The New Seven Wonders of the World and How to Visit Them
From monumental landmarks to the greatest achievements of engineering and cultural heritage, how to see all seven modern wonders of the world, writes Independent.
You've probably heard of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the grandiose and majestic creations selected and described by ancient Greek travelers who wandered through various lands thousands of years ago.
This list, which appeared as early as the 5th century BC, glorified such monuments as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the bronze statue of the sun god Helios (the Colossus of Rhodes), and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, which served as a guiding light for sailors in ancient Egypt.
But time has proven merciless to these wonders: most have been destroyed by the elements or by humans. The only surviving monuments are the Great Pyramids of Giza, considered for millennia to be the tallest man-made structures.
Today, when many ancient wonders have become the stuff of legends and history books, the New7Wonders Foundation decided to unite humanity by honoring global cultural heritage and selecting seven new wonders of the world. Over 100 million people worldwide participated in the vote, and the updated list has been released.
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From the ancient city of Petra in the Jordanian desert to the majestic Taj Mahal in India, these seven monuments have become symbols of respect, pride, and celebration of the world's cultural diversity.
To see them for yourself, we've compiled the best itineraries for travelers who want to visit all seven modern wonders of the world.
Colosseum, Italy
Photo: Minyun Zhou | Dreamstime.com
In the very heart of Rome stands one of the most important symbols of the city and of ancient civilization as a whole: the Colosseum. Built in the first century CE by order of the Flavian emperors, it became the arena for grand spectacles—animal hunts and gladiatorial combat. Today, as two thousand years ago, this amphitheater captivates the imagination and annually attracts millions of tourists from around the world.
How to visit
Trailfinders offers a four-day tour of Rome starting at $1052 per person (price varies by departure date). The program includes a stroll through historic streets and squares, visits to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. The price includes airport transfers, three nights' accommodation in a four-star hotel, three breakfasts, and a food tour of the Trastevere district.
Petra, Jordan
Photo: Bbbar | Dreamstime.com
One of Jordan's greatest treasures is the ancient city of Petra, carved directly into the rock. Over 2000 years ago, it was inhabited by the Nabataeans, an enterprising Arab people who turned Petra into a vital trading hub between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria. The city later passed to the Romans and Byzantines. Today, Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, blending Eastern traditions with elements of Hellenistic architecture.
How to visit
Intrepid offers an eight-day tour of Jordan, beginning and ending in Amman. Travelers will visit the Dead Sea, spend two days exploring Petra (including an optional overnight visit), and then head to the Wadi Rum desert, with its red dunes—a landscape reminiscent of Mars. The tour includes meals, accommodation, and airport transfers. Prices start at $2490.
Christ the Redeemer statue, Brazil
Photo: Renato Machado | Dreamstime.com
This 30-meter-tall statue was completed in 1931 after nine years of construction. Today, Christ the Redeemer is one of the most recognizable symbols of the world and a cultural icon of Brazil. The idea of erecting a Christian monument in Rio de Janeiro had long existed, but it was only realized thanks to the initiative of the city's Catholic community. The reinforced concrete and soapstone statue was created by the French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski and built by engineers Heitor da Silva Costa and Albert Caco, with the assistance of artist Carlos Oswald. It stands atop Corcovado Mountain, offering views of all of Rio, and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.
How to visit
Intrepid offers an eight-day tour of Brazil. The journey begins in Rio de Janeiro, then includes three days in Paraty, tropical walks, and boat excursions. It also includes a visit to Ilha Grande, a return to Rio for a relaxing beach getaway on Copacabana, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Christ the Redeemer statue. The tour includes accommodation, transportation, and breakfast. Prices start at $890.
Taj Mahal, India
Photo: Steve Allen | Dreamstime.com
One of the most beautiful mausoleums in the world was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed of white marble, with graceful arches and domes, the Taj Mahal on the banks of the Yamuna River is considered the pinnacle of Indo-Islamic architecture. Completed in 1648, the mausoleum has remained a symbol of eternal love for over three centuries.
How to visit
Intrepid offers an eight-day tour of India's Golden Triangle—a route connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. The itinerary includes bazaar strolls, excursions to the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory, and, of course, a visit to the Taj Mahal. The tour concludes with a drive through Delhi, including a visit to the Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. Prices start at $711 per person.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Photo: Sorin Colac | Dreamstime.com
This 15th-century Incan citadel, nestled in the mountains amid dense forests, is considered one of the greatest legacies of the Inca Empire. Abandoned shortly after the Spanish conquest, the city was only rediscovered in 1911. It rises between the Andes and the Amazon basin, its buildings seemingly emerging from the cliffs. The precise role of Machu Picchu remains unknown, but thousands of tourists flock here daily to witness its wonder with their own eyes.
How to visit
Intrepid offers a nine-day tour of Peru. The journey begins in Lima and continues to Cusco, where tourists head to Machu Picchu with a guide. The itinerary includes a trip to Puno on Lake Titicaca. The tour includes meals, transportation, accommodations, and a tour of Machu Picchu. Prices start at $2470.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Photo: Chichen Itza Mexico
The sacred city of Chichen Itza, which has existed for over a thousand years, is one of the most important monuments of the Mayan civilization. Its main structure is the step pyramid of El Castillo (or the Temple of Kukulkan), rising 30 meters. Traces of Mayan and Toltec cultures, reflected in architecture and stone carvings, have been preserved throughout the area.
How to visit
Trailfinders organizes a five-day tour of Mexico with stops at ancient Mayan cities and a stay in Mérida, a picturesque city with museums and colonial churches. On the second day, there's an early visit to Chichen Itza, nestled in the rainforest, followed by excursions to Uxmal, the Palace of Masks in Cabe, and the Celestún Biosphere, home to thousands of pink flamingos. Transportation, accommodations, and meals are included. Price starts at $2090.
The Great Wall of China, China
Photo: Bjmcse | Dreamstime.com
Stretching for over 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall of China is the largest man-made structure. Its construction began in 220 BCE, when separate fortifications were connected to create a unified defense system for the north. The wall became a symbol not only of military might but also of cultural exchange between the nomadic and agricultural peoples of ancient China. Its construction continued until the 17th century, and today it is one of the country's main symbols.
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How to visit
Intrepid offers an eight-day "Highlights of China" tour, starting in Shanghai and ending in Beijing. The program includes a walk through the ancient city of Huishan, a trip to Xi'an, the center of the Silk Road, and a stay at a family-run homestead at the foot of the Great Wall, from where you can hike to the wall at sunset. The tour includes accommodation, transportation, and breakfast. Prices start at $1560.
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