One of the joys of travel is witnessing the beauty of world-famous landmarks up close or being transported into magical worlds. UNESCO's World Heritage sites represent the pinnacle of cultural, historical, and natural achievements.
From ancient wonders like the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress and Angkor Wat to the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon, let's take a closer look at some of the most iconic UNESCO sites around the world.
A kaleidoscope of culture and nature in India
As of this year (2024), India has more than 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites are a mix of cultural, natural, and mixed landmarks. From the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of Mughal architecture, to Jaipur's atmospheric city, India offers an abundance of history and artistry.
Agra Fort stands as a testament to India's imperial history, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and strategic brilliance, while the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, fondly called the 'Toy Train,' is a marvel of engineering set amidst the picturesque landscapes of the eastern Himalayas.
These sites preserve India's legacy, attracting global visitors while highlighting the nation's commitment to conserving its natural and cultural treasures.
Experience these incredible spots with our India holidays.
Jaw-dropping sites in Australia's big country
From the tropical Great Barrier Reef and red sandstone monolith of Uluru to the beautiful Blue Mountains and one of the 20th-century's most recognisable buildings, Sydney Opera House, Australia offers some unforgettable landmarks.
The stunning rock formations of Uluru are spiritually significant to the indigenous Aṉangu people, while the Great Barrier Reef is the world's most dazzling and extensive coral reef system. Designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon and situated on a promontory of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House opened its doors in 1973 and this emblematic building stands out for its technological innovation, engineering and design.
Experience Australia's wondrous World Heritage sites on our Ultimate Australia tour.
Japan's tradition and resilience
Japan's many UNESCO World Heritage sites showcase its deep cultural roots and natural heritage. Among them are historic temples like Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera and Nara's Todai-ji, which celebrate the country's Buddhist traditions. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial stands as a symbol of resilience, while natural sites like Mount Fuji highlight the country's stunning landscapes.
The historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are famous for their unique gassho-style houses. On the modern side, there are the Meiji Industrial Revolution sites. These places are recognised worldwide for their cultural and environmental importance.
Seek out some of these amazing places with our Japan holidays.
Lost Temples of Cambodia
Built in the 12th century, the ancient Khmer capital of Angkor is believed to have been the largest pre-industrial city in the world. However, this vast temple complex was abandoned and swallowed up by the Cambodian jungle before being rediscovered centuries later.
Covering more than 400 acres, the joint sites of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom transport the visitor into a spellbinding world of crumbling temples, intricate carvings and twisting banyan trees. Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat's emblematic lotus-bud towers or spotting monkeys clambering across the carved smiling faces of Bayon Temple are magical experiences.
Visit Angkor on our Grand Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia
Sri Lanka's sacred cities, fortresses & temples
The 5th-century Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress rises from a spectacular 600-foot granite rock, overlooking untamed jungle. Marvel at this breathtaking sight and view ancient rock paintings, or climb to the top for astonishing vistas. Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka's ancient capital, ruling over the country from the 10th to 13th centuries, known for its incredible rock shrine and vast stupa.
The sacred mountain city of Kandy was home to Sinhalese kings and is the site of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, believed to hold a tooth of the Buddha. Nearby, the pilgrimage site Dambulla Cave Temples is guarded by a giant golden Buddha.
Visit Sri Lanka and these amazing destinations on our Grand Imperial Cities tour
Vietnam's cultural marvels
There are several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam, highlighting its rich culture and natural beauty. Ha Long Bay, with its emerald waters and limestone islands, is captivating while the ancient town of Hoi An preserves its historic feel with well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets.
Elsewhere, the Complex of Hue Monuments showcases Vietnam's imperial history. The various structures are spread across a scenic landscape by the Perfume River (Song Huong). They reflect the planning and aesthetics of the Nguyen emperors, blending traditional Vietnamese design with Chinese and French influences.
These sites illustrate the diverse heritage and natural wonders that make Vietnam a remarkable destination. Explore them yourself with the Highlights of Vietnam tour or Grand Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Natural wonders of the USA
With such diversity of landscapes from the ecologically rich Great Smoky Mountains in the south to ethereal Glacier Bay in icy Alaska, it's no surprise the USA brims with spectacular UNESCO-listed natural wonders.
Our Grand Tour of America takes in some of the most famous, including Yosemite and, of course, the Grand Canyon. Considered a gateway to the afterlife by the native Hopi people, this gorge carved by the Colorado River is more than a mile deep. Gazing at its scarcely believable scale and jaw-dropping colours is an otherworldly experience.
Visit the Grand Canyon on our Grand Tour of America
Mythical romanticism along the Rhine
Scattered with hilltop castles, sloping vineyards, half-timbered towns and more than its fair share of intriguing myths, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is one of the most beautiful waterways in Europe.
Winding 40 miles between Bingen and Koblenz, this attractive stretch of the Rhine has inspired poets, painters and composers for centuries. Lorelei, believed to be a siren that lured sailors to their doom, has been honoured by poet Heinrich Heine and composer Clara Schumann. With vineyards dating back a thousand years, the area is also famed for its Reisling wines, in particular the pretty town of Rüdesheim.
Sail through the Rhine Gorge on our luxury river cruises including the Majestic Rhine
Historic architecture and alpine charm in Salzburg
Salzburg, Austria, is a city bursting with history and storybook delights. Its historic centre was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996 with its remarkable Baroque architecture, framed by stunning alpine scenery.
The city's Italian and Austrian influences come alive in landmarks like the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Salzburg Cathedral and the Residenz Palace. As the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the city also holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers. The Old Town's narrow streets and picturesque squares reflect a blend of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Adding to its appeal, the surrounding landscape includes Mount Untersberg, a prominent mountain known for its stunning natural beauty and rich folklore.
Visit this fairytale city with on our Delights of the Danube cruise or Austrian Alps All Inclusive holiday.
Baroque beauty in Habsburg Vienna
Huddled beside the Danube Canal and circled by the 19th-century Ringstrasse, the Austrian capital's Old Town has long been a centre of cultural and imperial importance.
From Roman roots, Vienna fell under Habsburg rule in 1278, becoming capital of the influential empire in 1556. Since then, the historic Innere Stadt has become synonymous with elegance and grandeur. With the neoclassical parliament and timeless Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse is a bold showcase of Vienna's power. Following in the footsteps of composers, artists and thinkers, you can absorb the city's culture at the Vienna State Opera or in a longstanding coffee house for a sachertorte, a famous Austrian chocolate cake.
Visit Vienna on our Grand Imperial Cities tour
Carcassonne's captivating fortified city
The fairytale walled city and castle of Carcassonne is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified citadel, with Hollywood-style ramparts, 52 towers, monumental gates and a mighty drawbridge (the movies 'Labyrinth' and 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves' are just two films shot here).
Dating back to the Roman period, this city on a hill became an imposing fortress over the centuries and once defended itself against Spanish Aragon. Carcassonne is of special importance due to its extensive restoration campaign by architect Eugène Viollet-Leduc, one of the founders of conservation, who saved this impressive walled city from demolition.
Visit Carcassonne's preserved citadel on Five-Star Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards tour
Two thousand years of history in Verona
Verona became a World Heritage site in 2000 for its outstanding preserved monuments - from antiquity, the medieval and Renaissance periods. Its awe-inspiring Roman Arena predates Rome's Colosseum and is now an impressive open-air opera house.
The Piazza delle Erbe, the city's oldest square, was originally a Roman forum, and now buzzes with cafés and lined with beautiful buildings. Another popular attraction in Verona is an 84-metre 12th-century watchtower, Torre dei Lamberti, which has fantastic panoramic views across the city to the river and mountains beyond.
Explore the deep history, culture and grandeur of Verona on Sirmione on Lake Garda, Simply Lake Garda or Lake Garda All Inclusive
