Description

New7 Wonders of the World was an initiative started in Switzerland in 2000 as a Millennium project. The aim was to cast a worldwide open vote to select the ‘Wonders of the World’ from 200 monuments of global recognition. After seven years and 100 million votes the winners were announced in Lisbon in July 2007.

Jetting around the world, you will savour the trip of a lifetime, and witness each of the new seven wonders in all their glory. Relax with 3 days of 4 and 5-star luxury accommodations at each destination.

The New 7 Wonders of the World

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

The only one of the seven from Europe, the Colosseum once held 50,000 spectators who came to watch gory and glorious gladiatorial games, famous re-enactments and wild animal hunts. The Colosseum, which was completed in A.D. 80, has weathered centuries of destructive earthquakes, as well as stone robbers, and today stands as a monument to progressive Roman rule. Its damage adds to the structure's antique appeal.

Petra, Arabian Desert, Jordan

Perched on the edge of the Arabian Desert, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom between 9 and 40 A.D. Recaptured by the desert and preserved for 800 years, the site was re-discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Petra is famed for its ornate stone structures carved into the rose-coloured rock, the most recognisable of which is the 150ft tall Treasury, which is the king’s tomb. The ancient city is an engineering marvel, boasting intricate tunnels, water chambers and a 4,000 capacity amphitheatre.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Built by Muslim Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to honour the memory of his beloved late wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the opulent, domed mausoleum is made entirely of white marble. Construction took 15 years to complete, and began in 1632. Considered the finest example of Mughal art and architecture, the structure is 13 stories tall and framed by walled gardens. Shah Jahan was deposed and put under house arrest by one of his sons soon after the Taj Mahal's completion. It's said that he spent the rest of his days gazing at the Taj Mahal from his window.

Great Wall of China, China

With early construction beginning in 7th Century B.C., the Great Wall is the world's longest man-made structure, stretching some 5,500 miles through desert, mountain ranges and out to the East China Sea. The great length of the wall was designed as a defence against invading nomadic tribes from Mongolia. The best known sections of the wall were built around 200 B.C. by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang Di, and between the 12th and 17th century by the Ming Dynasty.

Chichén Itza, Yucatan, Mexico

Chichén Itzá is a famous Mayan temple city. It was the political and religious centre of Maya civilisation during the period from A.D. 750 to 1200. At the city's heart lies the Temple of Kukulkan which rises to a height of 79 feet. Archaeologists believe the temple acted as an early calendar. Each of its four sides has 91 steps, one step for each day of the year, with the 365th day represented by the platform on the top.

Machu Picchu, Andean Mountains, Peruvian Amazon

Unbeknownst to the world until 1911, the ‘Lost City of the Incas,’ Machu Picchu, is a 15th-century mountain settlement in the Amazon region of Peru. Perched 7,000ft high in the Andes, the ruined city is among the best-known remnants of the Inca civilisation, which flourished in western South America.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Perhaps the world’s most iconic religious monument, Christ the Redeemer stands at 38 metres tall atop the Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Completed in 1931, it is the largest Art Deco structure in the world and a symbol of the protection, warmth and welcoming nature of the nation.