
THE WORLD’S MOST BREATHTAKING HERITAGE SITES
Athens sits under the watchful eye of the Acropolis where ancient buildings including the Parthenon, an ancient temple, the Erechtion with its beautiful stonework and the stunning theatre and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus sit.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Placed in the Pacific Ocean, around 1,000 km from the South American Continent, the 19 volcanic islands constitute the Galapagos Archipelago. The ongoing volcanic and seismic activity will reach travelers’ attention who can swim with sea lions, sharks and giant turtles which are all playful and curious. No wonder Charles Darwin found inspiration in Galápagos for his Theory of Evolution.
Petra, Jordan
Rising from the desert, the whimsical “Lost City”, the seventh wonder of the world, is an astonishing prehistoric maze, riddled with sandstone caves, cliffs, and canyons. Petra’s tombs and temples are just a fraction of Jordan’s story. There are traces of biblical tribes, Roman legions, Christian crusaders, and Islamic caliphates in this land of fascinating history.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
There is a reason that tourists swarm the Giza pyramid complex in Egypt: The Great Pyramid is ranked as one of Seven Wonders of the World, and dates back 4,500 years. The iconic monuments are part of the pyramid fields of Memphis (the first Capital of Ancient Egypt), which UNESCO recognizes for its political and architectural significance.
Bagan, Myanmar
One of the most recognizable sacred sites on earth, Bagan features an exceptional range of Buddhist art and architecture, including temples, monasteries, frescoes, and sculptures. Do not forget to visit Shwesandaw Pagoda (one of the most famous of the more than 2,000 ancient temples and shrines that remain) to take in the views of the sunset.
The Medieval City of Rhodes, Greece
The beautiful Dodecanese Island of Rhodes boasts an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medieval City. Notable buildings include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital and the Street of the Knights making it one of the most beautiful urban ensembles of the Gothic period.
Machu Picchu, Peru
While the intricate stone ruins of Machu Picchu are the work of 15th-century Inca rulers and not Mother Nature’s, it’s the site’s natural setting that makes it so alluring. Perched atop the flattened peak of a mountain, the ancient Wonder of the World benefits from the famous backdrop of Huayna Picchu, lush green surfaces, and a barrier of Andean peaks that, despite the landmark’s fame, makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret.
Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, Crete, Greece
The Minoan Temples of Knossos and Phaistos are the most important archaeological sites in Crete and the best testimonies of the Minoan culture.