Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinctive blend of East and West, of old and new. You can venture across vast, dunes, climb rugged mountains, play on sandy beaches, explore dusty villages and shop in an ultra-modern mall – all in the same day. Since earliest times, Dubai has been known as “the city of merchants”, welcoming traders from distant lands with a tradition of courtesy and hospitality that still lives on today.

Salalah is the birthplace of Oman’s reigning Sultan Qaboos. The city is surrounded by coconut, banana, guava, and papaya groves. Unlike the rest of Arabia, Oman’s summer capital catches the Indian summer monsoon and is cooler, wetter and far greener than the rest of the region. It is Oman’s second largest city located amid striking mountain scenery and beautiful white sand beaches, which stretch for miles. Follow the Frankincense Trail to Prophet Job’s Tomb, perched high up in the “Jebel” (mountains) – a must-see for both its religious significance and beautiful setting. En route are spectacular views of the plains, mountain landscape and emerald green pastures.

Jordan’s only port was called Elath, the principal city of the Edomite people and a major commercial centre. From here you can travel to the astonishing hidden city of Petra, looming like a mirage that melts into the red sandstone hills of the desert. Dating back to 7,000 BC, Petra was the capital of a flourishing civilisation that stretched from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. Today it appears much the same as it was thousands of years ago, a unique marriage of natural and man-made wonders on an awesome scale. Aqaba offers internationally renowned diving and the richest marine life in the entire Red Sea.

Napoli, as it’s known to Italians, has a little bit of everything – ancient churches and universities, stunning parks, and wonderful restaurants. The Duomo is perhaps one of the most beautiful ancient cathedrals in the world. Take time to explore the Palazzo Reale, a palace built at the turn of the 12th century. Or visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale to see one of the most comprehensive collections of Greco-Roman artefacts anywhere, including an abundance of mosaics from the buried city of Pompei.

Portugal’s capital spreads its ancient sites on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Atop the highest hill, St. George’s Castle overlooks the city. Balconies ablaze with geraniums and wrought iron lamps light up the medieval Alfama quarter. Sorrowful fados ring out from cafés in the Alto. Shoppers browse in the affluent Chiado district. A short drive away, deposed royalty once lived out their days in the opulent palaces of Estoril and Sintra.

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you’ll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?