Looking to tick off the 7 Wonders of the World from your travel bucket list? Chances are you have heard of them, but how much do you really know about each one? Let us take you through a quick review, and why not? If you have some extra time and money, consider our around-the-world trip itinerary that takes in all the 7 Wonders of the World. We’ll visit seven countries across four continents.
The new 7 Wonders of the World were chosen from a list of 200 existing monuments following a campaign launched in 2000. These are the ones that make the cut:
1. The Taj Mahal, India
An ivory-white mausoleum on the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took around 20,000 workers and 16 years to build.
2. The Great Wall, China
40 minutes from the city centre of Beijing, you’ll see this imposing structure that is estimated to be 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers. Built nearly 2000 years ago, it was initially built to prevent invasions and protect the Chinese states and empires.
3. The Colosseum, Italy
An amphitheater located in the city of Rome. For four centuries it was mainly used for gladiator fights and men vs. animal shows, as well as public executions. Only one-third of the original structure is left in place.
4. Petra, Jordan
Also known as the Rose City of Petra due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved. Petra is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. It was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, in the 4th century BC.
5. Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Mayan ruins located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It contains countless architectural styles, representing its diverse population during the period. The ruins feature religious temples that show Mayan innovation in astronomy and science.
6. Machu Picchu, Peru
Built in the 15th Century, this ancient Incan citadel is above Peru’s Sacred Valley, near the main city of Cusco. Machu Picchu is one of the few major pre-Colombian ruins found nearly intact.
7. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Unveiled just after World War I in 1931, it is the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world. It is made of reinforced concrete on top of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. The monument stands 30 meters tall and its outstretched span 28 meters.
We suggest starting the 7 Wonders of the World tour in Rome with a trip to the Colosseum. Fly on to Amman and visit the Rose City of Petra. Move over to New Delhi and take a walk around the Taj Mahal. Fly on to Beijing Capital and stroll along the Great Wall of China. From Beijing fly to Cancun to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Take a flight south to Lima, then straight to Cuzco to visit Machu Picchu. The final stop in Rio de Janeiro and its Christ the Redeemer Statue.
