ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

A city with layers of history, Alexandria offers a mix of GrecoRoman ruins, Ottoman-era architecture and modern Egyptian culture. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the ancient library, is a striking landmark with exhibitions and reading halls. Nearby, the Citadel of Qaitbay stands on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria. Wander the impressive Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, combining Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences, or stroll through the Royal Gardens of Montazah – a lush, peaceful setting by the sea. Being a port city, Alexandria is well-known for its seafood restaurants with the old neighbourhood of Bahary being a favourite for enjoying fresh catch from the Mediterranean. The city’s strong café culture boasts historic spots like Délices and Trianon offering classic Egyptian pastries. For a day trip, head to the stunning Saint Mena Monastery or explore the beaches of Agami, where locals escape for a quieter coastal experience.
Gulf Air: 3h 20m to Cairo (multiple direct flights throughout the week), then 2h 6m drive to Alexandria.
GO: VISIT WWW.EXPERIENCEEGYPT.EG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA

Considered a ‘living museum’, AlUla is home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, also known as the ‘Petra of Saudi Arabia’. Its expansive desert setting with 110 Nabataean tombs carved into massive rocks, dating back more than 2,000 years, provides a glimpse into an ancient civilisation. Travel back through time at the Old Town, featuring restored mudbrick houses and meandering alleys leading to a lively souq. Natural rock formations, like Elephant Rock and Jabal Ikmah’s ancient inscriptions, showcase the region’s unique geology and history. Don’t miss a visit to the visually stunning Maraya, the largest mirrored building in the world, which hosts various concerts and events. Adventurers will be spoilt for choice with AlUla’s outdoor activities, which include hiking through Ashar Valley or taking a 4×4 tour through its stunning sandstone canyons, as well as thrilling experiences, such as rock climbing, abseiling and ziplining. AlUla’s cooler spring weather makes it an ideal time to explore, with AlUla’s official website promoting special Ramadan offers on guided tours.
Qatar Airways: 5h 50m | One-stop flights throughout the week.
GO: VISIT WWW.EXPERIENCEALULA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, offers a mix of colonial history, coastal scenery and religious landmarks, such as the Gangaramaya Temple, blending Sri Lankan, Thai and Chinese influences. Another important cultural site is the Red Mosque, with its striking façade, which stands out in the heart of Pettah district – famous for its outdoor market, selling everything from spices to textiles. Located in the heart of the city is the Colombo Lotus Tower, the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia, offering panoramic views, restaurants and a shopping mall – a must-visit. For a day of leisure, head to Galle Face Green, an urban park with a promenade where families gather for evening walks, kite flying and street food – kottu roti and isso wadey being popular choices. Soak in some culture at the National Museum, with its Italian-styled walls showcasing the country’s history, from ancient artefacts to colonial-era relics. And no visit to Sri Lanka is complete without trying its tea! The country’s tea culture can be seen in abundance in cafés and restaurants, offering a break from the city’s fast pace. For those looking to extend their stay, nearby beaches like Bentota and Negombo offer a more relaxed atmosphere, while the cultural city of Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, is a few hours away by train.
Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia: 6h 30m | Multiple one-stop flights throughout the week.
GO: VISIT WWW.LOVESRILANKA.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MALÉ, MALDIVES

The Maldives’ iconic slogan ‘The Sunny Side of Life’ still rings true in the country’s capital, Malé – a small but lively city with colourful buildings, busy markets and a seafront bustling with ferries and fishing boats. It is home to the Maldives National Museum, which features royal artefacts and historical displays, as well as the beautiful Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque, built from coral stone, reflecting the country’s Islamic heritage. A central part of daily life and a popular tourist attraction is the Malé Fish Market, where you can find a variety of fresh catch from nearby atolls, including tuna, grouper and colourful snapper. Although many visitors pass through Malé on their way to private islands, day trips from the city include snorkelling excursions, sandbank visits and dolphin-watching tours. For a quick getaway without venturing far, nearby Hulhumalé has beaches, cafés and guesthouses offering a more budget-friendly alternative to the exclusive resorts.
Gulf Air: 4h 35m | Direct flights throughout the week.
GO: VISIT VISITMALDIVES.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

ROME, ITALY

Rome is a fascinating city to explore on a quick getaway. Start with one of the most famed landmarks, the Colosseum, once the stage for gladiator battles. Then head to the nearby archaeological area, the Roman Forum, which offers a glimpse into ancient public life and the famous Pantheon, with its massive dome and oculus, which has stood for nearly 2,000 years and is still in use today! No trip to Rome is compete without a visit to Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, renowned for both its religious significance and Renaissance art. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the heart of Rome at Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori. These beautiful, lively squares are filled with cafés, restaurants, openair markets and boutique shops – ideal for a spot of retail therapy during the day and relaxing later with an aperitif in the evenings. A colourful, Bohemian area across the Tiber River, Trastevere, with its narrow, cobbled streets is a must-visit. It leads to small trattorias serving classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe and amatriciana. Finally, a short walk along the Tiber leads to the towering Castel Sant’Angelo, once a mausoleum and fortress – the best place to enjoy the city’s breathtaking views. Whether exploring its historical sites, vibrant neighbourhoods or food scene, Rome offers something at every turn.
Gulf Air: 5h 55m | Multiple direct flights throughout the week.
GO: VISIT TURISMOROMA.IT/EN FOR MORE INFORMATION.

TBILISI, GEORGIA

A mix of Persian, Russian and European influences makes Tbilisi one of the most interesting cities in the region. At its heart is the Old Town, a maze of narrow cobblestoned streets, featuring wooden balconies and historic Catholic, Armenian and Orthodox churches, like the Metekhi Church overlooking the Kura River. The fourth century Narikala Fortress offers some of the best views over Tbilisi and can be reached by a scenic cable car ride. The city’s main boulevard, Rustaveli Avenue (named after a mediaeval Georgian poet), is lined with theatres, museums and cafés, while the Bridge of Peace, a bow-shaped glass and steel pedestrian bridge adds a modern touch to the city’s landscape. One of the most popular attractions and a must-do in Tbilisi is soaking in a sulphur bath, a tradition dating back centuries. Domed bathhouses provide mineral-rich therapeutic waters, ideal for a day of relaxation. Delicious Georgian cuisine offers many local favourites, including khinkali dumplings and khachapuri, found in both traditional eateries and contemporary restaurants. Being one of the oldest grape-producing countries in the world, a day trip to the Kakheti region just outside the city is a must, where family-run vineyards showcase the traditional Georgian Qvevri grape-making method.
Gulf Air, Air Arabia: 5h 30m | Multiple one-stop flights throughout the week.
GO: VISIT GEORGIA.TRAVEL FOR MORE INFORMATION.