The New Seven Wonders of the World often form the backbone of many travellers’ bucket lists. Covering virtually every corner of the globe and taking in some of the most recognisable and fascinating sites, this well-honed to-do list is best explored in ultimate luxury – and plenty of cruise lines are ready to take you there.
In the latest Luxury Editorial, let us ignite your intrigue and guide you through just some of the ways in which you can discover these awe-inspiring locations.
As far as modern wonders go, few are as instantly recognisable as the Taj Mahal. Constructed in the 17th century by Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, this Agra attraction is a must-see for anyone visiting India. The best times to visit the Taj Mahal are arguably at sunrise and sunset, when the white marble turns a striking shade of gold, making for the most magnificent of photographs.
If, like many others, you have your heart set on seeing the Taj Mahal for yourself and nothing short of luxury will do, then Regent Seven Seas may just have the answer. As part of their Overland Programme, you will disembark your six-star ship in Mumbai, where you’ll be transported inland for a three-day intensive excursion. You will be taken to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, where you will experience the monument in all its glory. Following this once-in-a-lifetime trip, you will be transferred to re-join your ship in Mangalore.
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There’s no denying that The Great Wall of China is one of the most outstanding examples of construction in the world; spanning an incredible 13,171 miles and dating back as far as the Ming Dynasty, it’s easy to see why it is held in such high regard. Sections of the wall are easily accessible by intrepid tourists, especially those located closest to the Chinese capital of Beijing.
Silversea can take you there. The historic treasures of China are given a spotlight on Silver Whisper’s Hong Kong to Tokyo voyage in March 2025. Departing from Hong Kong, first melt into Silversea luxury with two sea days. Once well rested, get ready for three days in Shanghai, a showpiece city staggering in scope. More Silver Whisper R&R is next with two sea days, then it’s an overnight in Beijing, and a chance to walk the famous Great Wall. Three final sea days plus a day in Japan’s Kagoshima complete your trip.
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Few sculptures are as iconic as Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, which stands 30 metres tall above the city. With a 28-metre arm span, the scale of this monument has to be seen to be believed, and on a clear day, you will be rewarded with views of the rest of the city below.
Cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro is the starting point for many a South American cruise itinerary, and as soon as you see it, you will see why. It’s a city filled with colour and vibrancy, with some of the best beaches you could ever imagine. Add the opportunity to see Christ the Redeemer to the mix and you are guaranteed an incredible start to your holiday. Scenic Cruises kick-starts their Uruguay and Brazil Uncovered itinerary with an overnight stay in the city, presenting the perfect opportunity for exploration.
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Petra has been inhabited since prehistoric times, so it seems unusual to consider the ancient site as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Nevertheless, as excavations continue to take place across the site, more and more clues continue to emerge about how the ‘Lost City’ was lived in all those years ago. The most famous part of all, The Treasury, is well worth a look and as you make your way through carved rocks to get there, it will become obvious why this was chosen as the backdrop for Indiana Jones films.
Nearby Aqaba serves as the port for Petra. Azamara offers the chance to visit on an excursion during their Ancient Trade Routes Voyage, which also takes in a host of other incredible ports. The Rose City won’t fail to entice and is sure to satisfy your inner adventurer.
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There are some sights that just take your breath away, and Machu Picchu is one of them. Nestled in the Andes, the Lost City of the Incas may have remained undiscovered until a little over 100 years ago, but these days, it’s a real magnet for intrepid tourists. From the sprawling ruins to the llamas that call the site home, there’s something enticing about this mysterious location.
Machu Picchu is located 2,430 metres above sea level, so needless to say it’s best explored as an add-on to a South America cruise. Silversea invites guests to discover Machu Picchu through their post-cruise land programme, which includes a flight to Cusco where the Citadel in the Clouds awaits. After disembarking in Lima, continue your voyage of discovery across South America and immerse yourself in this truly worthy New Wonder of the World.
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A mere mention of Rome conjures up images of so many incredible locations, with the Colosseum among the most magnificent. Dating back almost 2,000 years, its enduring appeal has never waned, as an estimated six million people visit the attraction every year. The amphitheatre promises tales of gladiator fights, battles and executions in one of the most culturally fascinating constructions the world has ever seen.
Of course, the port of Civitavecchia has long provided cruise ships with a gateway to Rome – but few do it with quite the same level of finesse as Regent Seven Seas. On board Seven Seas Voyager®, you will have a day to spend in the Eternal City, take advantage of included shore excursions to the Roman Colosseum, where this Wonder of the Modern World is sure to feature on your to-do list.
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Aside from the sunshine, food and incredible beaches, Mexico also has Chichén Itzá to offer its visitors. The sacred site is considered among the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatán peninsula and is a must-see for thousands of tourists every year. The site is divided into two – Old Chichén and Chichén Itzá – where there are a total of 26 ruins to be discovered.
Oceania Cruises presents its guests with the chance to explore the ancient site on a shore excursion from Cozumel. Discover the largest ancient ball court in the Americas and find out why the acoustics here are among some of the most impressive in the world – this really is a voyage of discovery.
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