16 days in Maldives & Pakistan Itinerary

Maldives has come to be seen as a quintessential island holiday destination, with entire sand-circled islands owned by resorts, who manage each part of the island's environment to give it the look and feel of paradise. The clear waters surrounding the islands offer plentiful dive sites, rich in tropical fish and coral formations, with the smaller, less-populated islands surrounded by the richest marine environments, largely undisturbed by industry and tourism. Larger islands here offer an array of bars, restaurants, and clubs--their higher population means they also feature religious sites and markets selling local produce.

Occupying territory inhabited since prehistoric times, Pakistan saw more than its share of ancient invaders, from the Bronze Age civilizations that thrived in the Indus Valley to the armies of Alexander of Macedonia. Each culture left a deep mark on the country's cultural heritage, shaping its religious traditions, art, and cuisine. Because of continued political instability in the region, few casual travelers consider a trip to Pakistan for pleasure, yet the intrepid explorers who do will discover a land blessed with numerous natural and cultural treasures. While thriving cities lie in the country's south, the remote and rarely visited north remains a wild frontier of soaring mountain ranges, which include K2, the world's second-highest mountain.