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Tick these amazing landmarks off your bucket list

The stunning Machu Pichu, Peru.

The stunning Machu Pichu, Peru. Photo: Abercrombie and Kent

There are always new corners of the world to explore – it’s what makes travel so enticing.

Just when you thought you’d seen it all, or at least most of it, there’s another intriguing destination to visit.

The New Wonders of the World need to be seen to be believed.

These seven places were voted for by a Swiss-led global poll between 2007 and 2011, and are different to the original seven wonders of the world, which were compiled about 200BC.

Taking in these jaw-dropping landmarks is an unforgettable experience, said Debra Fox, managing director of luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent.

“These are going to be the moments in your life that you’ll remember forever,” she said.

“From the lost civilisation of Machu Picchu to the ancient rock-carved city of Petra, each icon is a chance to come face to face with the scope of our human history, placing our extraordinary modern world into powerful context.”

Here, we look at each of the awe-inspiring New Wonders of the World:

1. Machu Picchu

The well-preserved city of Machu Picchu is shrouded in mystery as the Incas left no written records.

But a private guided tour will help you see the historical site in full detail.

While in Peru, sample the amazing flavours of South American food in Lima and venture into the Amazon.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Photo: Abercrombie & Kent

2. Taj Mahal

Bustling India with its dizzying array of colours, sights and sounds, is home to the majestic Taj Mahal.

Found in Agra, south of New Delhi, the Taj Mahal was built between 1631 and 1648 to house the tomb of Emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

All these years later, it remains one of the world’s most admired architectural treasures.

3. Christ the Redeemer

The Christ the Redeemer statue stands 30 metres tall and is perched atop Mount Corcovado near Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The Art Deco-style concrete structure was finished in 1931 and is visited by almost two million visitors each year.

Visit more of Brazil and also Argentina for a host of cultural experiences, including hypnotic Latin dancing and music.

4. Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá in Mexico’s northern Yucatán Peninsula is said to be the most restored complex of the Mayan ruins.

With stepped pyramids, temples and columned arcades, this ancient site was once sacred to the Maya who once made human sacrifices to the cenote, or naturally formed well.

It is one of many ancient Mayan sites to visit while in Mexico.

Petra, Jordan

The famous sites of Petra in Jordan. Photo: Abercrombie & Kent

5. Petra

Jordan’s most famous archaeological site, Petra is home to tombs, temples and many monuments.

Built by the ancient Arab peoples, the Nabataeans, Petra was an important stop on the caravan route between Asia, Arabia and Europe.

The site includes the awesome Treasury, which is accessed through a narrow ‘siq’ – a geological rift between the mountains, and the Monastery, a massive facade carved out of the mountain.

6. Colosseum

One of the world’s most recognised ancient structures, the Colosseum was built between 70AD and 72AD.

It seated 50,000 spectators who ventured there in ancient Roman times to witness chariot races and various blood sports, including animal hunts, prisoner executions and gladiatorial combats.

While in Italy, take your pick from a host of other impressive attractions including the Vatican Museums, the Uffizi Gallery and St Mark’s Basilica.

7. The Great Wall of China

Built in 700BC, the Great Wall stretches 21,196 kilometres through remote mountains, grasslands and deserts.

Made by different dynasties, the wall is said to have taken 2000 years to build.

While in China, why not also see the Tiananmen Square in Beijing and the famous Terracotta Warriors in the ancient city of Xian.

Abercrombie & Kent operate tailor-made adventures around the world.

Call 1300 851 800, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au or contact your travel adviser to start planning your journey today.

Topics: Travel
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