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Ancient architectural masterpieces. Epic engineering triumphs. Iconic cultural gems. Visiting any of these celebrated Seven Wonders of the World is as much a pilgrimage as a vacation.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest of the original Seven Wonders of the World is also the only one still standing. Built more than 4,500 years ago and remaining the world's tallest man-made structure for most of that time, this emblematic engineering marvel continues to impress. The secret of how the pyramid was built still mystifies visitors today — the four sides align with the cardinal compass points and each spans more than two and a half football fields. Opening in August 2015, the new Grand Egyptian Museum will give visitors the chance to decode the sphinx with more than 100,00 ancient artifacts on display.
Where to Stay: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa
Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest of the original Seven Wonders of the World is also the only one still standing. Built more than 4,500 years ago and remaining the world's tallest man-made structure for most of that time, this emblematic engineering marvel continues to impress. The secret of how the pyramid was built still mystifies visitors today — the four sides align with the cardinal compass points and each spans more than two and a half football fields. Opening in August 2015, the new Grand Egyptian Museum will give visitors the chance to decode the sphinx with more than 100,00 ancient artifacts on display.
Where to Stay: Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa
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Taj Mahal
Few buildings represent the melancholy-tinged poetry of enduring love like India's “crown of palaces”. Erected in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as an eternal tribute to his third wife who died in childbirth, the mausoleum marries architectural elements from Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. Its construction employed more than 20,000 men, and its beauty still overwhelms today due to the rare white marble inlay that was transported from across the continent. These precious stones are best seen in person, as they are known to change color according to the day’s light: glowing pink at dawn, radiating fiery red at sunset and shimmering silver in the moonlight.
Where to Stay: ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Agra
Few buildings represent the melancholy-tinged poetry of enduring love like India's “crown of palaces”. Erected in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as an eternal tribute to his third wife who died in childbirth, the mausoleum marries architectural elements from Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. Its construction employed more than 20,000 men, and its beauty still overwhelms today due to the rare white marble inlay that was transported from across the continent. These precious stones are best seen in person, as they are known to change color according to the day’s light: glowing pink at dawn, radiating fiery red at sunset and shimmering silver in the moonlight.
Where to Stay: ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Agra
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Chichén Itzá
Uncover the mysteries of this ancient Maya capital. Set between two sacred cenotes, Chichén Itzá thrived as a center of culture and trade on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula some 1,500 years ago. Dedicated to the Feathered Serpent God, the majestic Kukulkán Pyramid may be the world's most impressive 365-day calendar, with one step for each day of earth's year. The 90-foot tall temple, also known as El Castillo (The Castle), awes as much for its size and beauty as its incredible astrological functions, which would have been complemented by the impressive on-site observatory, El Caracol.
Where to Stay:The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas
Uncover the mysteries of this ancient Maya capital. Set between two sacred cenotes, Chichén Itzá thrived as a center of culture and trade on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula some 1,500 years ago. Dedicated to the Feathered Serpent God, the majestic Kukulkán Pyramid may be the world's most impressive 365-day calendar, with one step for each day of earth's year. The 90-foot tall temple, also known as El Castillo (The Castle), awes as much for its size and beauty as its incredible astrological functions, which would have been complemented by the impressive on-site observatory, El Caracol.
Where to Stay:The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas
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Machu Picchu
Explore Peru's “Lost City of the Inca,” made famous by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. A century later, Machu Picchu continues to present amazingly intact 15th-century ruins in a surreal mountain setting. Perched at 8,000 feet high in the Andes on a fertile ridge between two peaks, this magical city in the clouds overlooks the Sacred Valley and Urabamba River far below, encompassing 80,000 acres of elaborately engineered terraces, temples and houses. To get there, enjoy a scenic train ride departing from the private station within Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado.
Where to Stay: Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado
Explore Peru's “Lost City of the Inca,” made famous by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. A century later, Machu Picchu continues to present amazingly intact 15th-century ruins in a surreal mountain setting. Perched at 8,000 feet high in the Andes on a fertile ridge between two peaks, this magical city in the clouds overlooks the Sacred Valley and Urabamba River far below, encompassing 80,000 acres of elaborately engineered terraces, temples and houses. To get there, enjoy a scenic train ride departing from the private station within Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado.
Where to Stay: Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado
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The Great Wall of China
Only when you climb the Great Wall can you comprehend its staggering scale. First created in the third century B.C. as a defense against northern nomads, the subsequent walls and bulwarks comprise one of the most ambitious projects in history. After all, it’s the only man-made structure that can be seen from the moon. The Great Wall is like a mighty dynastic dragon, its long, sinuous tail measuring over 13,000 miles. At the head lies the magnificent capital city, Beijing, with its treasure of cultural paragons like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Choose to view the Great Wall at Badaling for easiest access or at Mutianyu for a more intimate experience.
Where to Stay: W Beijing - Chang'an
Only when you climb the Great Wall can you comprehend its staggering scale. First created in the third century B.C. as a defense against northern nomads, the subsequent walls and bulwarks comprise one of the most ambitious projects in history. After all, it’s the only man-made structure that can be seen from the moon. The Great Wall is like a mighty dynastic dragon, its long, sinuous tail measuring over 13,000 miles. At the head lies the magnificent capital city, Beijing, with its treasure of cultural paragons like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Choose to view the Great Wall at Badaling for easiest access or at Mutianyu for a more intimate experience.
Where to Stay: W Beijing - Chang'an
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The Colosseum
Walk in the footsteps of gladiators. Rome's iconic Colosseum, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 70 A.D. to win the people's goodwill, entertained the masses for five centuries with thousands of the bloodiest games the world has ever seen. Seating upwards of 50,000 citizens (sorted by class), the officially named Flavian Amphitheatre contained an elaborate labyrinth of underground tunnels, vertical shafts and trap doors for special effects. The masterwork remains at the city's center, a surviving monument to the Roman Empire's engineering mastery and political prowess.
Where to Stay: The Westin Excelsior Rome
Walk in the footsteps of gladiators. Rome's iconic Colosseum, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 70 A.D. to win the people's goodwill, entertained the masses for five centuries with thousands of the bloodiest games the world has ever seen. Seating upwards of 50,000 citizens (sorted by class), the officially named Flavian Amphitheatre contained an elaborate labyrinth of underground tunnels, vertical shafts and trap doors for special effects. The masterwork remains at the city's center, a surviving monument to the Roman Empire's engineering mastery and political prowess.
Where to Stay: The Westin Excelsior Rome
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Christ the Redeemer
Cristo Redentor is one of the world's most recognizable statues. Completed in 1931, the colossal Art Deco sculpture of Jesus Christ overlooks Brazil's vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro from the peak of Corcovado Mountain. The graceful figure rises 98 feet above its pedestal, making it a larger-than-life symbol of Brazilian Christianity, with its arms outstretched in a universal show of peace.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort
Cristo Redentor is one of the world's most recognizable statues. Completed in 1931, the colossal Art Deco sculpture of Jesus Christ overlooks Brazil's vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro from the peak of Corcovado Mountain. The graceful figure rises 98 feet above its pedestal, making it a larger-than-life symbol of Brazilian Christianity, with its arms outstretched in a universal show of peace.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort
