More than just sightseeing, this 'must-see' list of 17 wonder-filled locations and natural wonders should be on every avid traveller's bucket list. From ancient marvels to natural phenomena, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites and esteemed "Seven Natural Wonders" members are waiting to captivate your imagination and leave you with profound memories.
Each destination is an astonishing testament to human creativity & ingenuity or recognition of the wonderment of Mother Nature. This isn't just travel – these destinations will awaken your senses, stimulate your curiosity, and etch your soul with truly unforgettable experiences.
These are just a few of our Wonders of the World - many more to come!
The BusinessClass.com Guide to 17 Bucket List Destinations:
The Pyramids of Giza - Egypt
Venture to the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on the Giza Plateau and behold the timeless spectacle of ancient architecture and unrivalled mystique and grandeur that are the Pyramids of Giza. Three great pyramids rise from the sands with striking precision and symmetry to the cardinal points of the compass, with sides facing true north, south, east and west. The precise alignment and geometry are remarkable, considering the pyramids were crafted by an ancient civilisation some 4,500 years ago.
The pyramids were built as monumental tombs and the pharaohs' final resting places, inspiring theory and wonderment. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is the oldest and largest pyramid, originally around 146 metres high, and regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The magnificent Sphinx, carved from a single limestone outcrop, sits nearby and is one of the oldest and largest statues in the world. The Sphynx and the Pyramids of Giza are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Address: Giza Necropolis, Al Haram
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the nearest airport to the Pyramids of Giza, serviced by many major airlines. The national carrier is Egyptair.
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Petra – Jordan
The ancient city of Petra lies approximately 240 kilometres south of Amman, the capital city of Jordan. The most distinctive feature of Petra is the intricately carved architecture of the rose-hued rock face, also giving rise to the nickname "Rose City", with the most striking example being the city's iconic gateway, Al-Khazneh – commonly known as the 'Treasury' adorned with intricate façades standing around 40 metres (130 feet) tall.
Step beyond the magnificent exterior to discover relics of religious sanctuaries, ancient trade routes, and royal tombs. Marvel at the vast rock-carved amphitheatre and hike to the revered High Place of Sacrifice at the top of Jebel Madbah Mountain. The true majesty of Petra comes at night when hundreds of flickering lanterns evoke images of an enchanted age lost by time. Petra is one of Jordan's most visited sites and has been featured in various films, including Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Petra also provides excellent trekking and hiking opportunities.
The King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is the closest to Petra, with the national carrier, Royal Jordanian, being the primary airline. Many major international airlines operate the larger Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).
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The Colosseum – Rome, Italy
The famous Roman Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was built between 72 AD and 80 AD in the Italian city of Rome, having been commissioned by Emperor Vespasian for gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles. The remarkable Colosseum is a vast stone elliptical amphitheatre measuring around 189 metres in length, 156 metres in width and 48 metres in height, with a complex system of arches, vaults and ramps designed to move over 50,000 bloodthirsty spectators at a time. A series of underground passageways and chambers housed the wild animals and gladiator facilities.
The Colosseum represented the might and power of the Roman Empire, and today, the remains still stand as an enduring symbol of the Roman civilisation that shaped so much of the modern world. The Colosseum has inspired modern-day amphitheatres and stadia around the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colosseum attracts millions of visitors yearly, and its architectural brilliance and historical significance have repeatedly been featured in Modern Popular Culture.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo
Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) is Italy's largest airport and the hub for Alitalia. It is one of the busiest airports in Europe and, as such, is operated by numerous major European and North American airlines.
Read the BusinessClass.com Travel Guide of Rome
The Great Wall of China
Stretching over 21,195 kilometres (13,170 miles), the Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world, crossing various provinces and regions of northern China over a diverse landscape of mountains, deserts and grasslands. Construction of the fortification took many centuries, most extensively during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD), and today, these remarkable stone and brick fortifications provide a visitor attraction for millions of tourists each year. Popular sections for visitors include Badaling and Mutianyu, which are magnificently preserved, easily accessible, and geared for tourists.
The Great Wall – a series of interconnected walls, watchtowers, ramparts and natural barriers – was built to protect the territories of China, act as border control, and repel nomadic tribes such as the Mongols and other foreign invaders. Regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It represents the Chinese people's unity, perseverance and ingenuity throughout history.
The nearest airport to the Great Wall of China is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), the leading international airport in Beijing. It is the hub for both Air China and Hainan Airlines.
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The Terracotta Army - China
Dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World, the 2,000-year-old Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well near Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. The Terracotta Army was crafted during the reign of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC), to accompany and protect the emperor in the afterlife. Experts predict that around 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, along with horses, chariots, and other figures, guarded the emperor in death, though not all have been excavated.
This staggering exhibition of ancient craftsmanship is displayed within three large pits, the largest and most impressive being Pit 1, containing over 6000 terracotta figures, each with individual facial features and expressions, initially painted in vibrant colours. The museum displays magnificent artefacts and real-life weaponry discovered with the army, including bronze carriages, swords, longbows, spears, arrows and other long-shafted weapons. Remarkably, even after 2,000 years, many of these weapons are still sharp.
Address: Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is the nearest airport to the Terracotta Army, less than 50 kilometres away. It is the hub of numerous Chinese airlines, including Hainan Airlines.
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Machu Picchu - Peru
The ancient ruins of Machu Picchu are perched high amongst the peaks of the Andes Mountains of Peru in South America. The 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site is at an altitude of 2,430 metres (7,070 feet). It is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, having been scientifically discovered in 1911.
The nearest city of Cusco is 80 kilometres (50 miles) away, and Machu Picchu can be accessed by train or via the famous Inca Trail – a 43-Kilometer hike. Often named "The Lost City of The Incas", Machu Picchu was designed with exceptional skill and precision and divided into two main areas – one for agriculture, with astonishing farming terraces that step down the steep edge of the mountainside – and the second for dwellings and the likely palace complex of the ruler Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, where visitors can today marvel at the remains, including the sacred Temple of the Sun and the mythical Intihuatana Stone.
Alejandro Velazco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is the closest airport to Machi Picchu and is a hub for LATAM Peru, a subsidiary of the LATAM Airlines Group. Peru's largest airport at Lima - Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), is operated by many major airlines, including Copa Airlines, that links the Americas.
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The Great Barrier Reef - Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most iconic natural wonders and the most extensive coral reef system on the planet. Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, it covers an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 square miles) – the approximate size of Japan and has been evolving for over 500,000 years. The reef comprises around 900 islands and islets, including the Whitsunday Islands, and nearly 2,900 individual reefs with incredible marine life and coral biodiversity.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park covers a vast reef area, protecting, managing and conserving the reef's natural resources and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reef faces numerous well-documented threats to its existence and is a living laboratory for marine biologists researching coral reef ecosystems. The reef is visited by millions of tourists each year, with a host of organised activities bringing people closer to the astonishing marine life and dazzling coral formations.
The closest international airport to the Great Barrier Reef is Cairns International Airport (CNS), where several major airlines operate, including Qantas and Virgin Australia. Domestic flights also service Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) in the Whitsunday Islands.
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The Mayan Ruins – Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Tread in the footsteps of the ancient Mayans amongst the spectacular ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. There are many Mayan ruins scattered across a vast area of historic Mesoamerica, but Yucatan is home to many fine examples - one of the most famous and well-preserved being Chichen Itza, which was one of the largest and most important Mayan cities. The focal point of Chichen Itza is the imposing El Castillo pyramid – also known as the Temple of Kukulcan – standing 30 metres tall with a total of 365 steps on four sides. The Temple of Warriors is another spectacular building in the city, as is the Great Ballcourt.
Tulum is another stunning Mayan site overlooking the Caribbean Sea from its cliff-top location. Other noteworthy Mayan structures are found at Coba, Uxmal, Palenque, Ek Balam and Calakmul. The Mayans are revered for their advanced mathematical, architectural and astronomical accomplishments and many Mayan structures aligned with celestial events.
Several small airports could be used for the Yucatan Peninsula. However, Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the largest and easiest to navigate, with many airlines operating from over 30 countries. Aeroméxico is the flag carrier of Mexico.
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Taj Mahal - India
Emperor Shah Jahan built the exotic Taj Mahal "monument of love" in Agra, India, in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal was completed in 1653 and is considered one of the most outstanding Mughal architectural achievements, renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and stunning beauty. The Mausoleum is the centrepiece of the Taj Mahal and is the resting place of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.
The monument is built entirely of white marble, and the central dome is 35 metres high and crowned by a decorative spire made of pure gold. The inside is masterfully designed and adorned with semi-precious stones, including jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and onyx. The walls are intricately carved with exquisite calligraphy, delicate lattice screens and detailed mosaics. The entire complex spans some 17 hectares, with the Charbagh – symmetrical manicured gardens and the reflecting pool – a perfect place to capture the serene grandeur of the Mausoleum.
Address: Taj Mahal, Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi is the nearest international airport for the Taj Mahal and is a hub for Air India.
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Angkor Wat - Cambodia
Deep in the heart of the Cambodian jungle, near Siem Reap, lies the mystical Angkor Wat – the world's largest religious structure. This magnificent stone masterpiece was built in the 12th century during the Khmer Empire. It was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but later transformed into a Buddhist temple complex with Buddhist pilgrims still attending today. Angkor Wat is celebrated for its extraordinary architecture and artistic features.
Five towers represent the peaks of Mount Meru and reach high into the sky above the tree canopies, while a vast protective moat surrounds the entire complex and symbolises the cosmic ocean. Climb the steep staircase of the central structure to the uppermost level for glorious panoramic views of the whole complex and Stroll through the labyrinth of courtyards and corridors and marvel at the array of bas-relief – stone carvings depicting epic legends of Hindu mythology and historical events. Angkor Wat is an iconic symbol of Cambodia and is part of the wider Angkor Archaeological Park.
Address: Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
A new international airport is being built at Siem Reap to replace the existing Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which is currently serviced by Singapore Airlines, amongst other smaller carriers.
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The Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
One of the most recognisable and most visited monuments in the world, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, was built to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. The peak of the wrought-iron tower stands 330 metres from the ground (including modern antennas) and took over two years to construct, finally completed in 1889. The Eiffel Tower comprises three levels and contains a museum, souvenir shops, restaurants and viewing platforms.
The first observation deck, complete with a glass floor, is at a height of 57 metres, the second is at a height of 115 metres, while the top observation deck is a knee-trembling 276 metres above ground level. Brave this and be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of many iconic city landmarks, including Notre Dame, Sacré-Coeur Basilica and the Louvre Museum. The Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors yearly, with a staggering estimation of over 300 million since its opening. Popular with couples, the Eiffel Tower attracts visitors from around the world.
Address: Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars
Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the largest international airport in France and is the hub for Air France.
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Stonehenge, Salisbury, England
Stonehenge is a world-famous prehistoric monument about 13 kilometres north of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. Stonehenge consists of a circular arrangement of large standing stones, an inner horseshoe of larger standing stones, and massive horizontal lintel stones suspended on top. Some of the larger stones weigh as much as 50 tons. The stones were constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, with the larger sarsen stones believed to be sourced from the Marlborough Downs, around 32 kilometres away, and the smaller bluestones sourced from 240 kilometres away in the Preseli Hills in Wales.
The alignment of Stonehenge to the summer solstice sunrise is significant, though historians and archaeologists remain at odds over the monument's original purpose and function. One factor that isn't in doubt is the incredible precision and engineering that went into positioning this colossal neolithic monument, enhancing the mystical aura and intrigue that draws millions of visitors each year.
Address: Stonehenge, Salisbury, SP4 7DE
Stonehenge is visited via tour bus or private car from Salisbury, within easy reach of London by road or rail. London Heathrow is the main hub of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, with BA also having a significant presence at London Gatwick.
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The Grand Canyon – Arizona, USA
The Grand Canyon is one of Earth's most staggering natural wonders. It was formed by erosion from the Colorado River over millions of years and today is around 445 kilometres (275 miles) long, up to 29 kilometres (18 miles) wide, and over 1.6 kilometres (one mile) deep. Scientists estimate the oldest rock formations – the Vishnu Basement Rocks – to be over 1.75 billion years old. Despite the arid desert environment, there is an extraordinary biodiversity of plant, bird and animal life, with multiple unique species only found within the canyon.
The Grand Canyon is in Arizona, inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years, and is a designated National Park. Visitors can swoop into the canyon in helicopters from nearby Las Vegas, take exhilarating white-water rapid rides, or hike the famous Bright Angel Trail from the rim to the river. Those with a head for heights can brave the Skywalk, a giddy 21 metres out, over the canyon's rim.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport, Nevada (LAS), are the most accessible airports to visit the Grand Canyon. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Air Canada are popular carriers of both airports.
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa - Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa - Torre Pendente di Pisa – is a freestanding bell tower of Pisa Cathedral, Tuscany, Italy, known for its photogenic slant. The tower's construction began in 1173, but completion was delayed for around 200 years due to regional instability, including wars. The structure stands eight stories high and was initially intended to stand vertically. However, inadequate foundations caused the building to tilt.
Although repeated restoration work was completed to steady the structure, the tower still leans at a seemingly gravity-defying angle of 3.97 degrees. Inside, 294 steps afford a breathtaking panoramic view of Pisa from the top viewing level. The tower is constructed of white marble with seven bells, each representing one note of the musical major scale. The tower is part of a larger development of structures, regarded as one of the finest architectural complexes in the world. The tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of Italy's most famous tourist attractions.
Address: Piazza del Duomo
Pisa International Airport (PSA) is the primary airport in Tuscany by passenger numbers, though Florence International Airport (FLR) is also nearby. Regular carriers include TAP Air Portugal, Scandinavian Airlines and Air Dolomiti – a regional Italian subsidiary of Lufthansa.
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Hagia Sophia – Istanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture located in Istanbul, Turkey. The original Hagia Sophia was destroyed by fire in 532 and was rebuilt by 537, serving as the patriarchal cathedral of the Byzantine Empire. The building boasts a massive dome – once the largest dome in the world – rising 55.6 metres (182 feet) in the air, and the inside is adorned with richly ornate mosaics, marble decorations and intricate design.
Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (Istanbul), and Islamic design elements, such as calligraphy and Islamic medallions, were added to the Christian symbols. Minarets were also added to the structure's outside and used for the call to prayer. From 1935, Hagia Sophia was a public museum, but in 2010 it was converted back into a mosque, still welcoming visitors. Hagia Sophia is a significant cultural and historical landmark and, as such, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the busiest airport in Europe and the Turkish Airlines hub. It is well-serviced by public transport and around 21 kilometres from Hagia Sophia.
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The Golden Gate Bridge – California, USA
The Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait – a one-mile-wide entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean and links San Francisco with Marin County. The bridge, constructed using a suspension design with two main cables supported by towers at each end, was completed in 1937 and spans around 1,280 metres (4,200 feet), though the bridge's total length is nearer 2,730 metres (8,980 feet).
On completion, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The iconic structure is renowned for its deep orange colouring, known as "International Orange", chosen to increase the bridge's visibility during foggy conditions – frequently experienced in the area. The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark, instantly associated with San Francisco and regularly featured on screen, and possibly one of the most photographed bridges in the world. The bridge is open to pedestrians and vehicles, and a visitor centre on the south side provides a detailed history of the bridge and exceptional photographic opportunities.
Address: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is around 32 kilometres (20 miles) from The Golden Gate Bridge and is the second-busiest airport in California. The airport is operated by most major airlines and is the hub for United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
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The Migration – Serengeti & Maasai Mara National Parks, Africa
The great annual wildebeest migration is one of Earth's most impressive and large-scale wildlife spectacles. An estimated 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of other herbivores migrate the Serengeti ecosystem in search of water and fertile grazing. The migration follows a circular route of around 800 kilometres (500 miles) between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Although the migration is a year-round event, the most spectacular and potentially treacherous part of the journey is typically between July and October, when the large wildebeest have to battle against strong currents and crocodile-infested waters as they cross rivers such as the Mara River. Other predators are also attracted by the vast migration, including lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Wildebeests play a vital role in shaping the intricate balance of the ecosystem, and UNESCO, the National Parks, and conservation organisations strive to protect this natural phenomenon. Visitors can view this extraordinary event on safaris at the Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Parks.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the recommended airport for the Serengeti, which is around 320 kilometres away. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is recommended for the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Several airlines operate regularly from both airports, including Kenya Airways, which has a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport hub.
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