When the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation – more commonly referred to as UNESCO – created a list of sites worldwide which it deemed to be of special physical or cultural importance, it provided the keen traveller with an unrivalled list of must-visit destinations. Here are just a handful of them which you can visit with Trafalgar…
Rome, Italy – Historic Centre
Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the world, and there are few places better than the capital, Rome, for visiting sites of supreme cultural importance. Officially founded in 753BC, Rome’s fascinating and staggeringly rich history is evident around every corner. Explore this incredible city, along with other UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Tuscan cities of Pisa, Florence, Siena and San Gimignano, on a Trafalgar tour of Italy.
Quebec, Canada – Old District
Founded by a 17th century French explorer, the fascinating Canadian city of Quebec is the only city on the continent of North America which retains its old ramparts and defensive works. With the winding streets of its Old Town district, an imposing location on the St Lawrence River, and French as its local language, Quebec offers a unique and surprising cultural experience. You can see it for yourself on a tour of Canada.
Lisbon, Portugal – Belem Tower
Visit the sun-soaked city of Lisbon on a tour of Portugal and marvel at the iconic Belem Tower, long seen as a symbol of Portuguese power. Its significant role in Portuguese maritime discoveries, along with its excellence as an example of the Manueline architectural style, secured it a place on the prestigious UNESCO list in 1983.
Hawaii, USA – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
America’s 50th State is famed for the idyllic tropical beaches which frame its beautiful Pacific islands, but it’s also noted for its dramatic geology – a fact acknowledged by the status of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Boasting two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, Hawaii is the ideal destination if you’ve always wanted to witness lava flows and volcanic eruptions at first hand. A Trafalgar tour of Hawaii even allows you the rare opportunity to walk through an actual lava tube!
Bath, England – City of Bath
It’s difficult to say whether the genteel city of Bath in England is more famous for its superb Georgian architecture or for the wonderfully preserved Roman baths which give the city its name. Either way, it’s the ideal place to enjoy afternoon tea in the same beautiful environs enjoyed and immortalised by Jane Austen and to brush up on your Roman history at the same time. Continuing on the Roman theme, on a Trafaglar tour of Britain you can also head north to see another UNESCO World Heritage Site – the mighty Hadrian’s Wall.
Delphi, Greece – Archaeological Site of Delphi
Stunning mountains provide the setting for the revered UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi in Greece. In ancient times, Delphi was famous for its Oracle of Apollo, with Greek rulers sending envoys from far and wide to consult the Oracle and determine their fate. You can now explore its majestic ruins as part of a tour of Greece, during which you can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Olympia, home to the original Olympic Games, and the impressive Acropolis in Athens.
Image credits
Forum Romanum, Rome – Rachel’s Rome Writings
Quebec City by David Paul Ohmeron Flickr
Belem Tower by P!XELTREEon Flickr
Kilauea by Paul (Dex)on Flickr
Roman Baths by Simpologiston Flickr
Delphi by MarcelGermain on Flickr