Monuments, Beaches and Culture: Middle East!

Bangalore: How often have you thought of holidaying in the Middle East? Has it been a part of your travel list? Has the recent tension and unrest changed your holiday plan? Its time you make up your mind to learn some new culture and visit those unquestionably beautiful beaches and ancient museums.

In spite of the problems faced by these countries they have kept the tradition and friendship with neighboring countries alive and assure you an amazing summer vacation.

Here's a list of places to take you around the Middle East-

1.Topkaki Palace, Istanbul

Spare at least half a day to enjoy the art of the buildings and the museums of this palace. A home to the Ottoman sultans for over 350 years, the Topkapi Palace is one of the must visit places in Istanbul. It was built by Mehmet, the Conqueror in 1459 and was opened as a museum in 1924.

Topkapi Palace Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. and is shut on Tuesdays. The entrance tickets are available at the ticket windows located at the 1st Courtyard of Topkapi Palace Museum. You would need a separate ticket for Harem(women quarters) visits.

Do not miss out on Grand Bazaar, the world's biggest historic bazaar, Basilica Cistern and the Sultanahmet Mosque while in Istanbul.

2.Jumeira Beach, Dubai

Come summer and you want a dip in a beach. Why not do it in the best of the beaches. If you are in a mood for some soft sand, an attractive sun and just water, Ya'llah, Go Dubai! It has one of the world's fascinating beaches to offer with the perfect combination of the 3 S's (sand, sea and sun)

Most famous among them all is the Jumeira beach. It is a long stretch called the 'Jumeira Walk' where you would find people from all over the world, soaking them up under the warm sun. Park your car way ahead of the walk as the road is flooded with tourists and Lamborghini's, Jaguars, Ferrari's. The stretch has a wide range of hotels, private clubs and a few other exotic beaches.

Also do not miss out on the breathtaking infrastructure of Palm Beach, the Dubai Marina and other beaches.

3.The Wailing Wall, Jerusalem

Considered to be a hole place by both Jews and Muslims, the 'Wailing Wall' also called as the 'Western Wall' is the remains of a huge wall that was built Herod around the Temple Mount. Originally it was around 485 metres long, but now only 60metres remains. The name is meant o have been derived from its Arabic identification, el-Mabka, or "Place of Weeping."

Fridays are the best time to visit the temple; the soulful singing of the tourist with their prayers all through the air.

4. Tel Aviv, Israel

Commonly called as 'The City that Never Sleeps', Tel Aviv is a major tourist attraction with a count of about 1.6 million visitors a year.

The city has everything from some incredible parks, to historic sites defining the city's ancient culture, to some amazing beaches and restaurants. Take a stroll along the sea shore in the day and walk down the Dizengoff Street later in the evenings. Tel Aviv allowes you to explore the norther and southern Mediterranean coasts.