The Middle East is marked by incredible diversity and indelible images. One extended visit erases the misconceptions and opens an entire new world filled with laughing people and overwhelming hospitality. Sights, unseen outside of the region, jump with historical significance and endless stories. Here are just a few.

Isfahan, Iran

Beautiful gardens mix with the cool blue tiles of Isfahan’s buildings, majestic bridges and immense bazaar.

Sinai Desert, Egypt

Since the beginning of time, it seems the Bedouin men of the Sinai were never done drinking tea or coffee. Legend has it that any man who broke a coffee cup would be obliged to buy or make two new ones for the mess. This arrangement produced many jokes at the expense of anyone so unfortunate as to break a cup. In the process the bonds of friendship were formed.

Essaouira, Morocco

The gateway of Essaouira transports you to a land celebrated for its cabinetmaking and lemonwood carvings. Common to the city is the thuja. The arborvitae, or tree of life, is said to inspire artists from around the world.

Doha, Qatar

Olivier Rochus of Belgium (in blue) dashes to make a return to Davide Sanguinetti of Italy in the first round of the 2006 Qatar Mobile Open.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Nature’s powers are alive in the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. The moonlike landscapes are formed by the continual erosion of the volcanic landscape by the wind and rain. Many say that if you leave Turkey without visiting here, your whole journey would go to waste.

Petra, Jordan

“No hurry, no worry!” says the Jordanian fruit salesman as he provides refreshment near the famed stone city.