April 25, 2016 Read time - 4 minutes Take an alphabetical journey through the world’s most incredible buildings. These architectural wonders of the world may be ancient, historic structures steeped in long-lost traditions or avant-garde masterpieces of the modern day. Here are 26 manmade wonders guaranteed to blow you away. Architectural Marvels A - Angkor Wat, Cambodia Angkor Thom Asura The largest temple complex in the world has over 500 acres of temples, but it’s the endless parade of delicate relief carvings of gods, apsaras (nymphs) and ordinary people that is most mind-boggling. Take me there: Angkor trips B - Bagan, Myanmar/Burma Bagan at Sunset, Burma Bagan is a vast, sprawling spread of romantically crumbling temples and pagodas. For wide horizons, dramatic desert scenes and peaceful wanderings, it’s hard to beat. For serene sunsets, it’s impossible. Take me there: Burma trips C - Catherine Palace, Russia Catherine Palace, St Petersburg The grandiose blue and gilt gold palace of the tsars is a how-to guide in rococo style opulence, stupendous financial expenditure and sheer, unquestioned power. Take me there: St Petersburg trips D - Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia Dubrovnik Old Town from above A maze of cool, cobbled streets roofed with burnt orange tiles and domed towers, Dubrovnik is a deserved world heritage site, perfect for a wander with a camera and an artistic eye. Take me there: Dubrovnik trips E - Egyptian Pyramids, Egypt Egyptian Pyramids The architectural brilliance of the world’s most recognisable tombs is mind-boggling. Just trying to grasp the size, weight and mathematical brilliance of their construction, led by the architect Imhotep, is off the scale. Take me there: Egypt trips F - Fatehpur Sikri, India Fatehpur Sikri in Agra The abandoned city in Rajasthan has an eerie quality to its beautiful red stone. The one-time imperial playground and pleasure palace is a majestic architectural gem of huge arches and suitably regal proportions. Take me there: Rajasthan trips G - Gyeongbokgung Palace, South Korea Gyeongbokgung Palace The ‘Palace of Shining Happiness’ is the pinnacle of architectural flair during the 500 year Joseon Dynasty, with its dramatic tiered roofs, skilful carpentry and surrounded by tranquil lakes and gardens. H - Hagia Sophia, Turkey Hagia Sophia Istanbul Where world religions coexist, the yo-yo history of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul makes it truly unique. Both basilica and mosque, it is famous as the epitome of Byzantine architecture, with its huge domes. Take me there: Istanbul trips I - Icehotel, Sweden Icehotel, Sweden Every year this mutable work of art is re-built in thousands of tons of snow and ice, to brand new designs born in the imaginations of world-renowned artists. In spring it will melt and vanish. J - Jaisalmer Fort, India Man in window, Jaisalmer The sinking fort at Jaisalmer is the last bastion of civilisation before the sweeping sands of the Great Thar Desert. It’s a joy to wander the honeycomb of sandstone alleyways and imposing arches. Take me there: Rajasthan trips K - Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Japan Kiyomizu temple gate, Kyoto Just one of the exquisite temples in Kyoto, the bright red tiers of the Kiyomizu-dera are unmistakable. The UNESCO site was constructed in 1633 and contains many temples and shrines decorated with incense and omikuji (paper fortunes). Take me there: Kyoto trips L - Lalibela Rock Churches, Ethiopia Lalibela A place of pilgrimage and devotion, the ancient rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia are a labour of love and worship. The 11 medieval monolithic churches remain an incredible architectural feat even today. Take me there: Ethiopia trips M - Machu Picchu, Peru Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, Peru Wedged between swollen lumps of the Andes, lined with stone steps and crowned with clouds, Machu Picchu is an archaeologists dream. These beautiful ruins are one of the must-see sights of South America. Take me there: Machu Picchu trips N - Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany Neuschwanstein Castle It’s a fairytale come to life. Valiantly protected by statuesque, forested mountains, the Romanesque revival castle is decorated with stories of daring knights, noble ladies and of course, wild romances. Take me there: Germany trips O - Ollantaytambo, Peru Ollantaytambo Ruins Beautiful Ollantaytambo is quiet and peaceful. Ingenious waterways trace the cobbled streets, but what makes this town truly interesting is the blend of ancient Inca foundations supporting later colonial additions, now coexisting on every street corner. Take me there: Peru trips P - Petra, Jordan Treasury, Petra Unleash your inner Indiana Jones. The (almost) impenetrable desert fortress of Petra is carved directly into the rock, with the epicentre undeniably the imposing Treasury’s huge columns. Take me there: Petra trips Q - Quan Cong Temple, Vietnam One of Hoi An’s most distinctive landmarks, this Vietnamese temple honouring the general is a visual feast: colourful statues, columns topped with lotus flowers and lacquered artworks inscribed with poems. Take me there: Vietnam trips R - Registan Square, Uzbekistan Registan Square, Uzbekistan Uzbekistan’s most famous public place is framed on three sides with impressive, beautiful Madrassahs (schools) – perfect examples of Islamic architecture, decorated with elaborate geometric designs. Take me there: Uzbekistan trips S - Shiraz, Iran Nasir ol Molk Mosque The oldest city from the Persian Empire, Shiraz is known as a centre for learning and culture. Its crowning architectural gem is the kaleidoscopic Nazir al-Mulk mosque, a rare example of stained glass windows in Islamic architecture. Take me there: Middle East trips T - Taj Mahal, India Taj Mahal It’s been called the most romantic building in the world – and when the rising sun glitters rainbow-hued off the white marble domes and minarets, a blend of Moghul and Persian traditions, it’s impossible to disagree. Take me there: Taj Mahal trips U - Uxmal, Mexico Uxmal Perhaps the most important site for Mayan history, Uxmal is a superb example of Puuc architecture originating from this area. Prepared to be humbled by the domineering stare of the rain god Chac, who covers the walls. Take me there: Mayan trips V - Viceregal Lodge (also known as Rashtrapati Niwas), India Viceregal Lodge, Shimla Designed by British architect Henry Irwin in the Jacobethan style, a blend of dramatic gothic and grandiose classical, this colonial-era mansion has since found new life as a home for the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Take me there: India trips W - Wall of China, China Great Wall It’s hard to envisage a more iconic or imposing monument to human endeavour than the horizon-spanning Great Wall of China – a landmark which dominates the skyline. Take me there: Great Wall trips X - Xingjiao Temple, China The ancient stone pagoda of Xingjiao temple in Xi'an dates back to the Tang Dynasty of the 7th and 8th century. This Buddhist beauty may be a five-storied structure, but more stories lie inside. Take me there: Xi'an trips Y - Yudanaka village, Japan Traditional villages rarely come more picturesque than this: narrow streets lined with tall tiered buildings hung with beautiful paper lamps and housing twenty different onsens, or thermal hot springs for bathing. Take me there: Japan trips Z - Znojmo Castle, Czech Republic Znojmo Castle, Czech Republic This distinctive red-roofed castle dates back as far as 1080 when the then-wooden stronghold guarded against attack. The current structure dates from the 12th Century and now is a brewery. Take me there: Czech Republic trips If you'd like to witness these architectural wonders in person, browse our trips below.
Classic Vietnam & Angkor 61 reviews Premium The best of Vietnam plus the incredible Angkor temple complex of Cambodia Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 14 Days from $3,099 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Discover Myanmar (Burma) 133 reviews Explore Myanmar's ancient temples, lakeside markets and tribal villages Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Moscow to St Petersburg 39 reviews Explore three of Russia's grandest cities Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from $1,749 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast 51 reviews Stunning Croatian islands and the historic cities of Split, Trogir, and Dubrovnik Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from $1,649 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Egypt: Alexandria to Aswan 12 reviews Travel the length of Egypt and explore its history, food and landscapes. Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 13 Days from $2,649 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Cycling through Rajasthan 42 reviews Discover India's desert state by bike Cycling Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 15 Days from $2,449 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Uzbekistan Uncovered 43 reviews Delve into rich and colourful Uzbekistan Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 11 Days from $2,479 USD $2,349 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Highlights of Japan Uncover the cultural highlights of Japan on this 8 day trip Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from $4,199 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Ethiopia in Depth 19 reviews Journey along Ethiopia's magnificent northern circuit, including Tigrai. Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 13 Days from $3,979 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Self-Guided Cycling on the Danube from Passau to Vienna Ride on dedicated cycle routes through Austria and Germany Cycling Suitable for: Age 5+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from $1,449 USD Self-Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Essential Peru 135 reviews Discover southern Peru's archaeological and natural wonders Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 15 Days from $2,949 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Petra & Wadi Rum Adventure 16 reviews New A family adventure exploring incredible Petra and the vast Wadi Rum desert Family Suitable for: Age 9+ Activity level: Leisurely/Moderate 9 Days from $2,099 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Taj,Tigers & Temples Family Holiday 16 reviews Enjoy a family adventure in the vibrant culture of Northern India Family Suitable for: Age 9+ Activity level: Moderate 10 Days from $1,549 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Mexico: Mayans, Aztecs & Conquistadors 8 reviews Journey through Mexico's pre-Columbian temples, colonial towns, higlands and jungles. Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 15 Days from $4,049 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Walking the Great Wall 124 reviews Trek one of the seven wonders of the world Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate / Challenging 9 Days from $1,799 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details