There’s something magnetic about UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Maybe it’s the history, the beauty, or simply the sense that you’re standing in a place that’s shaped the world in a profound way.
Over the years, I’ve been ticking them off one by one and thanks to cruising, this dream has become a reality, an unofficial bucket list that grows with every voyage.
Cruising is the perfect way to fulfil this dream. Waking up in a new country, each stop is a stamp in my memory, not just my passport.
These are some of the UNESCO sites I’ve been lucky enough to explore during my cruise travels and each one has left a profound mark on me.
What Is a UNESCO Site?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a location recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as being of outstanding cultural or natural importance to humanity.
These sites are carefully selected for their universal value, whether they represent the pinnacle of human achievement, like ancient ruins or architectural marvels, or showcase the raw beauty of nature, like coral reefs or fjords.
Chichen Itza – Mexico
During my cruise on Norwegian Prima (what a ship!) we arrived in Progresso and took a two-hour bus ride.
The day was steamy, but when I spied the incredible pyramids of Chichen Itza, all complaints of the blazing sun evaporated. These silent monuments to Mayan ingenuity stood as a portal to another civilization.
The Great Pyramids of Giza – Egypt
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza was always my number one dream – and as I disembarked the coach, my excitement manifested with my legs forgetting how to work.
Yup, clumsy Honey fell off the coach and slammed her head into the side of the bus (I’m pretty sure I gave myself a slight concussion).
But, even with stars in my eyes, standing metres away from these wonders was beyond my wildest dreams.
The golden desert, the massive stone blocks, the silent majestic Sphinx – every image was seared into my memory forever.
The Acropolis of Athens – Greece
Climbing the rocky path to the Acropolis, with the Parthenon glowing in the sunlight, was nothing short of magical, despite the throng of people also pushing their way up the path. The air was heavy with mythology and memory.
Minoan Palace of Knossos – Crete, Greece
Cruising through the Aegean Sea on board Celestyal Cruises, one of my most memorable stops was Crete, home to the legendary Minoan civilisation.
Visiting the Palace of Knossos was like stepping into a myth. Colourful frescoes, labyrinthine corridors and ancient artifacts telling stories of Europe’s earliest advanced society.
Pompeii – Naples, Italy
When I was eight, I watched a documentary on Pompeii and vowed to visit this eerie city that was buried by lava.
Despite the horror that caused this devastation with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the site felt alive.
Frescoes still clinging to walls, ovens still in kitchens and streets worn down by Roman sandals and chariot wheels. And let’s not forget to mention the brothel
Ephesus – Turkey
After docking at Kusadasi in Turkey, my shore excursion to Ephesus was incredible – I’ve actually been back twice!
The ancient city whispers stories of gods, emperors and early Christianity. Walking through its marble streets, the grand Library of Celsus and the vast amphitheatre transported me back to Roman times.
Ephesus is a perfect blend of architectural grandeur and historical depth. I’d encourage every cruiser to visit this magnificent site.
Colosseum – Rome, Italy
That first glimpse of the Colosseum, right in the middle of bustling Rome, is outstanding.
I stood outside taking in the sheer size (it’s impossible to get the whole structure in one photo) while inside the arena, history came alive!
I could almost hear the gladiators below and the roar of the crowds above. It was truly a ‘pinch me’ moment.
Schönbrunn Palace – Vienna, Austria
During my Viking river cruise on the Danube, I had the chance to visit Schönbrunn Palace. This magnificent former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors rivals Versailles.
Walking through the opulent rooms and vast gardens, the palace showcased the grandeur of imperial Europe. Its baroque architecture and perfectly manicured grounds tell stories of power, art and history.
Paphos – Cyprus
Do not snooze on Cyprus – Paphos is rich with history and myth. The ancient mosaics in the Houses of Dionysos and Theseus are remarkable and exquisitely preserved. Their vibrant colours and intricate designs have survived millennia.
There’s still so much more to see: Machu Picchu, Petra, Angkor, the Galápagos, the list is long and hopefully I’ll have even more astounding moments as I cruise through this thing called life.
