Ephesus, Turkey
The Roman ruins at Ephesus are Turkey’s archaeological showpiece and offer an extraordinary history tour - step back in time to when Rome ruled even these far flung reaches of ancient Asia, where you can wander through extensive ruins along marble-paved streets where the marks of chariot wheels can still be seen, and visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Visit www.tourismturkey.org for more information.
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
As a modern day symbol of ancient grace and romance, the Taj Mahal remains, after more than three and a half centuries, the most beautiful monument to love in the world. The stunning, monolithic white marble Taj and surrounding Persian-style gardens attract a constant stream of visitors year-round, but the best day to visit is Friday when admission is free and local Indian families in their traditional dress bring living colour to the grounds. Visit www.tajhub.com for more information.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Spread out over an area of about 64 kilometres lies the once-forgotten capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, and one of the world’s premier architectural sites. Enormous in size and astoundingly beautiful, the remains of Angkor Wat have been partially reclaimed by the jungle, leaving the magical and mysterious sight of huge stone Buddha heads, mythical figures, temples and monuments almost completely engulfed by thick, tropical foliage. Visit www.angkorwat.org for more information.
Machu Picchu, Urubamba Valley, Peru
Stunning in scale and hauntingly picturesque, the lost city of Machu Picchu has a high altitude setting that has no comparison on earth. Abandoned by the Incas and lost to the jungle, the city was rediscovered in 1911 and now rewards the weary trekker (three to five days hard journey along the famed Inca Trail!) or the more leisurely inclined (travel by train and bus) who make the journey here to the cradle of Inca civilisation. Visit www.machu-picchu.info for more information.
Pompeii, Italy
A tour through the amazingly preserved ruins of the Roman port city of Pompeii is like looking through time to AD 79, when the town and many of its inhabitants were covered by volcanic ash in one of the most disastrous volcanic eruptions in history. All the opulence of life during the reign of the Caesars can be seen in the richly frescoed villas, shops, baths and bordellos, leaving the eerie yet fascinating impression of a thriving city that has, quite literally, been frozen in time.
Visit www.enit.it for more information.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
One of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower is the very symbol of Paris - 1,056 feet of lacy architectural beauty that doubles as a panoramic platform offering the best view to be found of the City of Light. Synonymous with romance, couples can enjoy the best of the Eiffel Tower at one of the two restaurants on-site, where the order of the day is wining and dining with the famous view. Or, you could simply cuddle under the twinkling lights each evening when the tower is lit up in spectacular style.
Visit www.tour-eiffel.fr for more information.
Petra, Jordan
Travel the narrow, mile-long passageway of Siq Gorge on foot or mule and enter a city half as old as time. The rose-red fortress and trade centre of Petra was one of the wonders of the ancient world, a jewel in the desert with its staggering temples, tombs and houses hewn right into the sheer sandstone cliff face. Sculpted over the ages by wind and water, the city remains hidden away and preserved in varying states of decay today.
Visit www.kinghussein.gov.jo/tourism6d.html for more information.
Borobudur, Java, Indonesia
Lost to the world for almost a thousand years, visitors can now undertake the hour-long, clockwise hike to the top of the world’s biggest Buddhist monument. Built in the 8th century to resemble a microcosm of the universe, the purpose of Borobudur was, it is thought, to provide a visual image of the teachings of Buddha and show the steps through life that each person must follow to achieve enlightenment. Those who make it to the top will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360 degree view across rice fields, coconut plantations and distant volcanoes. With more than five kilometres of hand-carved reliefs wrapping around ten terraces, 72 bell-shaped stupas and more than 400 stone Buddhas in varying degrees of decay, 8th-century Borobudur is certainly a physical and spiritual experience.
Visit www.borobudurpark.com for more information
The Great Wall, China
It is ironic that the Great Wall of China was built over a period of 2000 years to keep out foreign invaders and now attracts countless tourists every year. Little wonder - a glimpse of this colossal, serpentine wall with its battlements and watchtowers weaving its way across serene mountains and valleys is nothing short of humbling and is an undisputed highlight of a trip to China.
Visit www.travelchinaguide.com for more information.
The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramid’s former isolation in the desert may have been infringed upon by modern civilisation, yet it remains a majestic testament to the power and glory of Egypt’s pharaohs. The only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world to survive almost completely intact, the pyramid must be seen to be believed and is most magical at dawn or dusk.
Visit www.egypttourism.org for more information.
