If you’re weary of lazy vacations, I recommend exploring the ancient cultures that have defined and shaped the world as we know it. I present a top ten list of my preferred cultural places worldwide for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
10. HIDDEN TREASURES IN BHUTAN
Bhutan, the landlocked monarchy of the Himalayas, sits atop the massive Himalayan range and is still an undiscovered wonderland accessible only to the fortunate. The land of the Thunder Dragon combines a vibrant religion with a breathtaking natural setting. The multiple festivals are magnificent manifestations of Vajrayana Buddhism, during which individuals wear their finest clothing and jewels. It is a land of monasteries perched precariously on cliffs, prayer flags lining high peaks, and red-robed monks chanting, all giving the impression of a long-forgotten era.
9. PREHISTORIC TEMPLATES IN CAMBODIA
Surprisingly diverse landscapes include tropical beaches, remote jungles, rice paddies, and sugar palm plantations in Cambodia. But most visitors come because it is the gateway to magnificent ancient temple ruins, such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Phrom. These vast, beautiful, enticing temple complexes exude magic that sets them apart from the crowd. If you have the time, consider combining Angkor Wat with the ancient temples of Borobudur in Indonesia and Bagan in Myanmar.
8. MAHARAJAS IN INDIA
The Indian subcontinent pulsates with color, energy, and culture. It is alluring and glamorous, spectacular, and personal. You can explore Delhi’s vast markets, historic mosques, and ancient tombs in the capital city. You can also explore the holy city of Varanasi and the extraordinary carvings of Khajuraho. However, for most tourists, nothing surpasses the beauty and romance of Rajasthan, with its numerous Mughal monuments and ancient temples. A sunrise view of the Taj Mahal, the world’s most well-known monument to love, is a true highlight.
7. PAINTINGS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Belgium is home to two of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities, Bruges and Ghent, filled with palaces and cathedrals adorned with paintings by Flemish primitives Van Eyck and Memling. Or, you can visit the port city of Antwerp, where a Rubens masterpiece is never far away in the Belgian artist’s hometown. Remember to cross the border into the Netherlands to view Night Watch by Rembrandt, Vermeer’s intimate works, and Van Gogh’s masterpieces in Amsterdam’s major institutions.
6. SHRINES IN JAPAN
Japan’s numerous ancient temples, shrines, and geisha districts provide a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s rich history and heritage. There is no limit to the gaps and crevices that can be explored in the land of the rising sun, from the temples of the stately imperial city of Kyoto to the busy capital of Tokyo with its dizzying proportions and neon lights.
5. MAYAS IN CENTRAL AMERICA
Tikal, located in Guatemala, is arguably the most impressive Mayan site in the world, although it is still partially excavated in a dense and threatening jungle. Approximately 3,000 ancient structures make up the ruinous complex, including tombs, altars, dwellings, a palace, and an incredible 9-story pyramid. Other famous Mayan monuments are located in Belize and Mexico. The most famous are Chichen Itza and Tulum, where pristine jungles, exotic wildlife, waterfalls, and tropical beaches surround temple ruins.
4. ANCIENT CIVILIZATION IN GREECE
Ancient Greece was the cradle of Western civilization approximately 4,000 years ago. With tens of thousands of archaeological sites and museum collections strewn across Greece, the traces of Greek history from the Paleolithic to the Roman periods are still discernible. Visit the islands and the mainland, where ancient Greek architecture blends with delicious Mediterranean cuisine and a vibrant way of life.
3. Egypt’s Pharaohs and Temples
A vacation in Egypt will reveal the rich tapestry of its glorious past, from the temple of Aswan near Lake Nasser in the south to the Mediterranean shores in the north. Most travelers will begin their adventure in the bustling capital city of Cairo, home to the world-famous pyramids of Giza and the enthralling Museum of Antiquities. Go south to Luxor, also known as the ancient city of Thebes, where you may visit the River of the Kings (with the tombs of the pharaohs) and the magnificent temples of Ramses and Karnak for the ultimate cultural experience.
2. INCA ROUTE TO MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu, a mist-shrouded Inca citadel discovered in 1911 and thought to have been utilized by the Incas as a hidden sacred city, is, without a doubt, Peru’s most popular tourist destination. Regardless of the number of times you’ve seen an image of the famed Inca ruins, you will need something to prepare you for the awe this wonderful spot inspires in its Andes mountain environment, clinging to rock and forest. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of reaching Machu Picchu on two feet, which is why the extremely picturesque 5-day Inca Trail should be on everyone’s bucket list.
1. The sweet life in Italy
Italy, rich in art and architecture and with a heritage dating back to antiquity, could easily make this list’s top 10 on its own. A cultural journey to Italy affords you the chance to discover the stunning monuments of the Roman Empire in Italy’s busy capital, marvel at the riches of Renaissance architecture in Venice and Florence, see the ancient ruins of Pompeii near the gorgeous Sorrento Peninsula, and to experience “la dolce vita” on the shores of sunny Sicily.
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