UNESCO World Heritage Sites are landmarks selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. They’re chosen because they have special cultural, physical and historical significance – such as an ancient ruin or historical structure, building, city, forest, monument or mountain. Luckily for us travellers, Contiki trips can take us there. Make sure to add these UNESCO World Heritage sites to your travel list and prepare to be amazed…
1. Machu Picchu & The City of Cusco, Peru
Machu Picchu is a jaw-dropping ancient citadel atop fog-covered hills, set in the heart of the Andes Mountain Range in Peru. See this wondrous site before heading back to town in Cusco, for a local cultural experience.
Keen to hike the incredible Inca Trail or take in the mysterious wonder of Machu Picchu? You can visit the historic site with Contiki on a number of trips:
2. Historic Cairo & The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Given UNESCO status in 1979, the ancient Pyramids of Giza were constructed more than 4,500 years ago and remain somewhat of an architectural mystery to this day. The three Pyramids and the Sphinx are iconic tourist destinations, holding great cultural significance in the region. Historic Cairo, a district within the bustling city of Cairo, remains true to its original form with famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains.
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Want to see the sites for yourself? Check out Contiki’s Egypt & The Nile and Ultimate European plus Egypt trips.
3. Nubian Monuments & Abu Simbel, Egypt
The Abu Simbel Temples sit in the region known as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nubian Monuments, which runs from the temples down to Philae. The breathtaking rock temples were built in the time of Ramesses II in approximately 1264 BC – making them a rare and incredible sight to behold.
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Visit these sites on Contiki’s Egypt & The Nile and Ultimate European plus Egypt trips.
4. Taj Mahal, India
An incredible marble mausoleum in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. Built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the architectural gem is a must-see.
See this incredible site on Contiki’s Eternal India and Delhi To Kathmandu Quest trips.
5. Vatican City & The Colosseum, Italy
Pay a visit to two incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a trip from Vatican City to the Colosseum See St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel or the Vatican Palace in Vatican City before heading over to the Colosseum just a short drive away in Rome. The ancient Colosseum was built around 80 AD and was famed for gladiator contests and public spectacles.
See these incredible sites on many of Contiki’s European trips, including Simply Italy, Italian Espresso and Mediterranean Quest.
6. Venice, Italy
A floating city with impressive architecture and cultural significance? No wonder Venice was named a UNESCO site in 1987. Take a gondola ride through the canals, or stop for a bite to eat at any number of famed restaurants or hot spots.
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See what Venice has to offer on the Simply Italy or Italian Espresso trips with Contiki.
7. Cinque Terre, Italy
Another Italian gem, Cinque Terre is famed for its waterfront with colourful buildings adorning the sloping cliffside. It’s one of several small towns along the Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere to receive UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Check out Cinque Terre on Contiki Trips including Simply Italy and Mediterranean Quest.
8. The Acropolis, Greece
Constructed around 525 BC, the Acropolis is a Grecian treasure and stands tall over the city of Athens. The ancient citadel includes the famous Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.
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See this wondrous site on trips including Greek Island Hopping, Spotlight on Greece and Mediterranean Escape.
9. Works of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona, Spain
These seven buildings designed by Gaudí in the Catalan Modernism style are creative and magical sights to behold. The works are all in or near Barcelona in Spain and include the STUNNING Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, which are all protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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You can see the works on many Contiki trips, including Spanish Spree, Ibiza & Beyond and European Quest.
10. Petra, Jordan
This historical and archaeological city, built possibly as early as 5000 BC, maintains much of its original structure and charm. See the iconic gate, Bab As-Siq, the treasury, Al-Khazneh, and many more incredible spots on your tour of the ancient city. Plus, if you travel with Contiki to Jordan, you’ll get to meet the inspiring women of the Iraq Al Amir Cooperative.
See the historical site of Petra on the Israel and Jordan Uncovered trip.
11. Halong Bay, Vietnam
Forest-covered islets and limestone pillars scatter this iconic bay, which is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations. The views don’t get much better than this!
Take a trip to the bay with Contiki on the Big Indochina Adventure, Vietnam Highlights and Vietnam Experience trips.
12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
One of Cambodia’s most recognisable attractions, the ancient temple is the largest religious monument in the world and one of the most peaceful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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See this awe-inducing temple on Contiki’s Big Indochina Adventure, Asian Adventure and Cambodia & Laos Uncovered trips.
13. Medina of Fez & Marrakech, Morocco
From the aromatics of the spice stalls to the intricate designs in the rug vendors, there’s no end to the number of magical sights to behold in the Medinas in Fez and Marrakech.
Wander through the Medinas on Contiki’s Morocco, Spain, Morocco & Portugal and Iberian Peninsula and Morocco trips.
14. Iguazú National Park, Argentina
This magical national park along the border between Argentina and Brazil is 677 square kilometres of subtropical rainforest with amazing wildlife and the iconic Iguazú falls.
See the rushing Iguazu Falls and Park on The Explorer, Argentina & Brazil Highlights and The Adventurer trips.
15. Canadian Rockies, Canada
From the pristine waters of Lake Louise to the Athabasca Glacier, to the mountain ranges in Jasper, there’s no shortage of natural beauty in the Canadian Rockies.
Check out the Rockies on the Grand Canadian or Canada & The Rockies trips.
16. Chichen-Itza, Mexico
The Mayan ruins in Yucatán called Chichen Itza should definitely nab a place on your bucket list. The archaeological site was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a trip to the site will teach you all about the Mayan calendar, the positioning of the sun and the connections between ruins around the country.
See it on Contiki’s Mexico Grande and Yucatan Highlights trips.
17. Kathmandu, Nepal
A visit to Kathmandu should be high on everyone’s travel plans, due to its incredibly versatile sights to see. From Durbar Square to kupondole street art, this vibrant city mixes history with modern culture.
Visit Kathmandu with Contiki on Nepal Trek and Temples, Nepal Trek Challenge and Delhi to Kathmandu Quest.
18. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Towering waterfalls, lush forests, sweeping canyons and hot springs – what’s not to love about one of the wildest UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the planet?
Take in the wilderness on Contiki’s Northern Adventure and Grand Northern.
19. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The famous national park is known for migrations of wildebeest, zebra, Nile crocodiles, lions, elephants and more. The amazing views and impressive animals are a must see.
Go on Safari with Contiki on Taste of Tanzinia and East Africa Safari.
20. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
A natural wonder, this site is the end result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, the Giant’s Causeway is made up of 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. Steeped in folklore, the name refers to giants crossing the sea to Ireland.
Visit the Giant’s Causeway on Ireland, Great Britain & Ireland and Scotland & Ireland trips.
21. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
This is the world’s largest coral reef system and is filled with stunning wildlife and natural wonders. You can also learn about the amazing conservation work helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Check it out on Contiki’s Reefs and Rainforests and Snorkel to Adventure trips.
22. The Great Wall, China
With some sections of the fortified wall dating back more than 2000 years, the Great Wall is a historic landmark and an incredible sight to behold. It’s no wonder that it’s officially one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
See the wall on Contiki’s China Adventure trip.
23. The Hungarian Parliament, Hungary
In the city of Budapest, this intricately designed Parliament building is a popular tourist destination due to its Renaissance Revival architecture and historical significance. Plus, did you know that Budapest is becoming increasingly known for its delicious vegan food?
See it on the Eastern Road, Berlin to Budapest and Best of Balkans trips.
