Cockatoo Island is a Heritage-listed island in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

This trio of Australian rock spires may have inspired aboriginal legend or just modern tourism.

These bronze sculptures sow whimsy by hamming it up on a pedestrian mall.

One of the world’s largest suspended aquariums, located in Dubai Mall.

The world's largest frame offers spectacular views of the city's past and present.

This futuristic building is yet another architectural wonder in Dubai.

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.

This indoor ski resort has a mountain contained inside a mall.

Qatar's oldest market can trace its origins back more than a century.

Named after a legendary garden called Eram in southern Arabia, built by order of Shaddad, an Arab king who wanted to compete with Paradise.

Iran's "Rose Garden Palace," built during 131 years of rule by Qajar kings, consists of 17 stunning structures.

This remote mountain shrine is one of the most sacred Zoroastrian temples remaining in the world.

The cathedral stands in New Jufa, Isfahan's Armenian quarter that was established in 1606.

Long before air conditioning, Persian architects found an ingenious way to cool off.

This 17th-century structure is a beautiful testimony to traditional Persian architecture

The tower in this 1,000-year-old mud-brick village seems to vibrate for no apparent reason.

This ancient burial site is believed to be one of the first earthquake-protected structures in the world.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

The fire inside this temple has burned for more than 1,500 years.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

A historic trade hub teeming with gorgeous architecture, colorful goods, and vibrant designs.

The ancient necropolis houses the immense rock-cut tombs of four Persian kings.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.