Cuore Arancione: Doha & Maldive

About the destination: Doha is the capital of Qatar. Qatar's capital is developing into a big metropolis and it is becoming a major business center. Doha is a delightful mix of traditional and modern Arab life. The city skyline still under construction, is very unique and are quite fascinating to look at. Each building is very distinct and yet doesn't seem to leave the Arabian feel too far behind. Life in Doha revolves along the Corniche, the long seaside promenade along Doha Bay, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the pretty views of Palm Tree Island and the city's skyscrapers. The north contains most of the historic sites, including Umm Salal Mohammed, a relatively large village dominated by the ruins of a 19th-century fort. Particularly interesting are the Grand Mosque with its many domes and the Abu Bakir al-Siddiq Mosque. On the west coast there are fine beaches at Umm Bab, Dukhan and Salwah near the Saudi border. The south is a region of sand dunes and beaches, offering opportunities to go pearl hunting, or to practice a variety of watersports. If you should tire of city life, the rest of Qatar is virtually on the doorstep, offering some splendid scenery and interesting historical attractions to those with a taste for adventure.

About the destination: The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, are an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 coral atolls. From these small islands, only 203 are populated. Kaafu is where the capital, Male, and the airport are located and it is home of most tourist resorts. The Maldives really are the dream destination it appears to be in the holiday brochures, the water really is that crystal-clear and turquoise, the sand really is that white, and the sunsets really are all the shades of red and orange you could imagine. The Maldives are famous for blissful surroundings, its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, its beach villas, its dark-blue sea with turquoise-colored lagoons and its exquisite food. A trip to the Maldives is always an unforgettable experience, a satisfaction for the soul and a pleasure for the eyes, crystal clear waters, tropical white sand beaches, colorful flora and untouched nature. But beware, paradise is not cheap.