10 standout UNESCO sites to visit online
1. Galapagos, Ecuador
Considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. Its isolated terrain shelters a diversity of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else. Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and his observation of Galápagos' species later inspired his theory of evolution.
2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
3. Petra, Jordan
One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is also called the 'Rose City' because of the colour of the stone from which it is carved. This 2,000-year-old city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
4. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Get ready for turquoise waters, glaciers and towering granite horns of the Torres del Paine National Park. The jaw-dropping landscapes of this eighth wonder of the world are humbling indeed. Immerse yourself in this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
5. Old City of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of the world's most stunning cultural jewels. Clinging to a rock, encased by a girdle of ramparts and lapped by a turquoise sea, Croatia's famous town is fully worthy of its title “pearl of the Adriatic. Dubrovnik Old Town is known as one of the world's finest and most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world. You can explore it by joining us on one of our cruises. Until then, enjoy the virtual tour.
6. Agra Fort, India
It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The fort contains splendid palaces both in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of prolific builders.
7. Red Square, Russia
The old Russian word for 'beautiful' and 'red' was the same; Red Square means “Beautiful Square". The distinctive architecture of colorful onion domes and numerous buildings telling of Russia’s past is a one-of-a-kind experience.
8. Venice, Italy
During the 20th century, when many artesian wells were sunk into the periphery of the lagoon to draw water for local industry, Venice began to subside. This city offers a charming journey, gondolas, canals, narrow passages where you can wander and admire the blend of East and West architecture.
9. Mont St. Michel, France
Mont-Saint-Michel is universally recognized today as the site of a beautiful Gothic-style Benedictine abbey, called the “Wonder of the West". Built on a tiny island, the castle along with its surroundings has a magnificent beauty as if it comes out from a fairytale.
10. Machu Picchu, Peru
This natural and architectural phenomenon is nestled high in the slopes of the Andes. Machu Picchu was a sacred place where the Incas worshiped their gods and the ruins continue to reveal the mysteries of the Inca Empire dating back to the 15th century.
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10 breathtaking UNESCO sites to visit from your couch
A glance at some of the UNESCO sites in Variety Cruises destinations. Sit back and get ready to be delighted.