Places thanesiel Wants to Go

In this historic region, homes and churches are carved into ancient volcanic rock formations.

One of the oldest monasteries in the world is a key pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Christians.

This ancient mountain monastery welcomes all manner of faith in an effort to keep Christians in Syria.

One of the oldest and largest castles in the world.

The Syrian headquarters of alleged hashish-smoking assassins.

Ruins of the Crusaders' headquarters.

An archaeological site believed to be the burial place of the "mother of us all."

Just outside of Jordan's capital lies an ancient castle and intriguing caves dating back to the Copper Age.

This cascade of mineral-rich hot springs and waterfalls is an oasis in the Jordanian desert.

A mesmerizing reservoir nestled at the heart of a pre-Islamic Yemeni village.

The most alien-looking place on Earth.

Concentrated around the Dead Sea, these surprising canyons are filled with coursing water, fish, and even crabs.

An ancient capital city that dates back 3,000 years and harbors many surprises.

A serene desert oasis speckled with ancient artifacts.

These numerous Israeli caves were dug out over hundreds years for reasons ranging from hideouts to burial sites.

The bluer than blue waters in these natural Israeli caves are reached via the world's steepest cable car.

You can row a boat through this ancient underground reservoir.

9th century Abbasid mosque, damaged in modern warfare.

Celebrated as a center of civilization, the remains of the ancient city have been nearly destroyed by greed, egoism, and war.

One of the largest and oldest caravansaries in Persia.

Modern-day cave dwellers carve elaborate homes out of volcanic debris.

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

A sophisticated astronomical tower built by one of the greatest Persian scholars of the Islamic Golden Age.

Putrefaction plateaus in Iran, where the dead were sent for decontamination before going to their final resting place.