Visit the 7 Wonders: A Journey Through the World’s Greatest Icons

Introduction: Why We Dream to Visit the 7 Wonders

There’s a certain magic in standing before something so vast, so intricate, so timeless, that words seem to fall away. Imagine the rising sun brushing golden light across the stone temples of Chichen Itza. Picture yourself walking through the narrow Siq canyon and catching your first glimpse of the rose-red Treasury of Petra. Or take in the sweeping view from the top of the Great Wall of China, where history stretches as far as the horizon.

To visit the 7 Wonders of the world is not just a travel goal. It’s a chance to touch humanity’s greatest achievements, to walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, emperors, artisans, and dreamers. This guide will take you through the New Seven Wonders of the World, voted by millions of travellers across the globe in 2007, with one special honorary mention. Together, they form a bucket list unlike any other.

Many of these Wonders are also recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ensuring their protection for generations to come.

These monuments also align with Emerging Travel Trends for 2025, as travellers seek more meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime journeys.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• Why each Wonder deserves its place.
• The best ways to visit, including tips on timing, tickets, and where to stay.
• Suggested itineraries for different styles of travel.
• How Jamie Wake Travel can help you turn this once-in-a-lifetime dream into reality.

So, where will your journey begin?

Which 7 Wonders Are We Visiting?

For clarity, we’ll focus on the New Seven Wonders of the World:

1. Chichen Itza, Mexico
2. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
3. Machu Picchu, Peru
4. The Colosseum, Italy
5. The Taj Mahal, India
6. The Great Wall of China, China
7. Petra, Jordan

And as a respectful nod to history, we’ll also highlight the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt, which holds honorary Wonder status as the last surviving Ancient Wonder.

Suggested Ways to Visit the 7 Wonders

Because the Wonders are scattered across four continents, planning a route depends on your style of travel.

Here are three suggested approaches:

The Adventurer’s Fast-Track (12–14 days)

• Mexico → Peru → Brazil → Italy → Jordan → India → China
  Ideal for those with limited time but boundless energy. Expect early flights and whirlwind city breaks.

The Balanced Explorer (3–4 weeks)

• Mexico → Peru → Brazil → Italy → Jordan → India → China
  Spend 3–4 nights in each country, allowing time to explore beyond the Wonder itself. Perfect for honeymooners or those taking extended leave.

The Luxury Slow Traveller (6–8 weeks)

Begin in Europe (Italy), then sweep east through Jordan, India, China, before flying west to South America. Includes private guides, luxury hotels, and scenic train journeys where possible.

Whichever way you choose, Jamie Wake Travel can tailor your journey—building in everything from skip-the-line tickets to expert-led tours that reveal each Wonder’s hidden stories.

Not sure where to begin? Our feature on the Top Ten Holiday Destinations in 2025 offers inspiration beyond the Wonders themselves.

Wonder 1: Chichen Itza, Mexico

Why It’s a Wonder

Deep in the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichen Itza stands as a testament to the Maya civilisation. The iconic El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán) dominates the site, its 365 steps aligned with astronomical precision. During the spring and autumn equinox, a shadow serpent slithers down its steps—a spectacle that still leaves visitors in awe.

How to Visit Chichen Itza

• Nearest hub: Cancún or Mérida (2–3 hours’ drive).
• Best time to visit: Arrive early morning (before 10 am) to avoid heat and crowds. Avoid Easter and Christmas when it’s busiest.
• Tickets: Around 614 MXN (£28), payable partly in pesos and partly in card.
• Smart tip: Stay overnight in the colonial town of Valladolid—quieter, authentic, and closer to the ruins.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Chablé Yucatán – An award-winning wellness retreat set in a restored 19th-century hacienda, blending spa indulgence with cultural heritage.
• Mid-range: Hotel Mesón del Marqués in Valladolid, offering colonial charm, rooftop dining, and an easy early departure to Chichen Itza.
• Authentic local stay: Boutique eco-lodges like Casa Tía Micha for traditional Yucatecan hospitality.

Insider Experience

Walk through the ancient ball court and clap your hands—hear the echo bounce back in a way that seems almost supernatural. Stand at the base of El Castillo at dawn, when the light turns its limestone steps golden.

Jamie Says:

“The Yucatán is more than just beaches—it’s history, food, and warm Mexican culture. After exploring Chichen Itza, why not cool off in one of the region’s famous cenotes? We can add private cenote visits to your trip, away from the crowds.”

Wonder 2: Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Why It’s a Wonder

High above Rio de Janeiro, arms spread wide in a gesture of peace, Christ the Redeemer is more than a statue. At 30 metres tall and perched on the 710-metre-high Corcovado Mountain, it’s a symbol of faith, resilience, and Brazil’s vibrant spirit. Whether you’re admiring it from the beaches of Copacabana or standing at its base, the view is unforgettable.

How to Visit Christ the Redeemer

• Nearest hub: Rio de Janeiro.
• Best time to visit: Early morning (before 9 am) or late afternoon for golden light. Clear days are essential—clouds can hide the view.
• Tickets: About 89 BRL (£14) including train up the mountain. Buy online in advance to avoid queues.
• Smart tip: For fewer crowds, take the van service from Paineiras Visitor Centre instead of the main train line.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Belmond Copacabana Palace – A Rio icon on Copacabana Beach, offering glamour, Michelin-starred dining, and breathtaking views.
• Mid-range: Arena Copacabana Hotel – Stylish rooms with rooftop pool, right on the beach.
• Boutique: Mama Ruisa in Santa Teresa – A charming colonial mansion in Rio’s arty quarter.

Insider Experience

As you ascend Corcovado, the city opens beneath you—the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Maracanã Stadium, the endless coastline. At sunset, the statue glows with a gentle light, as samba rhythms echo faintly from the streets below.

Jamie Says:

“Rio is a feast for the senses. Combine Christ the Redeemer with a cable-car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain and a samba show for an unforgettable taste of Brazil. We can craft a stay that balances beach relaxation with vibrant city life.”

Wonder 3: Machu Picchu, Peru

Why It’s a Wonder

Lost in the misty heights of the Andes, Machu Picchu is the ancient Inca citadel that remained hidden from the outside world until 1911. Its terraced slopes, temples, and stone houses cling to a mountain ridge 2,430 metres above sea level. Mystical, spiritual, and breathtaking—this is a Wonder that feels alive.

How to Visit Machu Picchu

• Nearest hub: Cusco. Travel via train to Aguas Calientes, then bus or hike up to the site.
• Best time to visit: May to October (dry season). Arrive at dawn for magical mist and fewer people.
• Tickets: Limited numbers per day, from around $40 (£33). Book months in advance.
• Smart tip: Choose the less crowded Circuit 1 or 2 for sweeping views. For the adventurous, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (permit required).

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – The only hotel at the entrance to Machu Picchu, perfect for early access before the crowds.
• Mid-range: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes—eco-luxury with lush gardens and birdlife.
• Authentic: Rupa Wasi Eco Lodge—cosy treetop-style cabins with stunning valley views.

Insider Experience

Stand in the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) as the first rays of dawn strike the citadel. The llamas graze quietly as clouds swirl through the valley below. It’s a scene that will etch itself into your memory forever.

Jamie Says:

“Few places move travellers like Machu Picchu. Whether you prefer the comfort of the train or the challenge of the Inca Trail, we’ll help you choose the best way to experience this Wonder without stress.”

Wonder 4: The Colosseum, Italy

Why It’s a Wonder

In the heart of Rome, the Colosseum stands as a colossal reminder of the Roman Empire’s power and spectacle. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, this amphitheatre once held 50,000 spectators who came to watch gladiator battles, dramas, and public events. Today, its weathered stone arches and echoing corridors still inspire awe.

If the Colosseum inspires you, our guide to Spring City Breaks in Rome offers more ideas for blending history with modern Italian culture.

How to Visit the Colosseum

• Nearest hub: Rome.
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late evening in spring and autumn. Avoid peak midday summer heat.
• Tickets: Around €18 (£16), including access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Skip-the-line tours are highly recommended.
• Smart tip: Visit at night for a special guided tour by torchlight—fewer crowds, a magical atmosphere.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Hotel de Russie – A stylish retreat between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, offering serene gardens and spa indulgence.
• Mid-range: Hotel Artemide – Central location, rooftop restaurant, and excellent value for money.
• Authentic: Nerva Boutique Hotel – A family-run gem near the Roman Forum, blending intimacy with history.

Insider Experience

Stand in the underground hypogeum, where gladiators once awaited their fate. Look up through the arches and imagine the roar of the crowds. Even in ruins, the Colosseum tells its story with raw power.

Jamie Says:

“Rome is an open-air museum. After the Colosseum, wander to the Pantheon, enjoy a gelato in Piazza Navona, or let us arrange a guided Vatican tour. We’ll ensure your days in the Eternal City balance history, flavour, and relaxation.”

Wonder 5: The Taj Mahal, India

Why It’s a Wonder

The Taj Mahal is a love letter in marble. Commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, its ivory domes and reflecting pools embody eternal devotion. At sunrise, its white stone glows soft pink; at sunset, it shimmers gold. It is as romantic as it is grand.

How to Visit the Taj Mahal

• Nearest hub: Agra, about 3 hours by train or car from Delhi.
• Best time to visit: Sunrise for the softest light and cooler air. Fridays are closed to non-worshippers.
• Tickets: Around 1,100 INR (£11) for foreign visitors. Book online to save time.
• Smart tip: Head to Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River for breathtaking sunset views without the crowds.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: The Oberoi Amarvilas – With direct views of the Taj from every room, this is one of the world’s most iconic hotels. Private balconies, Mughal-inspired décor, and impeccable service.
• Mid-range: Trident Agra – Comfortable, modern, and close to the monument.
• Authentic: Coral Tree Homestay – Warm hospitality in a family-run guesthouse, just a short tuk-tuk ride from the Taj.

Insider Experience

As you pass through the red sandstone gateway, the Taj slowly reveals itself—a vision so perfect it seems unreal. Watch the marble change colour as the day passes; each shade tells a different story.

Jamie Says:

“India is a land of contrasts and colours. Pair the Taj Mahal with Jaipur’s palaces or a tiger safari in Ranthambore. We’ll craft your journey to showcase both India’s romance and adventure.”

Wonder 6: The Great Wall of China, China

Why It’s a Wonder

Stretching over 21,000 kilometres, the Great Wall of China is one of humanity’s most ambitious feats. Built, rebuilt, and maintained over centuries to protect empires, it snakes across mountains, valleys, and deserts. Walking along its ramparts, you can almost feel the weight of history under your feet.

For adventurous travellers, both Machu Picchu’s high-altitude trails and the rugged stretches of the Great Wall feature in our roundup of the Top 5 Destinations for Adventure Seekers.

How to Visit the Great Wall

• Nearest hub: Beijing.
• Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
• Tickets: Prices vary depending on the section—Mutianyu (40 CNY / £5) is popular; Jinshanling and Simatai are quieter and more rugged.
• Smart tip: Avoid Badaling unless you don’t mind heavy crowds. Mutianyu offers a great balance of accessibility and fewer tourists.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Commune by the Great Wall – A striking boutique hotel with villas designed by Asian architects, nestled in the mountains.
• Mid-range: Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu – Converted from an old tile factory, eco-friendly with stunning views.
• Authentic: Guesthouses in Gubei Water Town near Simatai Wall for a traditional village atmosphere.

Insider Experience

Take the cable car up to Mutianyu and then walk a stretch of the wall in silence, with forested hills rolling endlessly in the distance. At sunrise, the mist curls between watchtowers—an image that will stay forever.

Jamie Says:

“Walking the Great Wall is a life goal for many. We’ll help you choose the right section for your comfort and interests—whether it’s a gentle family walk or a challenging trek along the wild, unrestored stretches.”

Wonder 7: Petra, Jordan

Why It’s a Wonder

Carved into rose-red cliffs, Petra is known as the “Rose City.” Once a thriving Nabatean capital, it flourished as a trading hub more than 2,000 years ago. Hidden in the desert, it was rediscovered by the Western world in 1812. Today, its rock-cut façades and tombs astonish travellers at every turn.

Travellers who love the mystery of Petra and the pyramids often continue their journey with other legendary sites. See our feature on Exploring Ancient Ruins and Lost Cities.

How to Visit Petra

• Nearest hub: Amman (3-hour drive) or Aqaba (2-hour drive).
• Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Summers can be brutally hot.
• Tickets: 50 JOD (£57) for one day, discounts for multi-day passes.
• Smart tip: Arrive at dawn to walk the Siq (the narrow gorge) in peace, and return at night for the enchanting candlelit Petra by Night experience.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Mövenpick Resort Petra – Just steps from the entrance, with Arabesque interiors and rooftop terrace views.
• Mid-range: Petra Moon Hotel – Comfortable, friendly, and within walking distance of the gate.
• Authentic: Petra Guest House Hotel – Built around ancient caves, offering a genuine connection to the site’s heritage.

Insider Experience

Step through the Siq, and suddenly the Treasury appears—a dramatic reveal that never fails to draw gasps. Beyond the Treasury, climb up to the Monastery, far larger yet less crowded, and enjoy tea with Bedouins along the way.

Jamie Says:

“Petra is breathtaking, but don’t stop at the Treasury. Let us arrange a guided hike to the Monastery or Little Petra, where you’ll see a quieter, more intimate side of this Wonder.”

Honorary Wonder: The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

Why It’s Special

Although not part of the official New Seven Wonders, the Great Pyramid of Giza holds an honorary place as the last surviving Ancient Wonder. Built over 4,500 years ago, this monumental tomb of Pharaoh Khufu still amazes with its scale and precision. Standing 146 metres tall in its prime, it was the tallest man-made structure for millennia.

How to Visit the Great Pyramid

• Nearest hub: Cairo.
• Best time to visit: October to April, when temperatures are cooler.
• Tickets: Entry to the Giza Plateau is around 200 EGP (£6). Additional tickets are required to enter the pyramid interiors.
• Smart tip: Arrive early or late to avoid midday tour buses. Stay for the evening Sound and Light Show for an atmospheric retelling of the pyramids’ history.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Marriott Mena House – A legendary hotel with pyramid views from the poolside.
• Mid-range: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel – Comfortable with excellent views.
• Authentic: Boutique hotels in Giza village offering rooftop terraces overlooking the pyramids.

Insider Experience

Ride a camel across the desert plateau at sunrise, the pyramids glowing gold against the horizon. Step inside the Grand Gallery and marvel at the precision engineering achieved thousands of years ago.

Jamie Says:

“Egypt’s treasures go far beyond the pyramids. Combine Giza with a Nile cruise, exploring Luxor and Aswan with expert guides. We’ll ensure your Egyptian journey is as smooth as it is inspiring.”

Travel & Visa Tips for Visiting the 7 Wonders

Because the Wonders span four continents, careful planning is essential:

• Visas: India, China, Jordan, and Egypt typically require advance visas. Many others offer e-visas or visa-on-arrival. Jamie Wake Travel can advise on the latest entry requirements.
• Vaccinations: Recommended jabs vary—check NHS Fit for Travel before departure.
• Altitude: Machu Picchu sits at high altitude—acclimatise in Cusco for at least 2 days before visiting.
• Crowds: All Wonders are popular. Early entry, multi-day passes, and guided tours make for a more relaxed experience.
• Seasons: Plan around weather—avoid peak summer heat in Petra and the Taj, and avoid the rainy season in Peru.

Conscious travellers can also explore our guide to the Top Eco-Friendly Destinations for 2025 to pair green values with bucket-list adventures.

Your Booking Protections

When you book with Jamie Wake Travel, you’re protected every step of the way:

• ATOL Protection – Financial protection for your holiday package.
• Supplier Failure Insurance – Cover if a supplier goes out of business.
• 24/7 Local Support – Assistance abroad for peace of mind.

For extra reassurance, see our article on Why Payment Links Offer More Protection when booking your holiday and because unexpected events can arise, our blog on Why Travel Insurance is Essential explains how to stay fully covered.

Travelling to multiple countries can feel daunting, but with Jamie Wake Travel, every transfer, ticket, and detail is taken care of.

Why Choose Jamie Wake Travel to Visit the 7 Wonders

Visiting all seven Wonders is a dream few achieve. Whether you want to tick them off in one grand adventure or explore them gradually, Jamie Wake Travel makes it simple, safe, and extraordinary.

We offer:

• Tailored itineraries that match your pace, from whirlwind tours to luxurious slow journeys.
• Handpicked hotels that blend comfort with local flavour.
• Trusted local guides who bring history to life.
• Seamless logistics, so you spend time exploring, not worrying.

Learn more about what makes travelling with us unique in The Jamie Wake Travel Experience.

Ready to begin? Call us on 01495 400005, or use our easy online enquiry form. You can also browse our website’s search tool to create bespoke holidays as unique as you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

To visit the 7 Wonders is to step into the greatest story humanity has ever written—one of ambition, artistry, and endurance. Each Wonder is unique, yet together they remind us of our shared history and capacity for wonder.



With Jamie Wake Travel, this dream is closer than you think. We’ll help you craft a journey that’s seamless, protected, and unforgettable. Because seeing the Wonders isn’t just about the monuments—it’s about the memories you’ll carry forever.