44 days in Europe, Asia & Africa Itinerary

Home to four World Heritage Sites, the beautiful country of Georgia epitomizes the saying, "the best of both worlds." Geographically, the land is divided in half by the Likhi mountain range, which yields a humid, subtropical climate to the west, and an arid, continental climate to the east. Experience a spectacular array of natural destinations, from low-land swamps, rainforests, mineral springs, and hot springs, to volcanic plateaus, snow-tipped mountains, and glaciers. Embrace the laid-back attitude, rich folklore, and ecclesiastic architecture among the sub-tropical gardens. Georgia boasts a healthy mix of rural charm and urban modernity, combined with Mediterranean hospitality. Here you'll find the deepest cave in the world, Krubera Cave, with 2,140 m (7,021 ft) of known depth. Relax in the sun along the pebbled beaches of the Black Sea, and sample the mouth-watering Georgian specialties, including "Khinkali," traditional meat dumplings, to round out your authentic Georgian holiday.

A holiday in Azerbaijan allows intrepid travelers to discover a history-steeped country sitting at the crossroads of Southeastern Europe and Southwest Asia, an area once controlled by a succession of ancient empires. With its dual Eurasian character, Azerbaijan remains a highly intriguing destination, with tourism one of the top contributors to the country's booming economy. Many begin their tour of Azerbaijan in World Heritage-listed Baku, a cosmopolitan city boasting innovative architecture and a well-preserved historic core. A short drive out of this thriving capital, you can explore timeless villages surrounded by thick orchards and flanked by the majestic Caucasus Mountains.

With ancient historical sites, the longest coastline on the continent, a rich and varied cuisine, and sprawling desert and savannah landscapes, Somalia has plenty to make it appealing to international visitors. Events in the recent past, however, made holidays in Somalia nearly impossible. The civil war that began in 1991 led to the country being declared a failed state. The introduction of a new constitution and government in 2012 has led to a glimmer of optimism.

A small country with big sights, Djibouti has become known for its interesting geology and show-stopping topography. Limestone chimneys, salt lakes, offshore coral reefs, multi-colored mountains, mangroves, and sandy deserts provide the backdrop or focal point of a number of adventures during vacations in Djibouti. Away from the capital, Djibouti remains largely untamed and rural, with plenty of appeal for those into eco-tourism. Traveling down the coast and into the interior during a tour of Djibouti, visitors meet nomadic tribes and share in their singular way of life.

One of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia was the only African nation not to fall under colonial control. The continued independence left the country with a wealth of undisturbed historical sites and cultural practices--reasons enough to plan a vacation in Ethiopia. Ancient ruins, hill tribes, wild forest areas, gushing rivers, and depressions filled with active volcanoes represent just some of the many Ethiopia attractions worthy of your attention.

Though small in area, Uganda represents one of the most populated landlocked countries in the world. You can feel this in the lakeside capital, but so much of the country remains untamed and untamable, with great lakes and towering mountains chief among the wilder sights. A recent troubled past delayed the growth of tourism in Uganda, but visitors now arrive in larger numbers, primarily drawn by the diverse wildlife that inhabits the country's mountains and forests. Notably, Uganda houses half of the world's population of mountain gorillas.

The savannahs of Kenya contain some of the most iconic sights in Africa, stirred in the minds of many when they think of the continent. Big cats, elephants, and rhinos remain major inhabitants of this vast country, with a number of safari centers running trips across the region's World Heritage-listed national parks. Trips to rural villages, where many travelers choose to join up various volunteer projects, represent some of the most inspiring and enriching things to do in Kenya.

Though the size and scale of Tanzania may be overwhelming, the people make it a personable and easy-going place to visit. The bigger cities not only offer good connections to the main natural attractions, but also feature bustling markets where locals sell fresh produce, snacks, and crafts. Smaller villages retain their long-held customs, beliefs, and artistic traditions. With the continent's highest peak, and some of the most animal-rich safaris available, Tanzania holidays tend to dart between the big and bold, and the personal and low-key.

Still relatively unvisited by international tourists, Mozambique boasts plenty of natural and cultural charms that could easy make it into a major vacation destination. The beaches of the south come in all shapes and sizes, while the less-visited north offers island archipelagos and untouched coral reefs. The colonial architecture of the main urban areas complements the colorful African heritage that still holds sway here, with the region's art, cuisine, and music ensuring each trip to Mozambique allows the visitor to appreciate the country's distinct culture and vast landscape.

Tourism in Zimbabwe experienced a boost after the country's turbulent recent history seemed to settle down. Waterfalls, "Big Five" national parks, and the Eastern Highlands provide contrasting but complementary images of southern Africa, with the growing tourism infrastructure helping visitors see the best of what the country offers. Though corruption and unemployment remain everyday problems, the vast majority of Zimbabweans are a welcoming bunch, proud of the natural riches and culture of their hopeful country.

Tourism in Rwanda experienced a serious boost in the recent years largely thanks to the country's large population of mountain gorillas. One of only two nations in which the enigmatic, critically endangered gorillas can be tracked, Rwanda appeals to adventurous travelers interested in hiking the hills and equatorial jungles inhabited by the endemic species. The people of Rwanda remain positive about their future, and the political stability that has taken hold since the horrors of the 1994 genocide allows a growing number of international tourists to share in the optimism.

The land of pharaohs, pyramids, sphinxes, and papyrus, Egypt needs little by way of introduction. Visitors find more than a textbook readout of ancient history when visiting the country--the power, scale, art, and mysticism of its centuries-old culture bleed out from each landmark attraction and seep into the everyday life. Bustling markets, the slow-flowing Nile, the vast desert, and inspiring archeological sites often sit right alongside palaces of great excess and historical importance. All ensure you have plenty to see and do during your vacation in Egypt. In the wake of the Arab Spring in 2011, travel to certain areas where conflict and terrorism are deemed likely remains inadvisable for foreign visitors.

For such a small country, Jordan boasts a surprising variety of natural landscapes and urban attractions. A trip to Jordan takes visitors on a journey back to biblical times, when sites like the Dead Sea and the ancient yet astonishingly well-preserved city of Petra seemed to be at the heart of world events. Although covered in rocky deserts, Jordan boasts a good network of roads, which makes sightseeing by car an easy way to discover many of the country's top highlights. Begin your tour of Jordan in Amman, the largest urban center and a major political, cultural, and economic hub of this Middle Eastern kingdom.

Surprisingly diverse for such a narrow strip of land pressed against the Mediterranean, modern Israel only dates back to 1948, though the history of this "Holy Land" spans many millennia. The big three monotheistic religions--Christianity, Judaism, and Islam--maintain extremely strong ties to this part of the world, so you can expect to see plenty of historic churches, mosques, and synagogues during your holiday in Israel. Beyond the undeniable cultural appeal, Israel also offers impressive natural features, including the Dead Sea and Makhtesh Ramon, one of the world's biggest craters. As you tour Israel, you'll find yourself following in the footsteps of figures that helped shape the world thousands of years ago.

Rich in culture and customs and brimming with hospitality, natural beauty, and historical heritage, Turkey serves as a crossroads between Asia and Europe. The landmass known as Anatolia on which Turkey thrives has been home to numerous civilizations and their faiths and cultures, as attested by the 13 World Heritage Sites and countless religious sites you'll find here. Relive the ancient world through the ruins, customs, and traditions that are among the nation's most precious heritages. Adventure-seekers have plenty do to here, including mountain climbing, scuba diving, rafting, and skiing. A holiday to Turkey is incomplete without a cup of Turkish coffee, the pinnacle of Turkish cuisine inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.