Stop Wondering, Start Wandering: Your Guide to the 7 Wonders of the World
From ancient cities carved into cliffs to monuments that have stood for millennia, here’s your guide to experiencing the world’s most iconic wonders—without the stress of planning it all yourself.
There’s something about standing in front of a World Wonder that hits different. Maybe it’s the realization that people built these incredible structures centuries—sometimes millennia—ago without modern technology. Or maybe it’s just the fact that you’re finally seeing something in real life that you’ve only ever seen in textbooks and Instagram posts. Either way, it’s a moment that sticks with you.
The thing is, a lot of people assume these bucket-list destinations are either impossible to reach or require months of planning, expensive guides, and a PhD in logistics. But with the right trip, you can experience multiple Wonders of the World without losing your mind trying to coordinate flights, hotels, and tours in countries where you don’t speak the language.
So, let’s talk about what the World Wonders actually are, which ones you can see with EF Ultimate Break, and why visiting them is worth every penny.
Enjoying golden hour outside the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
What are the Seven Wonders of the World?
Quick history lesson: The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was a list compiled by ancient Greek historians of the most impressive structures they knew about. Spoiler alert—only one of them (the Pyramids of Giza) is still standing today.
Fast forward to 2007, when a global poll created the New Seven Wonders of the World, a modern list that includes structures from around the globe. These aren’t just pretty buildings—they’re cultural icons, engineering masterpieces, and landmarks that shaped human history.
The New Seven Wonders include:
The Great Wall of China
Petra (Jordan)
Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Chichén Itzá (Mexico)
The Colosseum (Italy)
The Taj Mahal (India)
And while the Pyramids of Giza didn’t make the “new” list (they were given honorary status since they’re the last remaining Ancient Wonder), they’re still one of the most iconic sites on Earth.
The good news? You can visit most of these with EF Ultimate Break. Let’s break down which ones, where they are, and what makes each one worth the trip.
Entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Petra in Jordan
Petra: The city half as old as time
Tucked into the desert cliffs of Jordan, Petra is one of those places that doesn’t feel real until you’re standing in front of it. The entire city was carved directly into pink sandstone rock faces over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab civilization. The most famous structure—the Treasury—is what you’ve seen in movies (hello, Indiana Jones), but the site is massive, with tombs, temples, and an ancient amphitheater all waiting to be explored.
Getting to Petra isn’t exactly a quick day trip, but that’s part of what makes it special. On EF Ultimate Break’s Egypt & Jordan: Pyramids to Petra trip, you’ll experience Petra alongside other incredible sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Dead Sea, and the otherworldly desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. It’s the kind of trip where you’re checking off multiple bucket-list items in one go, and honestly, Jordan’s hospitality and food culture make it even better.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Petra involves a lot of walking (and climbing, if you’re up for it), but every step is worth it.
Views of the Colosseum floor in Rome, Italy
The Colosseum: Where gladiators became legends
Rome’s Colosseum is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. This massive amphitheater, built nearly 2,000 years ago, once held up to 80,000 spectators who gathered to watch gladiator battles and animal hunts. Today, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world—and walking through its ancient corridors is surreal.
The Colosseum is included in several of EF Ultimate Break’s European itineraries, so you can pair it with other iconic Italian experiences like exploring the Vatican, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, or eating your weight in pasta and gelato.
Fun fact: The Colosseum’s floor was once covered with sand to absorb debris during gladiator fights. Today, you can see the underground chambers where gladiators and animals waited before entering the arena. It’s both fascinating and haunting.
Entrance to the Chichén Itzá temple on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula
Chichén Itzá: Mayan mysteries in the jungle
Chichén Itzá, located in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is one of the most well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in the world. The centerpiece is El Castillo (also called the Temple of Kukulkan), a massive step pyramid that was designed with incredible astronomical precision. During the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun casts shadows on the pyramid that create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps. Yeah, the Mayans were next-level.
On EF Ultimate Break’s Mexico & Belize: Tropical Adventure trip you get the opportunity to tan on white-sand beaches, snorkel the world’s second largest barrier reef, canoe through underground caves, AND take a day trip to see the Chichén Itzá up close.
Views from high up of Machu Picchu in Peru
Machu Picchu: The Sacred Valley above the clouds
Perched high in the Andes Mountains, this 15th-century Incan citadel was made without wheels, iron tools, or animal labor—just human ingenuity and a LOT of determination. The site was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and remained hidden from the outside world until 1911, which is part of what makes it feel so mystical.
On EF Ultimate Break’s Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure, you’ll journey through Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley before reaching Machu Picchu itself. The trip includes a mix of cultural experiences like visiting local markets, trying traditional Peruvian cuisine, and outdoor adventure like sandboarding in Huacachina.
Heads up: Machu Picchu sits at a high altitude, so take it easy on your first day in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness. Coca tea is your friend.
Views from above Corcovado peak and Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Christ the Redeemer: Rio’s iconic guardian
Standing 98 feet tall atop Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer overlooks Rio de Janeiro with open arms. This Art Deco statue, completed in 1931, has become a symbol of Brazil and one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. The views from the top are incredible—you can see the entire city, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, and the sprawling favelas that make Rio what it is.
EF Ultimate Break currently has a couple different Brazil itineraries that get you up close and personal with Christ the Redeemer statue. Choose between a Brazil and Argentina hybrid trip, a Carnaval celebration itinerary, or if you’re seeking even more thrill and wilderness, check out Brazil Adventure: Amazon, Pantonal & Bonito.
Entrance to the Taj Mahal mausoleum in Agra, India
The Taj Mahal: A monument to eternal love
The Taj Mahal is hands-down one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble masterpiece is a testament to love, loss, and architectural genius. The way the light changes throughout the day—from soft pink at sunrise to glowing gold at sunset—makes every visit feel different.
On EF Ultimate Break’s India: The Golden Triangle trip, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise (trust us, it’s worth the early wake-up call), explore the vibrant streets of Jaipur, and go on a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, where you might spot a Bengal tiger. India is sensory overload in the best way—the colors, the food, the history—and the Taj Mahal is the unforgettable centerpiece.
Insider tip: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so plan accordingly!
Full view of the Pyramids of Giza in all their glory, near Cairo, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza: The last Ancient Wonder standing
The Pyramids of Giza are the OGs—the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Built over 4,500 years ago as tombs for Egyptian pharaohs, these massive structures have survived wars, natural disasters, and the test of time. Standing next to the Great Pyramid (the largest of the three) is a humbling experience. It’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that ancient Egyptians moved 2.3 million stone blocks, some weighing over two tons, without modern machinery.
EF Ultimate Break’s Egypt & Jordan: Pyramids to Petra trip gives you the full Egyptian experience—exploring the Pyramids and the Sphinx, cruising the Nile River, and wandering through the temples of Luxor. Egypt is one of those destinations that feels like stepping into a history book, and the Pyramids are the ultimate “I can’t believe I’m actually here” moment.
Fun fact: You can actually go inside the Great Pyramid, though it’s a tight squeeze and not for the claustrophobic. But if you’re up for it, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Getting up close with Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The bottom line: Visiting the Wonders of the World matters
Look, you could spend your whole life scrolling through photos of these places online. But there’s something about being there in person, feeling the heat of the desert sun on your face at Petra, hearing the echoes of ancient Rome in the Colosseum, watching the sunrise paint the Taj Mahal in shades of pink and gold—that no photo can capture.
These sites aren’t just tourist attractions. They’re reminders of human creativity, resilience, and ambition. They connect us to people who lived centuries ago, who built these structures with their hands and left behind something that still inspires awe today.
And here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a seasoned traveler or have unlimited time and money to see them. With EF Ultimate Break, the logistics are handled—flights, hotels, transportation, expert guides—so you can focus on soaking it all in. Whether you’re traveling solo and looking to meet new people or just want to check off your bucket list without the stress of planning, these trips make it possible.
Key takeaways
The New Seven Wonders of the World include Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, Chichén Itzá, the Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Wall of China, while the Pyramids of Giza hold honorary status as the last remaining Ancient Wonder.
EF Ultimate Break offers trips to six of these iconic wonders: Petra (Jordan), the Colosseum (Italy), Chichén Itzá (Mexico), Machu Picchu (Peru), the Taj Mahal (India), and the Pyramids of Giza (Egypt), making it easy to check multiple bucket-list destinations off your list.
Visiting these sites in person offers a deeper connection to human history and achievement than any photo or documentary can provide—you’ll experience the scale, atmosphere, and significance firsthand.
With EF Ultimate Break, all the logistics are handled for you, including flights, accommodations, transportation, and expert local guides, so you can focus on the experience instead of the planning.
Know before you go
Your most-asked questions about visiting the Wonders of the World.
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