Joaquin Silva
Brazilian
Traveling is one of my passions in life – I love to explore new countries and cities. I have a degree in history, which makes travel even more exciting for me. Even though I love to do all of the typical tourist activities when I visit a new area, one of my main objectives is to see many of the historic sites and archaeological attractions which brings history to life for me.
Even though I live in Brazil, I have traveled to nearly every continent in the world — blogging is a hobby for me and has helped prepare me to write the travel book that I am currently working on. Some of my favorite places to visit have been the Middle East, where there is so much culture and history to absorb. My latest travels have taken me all over South America, I hope to share my travels with you to inspire and encourage you to expand your horizons!
There aren’t too many cities with so many faces which each tell the story of a different era. And that is what places Cairo in a class all its own. From its mighty pyramids, to its delicately designed Coptic churches right through to its Mamluk architecture, there is no doubt that this vast capital city, is simply filled with dazzling secrets all waiting to be discovered by you.
Mammoth sized statues, immense temple complexes and secret tombs tell the tale of the dynasties which once ruled in splendour from this city on the banks of the Nile. And thousands of years later, these ruins continue to amaze the modern world every bit as much as they did the ancient. Welcome to Luxor, one of Egypt’s many crown jewels. With a name which actually means ‘Palaces’, it couldn’t be more aptly named, thanks to being the location with the greatest number of sprawling ancient complexes.
Ancient Egyptian temples, Coptic monasteries and Fatimid tombs weave different eras together in a richly patterned tapestry in this southern Egyptian city which is located to the south of Edfu, Nagaa Hassanein and Daraw. Egypt’s gateway to the south, is also situated west of the Wadi el Gemal National Park, east of Baris and north of Ibrim and Toshka.
Any city which actually sits cozily on two continents is worth checking out. Particularly when it is by no means lacking in sights and sounds guaranteed to make your visit simply unforgettable. Welcome to Istanbul, a portal to both Europe and Asia where a wealth of architectural styles – Byzantine, Genoese, Ottoman and Roman – also make it a gateway to different eras, and the one place you can travel through both time and space with ease.
Considered one of the most luxurious regions in the entire world, Dubai is best known for it’s breathtaking architecture, energetic atmosphere and some of the wealthiest shopping centers around the globe. At every turn you will be mesmerized by the ultramodern landmarks and astounding points of interest – one of the iconic landmarks being the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 830 meters and is a quintessential skyscraper in the Dubai skyline.
Though Jerusalem is often regarded as a pilgrimage city for many religious groups – Christians, Jews and Muslims – there is also a lot to see in this magnificent ancient city that relates to culture and historical contexts. Situated west of the famous Dead Sea, Jerusalem has numerous famous points of interest and landmarks that are worth visiting even if you don’t find them of much value religiously.
Compared to much of the region in the Middle East, Amman in Jordan is considered relatively young — it did most of its growing throughout the 20th century. While it’s neighboring ancient cities are full of architectural wonders and landmarks, Amman isn’t typically the first stop on the itinerary when you’re diving deep into the ancient history of the Middle East. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Amman.
Turkey, the “bridge between East and West”, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and for good reason! It boasts a captivating mix of ancient ruins and history, as well as a fascinating culture; it’s certain to make your holiday an amazing experience! Situated between Europe and Asia, Turkey has always been a gateway between the two regions, and home to many different empires and cultures – all leaving their mark on its history and monuments.
Israel holds many cultural treasures and holy sites while maintaining its position as a modern country in the Middle East. The Holy Land for the three monotheistic religions boasts numerous sacred sights and cities, and its age-old world holds many gems for the spiritual seekers! Here are our top picks for the best places to visit in Israel on your next visit.
The countries of the Middle East will enchant you with fascinating architecture and natural wonders, comprising a beautiful region to explore! Mighty rivers and untouched deserts with huge sand dunes combine with beautiful mountains and clear marine waters. From temples to pyramids and places of worship, the Middle East is where the past is always present, offering world class attractions that simply can’t be missed.