutique and historic hotels and fine arts theaters of the delectable French metropolis.

Located in the very heart of Europe, this enchanting destination is the stepping stone to several destinations, including Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Prague and London. Lyon can be your starting point to sightseeing Europe's ancient landmarks, skiing in the Alps, savoring Southern France's distinct culinary and wine flavors or enjoying the natural surroundings of Western Europe by bike.

No matter how you decide to enrich your cultural experience, there's a variety of convenient transportation via air, train and car, providing you with more time to travel from Lyon to nearby destinations at your own pace. Especially for first-timers, Lyon presents the perfect place to begin any multi-country trips across Europe. The beautiful city full of vivacity and originality uniquely captures the essence of its vast history with the creative, modern spirit of Europe.

The Charms of Ancient Europe

Top 5 Travel Attractions of Lyon, France

Lyon lies nestled between the Rhône and Saône Rivers and the hills of Fourvière and la Croix-Rousse in the Rhône-Alps region, offering spectacular sceneries and remnants of its Gallo-Roman past. Encounter Lyon's greatest tradition of the "art of living" in its delectable cuisine. Commonly called the capital of gastronomy, the area boasts an elite selection of French restaurants serving mâchon and nouvelle specialties that will satisfy your appetite with hundreds of new savory and sweet tastes. Delight in the tender sausages or mouth-watering pastries found at a "bouchon," a bistro offering dishes unique to Lyon. At nightfall, watch the entire city transform into a living painting as the sparkling glow of lights illuminate more than 200 of its finest monuments.

In Old Lyon, you'll discover the district's undeniable charm found in its boutiques, bistros and courtyards, offering a similar ambiance to Italy. Its picturesque setting offers an array of characteristic red, blue, yellow and orange buildings lined along the banks of the Saône. It covers 46 city blocks and features much of Lyon's fascinating legacy — historical museums and medieval and Renaissance architecture — and a flourishing cultural scene of visual and performing arts.

Come across the region's best-kept historic remains in Europe's largest Renaissance quarter. Stroll down the narrow "traboules" (alleyways) found between the St. Paul and the Saint Jean Cathedral. Explore the interior courtyards and townhouses from the Middle Ages through these passageways, a unique and popular trademark of Lyon. See the hotel Cour des Loges, a popular tourist attraction that mixes Renaissance and ultra-modern architecture. Inside the building is a five-story-high, sand-colored atrium covered with a glass dome and filled with vivid, modern tapestries.

Old Lyon Provided by Lyon CVB

Take the funicular (the world's oldest inclined railway that is still actively used) up the steep hill of Fourvière, home to the Basilica and Roman ruins, which jut out from its slopes. You'll spot La Tour Métallique, a widely recognized landmark that was built to rival the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The highest point in Lyon, the tower stands higher than the Eiffel Tower at 282 feet. On the south side are the ruins of the Gallo-Roman Amphitheater, which is now home to a museum and a series of concerts and operas throughout the summer, and the ruins of substantial Roman baths.

From the Esplanade, you'll see the town center and suburbs beyond the Tour de la Part Dieu as well as the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, Lyon's silk industry district. Catch sight of the Silk Workers Wall, the largest mural painting of its kind in Europe, along with 100 other "trompe-l'oeil" murals all over the city that unfold the stories of Lyon's celebrated heritage.

Fourvière Hill Provided by Lyon CVB

Where History and Modern Culture Meet
Downtown Lyon, also called the "Presqu'ile," is the ideal departure point for easily exploring the historical center of the city. Place Bellecour, one of Europe's largest public squares, is a magnificent royal park with an eye-catching combination of modern design and Roman vestiges. It is the focal point of the city hosting the Lyon office of tourism and city post office and linking to the major shopping streets.

At present, Presqu'ile is a bustling shopping and business district with one of Europe's longest pedestrian avenues, Rue de la République, which features several different art galleries and studios. The area also prides itself in important cultural establishments such as the Célestins Theater, Opera House and Palais Saint-Pierre Museum of Fine Arts. Take advantage of the area's chic shopping — wander down the row of designer fashion boutiques and silk shops by the nearby Rue Edouard Herriot Hotel.

Place Bellecour Provided by Lyon CVB

Stop by a few favorites from Lyon's culture, starting with the Saint Pierre Abbey, a haven of peace within the city streets that is now a public garden with a central fountain, flagstones and benches dating back to the 7th century. Be sure to visit the religious monuments of Saint Bonaventure, Saint Nizier and Saint Martin d'Ainay, one of the rare Roman churches preserved in Lyon. Housed in a former Benedictine abbey is the Fine Arts Museum, which contains the inspired Impressionist works of Picasso, Matisse, El Greco and Tintoretto in addition to collections of medieval sculptures and antiquities.

Just above the downtown district is the Terreaux quarter, a place with lively cafés that spill out onto the square in the summertime. Surrounded by some of the city's finest monuments, it was recently renovated to restore its original prestige and stand out as a symbol of the city. Terreaux quarter's most powerful display is the Bartholdi fountain, which combines with several mini fountains of black granite lined across the entire square for one impressive show.

Place des Terreaux Provided by Lyon CVB

Quartier Tête D'or is considered the peaceful residential area of Lyon, where aged buildings stand beside elegant boutiques. Nearby is Tête D'or Park, Lyon's only public garden housing botanical gardens and zoological park. Its panoramic views from the entryways and around the lake and diversity of the region's rose gardens, trees and other plants make this popular site worth seeing.

With such an endless selection of things to see and do in the Rhône-Alps region, you can be certain that you'll find the vacation fit for your unique interests. Contact an ASTA travel agent and you can be on your way to your dream vacation, starting in Lyon and moving into many other popular destinations throughout Europe. From a hands-on culinary adventure to customized wine tours and tasting to immersion in France's fine arts, you'll discover that Lyon has a spectacular 

Peru:Legacy of the Incas

Travel to Peru and discover a captivating land of skyscraping mountain tops, vast stretches of coastal deserts, an Amazon wildlife adventure through tropical jungles, serpentine rivers full of life and beauty and the most extraordinary natural phenomena left from the pre-historic Inca civilization. Meet the pulsating multi-ethnic culture blended with Amerindians, Europeans, Africans and Asians, resulting in a wide diversity of expressions in art, cuisine, literature and music.

Lima, Peru Photo by the Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board

The Andes Mountains offer spectacular views for trekkers on an extraordinary Peru travel escapade and are home to several aborigines, who still speak the ancient tongue of Quechua and live the country's Native American traditions.

The original setting of the Inca Empire - the largest state in the Americas during the 13th century - Peru is the destination where the world's most enthusiastic trekkers, lovers of nature and vacationers with active imaginations come to explore Machu Picchu and many more of humankind's most legendary enigmas.

Travel to Lima, Peru: Retreat to the City of Kings
Upon your arrival to the country, enjoy an aromatic cup of coca tea to acclimate to the height. Come across several richly historical neighborhoods, museums and striking architecture as you travel to Lima, Peru. Start your journey through the remnants of Incan history at the National Museum of Archaeology and the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, which guards priceless Incan and pre-Incan works of art, artifacts and other preserved collections. At the city's center, find Huallamarca Huaca and Pucllana Huaca, the stepped pyramids made of adobes linked to the ceremonial or administrative uses of the Incas.

As you travel through Lima, pay a visit to the unique natural reserve called Lomas de Lachay in the Huaral Province. A burst of greens in the midst of the Peruvian desert, the Lachay foothills make up a unique habitat for palillo trees, cacti, white-tailed deer, lizards and more than 60 different bird species. Down through the valley of the Lurín River lies Pachacamac, an archaic coastal sanctuary that the Incas continued to operate for religious practice and consultation with their oracle. Originally built by the Spanish Huari, the structure still shelters many of their ceramics and textile designs.

Family Culture Tour to Cusco Peru

The next stop on your Lima travel excursion is the sacred city of Caral, one of the oldest civilization centers in the Americas. Dating back to 3,000 BC, Caral contains an elaborate complex of temples, plazas, an amphitheatre and ordinary houses stretching over 150 acres of desert - and has been historically noted as a thriving metropolis during the same period that the Great Pyramids of Egypt were built. Dip into one of Peru's thermal springs such as Churín, a sacred natural spot which, according to local legend, contains therapeutic mineral waters that can cure anyone.

Travel to Cuzco, Peru: Inside the Kingdom of Cuzco
In the western region leaping into the Amazon, travel to Cuzco, Peru and find archaeological treasures such as Koricancha, or "Temple of the Sun," and the palace of Inca Roca and Andean Baroque structures from the Colonial

Cusco - Incan ruins Photo by Travel Sense Community Member fallschirmhosen

Period along the cobble-stoned streets. Just outside of the Inca Empire's once revered capital, you'll find the massive walls of the Sacsayhuáman fortress, as well as the Inca buildings of Qenko, Pukapukara and Tambomachay, constructed entirely of stone.

Continue your Cuzco travel experience into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This ancient region inside the Andes Mountains is fed by numerous rivers descending through adjoining valleys and gorges and contains many villages and Incan remains. While away an entire day visiting the colorful Indian market in Písac; walk around the beautiful Inca village and fortress of Ollantaytambo, the best serving example of the Incas' talent for meticulous town planning; stop for lunch at a local Peruvian café in Urubamba; and explore the Quechua village of Chinchero, which offers sweeping views of the Sacred Valley with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. If there's time, carry on your Cuzco travel plans through Maras and Calca.

Follow the Inca Trail
You may decide to opt for the scenic train ride from Cuzco to Machu Picchu or trek the Inca Trail, one of nature's most splendid network of pathways that

Machu Picchu Photo by the Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board

weaves among the snow-covered mountains, rivers and astounding countryside. This is one of the world's top trails, as you'll find remarkable archaeological sites and areas rich in unique plant and animal species scattered all the way to the citadel of Machu Picchu.

The enigmatic complex of Machu Picchu is venerated as an important legacy of the ancient Peruvian culture and still tops the list of the Seven Wonders of the World. At the enlivening conclusion of the Inca Trail, you'll reach Machu Picchu at the top of a mountain 2,000 feet above the rumbling Urubamba River. The cloud-shrouded ruins presents an exuberance complementing its unique natural surroundings and have palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms and 150 houses, all in a remarkable state of preservation.

The Amazon Photo by the Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board

These structures carved from the gray granite of the mountain top are wonders of both architectural and aesthetic genius.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime in South America's beautiful jewel of natural wonder. Take an invigorating Amazon tour trekking through Peru's legendary jungles, trace the historical path of the Inca realm or discover the breathtaking sights of the country in your own way. Peru's exhilarating regions offer the perfect vacation for anyone with a willing pair of feet, a passion for exploring the unknown and a love for first-time experiences.

Morocco

The dunes outside Merzouga in the heart of the Sahara are taller than you imagine. Rising 150 meters high in some places, the intoxicating piles of peach-colored sand create an ocean of sensual curves, beckoning you to ascend. But climbing dunes is a skill, especially in the loosely packed Saharan sands, where two steps up are followed by one step down. If you do make it, if you conquer the dune and stand triumphantly at the apex, you will see miles and miles of emptiness, and you will feel a sublime tranquility embrace your soul, for the world just stopped for you.

This is Morocco, a land unphased by time.

With masterpieces of Islamic architecture set amidst olive groves and vast dunes, this gateway to North Africa appears to some as a medieval mirage. Yet the ancient cities, where open markets bustle with bargaining banter, are real, and so are the medinas, the old city squares, that thrive with snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats.

A land rich in mystique, Morocco's snow-capped mountains team with a sprawling desert and pristine beaches to form a topographic wonderland that doesn't seem genuine. Its reality will sink in when you hike the trail through the Azrou Cedar Forest, ride a camel across the great oasis valley to Ouarzazate or wade into the peaceful waters off Essaouira.

To experience all this exciting land has to offer, find your flying carpet in the office of a trusted travel agent. Travel agents know that the imperial cities should never be explored with haste, and the stunningly diverse landscape must be traveled with patient strides. Your travel agent will help you plan an itinerary brimming with opportunity, so that you can truly discover this land of the setting sun.

The sun will set quickly as you fly east to Casablanca, but, please, leave your Bogey impersonation on the plane. Even though Rick's Café Américain was modeled after the Hotel El Minzah in Tangier, those expecting a real-life version of the movie set will be disappointed, but not for long.

Casa, as it's locally known, is the country's most industrious city. Its skyline is dominated by the incredible Hassan II Mosque, the third-largest mosque in the world. Able to hold 25,000 worshippers, the mosque's 650-foot minaret is the world's tallest religious structure, and at night it sends a powerful beam of light toward Mecca.

Up the coast is the imperial city of Rabat, the capital of Morocco. An ideal place to become acquainted with the country, Rabat mixes a modern, international community with a medina and other beloved relics from the city's glory days of the 12th century. Travelers often come here to swim in the warm springs of Oulmès or pay homage to the prehistoric cave dwellings.

The legendary city of Tangier stands on world-weary legs on Morocco's northern tip, just a short ferry ride from Spain across the Straights of Gibraltar. Travelers are often smitten with the city's charm, it's cloudless skies and sea air, and above all else, its splendid light. The birthplace of heroes, Tangier possesses an air of adventure, as every winding street holds the allure for potential mystery, discovery and excitement.

While Tangier's streets are paved with Spanish and French history, Fès, the original imperial city, is a cauldron of Arabic and Islamic cultures. The symbolic heart of Morocco, Fès has long been recognized as the country's intellectual and spiritual backbone. The medina of Fès el-Bali (Old Fès) is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world, and the surrounding gates make it a truly magnificent sight. This labyrinthine medina contains more than 1,000 dead-end alleys, challenging visitors with a captivating odyssey.

Only Marrakesh rivals Fès for authentic Moroccan splendor. Virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages, the solid ramparts that encircle Marrakesh's medina hide secret palaces of the sultans of old and opulent mansions of rich merchants. Its wildly beating heart is the Place Djemaa el Fna, a huge square in the old city where rows of open-air food stalls are set up, filling the air with mouth-watering aromas. In the late afternoons, Moroccans and visitors alike fill the square to hear storytellers and musicians perform.

Outside the cities, any desire for outdoor adventures can be easily quenched. Exotic escapades come in many guises, whether it's hiking amid the rugged scenery and mud-bricked Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains, following the serpentine stream through the Todra Gorge, searching for isolation in the Merzouga dunes or windsurfing at the beaches of Sidi Ifni. 

In the end, you'll get more than you bargained for in Morocco—more unbelievable sights, more authentic sensations, more culturally vibrant activity—because here, bargaining is a way of life and not just a tactic to torture tourists. But bargaining is more than getting a fair price from a street merchant. It's an exchange between cultures, a dialogue that spans continents to connect you with people not so different from yourself. And after you reach a fair price and receive your souvenir with a smile, you will leave Morocco saying "chokran"—thank you.

Cambodia

Pang, a 17th-century Cambodian poet, in a tribute to the ancient temples that dwell in the jungles of his country, wrote that visitors gazing upon the ancient ruins will be filled "with such emotion that the eye is never wearied, the soul is renewed, and the heart sated!" You don't have to be a poet to enjoy Cambodia's temples, but as you gaze upon these vast cities of the past, you might become one.

Cambodia's volatility, which once prompted travel warnings, has waned significantly, and the country is enjoying peace and prosperity under a stabilized government. Thankfully much of the country's cultural heritage survived the Khmer Rouge's destructive regime of the 1970s, including the temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire between the 9th and 13th centuries, near present day Siem Reap.

Glorifying a grand succession of Khmer kings, the temples now stand as testaments to one of the world's greatest civilizations. Photographic treasure hunters, amateur Indiana Jones's and all sightseers inspired by beauty enjoy exploring these highly decorative strongholds of stone deep in the jungles, where more than 100 Angkor temples still loom. Before embarking on such a quest, trekkers should first visit a skilled travel agent to devise a master plan, for travel agents know which temples are ruined piles of rock and which ones are ruins that simply rock.

Angkor Wat
Of all of the temples in Angkor, and possibly the world, Angkor Wat is the most impressive. Rivaling the Great Pyramids in scope and the Taj Mahal in artistry, the celebrated temples of Angkor Wat are the largest of the Angkor group and arguably the best preserved. Simply put, Angkor Wat is one of the greatest man-made creations on Earth.

Built as a miniature replica of the universe, the site consists of elevated towers, covered galleries, decorated chambers and statue-studded courtyards. A giant wall covered in elaborate bas-reliefs depicting an exotic morality tale filled with monsters and dancing angels surrounds the intricately-designed structures, while a moat encompasses the entire complex, including the small group of shaven-headed monks in saffron robes that maintain the temple grounds.

Angkor Thorn and the Terrace of Elephants
After Angkor Wat, the most celebrated temple is Angkor Thom, home to the giant, smiling faces on the temple Bayon and the renowned Terrace of the Elephants. Once the residence of the king's family, Angkor Thom is protected by an eight-meter high wall and a 100-meter wide moat. Visitors enter over five great causeways lined with 54 gods on the left and 54 demons on the right, each holding the body of a serpent to form a balustrade.

Sticking to the numeric motif, Angkor Thom's central temple, Bayon, a visitor favorite, has 54 towers covered in massive stone faces. Some believe the four faces on each tower are images of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, signifying the omnipresence of the king. The faces may just be trying to catch a glimpse of the Terrace of the Elephants, a 1,000 foot long terrace edged with balustrades and flanked by 3-headed elephants gathering lotus flowers with their trunks.

Ta Prohm, the 'Jungle Temple'
Real elephants could not walk through the tangled maze at the present day site of Ta Prohm. Known as the "Jungle Temple," Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched by archeologists, leaving in tact the epic battle of nature versus temple. Gigantic roots of fig, banyan and kapok trees spread over the stones, probing walls and pushing terraces apart, as their branches intertwine to form roofs over some of the structures. The resulting beauty is ethereal, and your friends back home may not believe what they're seeing when they view your incredible photos.

You'll snap even more photos at the little jewel of Bantaey Srei, the Citadel of Woman, for many refer to this richly detailed shrine as the most beautiful of all the Angkor temples. Set in the heart of an immense forest as if out of a fairy tale, Bantaey Srei is renowned for the intricate carvings on hard, fine-grained pink sandstone that cover the walls like tapestries.

In 1924, P. Jennerat de Beerski wrote, "Go to Angkor, my friend, to its ruins and to its dreams." Cambodia's temples create a mesmerizing destination for travelers of all types, and all types of travelers will benefit greatly by consulting a travel agent to help plan the adventure. Travel agents will set up an ideal itinerary and centralize your hotel, so you can easily discover the best ruins without needing a machete to hack through the underbrush.

Cambodia's vast treasures await! Contact a trusted travel agent today and start planning your temple trekking adventure.

Mediterranean cruise

Think of the Mediterranean and your mind leaps straight into the Sea itself. Clear and warm, the waters gently greet soft, sandy beaches while hiding secrets of ancient cities in the depths below. Then your mind reaches the shores, home to 30 centuries of culture and history, where you feel the epic sweep of the Greek and Roman Empires, walk in the footprints of crusaders and gladiators, and visit the great temples praising the glory of pharaohs and the vanity of kings.

Cruise the Mediterranean and you get it all-easy access to ancient civilizations and easy hours relaxing on blazingly beautiful beaches. Nowhere else can such an array of culture and history be found in such a relatively small and stunning vicinity, where the weather ranges from ideal to mild and the cruises range from amazing to spectacular.

Travel agents send thousands of time travelers on a Mediterranean cruise every year, where they can still hear whispers from the stages of Greek amphitheaters and echoes of gladiators clanging swords in front of throngs of roaring spectators. These are the lands where Europe's earliest civilizations flourished, and where travelers continuously embark on an odyssey of wonder.

A Mediterranean cruise allows you to enjoy these fabled lands at a deliciously slow pace. While cruising the Mediterranean, conquer ports during the day and return to the vast comfort of your ship at night, savoring new cultures without the hassle of transferring between airports and hotels. Unpack once, and let the world revolve around you.

Mediterranean cruise itineraries generally split the Mediterranean Sea in two, taking passengers on a western mediterranean cruise near Spain, France and Italy, or an eastern Mediterranean cruise near Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. But cruise itineraries become more creative when travel agents connect the dots, finding the perfect Mediterranean cruise so you don't miss out. It's all up to you, and which ports-of-call call your name the loudest.

Circumnavigating from Gibraltar to Istanbul and back along the northern coast of Africa, your ship will pass many ports to call upon. Describing the riches of each would take a thousand poets a thousand years. Don't panic, though, for below you will find a few brief descriptions of the lesser-known locales from which people send postcards to their travel agents, thanking them for the memories of a lifetime.

Greeks first discovered the port of Ajaccio on the French island of Corsica, drawn by its sunny bay lined with citrus groves, olive trees and vineyards. They called this island Kalliste-the beautiful-and you'll soon know why. Passengers disembark here to see the Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's home, before venturing to Les Calanche, a mountain landscape of multi-colored granite forms resembling people, animals and buildings.

Leaving Corsica, your boat next sails to Valletta on the island of Malta. The Maltese Islands have often been referred to as the islands of sunshine and history, and with good reason. With a history boasting 6,000 years of civilization, past empires blend and dominate every square inch of its lands, temples and monuments. Blessed with year-round sunshine and set in crystal clear waters, Malta is truly the heart of the Mediterranean.

Hidden behind Italy's boot you'll find the Pearl of the Adriatic-Dubrovnik. This Croatian capital of culture, a favorite of cruise passengers, is said to be the most perfectly preserved medieval town in the world. Once a powerful maritime force, strong enough to rival Venice, the town's inhabitants have restored it to its former glory. For the best views, climb to the top of the city's historic wall and walk around the town.

Visit Corfu Island in Greece

Continuing on your Mediterranean cruise, go south along the coast and you'll find Corfu, considered by many to be the most scenic of the Greek islands, thanks to an abundance of rainfall and lush vegetation. Simply put, Corfu is a beautiful island with a great personality. The people here, as they are throughout all of Greece, consider hospitality a sacred duty and will do everything possible to enhance your stay. Make friends and have the time of your life.

As you approach Istanbul from the sea, be ready to hear the rhythmic hum of the Islamic call to prayer as it dances across the water. Changing names and empires often, Istanbul now proudly stands with one foot in Asia and the other in Europe. Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the world's greatest churches since being built in 537, and the legendary Blue Mosque, erected in 1609 to surpass the beauty of the Hagia Sophia. You be the judge.

If you can cruise through the Greek Isles without jumping off to live amongst their beauty, you'll gladly make it to Cyprus. Known as both the "Island of Love" and "Aphrodite's Island," Cyprus mixes a love of its natural beauty with a love of life that lies deep within the souls of each Cypriot, who embrace good company first and the fine local wines second.

With so many places in and around the Mediterranean Sea, choosing just a few to visit can seem a daunting task. From Moroccan marketplaces to Venetian gondoliers, to the towering cliffs of the French Riviera to the ample vineyards in Spain's Andalusian countryside, the ports of the Mediterranean offer it all and have for centuries.

Contact a trusted travel agent today and make your Mediterranean cruise dreams come true with the vacation of a lifetime. Travel agents know these ports and the ships that visit them, offering advice and special travel deals that will shape your vacation into a masterpiece fit for a 12th-century temple in Sicily, or Alexandria, or Tunis, or Rhodes … you get the picture.

Travel around the Mediterranean and back in time. Find a travel agent in your area and start planning today!