#10
Great Wall of China - Houairou, China
The Great Wall is so legendary that it is a must-visit when in Beijing. We chose to visit the well maintained Badaling section that is easily accessible from Beijing and just an hour's drive from the Beijing airport. When the wall is busy, it is REALLY busy. You may find yourself waiting in a long line for your entry tickets, then waiting in another long line for a shuttle bus from the lower village to the upper village, then waiting in yet another line to get on the gondola ride to the wall. Check online for the least busy times and you will be sure to have a great experience. We timed our visit so that we arrived at the ticket line just before opening time, and were among the first ten people for the day. We then breezed through the queues and were on top of the wall in just a few minutes.
When we exited the gondola onto the wall, 7 of the 8 other people took a right turn and walked the wall to the east. We decided to go the other way and were joined by a single lady. We were the first people on the wall that day so we were able to walk along the top for nearly two hours without seeing any other people the entire way. As you can see from the photos, getting up to the wall first thing in the morning gave us an almost totally empty wall. We took photos for the lady with us and she took photos for us - it was a perfect Great Wall experience. After a very steep hike up to a tower along the wall we were delighted to find a little old lady with a cooler of beer... Yes please!
The Badaling section of the wall is totally restored and well maintained. Although it is really just a recreation of the original, it is still an amazing thing to see in person.
A quick Google image search will show you how packed with people the wall normally is. We loved having the wall essentially to ourselves!
#9
Maya Bay - Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand
Maya Beach is the famous beach from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, The Beach. After the movie came out, the beach became so wildly popular that from dawn to dusk there would be a constant parade of tour boats coming and going to drop tourists off to wander the beach. There were even boats that would allow tourists to spend the night on board while moored in the bay. The tiny island of Ko Phi Phi Lee has only a handful of permanent structures on it and does not have any hotels. Tourists are not permitted to spend the night on the island with the exception of camping excursions with authorized tour operators. The nearby larger island of Ko Phi Phi Don is where all of the hotels and amenities are located. Typically during the day you would be hard-pressed to find any space on the sand and we were fully prepared to deal with this when we began our journey there.
When we arrived on the island of Ko Phi Phi Don a few days before our planned visit to Maya Bay, a tropical storm was approaching the area. On the day that we had booked our excursion to Ko Phi Phi Lee, the storm was directly over the islands, which caused all tours to the smaller island to be cancelled for the day. That simply was not going to do so we managed to convince the small tour operator to take us to Maya Bay on a speed boat. They agreed but warned us that the boat would not be able to enter the bay so we would have to swim to the island from the other side and hike through the jungle to get to the bay. The tour operators thought we were absolutely crazy, and maybe we were... but it sounded amazing so off we went.
After braving one of the roughest boat rides of our lives we arrived at the back side of the island, put our cameras into dry bags, and hopped into the ocean. The swim to the rocky shore on the east side of the island was extremely treacherous and we had to time our approach towards the island with the waves in order to not be slammed against the rocks. There was no beach to swim to, our only option was a rope hanging from the cliff into the sea that we had to jump to and climb to safety. It wasn't easy but it was sure fun. Once we were on land it was a thrilling hike in bare foot through a lush jungle trail. We were buzzing with anticipation, and when we turned a corner and the beach was revealed to us, we were speechless.
The beach we were expecting to be packed solid with anywhere from 100-300 tourists and dozens of tour boats was completely empty. Not one tourist, not one boat (the average daily total of tourists to Maya Bay was roughly 5000!). We had the world famous beach and the entire island totally to ourselves! The weather made the experience all the more magical for us, and although the rain was an absolute downpour, it was very warm. The tropical storm causing chaos on the ocean around the island had little effect in the sheltered bay and it was incredibly pleasant to swim in the relatively calm waters within the bay. The one downside of the rain? Our DSLR camera was absolutely saturated with rain water from taking it out of the bag and attempting to take a few photos and it died! Lucky for us we also brought an iPhone that we kept in a dry bag so we were still able to capture some of the magic.
Due to the fact that the beach has been so popular, the Thailand National Parks Department has closed the beach indefinitely to tourists. This means that the closest you can get for now is on board a boat in the bay. This has been done in order to allow the natural resources of the island to regenerate. The Thai government has suggested that the beach may reopen to tourists, but no earlier then June 2021. Maybe wait until then to plan a trip here.
An absolutely breathtaking experience thanks to a completely empty beach.
Even though a tropical storm was dumping torrential rain on us, the water temperature was so warm and the bay was still incredibly beautiful.
#8
Stonehenge - Salisbury, UK
Stonehenge had been beckoning us for years and when we finally decided to go, we knew we needed to do it right. After some thorough research we learned that English Heritage (the agency that manages the stone circle) allows a select few to visit the site in the early hours of the morning in order to be there for the sunrise. This special access is totally uninhibited and you are free to wander among the stones, while regular visitors must remain on a paved path behind a rope. Access is limited to just 30 people per day and wraps up long before general admission opens for the day which means you will get plenty of shots of the site with nobody in them. This special access only runs at certain times of the year. If you are interested in this incredible experience, you need to know your date well in advance and submit an application form to English Heritage.
You can find all the info you need here:
The English countryside was shrouded in thick fog to begin the day which only added to the mystique of the ancient site.
After the sun came up we were treated to an absolutely amazing sky, gently fading from pink to blue, providing the perfect backdrop for the mysterious stones.
#7
Gardens by the Bay - Singapore, Singapore
We have been to Singapore three times, and each time we have found ourselves gravitating to Gardens by the Bay and not wanting to leave. The towering artificial trees known as Supertrees are unlike anything else on earth, in fact, they don't seem to belong on earth at all. The Gardens by the Bay has two groves of these trees with the larger of the two known as Supertree Grove and the smaller known as the Silver Grove. The Supertree Grove shown in the cover photo has a perimeter of Supertrees all linked by a pedestrian walkway which circles around one much larger Supertree. The Supertree in the center has a restaurant, and a rooftop bar right on top that has incredible views over the rest of the Gardens and also up at the stunning Marina Bay Sands Hotel (shown in the background of the cover photo). Read about the Marina Bay Sands Hotel here.
At Gardens by the Bay, there is far more to see and do then just the Supertrees. The Gardens also includes two absolutely massive bio-domes. One of the domes contains one of the world's best botanical gardens, full of exotic flowers and plant species. The other dome has an artificial mountain in it, that is covered in tropical rain forest plants and has a waterfall that flows from the very top, down into a pond below. The entire mountain is hollow and there is a spiral walkway that lets visitors slowly meander to the top.
All over the Gardens you will find pathways through incredibly lush tropical gardens or dry cactus lined gardens. The is a massive outdoor cafeteria surrounded by ponds and the entire Gardens property is chalk full of sculptures and artwork. The Gardens also happen to be next to the marina and the ocean where you can find terrific views. You should plan to spend a full day here if you are in Singapore, and make sure you are here after sunset when things really get amazing.
Find all the official info about Gardens by the Bay here:
The real magic begins when the sun sets and all of the Supertrees light up. There is a nightly light show where the colors of each tree rapidly change, timed to music. That is a sight to behold.
The first time we visited, the city was shrouded in smog and Supertree Grove was the only outdoor thing we were able to enjoy. Even in the nasty weather, the Gardens by the Bay does not lose its other-worldly appeal.
#6
NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE - SCHWANGAU, GERMANY
This view of the castle and the valley below is from the Marienbrucke, or Marie's bridge (named after King Ludwig II's mother). The Marienbrucke spans over the gully below, connecting the two mountains. If you follow the path past the bridge and climb slightly you will find another viewpoint that looks down on the castle.
Access to Neuschwanstein Castle is strictly limited to guided tours, and photography within the castle is prohibited. Tickets to visit should be booked in advance and can be combined with a guided tour of the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, which is certainly worth the visit. The tour takes you through all of the rooms inside the castle that were actually finished and decorated. The majority of the castles rooms were never finish and remain totally empty.
Visiting the two castles and walking around the grounds and the trails into the hills is a full day affair. Make sure to do the easy hike up to the lookout points above the castle if you are able-bodied enough. The views looking over the castle are arguably the best part of the visit. If you can make it here in the fall when all the leaves are changing color, or in the winter when the trees are covered in snow then you are in for a real treat.
The small town at the bottom of the hill below the castle is full of souvenir stores and some pretty decent Bavarian restaurants and there are a few large pay parking lots. Make sure to arrive very early to find parking and make the walk to the castle gates.
Tickets and information can be booked here:
The view of the castle from the access road on the northern side. It is a massive castle.
This is the view you get from the balcony on the west side of the castle. The yellow castle on the ridge below is the Hohenschwangau Castle which was the king's home while construction was underway on Neuschwanstein.
#5
The Rocky Mountains - Alberta and British Columbia, Canada
This is Highway 93, more commonly known as the Icefields Parkway. Highway 93 runs from Lake Louise in the south to Jasper in the north and passes through some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains are truly spectacular, and they are complimented by the many whitewater rivers, impossibly turquoise glacial lakes, marshy plains, and thick, dark green forests.
The city of Banff that lies to the southeast is a mountain paradise. The small town center is completely surrounded by towering peaks and is full of souvenir shops, restaurants and pubs. Banff is a great place to stay while you take advantage of all the amazing outdoor activities available in every season. There are endless hikes to do in the summer, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, cycling, canoeing and kayaking, and wildlife viewing. In the winter, there are world-class slopes within a few minutes drive, as well as cross-county skiing and snowshoeing trails. You may even be able to find ice climbing.
Lake Louise is known as Canada's "Diamond in the Wilderness", and for good reason. The lake itself is a perfectly still turquoise and the Fairmont Lake Louise that sits on its banks is a truly stunning piece of architecture. Just a few kilometers south of Lake Louise is the most stunning lake you will ever see, Moraine Lake.
Midway along the drive between Lake Louise and Jasper you will find the Athabasca Glacier, which is just a "toe" of the massive Columbia Icefield flowing from the peak of Mt. Columbia. At the discovery center you can book on a tour that takes you up onto the ice sheet where, depending on conditions, you may be able to step out and walk on top of the glacier.
Jasper essentially offers all of the same amazing outdoor amenities that Banff does with dramatically different scenery. The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mt. Robson, is just an hour drive from downtown Jasper. Mt. Robson is within Mt. Robson Provincial Park and is within the province of British Columbia. The peak can be reached on an overnight hike during the right conditions. Both cities offer something unique but are equally amazing. Both Jasper and Banff are within National Parks and while traveling within the parks you will be required to purchase a permit in order to utilize any of the rest stops, hikes or attractions. You can purchase your pass at the ranger station as you enter the park. If you are following Highway 1 from British Columbia and passing through Banff or Lake Louise, there is no permit required.
Here is the perfect guide to help you plan your Icefields Parkway road trip:
Here is information about the two main National Parks and the three main communities:
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff
The surreal waters of Abraham Lake at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Some people who have not seen this colored water in person have a hard time believing it is real. The color is caused by the thawed glacial water bringing with it microscopic rock particles that remain suspended. The sunlight then reflects off of the rock particles and causes us to see turquoise. I mean magic, it's magic.
The Icefields Parkway winds and twists through the mountains and around every turn is the perfect place to pull over for a snack or a hike. Or a nap, or a dip in the water. Or just to soak in the views.
#4
Uluru - Yulara, Australia
Uluru is one of the most out of place natural wonders on earth. If Uluru doesn't sound familiar to you that's because it had been known as Ayers Rock since 1873 when the first European came across it. It wasn't until 1985 that the land that includes Ayers Rock was returned to the Pitjantjatjara people and the name was officially changed to the dual name of Uluru/ Ayers Rock in 1993.
There is almost nothing around Uluru and it would seem to have no business in the middle of the vast expanse of perfectly flat desert at the center of Australia. There are some similar rock formations just over 50km away known as Kata Tjuta or The Olgas, but they are not as striking because they don't share they same dramatic shape or isolation as Uluru. The nearest community outside of Uluru is Yulara, which is essentially a hotel and campground village set up to allow tourists a place to stay to not negatively impact Uluru or the National Park bearing its name. From Yulara, it is a further 447km to the town of Alice Springs in the north, or 734km to the town of Coober Pedy to the south. Isolated is an understatement.
Uluru is about as awe inspiring as a single rock can be. It owes some of that to its dramatic red/ orange color. During sunsets that bright red can change shades and even appear to change colors multiple times. Under the right light the rock glows a pale pink in starch contrast to the darkening blue sky. The closer you get to the rock the more orange it begins to look, as you can see in the photos below.
How to see Uluru up close? Well you have two options; you can walk the 9.3km Uluru Base Trail that forms a full circle around the rock and starts and finishes at one of two parking lots, or you can hike the dangerous path to the top. There are many issues with taking the second option and hiking to the top. First of all, it's dangerous. Tourists have died attempting to climb the trail that runs up the smooth rock face. High winds can kick up out of nowhere and knock even adults off their feet. The other and perhaps far more important reason not to hike the rock is that the Pitjantjatjara people really don't want you to. The hike has been considered a sacred right of passage for them for far longer then Europeans have been around, and it is considered incredibly disrespectful to do that hike for tourism purposes. The Pitjantjatjara people have stopped short of banning tourists from doing it, but that may change in the future. Just don't be that person.
The Uluru Base Trail is a perfect way to see the entire rock. As you walk around the perimeter you will notice that every face of the rock is completely different with some being gradual slopes and others being sheer vertical. You will also notice that some sides are smooth and flat while others are dotted full of holes and even large caves. On one side of the rock there is a little oasis with a watering hole. It is truly a beautiful walk and it is perfectly level ground.
If you plan to visit Uluru, you absolutely must book a Tali Wiru dinner experience. Read about that here.
One last piece of advice; bring insect hoods made of netting, preferably with a drawstring to seal them over your head. The black flies are possibly worse here then anywhere on earth and they could drive a poor soul to insanity. These flies don't want your food, they don't want to land on your skin... they want into your mouth. They want into your nose, and your ears. But where do they want into the most? Your eyes. Yeah.
Get all the info you need before your visit here:
Around every corner of the rock you are greeted with scenery that belongs to Mars.
On some sides, the rock is so steep that the top even overhangs slightly creating incredible shadows and contrasting colors.
#3
Petra - Wadi Musa, Jordan
Anyone who saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as a child will immediately recognize the famous treasury of Petra. It provided the entrance to the hiding place of the Holy Grail in the climactic scenes from the movie.
Petra has a truly fascinating history. Although often referred to as the 'Lost City', Petra had actually been occupied by a number of different groups over the centuries but was lost to the European world until 1812. The site was established as a community sometime around 9000BC, but construction on the structures we see today had not begun until the 4th century BC when it became the capital of the mysterious Nabataean kingdom. The ancient Greeks unsuccessfully attempted to conquer Petra in 312BC but it was finally lost to the Roman Empire in 106AD. Between the Roman conquest and the rediscovery in 1812, the city housed mostly nomadic groups, and finally the Bedouins.
When you visit Petra you have the option of joining an organized tour group, or self guiding. We are firm believers in the self guided experience whenever possible and we chose to drive ourselves through Jordan to the city of Wadi Musa, on the hill directly above Petra. The roads in Jordan are excellent and driving was very easy. The Petra visitor's center has ample free parking and it is safe. When you enter Petra you pass the visitor's center where your tickets are validated and begin the 1.5km walk down the slope and into the slot canyon known as the Siq. The beginning portion of the walk is a winding gravel road where you will be unlikely to escape the onslaught of locals attempting to up-sell you in some way. Most are trying to get you to pay them to be your guide, or to offer you a horse or donkey ride down the hill. Trust us that these are not necessary in the slightest.
Some of the locals may offer to take you on a hike to the overlook point where you see us sitting in the cover photo, which completely bypasses the Siq. While the hike is somewhat treacherous and the guide will be setting a rigorous pace, it is doable. Our advice would be to not take this hike during your first visit to Petra. The first visit should involve the walk down through the Siq, culminating in the big reveal as you reach the end of the narrow canyon and the grandeur of the famous treasury peaks at you through the last juts of canyon wall. It is a dramatic finale to a really amazing hike through a slot canyon that shouldn't be missed. Spend an hour or two exploring the vast red city before you walk back up through the Siq.
We chose to visit Petra in the afternoon after we arrived, then again the next morning to do the hike to the lookout. We researched online what the guide should be payed and exactly what the hike should entail so that we knew we were not being led astray. We picked one of the older guides and set off up the mountain. The guide was wonderful with us, allowing us to stop at many vantage points to take photos. When we reached the lookout point he took all of the iconic photos for us, including this cover photo that is now hanging on our wall at home. The route down into the canyon after the hike is a very steep and somewhat absent natural rock staircase that would be impossible for many people. The hike is pretty easy to follow, and some people do attempt it on their own without hiring a local guide, but as you can imagine this is extremely frowned upon and if you do it, expect to receive some backlash from upset locals along the way.
Our third visit to Petra was for the Petra by Night event. The Petra by Night event begins just after dark when you pass through the visitor center and begin the decent to the Siq. This time there will be no locals hassling you, and far, far less tourists. The entire path from the visitor center to the Siq, and right down the 1.2km canyon to the treasury is lined on both sides with thousands of candles. It is magic. Most people are totally silent and most people will be considerate enough to keep their flashlights off. It is a very enjoyable experience and once you arrive at the treasury you exit the canyon to find the entire area illuminated by hundreds more candles. Everyone is silent while someone plays a flute that echoes around the canyon walls. The musical performance is followed by story telling and plenty of time to take photos as different colored lights are projected onto the treasury facade. It is absolutely worth your time and money.
Here is the official Petra website where you can get all the info you need and figure out where to book your access:
The ancient rock city is actually spread out over a massive area. None of the other cave buildings are nearly as intricate or impressive as the famous treasury but the rest of the site is still impressive in its own right.
Petra by Night access allows you to walk the entire 1.2km Siq with only candles to light your way and the chance to see the ancient treasury lit up by candlelight at the bottom. There is a traditional Bedouin musical performance when you arrive followed by story telling and an opportunity to get some truly marvelous photos. We recommend a DSLR on a tripod and a long exposure. Petra by Night only runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights.
#2
Angkor Wat - Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Angkor Wat temple complex in the jungles of northern Cambodia was a tough choice for our number two spot and could very easily have been number one. The only drawback? It was hot. Ridiculously hot.
We arrived in the city of Siem Reap just 5.5km south of the Angkor complex and asked our hotel to arrange a driver for the next day to take us around the massive complex of temples (Angkor is spread over 400+ acres so hiring a driver is the best way to take it all in). Our hotel set us up with an excellent driver named Mr. Ngeth Oeun. Mr. Oeun arrived early the next morning and we set out for Angor. He took care of the entry tickets to the site, and then dropped us off at our first stop. Mr. Oeun explained to us that he was taking us to all of the main temples in opposite order of the tour buses, which meant that our entire visit was almost totally free of people. We spent about an hour exploring the first massive temple and then met Mr. Oeun on the opposite side where he was waiting for us with cold bottles of water. We repeated this process for several more main temples, and also for a very long stretch with many smaller temples and other structures.
The last two stops were first at Ta Prohm which is particularly famous as being the 'Tomb Raider Temple' for its use as a location in the Angelina Jolie movie. Even though this temple gets the most hype due to its fame, it also deserves it because it is by far the most intriguing. Ta Prohm is the temple that is the most overrun by the jungle which adds a very mystical atmosphere and also makes it seem far more ancient than it actually is (the complex was built in the 12th century). If you need to pick one temple to spend the most time at, make it Ta Prohm. The last stop was to the largest and most well known temple which is called Angkor Wat.
Angor Wat is possibly the most impressive single temple in the entire complex bearing its name. To access it you must walk down a very long and grandiose pathway that crosses over a massive moat, through a gatehouse in the outer wall, and then much further to the base of the temple. Once inside Angkor Wat it is possible to climb the temple's stairs and take in the views from the massive spire in the center. It will likely be the busiest temple most of the time but it is certainly worth the time. Most photos you see of Angkor are of this temple, and it provides amazing opportunities for sunrise photos.
If your time will allow for it, spend at least a few days exploring all there is to see at Angkor Wat. Just always remember, never walk anywhere off of clearly designated pathways because unfortunately there are no figures on how many unexploded land mines still remain hidden in the ground throughout the country.
Here are the details for our amazing driver. You can contact him ahead of time or have your hotel contact him for you when you arrive. There are no guarantees that he still provides tours but if he does we highly recommend you use his services:
Mr. Ngeth Oeun - English Speaking Driver
+855 12 40 9036 or +855 88 98 98 983
ngethoeun2014@yahoo.com or ngethoeun7@gmail.com
#168 Veal Village, Kokchour Commune, Siem Reap District
One of the many amazing sights at Ta Prohm, the Tomb Raider Temple. The trees growing out of the temple walls are enormous.
The temple of Angkor Thom with its hundreds of remarkably detailed faces looking off into every direction.
#1
Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes, Peru
Does Machu Picchu require any introduction? 'The Lost City of the Incas' as it is known somewhat incorrectly, remained hidden from the Spanish invaders and therefore is remarkably well preserved. The Spanish destroyed or built over top of most of the more significant sites around the Inca empire, thus they were lost forever. But not Machu Picchu. It was lost under the jungle until it was discovered in 1911 and revealed to the world.
Generally, ruins made out of stone and not much else would themselves never acquire so much attention or fanfare, if not for their setting. Machu Picchu sits high in the mountains above the Sacred Valley of the Incas and dramatically straddles the ridge of the mountain it is built on. It is a massive site sprawled over the mountain top and draping over both sides in man-made terraces. Machu Picchu also extends up both peaks on either side of it, and wraps around the canyon to the north. All this was supposedly just an estate for an Inca emperor Pachacuti. The Inca abandoned it when the Spanish began to invade.
A visit to Machu Picchu requires far more planning than most tourist attractions. You must first find a day on the availability calendar that has room for everyone in your group and book your access tickets. The total amount of people the Ministry of Culture allows on a daily basis changes based on the conditions of the site but it is generally 2500. We absolutely recommend that you book the first entry time of the day so that you can be at the top to experience the incredible sunrise. Once you have your ticket to access Machu Picchu, you need to decide how you would like to make your way there from the city of Cusco. The Inca trail is one possibility but it is also very much overrated and you will find that if you want to hike in the area, there are plenty of free hikes with far less people where you can really connect with the nature around you. If you really want to say that you did it then book your permit to complete it. Instead, we recommend taking the train. The ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu is often named as one of the five most beautiful train rides on earth. We did it, and we agree. Tickets for the train are very cheap and the ride includes a meal. We used Peru Rail and we loved it.
Take your time when you are here. Try not to book on a tour that rushes you into Machu Picchu and takes you straight back to Cusco the same day. We spent six nights in the little town of Aguas Calientes and we would have been happy to have done more.
Here is the link to the Peru Rail site:
Only buy your Machu Picchu tickets at the official Ministry of Culture website here:
You can spend an entire day wandering around the site and checking out each and every individual building.
Llamas and alpacas are an important part of the grounds crew keeping the ancient site in good shape.
The Peru Rail train we took to reach Aguas Calientes. We booked well in advance and were able to get the two front seats with unobstructed views ahead and above. Incredible!
The tiny town of Aguas Calientes is nestled in the valley below Machu Picchu and is a wonderful base to explore the surrounding area.
Every angle at the top reveals more and more of how intricate the planning of the site was.
Machu Picchu is surrounded on every side by high mountain ridges. It is no wonder it remained hidden from the Spanish invaders.
The terraces are how the Inca created agricultural land where no flat earth existed. The Inca were engineering geniuses.
The sunrises from Machu Picchu are incredible. Do yourself a favor and book the very first entry time so that you can experience it.
The Honorable Mentions
CLIFFS OF MOHER - LISLARKIN NORTH, IRELAND
CLIFFS OF MOHER - LISLARKIN NORTH, IRELAND
CLIFFS OF MOHER - LISLARKIN NORTH, IRELAND
An absolutely spectacular sight to behold! Don't miss this stop when in Ireland, and leave at least a half-day free to spend here. Keep in mind, there are no guardrails or safety devices, and tourists do occasionally fall and die. Be very careful near the edge because the spray from the sea can make the pathway very muddy and slippery, even on dry sunny days. The cliffs seem to carry on forever and you can spend a few hours walking along the top in either direction from the visitor's center. The further you walk, the less people you will find.
Navagio Beach - Zakynthos, Greece
CLIFFS OF MOHER - LISLARKIN NORTH, IRELAND
CLIFFS OF MOHER - LISLARKIN NORTH, IRELAND
Navagio Beach, also known as 'Shipwreck Beach' is possibly the most intriguing beach on the planet. The beach itself is incredibly beautiful and the white limestone cliffs surrounding it contrast perfectly with the light blue sea. It is the old iron shipwreck that sits permanently on the beach that really draws the crowds though. If you make it to Zakynthos, head to the viewpoint high above the beach for an absolutely thrilling view.
Lake Bled - Bled, Slovania
CLIFFS OF MOHER - LISLARKIN NORTH, IRELAND
Lake Bled - Bled, Slovania
Not many North Americans make it to this tiny picturesque lake. Lake Bled deserves an honorable mention for how both unique and beautiful it is. The spire you see in the center of the photo is a church that is actually on a very small island in the middle of the lake. High above it on the cliffs in the background sits Bled Castle which has tremendous views of the lake below and the Slovenian countryside beyond. The small town of Bled at the far end of the lake is as lovely as it gets, with little B&B's and tons of charm.
Meteora - Kalabaka, Greece
The Acropolis - Athens, Greece
Lake Bled - Bled, Slovania
Meteora is a natural wonder. It is a landscape that conjures up images of the movie Avatar and seems like it could be the cliff where the Na'vi find and connect with their mountain banshees. The old monasteries that were built on the top of some of the rock pillars just add to the beauty. Meteora should be on your bucket list.
The Acropolis - Athens, Greece
The Acropolis - Athens, Greece
The Acropolis - Athens, Greece
Sitting high above the Greek capitol, the Acropolis of Athens must have been an imposing sight for any ancient travelers seeing it for the first time. To this day it remains a symbol of Greece and the architectural highlights are still in use. The Acropolis is a must see place that can only be truly appreciated in person.
The Colosseum - Rome, Italy
The Acropolis - Athens, Greece
The Acropolis - Athens, Greece
The Roman Colosseum is a totally iconic building, on par with the Statue of Liberty, Big Ben, and the Eiffel Tower. People all over the world will recognize all of those attractions, but the Colosseum stands out because of the colorful history and controversy it holds inside its walls. It is a beautiful site to behold even if you don't make it inside.