How to plan a holiday around the 7 New Wonders of the World

Practically on the doorstep of the UK, the Colosseum can be found in Italy’s capital, Rome. This enchanting city is home to more than one set of Roman Ruins, some dating back almost 2,000 years. But it’s The Colosseum that, quite rightly, takes the lion’s share of the limelight. Its size alone is staggering - the Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. And, if we’re talking architecture, it is quite the spectacle.

Visiting The Colosseum on a Rome holiday couldn’t be simpler, thanks to its central location in the city. There’s an endless selection of luxury hotels and top-class Italian restaurants only a skip away, not to mention the countless other historical attractions scattered within walking distance. Dedicate an entire trip to exploring Rome or see more of Italy with one of our culture-filled river cruises.

The oldest of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s easy to see why The Great Wall of China makes the list. Winding over 21,000 kilometres, its construction took over 2,000 years - the build is estimated to have begun around the 7th century BC. The Great Wall is impressive to look at, with its mighty stone towers and fortresses. But, combined with the mountain landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see, it becomes an impossible sight to forget.

It would take the average person 18 months to walk the entirety of the Great Wall, but luckily, portions of this mammoth structure can be easily visited on a day trip from Beijing. The Great Wall of Badaling is a popular section to head for. Or you can take on the challenge of a more hiking-heavy stretch.

Famously constructed as an act of love from an emperor to his late wife, The Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece in Agra, India. Made from glistening white marble and displaying near-perfect, bilateral symmetry, this 17th-century mausoleum takes some beating as far as appearances go. A fusion of Islamic, Indian, Persian, and Ottoman Turkish design, the intricacy of the Taj Mahal is best appreciated in person – and preferably at sunrise if you’re not shy of an early start.

While the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the country’s most iconic attraction, you’re spoilt for choice of places to visit during your holiday in India. You might fancy experiencing the life-affirming chaos of big cities such as Mumbai or New Delhi. Or you can find total tranquillity by venturing to the jaw-dropping Himalayan mountains.

Jumping across to the other side of the globe, our next Wonder of the World takes us to South America. Or, more precisely, to Brazil’s colourful and charismatic Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll find the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Sat atop Mount Corcovado, this figure of Christ watches over the city, with arms outstretched, from the lofty, 2,300-foot summit. Walk, drive, or take a funicular ride to the top of the mountain, and you’ve ticked another wonder off your list.

Needless to say, there’s plenty more to see and do across Rio once you’ve taken in Christ the Redeemer. Hit up Copacabana Beach for some sunbathing, step into a natural wonderland at the Botanical Gardens, or plan your trip so that you arrive in time for the carnival.

If you want to visit two Wonders of the World in one trip, why not catch a flight from Brazil to Peru? Hidden within the country’s far-stretching Andean Mountain range, at a breathtaking elevation of 2,430 metres, Machu Picchu is a destination that features on more than a few bucket lists. In fact, over 1.5 million people visit this ancient citadel every year, travelling far and wide to get a glimpse of this archaeological marvel.

Depending on your trekking route of choice, a trip to see Machu Picchu can take anywhere between two days to a week. If you fancy, you can even swap the walking for a scenic train and bus ride. Either way, you’re guaranteed striking views throughout, and the final destination will surely knock your socks off.

About 4,000 kilometres away, in Southern Mexico, lies our next Wonder of the World; Chichen Itza. An extensive complex of Mayan ruins that date back to roughly 400AD, there’s plenty to discover across this history-shrouded site. Although, the instantly recognisable El Castillo pyramid makes it into all the photographs.

An easily accessible Wonder of the World, most people visit Chichen Itza as a day trip from Merida or Cancun. While Merida makes for a culture-packed city break, Cancun is where you should head if you’re all about the beach. And, once you arrive in Chichen Itza, how you get around is up to you. Marvel at the Puuc-style architecture in your own time, or dive into the details with the help of a local guide.

Want to discover more about the Middle East? We’d recommend making Jordan the top destination on your holiday wish list. In the heart of the sun-baked desert, you’ll find Petra, a once lost city and now New Wonder of the World. Hundreds of temples, palaces and hidden tombs form this stone-carved complex, the most remarkable of which is The Treasury, an elaborate, 39-metre-high monument that’s thought to be over 2,000 years old.

Once the beauty of Petra has blown you away, the rest of your Middle East holiday is yours to play with. If you have time to spare in Jordan, Wadi Rum is another spellbinding sight. Or you can combine two countries in one trip. Go super luxury with a stay in Dubai, or carry on your culture trip in Oman.

No matter how big you’re dreaming for your next holiday, we’re here to make it happen. Simply pick one or more of these iconic destinations and leave the rest to us.

Take a look at Jamie ‘Adventureman’ McDonald’s record-breaking journey and give one of our Travel Specialists a call today to start planning your own adventure, leaving you to focus on what you love doing most – enjoying the wonders around you.

Chichen Itza caught your eye? Take a look at what our Brand & Marketing Manager, Natalie, had to say about her recent trip to Yucatan:

“If culture and history mixed with good food and weather is your thing, then Mexico is for you.” – Natalie Watson

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