Lalibela, Ethiopia - Roots and Culture

The remote Lalibela in north Ethiopia is justly famous for it's 13th century rock-hewn churches filled with fascinating naif religious paintings. If these wonders of architecture and engineering aren't enough reward for the arduous journey getting here, they are surrounded by a spectacular landscape dotted with traditional adobe villages of the gentle and welcoming Amhara people. Although not easily accessible this is an essential stop on any tour of this diverse country, the churches one of the most remarkable examples of ancient african culture.

Yazd, Iran - Lost in the Desert

Yazd is a crumbling old city on the edge of the Dasht-e Lut desert in south Iran, isolated in a harsh environment. Baked daily by the fierce sun, the monotone orange of the traditional adobe buildings offsets the dazzling colours of persian ceramics on every Mosque. Wandering around the medieval alleyways it's easy to forget about the 21st century, and to believe it's claim as one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. The closest you get to McDonalds here are the surprisingly delicious camel burgers, but if you want ketchup and coca cola bring your own...