Wonders of the World: Exploring 10 UNESCO Heritage Sites
On a voyage through history, certain locations and landmarks stand out as especially monumental, such as the world’s largest Buddhist temple or North America’s earliest known European structures. The United National Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization—more commonly known as UNESCO—recognizes sites like these for their ‘outstanding universal value,’ and we visit many of these UNESCO World Heritage sites on our expertly crafted expeditions.
Diocletian’s Palace, Croatia
The original palace, completed in the fourth century on Split’s waterfront for Roman emperor Diocletian, has grown into a complex of 220 buildings. Venture into the medieval fortifications and Romanesque churches of this extraordinary site, where 3,000 Croatians reside today.
The Alhambra, Spain
A stunning showpiece of 14th-century Islamic architecture in the Spanish city of Granada, the Alhambra is the only preserved palatine city of the Islamic period. Admire marquetry ceilings, glazed tiles, and terraced gardens as you wander this enchanting fortress complex.
Valletta, Malta
Explore the stunning bastions, walls, and towers of Valletta, Malta’s baroque capital city. Expertly planned by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, the city is home to historic late Renaissance buildings and astounding artifacts like Carvaggio’s famed painting, “the Beheading of St. John.”
St. Kilda, Scotland
On a visit to this volcanic archipelago in the United Kingdom, view the massive colonies of seabirds—including gannets and puffins—that nest on the cliffs and sea stacks. Abandoned stone huts attest to human habitation from the Bronze Age until 1930.
Pico Island, The Azores
Recognized for its viniculture dating to the 15th century, this volcanic Azorean island is an uncharacteristic spot for wine tasting. Lava stone corrals protect the vines from wind and seawater, and traditional farming techniques are used in production.
L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland
North America’s earliest known European structures are Norse dwellings built around 1,000 AD and not unearthed until the 1960s. Now they’re part of a scenic national historic park that we explore on voyages to Newfoundland.
Himeji Castle, Japan
One of Japan’s most magnificent castles, the 14th-century Himeji is a well-preserved vestige of the feudal era. Tour this walled beauty—known as the White Egret Castle—which has eight keeps encircled by moats.
Borobudur Temple, Indonesia
Discover the world’s largest Buddhist temple, surrounded by volcanic peaks on the Indonesian island of Java. Adorned with hundreds of statues, the 9th-century temple was erected to help the faithful reach nirvana.
Giza Complex, Egypt
The Giza Complex (also known as the Necropolis) is home to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only surviving ancient wonder of the world. With an Egyptologist leading the way, explore the narrow passageways and burial chamber inside the pyramid’s caverns, as well as other fascinating antiquities like the infamous Sphinx.
Marae Taputapuatea, French Polynesia
For a millennium, the Marae Taputapuatea has been the center of Polynesian spirituality and culture for Maohi people living in a region that stretches from Hawaii to New Zealand. Learn about Polynesian beliefs at this sacred gathering spot on Raiatea.
Visit the Marae on the following itineraries: >
Polynesian Discovery
Pearls of the Pacific
Fiji and Tahiti Adventure
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