One of the many benefits of travel is the opportunity to connect with our collective past. To walk in the footsteps of those who came before us and witness these incredible feats of ingenuity is a profound way to forge that bond. Of these creations, seven stand out as the most thought-provoking and imagination-stirring landmarks on the planet. Join us as we discover the Seven Wonders of the World.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
Located in Cairo, Egypt, you will find the only surviving ancient World Wonder. Rising above the sands of the Giza Necropolis, The Great Pyramid stands proudly as it has since the 26th century B.C. Originally constructed over 27 years during the fourth dynasty as a tomb for the Pharoah Khufu, the Great Pyramid remains a symbol of pride for the Egyptian people and a global symbol of knowledge and power.
The best way to cruise to the Great Pyramid is via a Nile river cruise. There are excellent options from Viking River Cruises, Scenic Cruises, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Petra, Jordan
Known as the “Rose City,” this incredible temple is carved into the red rock face of a steep canyon wall by the Arab Nabateans in 312 B.C. This sophisticated civilization managed to carve intricate dwellings, temples, and waterways out of the valley walls with simple hand tools. The Arab Nabateans also established Jordan as a vital regional trade hub. Eventually, the city was abandoned due to earthquakes and natural disasters.
Today Petra stands as one of the world’s most attractive historical destinations. You can and should combine your visit to the Great Pyramid with a trip to Petra. Most, if not all, of the brands that sail the Nile, also offer pre or post-cruise extensions complete with guided tours of this magnificent landmark.
Roman Colosseum
In the heart of Rome, Italy, lies the well-preserved remains of the Flavian Amphitheater. Better known as the Roman Colosseum, this structure once hosted 80,000 citizens of the Roman Empire as they watched gladiators compete to the death. Over the centuries, the Colosseum hosted everything from Classical plays to reenactments of naval battles.
Today the structure remains an icon of the Italian and is a popular stop for almost every cruise line in the Mediterranean. To get the most out of your visit, we suggest an itinerary that begins or ends in Rome so that you can explore the Colosseum and the many landmarks of Rome at your own pace.
Taj Mahal
India’s most iconic landmark and an enduring symbol of love, the Taj Mahal attracts throngs of tourists every year. The impressive white-marble edifice was built as a mausoleum for the beloved wife of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The tomb is surrounded by 42 acres of grounds, housing a mosque, a reflection pool, gardens, and a guest house. The structure took over 22 years to complete and required over 20,000 workers.
To cruise to the Taj Mahal, you must take a side trip. Agra is located in central India and can either be an overnight shore excursion or a pre or post-cruise extension. Destination-focused luxury brands like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Scenic are all excellent options.
Christ the Redeemer
At the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, you find a 30-meter-tall sculpture of Jesus Christ with outspread arms. The iconic landmark has become a globally recognized symbol of Brazil and Christianity.
Designed by Paul Landowski in the 1920s and completed in 1931 by the engineer Albert Caquot, the concrete and soapstone work of art is the grandest Art Deco sculpture in the World.
Christ the Redeemer is one of the more accessible World Wonders as cruising from or to Rio De Janerio increases in popularity. Brands at every level of cruising offer excellent itineraries visiting Brazil.
Machu Picchu
A lost treasure from the 15th century lies high in the Andes Mountains above the Peruvian Sacred Valley. Originally constructed around 1450 A.D. in polished stone, these pre-Colombian Ruins remained hidden from the world until Hiram Bingham rediscovered them in 1911.
Originally built as the Imperial estate of Incan emperor Pachacuti, the city comprises well-preserved Incan architecture with plazas, warehouses, agricultural terraces, and homes. The best way to visit Machu Picchu in the cruise industry is to combine an expedition to the Galapagos Islands with a multi-day guided extension to Peru. Brands like Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises have excellent extensions that include tours, lodging, guides, and even some meals.
Chichen Itza
In the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico lies the incredible remains of the Mayan Empire. Chichen Itza is a complex of Mayan ruins constructed sometime between the 9th and 12 centuries. The city houses temples, athletic arenas, religious sites, and observatories.
The centerpiece of the complex is the Temple of Kukulcan. This huge step pyramid was the site of ritual human sacrifice. The temple has 365 steps to the summit, and during the spring and summer equinoxes, the sun casts shadows across the north staircase that resemble the body of a snake descending the structure.
Chichen Itza can be visited as a shore excursion on cruises to Costa Maya and Tulum. This makes it one of the most easily accessible wonders on this list. Almost all Western Caribbean itineraries will allow you to marvel at the ingenuity of the Mayan Empire. For the best destination immersion, we recommend Seabourn Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Azamara
The attraction to these destinations is undeniable. For history lovers, the World Wonders captivate the imagination and raise questions about who we are, where we come from, and where we are going as a global community. To see the symbols of the most powerful empires enduring long after the decline of their civilizations is a profound experience that we urge you to explore. To start planning your adventure, call the agents at Luxury Cruise Connections. Allow our team to do the planning so that you can focus on the journey ahead.
