Truly, one of life’s great delights is cheese. Whether served after dinner with Ligurian olives, melted into a mornay sauce or simply between two slices of freshly baked bread, it can be either an elegant or a simple pleasure.

“Dessert without cheese is like a beauty with only one eye”– Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, author of The Physiology of Taste

Although you may be able to get Limburger or Camembert in your local deli, nothing beats tasting it in the region that it is created. The wonderful news is that many of the world’s best cheese producers have opened their borders again and the time is ripe to explore them. If you’re seeking some off the beaten track experiences, then perhaps you should choose a luxury guided tour to one of these incredible destinations. Discover the small towns where specialty cheeses originate and perhaps uncover some new cheeses in surprising places. It’s the perfect excuse to feast your way through your vacation.

From the Oldest to the Bubbliest

Fondue in Switzerland. Photo by angela pham on Unsplash

A land of snow-capped peaks and bucolic meadows, Switzerland is not just famous for its chocolate, but also its cheeses. Many people will associate Emmentaler with the country, instantly recognizable from its signature eyes. However, cheese lovers will find there are many more varieties to enjoy on the Majestic Switzerland tour with Luxury Gold.

Visit La Gruyères, the mecca of cheese in Switzerland, on the eighth day of your luxury tour. There you will experience the ultimate treat, a bubbling fondue made with the local delicacy. Don’t miss the chance to try Sbrinz, one of the oldest cheeses, that was first mentioned in official records in 70 A.D. It pairs well with a glass of Barolo.

The Cheese Regions of France

Camembert Cheese. Photo by Margaret Jaszowska on Unsplash

Visitors to France are spoiled for choice with the variety of cheeses on offer. In Bordeaux where it’s customary to have cheese with your wine, try a velvety Merlot with a flavorful Tome de Brebis with Piment d’Espelette. The famous cheese cave at Baud et Millet houses over 100 varieties and is an excellent place for cheese tasting tours.

In Normandy, you can explore the Cheese Museum and President Farm, where Camembert originates. If you’re venturing to the French Alps, try Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie and Beaufort cheeses. Travel on Luxury Gold’s French Vogue tour and enjoy a gourmet food walk, which will take you to tiny cheese shops of Paris.

Scotland and England

Stilton Blue Cheese. Photo by Coombe Castle

Although Scotland isn’t the first place one would think of when it comes to cheese, travelers will find an excellent selection of farmhouse cheeses in the small country. From the marbled Cambus O’May that melts in your mouth, to the salty and tangy Lanark Blue that is created from raw sheep’s milk. England is famous for its Stilton, as the town of the same name can be found in Cambridgeshire, though the cheese is no longer made there. The crusted, blue veined cheese is often served in celery or broccoli soup and sometimes blended into a mouth watering sauce for steak.

In the rolling valleys of the Cotswolds, you’ll see where the semi-hard Gloucester cheese is made and an annual cheese rolling competition takes place. Guests traveling on the British Royale tour can discover more about cheesemaking in the United Kingdom and sample some of the delightful offerings, including Stilton, found on many restaurant menus.

A Feast for All the Senses

Mozzarella cheese. Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography from Pexels

In a country where cheese is central to their national dishes, it’s no surprise that Italy has some well-known cheesemakers. Mozzarella, gorgonzola, pecorino, ricotta, Parmigano-Reggiano – Italy has such a diverse range of cheese tastes that you could spend your whole vacation trying a new one each day. Join the Ultimate Italy tour and make sure you sample a few on your 12-day adventure.

If you’re journeying to Sardinia, you may come across the controversial  casu marzu containing live insect larvae that is exclusively made on the island. It is a traditional delicacy on the island, but it is actually illegal in the EU and the United States.

The Region of Don Quixote and Manchego

Manchego Cheese. Photo by the Cheese Connoisseur

Those familiar with Spain will most likely have tried Manchego, the sheep’s milk cheese that comes from the herds of Albacete, Toledo and Ciudad Real. It’s buttery flavor goes well with a glass of Tempranillo and it can almost be spicy when matured for a lengthy period. Join the Spain & Portugal in Style tour and you’ll certainly see Manchego on sale at the markets of Andalusia on Day 7 of your journey. If you venture further north, you’ll find Basque specialties such as Ossau-Iraty and the smoky Idiazabal.

A Well-Kept Secret

Gamalost Cheese. Photo by cheesemaking.com

Travelers on the Timeless Scandinavia tour may be surprised to discover that Norway is home to two world champion cheeses, Kraftkar, a blue cheese and Fanaost, a semi hard cheese that comes from a tiny dairy farm south of Bergen. The moist, coarse Gamalost is a unique cheese that is celebrated in a four day festival every year in the town of Vik, set amid the western fjords of Norway. It has a distinctive smell and is enjoyed with buttered bread and cranberry jelly.

The World’s Largest Cheese Producer

Rogue Creamery Rogue River Blue. Photo by the Cheese Connoisseur

The United States produces the most cheese every year and it also exports the most cheese around the world. However, does that mean that it has best cheese, or is it simply quantity over quality? That’s no longer up for debate, as Rogue Creamery’s Rogue River Blue no.1 took first place at the World Cheese Awards in 2019.

On the Vibrant Quebec and New England tour, you’ll venture into Vermont, which is home to some of the most incredible artisanal cheeses in the country. Try Cabot Clothbound Cheddar with some crisp apple slices or Vermont Shepherd Verano, an earthy cheese made from sheep’s milk.

Canadian Cheese Culture

Allegretto Cheese. photo by scoutmagazine.ca

Samuel de Champlain brought cows from Normandy to Canada in the early 1600s, and thus began the tradition of cheesemaking in the country. Cheddar cheese became one of the main exportable products of dairy farmers for over 50 years, but that declined over the course of the 20th century.

Discover the cheeses of Quebec on the Indulgence in Eastern Canada tour. The area is home to over 100 cheesemakers and you’ll enjoy a tasting picnic on day 6 of your vacation. Look out for the creamy Cantonnier, with notes of hazelnut and the sweeter Allegretto.

Pair with a Fruity Red

Gippsland Blue. photo by Two Providores

In a country that has established itself on the international wine scene, it’s perhaps predictable that it has a robust cheese market too. Gippsland Blue is aged in underground cellars to develop blue vein characteristics; this is a wonderful accompaniment to a sweet dessert wine. Mandolin is a supple, crumbly cheese from south Australia that develops a rusty red appearance.

If you’re looking for luxury guided travel Down Under, check out Inspiring Australia with Luxury Gold.

Cheese Tastes All Over the World

If you’re craving a cheese tasting experience this summer, then check out Luxury Gold’s last minute specials. Several of the luxury guided tours listed above have great savings right now, or you may even discover a new artisan cheesemaker somewhere unexpected. It’s time to get out and explore again.

“The journey has its own lyrics

A duet of balanced motion

The rails and wheels in tune.”      

Richard L.Ratliff

There is something timeless about traveling by train. It slows down the pace and allows you to soak up grand stretches of scenery from the comfort of a palace on wheels. Rather than flying over vast expansive countries, you can immerse further in scenic delights that many will never see.  Luxury rail travel tours give you the opportunity to escape the mundane and exchange the cacophony of modern life for the gentle hum of the train on the tracks.

From industrious commuter trains that hug craggy cliffsides overhanging the Mediterranean to the grand dames that wind through thousands of miles of snowy white terrain, rail fans can find a journey that completely indulges their passion. Luxury Gold offers travelers the chance to add VIP Guided tours by train so you can dip your toe into the charms of some of the world’s best rail journeys. Read on to discover three of the most famous luxury rail tours that you can add onto your Luxury Gold journey.

DELVE INTO THE ROMANCE OF RUSSIA BY RAIL

Luxury Gold’s Remarkable Russia tour is truly a spectacle for the senses, but adding the Trans Siberian Express option raises this journey by degrees of magnitude.

After the decadence and historical wonders of St Petersburg and Moscow, it’s time to board to Golden Eagle for one of the greatest luxury train tours on earth. Journey deep into Russia to explore less visited cities and some of the most spectacular lake and mountainside destinations on the planet.

The Trans Siberian railway line stretches 9,288 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok, which makes it the longest single–service railway in the world. This extraordinary feat of engineering was opened in stages between 1891 and 1916, and it has become a lifeline for the communities that it passes through, providing work and links to wider Russia that could much more difficult to access via road.

Your home for the journey is a private en suite cabin with your own personal attendant to address any needs you may have, or offer advice on your stay. All your creature comforts are looked after onboard, so you can journey with the utmost ease. The elegant dining car is a welcoming place for all meals and the Executive Chef offers special meals that reflect the traditional dishes of each place along the way.

First stop is the city of Kazan, situated on the longest river in Europe, the River Volga. Embark on a city tour that takes in the many wonders of historical significance, including the striking blue-domed Kremlin, once the historic citadel of Russia. The following day you’ll awaken in the capital of the Urals, Yekaterinburg, where you’ll see the obelisk marking the divide between Asia and Europe as you sip Champagne with your fellow travelers.

After another night in the comfort of your hotel on wheels, Novosibirsk is the next stop, right in the heart of Russia. Here, a highlight is the Opera House in Lenin Square, one of the largest in the world and home to two ballet and opera companies.

Your journey on this remarkable route allows plenty of time for relaxation on the Golden Eagle, with diversions such as Russian lessons and engaging talks on local history and culture by expert guest speakers. Expansive windows let you appreciate the awe-inspiring views as this vast landscape sweeps by. Relax with a drink in the Bar Lounge Car with the sounds of the piano tinkling in the background.

You’ll spend the day in Irkutsk, also known as the Paris of Siberia, where you’ll visit the Volkonsky House Museum to see the lives of the failed Decembrists recreated. Spend a day chugging alongside the incredible Lake Baikal, which holds 20% of the world’s fresh water. You can take a refreshing dip, or simply capture some fantastic photos of its astounding beauty. Leave the train for a boat ride to a Baikal settlement to meet the local people and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area at the museum and aquarium.

In Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic, you’ll be treated to a concert amid the local people, hearing songs in their language and partaking in their traditions. Explore Ulaan Baatar in Mongolia and immerse yourself in the rich culture of country with its fascinating history dating back to Genghis Khan.

Your final day onboard will be spent passing through Khabarovsk on the River Amur. Soak up the last relaxing moments of this unforgettable train ride before reaching the military port of Vladivostok, which was closed to tourists for more than 60 years. This completes your journey on the Trans Siberian Express, which will live long in your memory.

FEEL THE SPIRIT OF THE 1920’S ON THE VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS

Stepping onto the Venice Simplon Orient Express is like taking a leap back to a more glamorous era, where train travel was not simply a means of getting from A to B, and the most popular rail travel tours were limited to the elite.

Now, you can get a taste of the 1920s and 1930s when you add the Venice Simplon Orient Express option to your Ultimate Italy tour with Luxury Gold. This lovingly-restored train has been traveling this route since 1982 and it was the setting for a series of “Whicker’s World”, a British television show where travel journalist Alan Whicker interviewed guests and celebrities as they traveled in style. Sir Michael Palin also took this train, spending the first leg of “Around the World in 80 Days” in sleeping carriage 3544.

After a leisurely tour that takes in the magnificence of Rome, the captivating Isle of Capri and the luscious food and wine of Tuscany, your Italian affair will lead you to magical Venice, where you can bask in the allure of the city before being whisked away on the Venice Simplon Orient Express to Paris.

Join the train in late morning, gently departing Venice Santa Lucia station, saying ciao to the City of Bridges. Pass through the pretty Padua before reaching the pink-hued buildings of Verona, and then emerging slowly into exquisite Alpine scenery. Afternoon tea is served, adding an element of culinary delight to this slow afternoon onboard. Mingle with fellow travelers in the Champagne Bar, or simply enjoy the view.

Dining is an integral part of your experience on board the Venice Simplon Orient Express, but not only for the epicurean splendor. Each dining car has its own personality, inviting guests into a bygone era where dressing up for dinner was non-negotiable. Step into Cote d’Azur to see the René Lalique glass, admire the stunning marquetry of Etoile du Nord and unwind among the flamboyant furnishings of L’Oriental.

Meals are a celebration, with seasonal ingredients carefully selected from the destinations the train travels through, such as fine shellfish from the shores of Brittany and tender vegetables from Provence. Special requests and dietary needs are catered for and every morsel is a delight. The French chefs deliver gourmet excellence every time, so you can be assured of a first class meal.

If you can peel yourself away from the stories at the bar, a restful night sleep awaits in your beautiful art deco cabin. While the rooms have been updated for modern comfort, you’ll still feel the glamor of another age. Plush seating is perfect to relax and gaze out on the passing scenery while the silky damask sheets invite you to snuggle in for a few winks before waking up in France.

Breakfast is served in your cabin at a time to suit you, as this marvellous train ride glides gently into the City of Light. There’s no better way to arrive in Paris for your stay.

GRASP THE GLORY OF THE ROCKIES ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

Imagine the icy peaks looming over you as you travel through national parks in a bi-level glass dome coach? Choose the Majesty of the Rockies with GoldLeaf Service to fully appreciate the grandeur of this scenery.

On Day three of your luxury guided tour through Canada, you’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver and leave the coastline to travel deep into British Columbia. The enormous windows provide you with sweeping views across the landscape, which changes from thriving green meadows into abundant firs that climb the mountainside.

You’ll experience exceptional service onboard from dedicated hosts alongside your Traveling Concierge. Be entertained by the stories of each landmark you pass, or spy the incredible wildlife as you sip on a refreshing drink. A delectable lunch is served in the lower lounge as the beautiful scenery unfolds outside the windows. If you fancy some fresh air, you can step onto the outdoor viewing platform to really stand amid the giant Rockies.

The first day’s highlights include Hell’s Gate in Fraser Canyon, a narrow tidal strait that the water rushes through, which makes for an exhilarating crossing. The steep slopes by Thompson river offer plentiful photo opportunities before you reach Kamloops, where you’ll bed down at a luxury hotel for the night.

The following morning, you’ll return to the Rocky Mountaineer for more dramatic vistas from your railway vantage point. Follow the North Thompson River through the Monashee mountains, where gold, copper and silver are mined from the foothills. Then the luxury train will wind through the Cariboo Mountains, a true wilderness with lofty serrated peaks and glacial lakes. See the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, standing at 12,972 feet and climb over the Yellowhead Pass that straddles the Continental Divide. Another incredible feature of this area is the Pyramid Falls, which can’t be accessed from any trail, but the view from the Rocky Mountaineer is unsurpassed.

Arrive in Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for your stay at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge on the unspoiled shores of Lac Beauvert.

If you’re a traveler who wants to appreciate more about the history and culture of a destination, then visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site should be part of your itinerary. These extraordinary places can be a natural phenomenon or a historic monument and some even combine both, but all are striking in their representation of humanity.

Currently, there are more than 1,100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted around the globe, although Italy and India have a wealth of them for locals and tourists to admire. If you need inspiration for your next luxury travel adventure, then look no further. The good news is that many Luxury Gold tours feature several UNESCO World Heritage Sites on their itinerary, so you can relax in the space and style you need while immersing yourself in the wonders of the world. We’ve gathered the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites to add to your luxury travel wish list.

Iguassu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Available on Classic South America Tour

Iguassu Falls

Chosen as one of the new seven natural Wonders of the World, Iguassu Falls comprises 257 waterfalls across an area of 2.7 kilometers. Iguassu Falls sits along the borders between Argentina and Brazil and is accessible from either country. The Falls are a truly jaw-dropping sight – they are taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, and the area is home to an incredible ecosystem with butterflies, monkeys and even jaguars.

The Devil’s Throat is the most well-known waterfall in the immense system of cascading falls. Venture along many yards of footbridges to catch sight of it thundering over 260 feet and creating a plume of misty spray. If you join the Classic South America tour, you can stay in Belmond Das Cataratas, the only luxury resort located inside the Brazil Iguassu National Park, just moments from the falls.

On the Brazilian side of the Falls, you can visit the Bird Park, which shelters more than 1,000 birds, as well as butterflies and many different reptiles native to South America.

Memphis and its Necropolis, Egypt with the Great Pyramids of Giza

Available on Elegance of Egypt tour

Pyramids of Giza

For any inquisitive traveler seeking to learn more about ancient civilization, Egypt offers a vast number of historical sites and artifacts to discover. Chief among these is the sprawling Memphis and its Necropolis, once the capital of Ancient Egypt, established around 3,000 B.C. and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join a knowledgeable Egyptologist on the Elegance of Egypt tour to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, the enormous tombs whose construction still interests scientists today. Venture into the center to see the chambers where great pharaohs were buried, while hearing more about some of the most important surviving monuments of humankind.

Visitors can marvel at the enigmatic Sphinx, the oldest known monumental structure in Egypt and explore further to learn about the many great dynasties that inhabited this land.

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, Egypt

Available on Elegance of the Pharaohs tour

Statue in the temple of Karnak

Staying in Egypt, Thebes was classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Once home to the wealthiest people in the country, the majestic remains of the city stand as a testament to the Middle and New Kingdom’s of Egypt.

Delve deep into the grand history at Karnak, the largest temple complex ever built, and stand in awe of Rameses II, as his shadow is cast beneath the hot sun. Luxury Gold offers VIP tours so guests can stroll around the Temple of Luxor after hours, away from the crowds. It is a chance to scan the hieroglyphics carved thousands of years ago and hear more from your Egyptologist on the lives of those who lived during these impressive civilizations. Every step brings a new discovery, as the area is truly an open-air museum.

Agra Fort, India 

Available on Spirit of North and South India tour

Agra Fort

Comprising a number of fairy tale palaces, Agra Fort is a 16th century Mughal monument that is recognizable by its looming red sandstone walls. It was home to Mughal emperors until 1638, when the capital moved to Delhi.

The fort is, in fact, a walled city and Luxury Gold guests can stay inside the walls in the grandeur of Mughal Agra, an opulent resort perfectly placed for exploring the marble towers and courtyard gardens of the fort. There’s also the opportunity for VIP tours to meet local people, enjoy tea and pakoras on a rooftop and hear more about the heritage of this historic municipality.

Taj Mahal, India 

Available on Imperial Rajasthan tour

Taj Mahal

Just minutes away is the most iconic symbol of love in the world: the Taj Mahal. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, it has long been admired for its beauty, architecture and intricate design. It was built between 1632 and 1653 by the fifth Mughal emperor Shahjahan as a shrine to his wife, Mumtaz, who died in childbirth.

The best time to visit this stunning monument is at dawn, when the morning rays of sunshine seem to turn the white marble to shades of pink and orange. With Luxury Gold, this is all arranged in advance, so you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic icon as the sun rises.

Jaipur, India

Available on Essence of India with Ranthambore tour

The pride of Rajasthan, Jaipur, was only classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. This glorious walled city was founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II and is a remarkable example of urban planning that also happens to be incredibly aesthetically pleasing.

Within the city walls are many places of interest, including the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a staggering building that rises five stories in a configuration of honeycombed hives. Take in the City Palace Museum and enjoy a VIP experience of tea in the Royal Families living room.

Banff and Jasper National Parks, Canada 

Available on the Majesty of the Rockies tour

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are a stunning area of natural beauty with imposing snowy peaks, lush forests and serene lakes that reflect the surrounding landscapes. The seven national parks in the region have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. This is nature at its unaltered finest. On Luxury Gold’s Majesty of the Rockies tour there is the opportunity to take it all in without the need for tiring days of driving.

Catch a glimpse of Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies, before arriving at Jasper National Park. Here you can see giant hanging glaciers and stroll through cavernous canyons while keeping an eye out for the myriad animals that populate the park, including bears, bighorn sheep and deer, as well as many more species.

Take a cruise on the still waters of Maligne Lake, famous for its turquoise hue, before a stop on Spirit Island, to simply breathe in the magnificence of the surrounding nature. Traverse the Icefields Pathway on your way to Banff National Park, for more remarkable scenery.

In Banff, you can ride the Banff Gondola to the summit for endless views of this mountainous paradise, or even take to the skies in a helicopter ride for a real bird’s-eye view of the Rockies in all their splendor.

Pompeii, Italy

Available on Ultimate Italy tour 

Pompeii, Italy

Buried under a blanket of volcanic ash for 1,800 years, Pompeii was once a vibrant Roman city until 79 A.D. In one day, Mount Vesuvius erupted, and lava rained down on the town, causing residents to flee and engulfing the town whole. It wasn’t until 1748 that a group of explorers discovered the site, which had been extraordinarily preserved beneath the ash.

Visitors can spend days exploring the remains, as parts of ancient bath houses, bakeries and homes remain. Mosaics can still be witnessed on the floors of ancient villas. Let a Local Expert guide you amid the ruins to understand Roman life before the eruption.

City of Bath, UK

Available on British Royale tour

Great Bath, part of the Roman Baths in Bath, UK

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is built around the only geothermal springs in the United Kingdom. It is a beautiful Georgian city that dates back more than 3,000 years, and the site of the well-preserved Roman Baths that you can visit on your British Royale tour with Luxury Gold. Imagine how the Romans lived, get a feel for the healing waters and appreciate the magnificent architecture on show across the city.

Aside from visiting the historic baths, there is much to explore in the protected city. Stroll across Pulteney Bridge, designed by the designed architect, Robert Adams, or take a boat ride beneath it for an alternative view. The city was also the home of renowned author, Jane Austen, so visitors can take a tour around the scenes of her novels, “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey”.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Available on the Classic South America tour 

‘Christ The Redeemer’ statue with Sugarloaf Mountain

A recent addition to the UNESCO World Heritage listing, the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro was awarded a new status in July 2012. It was recognized for many aspects from the famous Copacabana Bay to the Tijuca National Park, a rainforest which covers the Corcovado mountain right down to the sea.

When visiting Rio, it would be wrong not to make the ascent to Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the most recognizable effigies in the world. This 30-meter statue is an art deco masterpiece that is prone to lightning strikes, because of its height and position. In fact, just before 2014 FIFA World Cup, a thumb of the statue broke off after a lightning strike.

The culture, artistic inspiration and natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro was commented on by the UNESCO committee when granting recognition to the city.

Pont du Gard, France

Available on French Vogue tour

Pont du Gard, France

The Pont du Gard is a remarkable feat of engineering that dates back to the 1st century A.D. 50 kilometers of tunnels and bridges were built to channel water to the surrounding areas of Nîmes. Precision was paramount for the success of the project and Roman engineers excelled in creating the aqueduct, which still stands today.

First, stroll around nearby Avignon, also a UNESCO site, before taking an afternoon visit to Pont du Gard, where you’ll see over 21,000 cubic meters of limestone that was mined nearby to create the aqueduct. There is also a fascinating museum that follows the journey of construction of the incredible Roman antiquity, still standing after two thousand years.

Kinkakuji Temple, Japan

Available on Majestic Japan tour 

Kinkakuji temple

Also known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji temple is an impressive structure that was originally constructed in A.D. 1397. Unfortunately, it has burned down several times since, but was restored to its former glory in 1955. Each floor was created in a different architectural style to reflect the many facets of society when Yoshimitsu was in power.

Apart from appreciating the architecture of the temple, visitors can enjoy the expansive gardens, which remain in the same layout as when they were first planted. Wander by the Anmintaku pond that never dries up and see various statues positioned throughout the green spaces.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Available on Treasures of the Incas tour

Machu Picchu, Peru

Once lost to acres of Andean forest, this mysterious Incan city was built 2,430 meters above sea level in the 15th century. Tour the mystical site with your Local Expert before the crowds arrive ensuring that you avoid the hundreds of travelers who make the ascent to the ruins daily. This is a bucket list item for anyone who has an interest in ancient civilizations, but it is also a journey of wonder that never fails to delight visitors due to the amazing natural setting and complex structures built by the Incas.

Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is the most important attraction in Peru, thus it is only accessible with a special permit. In 2007, it was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.