EILAT, ISRAEL – This tiny resort city has always been a desired destination. In fact, in the closing days of Israel’s 1949 War of Independence with its Arab neighbours, a push was on by all sides to claim this magical sun-drenched city that drifts off into the Red Sea for their very own.This tiny resort city has always been a desired destination.

TEL AVIV -The beach in front of the Hilton Hotel is filled with bikini-clad women and bare-chested men riding rainbow coloured-windsurfers. Flirting between the two camps is at high tide - the winks and whistles coming in waves.

JERUSALEM - It’s a story that’s been told many times and one well worth repeating, because its shows the power this city has on even the most famous of people who visit it.

CAESAREA, ISRAEL - An elderly man peered into the “looking glass of history” and began to ask a ghostly figure questions. The figure, dressed as King Herod, said nothing. Frustrated, the man asked his question in a louder voice, thus attracting the attention of a guide named Vered Bavli.

DEAD SEA, ISRAEL - I had finally reached the lowest point in my life, and it had nothing to do with the fact I was floating 412 metres below sea level – the lowest point on Earth - in the salty waters of the Dead Sea.

CAIRO – That magical moment – right out of The English Patient - when I saw the shadow of our Qatar Airline’s flight floating across the sand dunes leading to Cairo International Airport is quickly forgotten as our Soviet-era Lada taxi comes to a full stop on the traffic-clogged streets of Egypt’s chaotic capital.

ASWAN, EGYPT -We dart across the gangplank and through the reception area of our Sonesta cruise ship looking for the main lounge.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES -There are many reasons to visit this glittering new city now nicknamed the Jewel of the Desert.