There are many great wonders to explore in the world - here are seven of the man-made wonders of the world.
1. Petra - Jordan
A trip to Petra is a dream come true to many travelers, eager to see the rose coloured city up close. As you approach, you will be awestruck by a 30m high monument, carved out of rock. The Khazneh is magnificent and must be seen to be believed.
There are plenty of places to stay in the region, including several luxury hotels. See Petra bathed in candlelight in a night tour. Get a taste of Arabian life as you take cooking classes by local women and chefs.
Once you come face to face with these rock-hewn monuments, amphitheatres and ancient carvings, you'll agree that Petra is indeed, one of the world's Greatest Wonders.
2. Christ The Redeemer - Brazil
Standing proudly atop the Corcovado Mountain, the 38m high statue Christ the Redeemer has become the symbol of Rio de Janeiro.
Hop aboard the Corcovado Railway and travel up the mountain. Once you arrive at the top, you will be captivated by the utterly breathtaking view. Look over fabulous Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Ipanema Beach. Watch the sun set over the bay or see the twinkling lights of this exciting city.
No visit to South America would be complete without standing beneath the open arms of this iconic statue.
3. Machu Picchu - Peru
Extraordinarily beautiful, clinging to the steep hillside, Machu Picchu is one of the world's most enigmatic sites. High in the Andes, this jewel of Incan civilization remained virtually hidden until recently. No matter how many pictures you've seen of the lost city, you cannot fail to be enchanted by its reality.
A guided tour will help you learn about this ancient culture. Examine the legendary Intihuatana Stone, or the architectural genius of the Temple of the Sun. See the Sacred Plaza and its Temple of Three Windows.
There's so much to see, you'll want to stay close by. Indulge in the luxury Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge or stay at one of the many hotels and lodges in nearby Aguas Calientes.
4. Chichen Itza - Mexico
This Temple city was the centre of ancient Mayan culture. Though excavated and studied more than any other Mayan city Chichen Itza remains shrouded in mystery.
Explore the Hall of the Thousand Pillars and the Great Ball court as well as the Temple of Jaguars. Experience the wonder of light and shadows dancing together to produce the illusion of a serpent descending the staircase of the iconic Pyramid of Kukulkan. Follow the pathway to the Sacred Cenote dedicated to the Mayan God of Rain and Thunder.
Only a couple of hours from Cancun, no trip to Mexico would be complete a visit to these beautifully preserved Mayan ruins.
5. Colosseum - Rome
Dickens once wrote that seeing the Colosseum meant "Seeing the ghost of Old Rome". Indeed, the Colosseum stands proudly in this modern city, a tribute to antiquity and to Roman architecture and engineering.
There are very few places on earth that blend old and new quite as successfully as Rome. Take a walking tour, taking in the Pantheon, the Colosseum and the neighbouring ruins of the Imperial Forums and get a taste of Rome's rich cultural history.
Huge, dramatic, and when lit up at night astonishingly beautiful, any trip to Italy simply must include a tour of the Colosseum.
6. Taj Mahal - Agra - India
Described as a teardrop that glistens spotlessly bright on the cheek of time?, the Taj Mahal is a monument to enduring love. No one who sees it fails to be enchanted by its beauty, or touched by its pure romance.
Stunning, opalescent, it changes with the moods of day. In the soft dawn, it appears pink; milky white in the early evening. It is perhaps most breathtaking though, when the silvery moonlight catches the jewels inlaid in the marble, making the Taj shimmer and sparkle.
Whenever you see it, a trip to the Taj Mahal will leave you inspired, appealing to your inner romantic.
7. The Great Pyramid
The most enigmatic of all the world's great wonders, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only ancient world wonder still standing. Thousands of years old, they fire our imagination and fill us with wonder.
Not far from the bustle and chaos of Cairo, the Pyramid of Khufu is the oldest and largest of the Giza Pyramids and stands proudly guarded by the Great Sphinx. No documentary or photo can prepare you for the site of these magnificent structures.
While the rest of the world mastered hunting and gathering, Ancient Egypt created something that would stand for all of eternity. Take a trip and witness a piece of history for yourself.
