The Great Wall, known to the Chinese as the “Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li”, is a magnificent defensive structure built to ward off invasions of the Celestial Empire by barbarians. The roots of the fortification’s construction stretch back nearly 3,000 years. Approximately 2,300 years ago the Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, instigated the linking and restoration of several independent walls originally built to protect the empire from intruders to the north. An additional 5,600 kilometers were added to the length of the wall during the Ming Dynasty. At strategic points along the Great Wall fortresses, passageways to quickly move troops, and significant monuments were built into this ancient engineering achievement with the purpose of defending China against military aggression as well as assaults on its cultural independence. The entire system stretches nearly 9,000 kilometers which includes trenches and other natural barriers in addition to the stone, brick, wood and earthen man-made structure that comprises over 6,200 kilometers of the Great Wall which can be seen from outer-space. The Great Wall of China is most often visited from Beijing, China’s capital and second most populous city. Public buses from iconic Tiananmen Square shuttle tourist to nearby sections of the wall on a regular schedule. The renowned “Old Dragon’s Head” where the Great Wall meets the sea in northern China is accessible with a 4 hour train ride from Beijing. Other important sections of the wall are accessible from nearby cities with regular train and air service. In many locations with close proximity to the wall are found museums, parks and nature areas and hiking trails. A number of guided hikes are available to view sections of the wall lead by knowledgeable docents. Adventures that include multi-day treks along sections of the Great Wall are a popular pursuit of visitors to China. These total immersion experiences can run from 6 to 15 days with diversions that include visits to sacred mountains, neighboring historic towns, rural villages and other culturally significant locations. Your trip of a lifetime to visit China would not be complete without including time to Walk The Great Wall in your itinerary. Add this adventure to your list today. Whether you decide on a day trip or an extended exploratory expedition the memories you will create will no doubt help insure a dream fulfilling visit to China.

The city of Rome, Italy is loaded with ancient monuments as the designation of the city center as a UNESCO World Heritage site attests. Among the Roman Baths, forums, historic markets and the Roman Forum is found the iconic Colosseum. Ancient Rome's magnificent amphitheater, capable of holding more than 50,000 people (the largest ever built in the Roman Empire), was constructed by Emperor Vespasian 80 years after the birth of Jesus Christ. The Colosseum was the scene of deadly gladiator contests, wild animal fights and other public displays. Tours of the Colosseum and the underground tunnels are popular with visitors to Rome. A museum dedicated to the Greek god Eros and his Roman counterpart, Cupid, is located on the grounds and is also a popular place for visitors to spend time. The Colosseum still plays a pivotal role in Roman Catholic ceremonies, including an important replication of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday each year. Your trip of a lifetime to Rome, Italy ought to include a visit to the famous Colosseum on your list of must-see venues insure you spend time at one of the iconic structures of the Roman Empire where much of modern day sporting events found their beginning.

Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca “estate”, built for an Inca Emperor, situated on an incredibly scenic mountain ridge high in the Andes above the Urubamba Valley (The Sacred Valley of the Incas) in Peru, 80 kilometers northwest of Cusco. Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu is frequently regarded as the best and most familiar image of the Inca world. Considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The buildings of Machu Picchu exhibit classic Inca architectural style known as “ashlar” with rectangular stone blocks fit together without the use of mortar. The area around Machu Picchu is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and this mortar less style of construction allowed the buildings to shift slightly during seismic occurrences without collapsing. The site consists of more than 140 separate buildings, parks, temples, sanctuaries and residences. The world famous “Inca Trail” terminates at Machu Picchu and is still used today by visitors walking to and from the iconic ruins. The site can be reached from nearby Aguas Calientes by either bus or walking. Aguas Calientes is only reachable from Cusco by train or foot. There is only one hotel at Machu Picchu with most tourists wishing to stay overnight in the area finding accommodations in Aguas Calientes. Include an excursion on your list to See Machu Picchu during your dream trip to Peru. Your fantasies may include hiking the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu may very well be your reward when you check this adventure off.

Chichen Itza, located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, was a sacred site and one of the great centers of the Mayan Empire. The stone monuments and art work left behind by the Maya and Toltec inhabitants of this Yucatan civilization that lasted for over 1,000 years act as a window to their view of the world. Among the masterpieces of construction and Mesoamerican architecture are the Great Ball Court, the Temple of Kulkulkan (a Mayan Pyramid also known as El Castillo) and the Temple of Warriors located at Chichen Itza. The town of Chichen Itza was located close to nearby Cenotes that provided a source of fresh water tapped by the inhabitants. The pre-Hispanic civilizations are believed to have begun to develop in this region as early as the 5th century with evidence of their successors continuing to occupy the ancient town as late as the 16th century when the local inhabitants were overwhelmed by the Spanish Conquest of Yucatan. The significant collection of ruins, artifacts and infrastructure attracts visitors from all over the world hoping to gain some insight into the lives of the ancient cultures that inhabited this region. Chichen Itza is one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites and draws many visitors from the nearby tourist destination city of Cancun. Chichen Itza is included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient city is located midway between the capital city of Yucatan, Merida and Cancun. There are a number of operators that organize bus tours of the ruins and the nearby countryside. Accommodations are available nearby in the village of Piste as well as in the adjacent town of Valladolid, 40 kilometers away. Cancun with its significant collection of beach oriented resorts is about 160 kilometers from Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is a 2.5 hour drive from Cancun. There are many tours from Cancun and other cities along the Yucatan. Plan on being at the site for 2-4 hours. Bring confortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Chichen Itza is open from 9:00a – 5:00p all year long. Your dream to visit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and the resorts of Cancun can easily accommodate a trip to Chichen Itza to view the historic ruins of the Maya and Toltec cultures. Add this excursion to your list and you will gain a greater understanding of the culture and history of this important part of the world. No doubt, you will return home with memories that will satisfy you for the rest of your life.

In the city of Giza, near the outskirts of Cairo in Egypt lies an ancient complex of unbelievable architectural achievement known the world over as “The Great Pyramids”. The collection of these ancient marvels includes three giant pyramids: the largest known as the Pyramid of Khufu in recognition of the Egyptian ruler to be entombed therein; nearby lies the Pyramid of Khafre, next in size and the Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three giants. The Pyramid of Khafre is often photographed with the iconic Sphinx directly adjacent, thought to be modeled after the Pharoah Khafre. Scattered about the complex are numerous smaller pyramids built for the spouses of the Pharoahs honored by the Great Pyramids. Long considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Pyramids are a must on antiquity tours making their way up and down the Nile River. Often thought of as the most famous man-made structures in the world, the chambers, temples, passageways and galleries of the Great Pyramids and the surrounding complexes can be toured individually or with groups guided in several languages. Giza is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt and in addition to the impressive monuments to ancient Egyptian civilization presents a broad offering of accommodations, restaurants, shopping and culturally significant attractions. Visitors to Cairo can visit the Pyramids of Giza from that city by metro, taxi and bus. Cairo and Giza are respectively the largest and 3rd largest cities in Egypt, easily accessible from every part of the world. Your dream trip to Egypt will certainly not be complete without including a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza to embark upon an understanding of the ancient culture that designed and built these engineering marvels. Add this trip to your list and begin the research to insure that your time spent among these incredible buildings will only serve to enhance your adventure of a lifetime.

Located 30 miles southwest of the city of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park contains a massive landscape that is home to one of the planet’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea. Kiluea has had more than 50 documented eruptions. The park is managed by the US National Parks Service (NPS) and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Hawaii and a hallowed place for Native Hawaiians. Besides the currently erupting Kilauea Volcano the park also contains the Mauna Loa Volcano which last erupted in 1984. Originally founded in 1916 as part of what was then known as Hawaii National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is what remains after the portion of the park that was located on Maui island was split off as Haleakala National Park in 1961. This 333,000 acre park stretches from the summit of Mauna Loa to the ocean, contains over 150 miles of hiking trails (around and through the craters of ancient volcanoes) along with rainforests, desert landscapes, petroglyphs, a walk-in lava tube and a museum. The Mauna Loa is considered the world’s most massive volcano extending from 16,400 feet (4,170 m) meters below sea level on the ocean floor to 13,680 feet (4,170 m) meters above. This overall height, from the ocean floor to Mauna Loa’s peak, is greater than the elevation of Mount Everest. The park contains a high diversity of plant and animal life with 23 distinct vegetation types having been identified in the park, ranging from the very diverse tropical rainforest of 'Ola'a to the scrub and grassland of Ka'u and the alpine tundra of Mauna Loa. The plant life represents five major ecosystems. Native Hawaiian species found in the park include carnivorous caterpillars, happy face spiders, colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers, the largest dragonfly in the United States, crickets partial to new lava flows, endangered sea turtles and just one native terrestrial mammal - a bat. The park is also rich with archaeological remains, particularly along the coast with native villages, temples, graves, paved trails, canoe landings, petroglyphs, shelter caves and agricultural areas. Extensive ruins of stone structures dating back to 1275 are evident along with churches and schools built after the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778 and then the Christian influences that started in the early 1800’s. Kilauea volcano currently produces enough lava per day to resurface a 20-mile-long, two-lane road. Pele, the volcano goddess who Native Hawaiians believe lives here, is very unpredictable, however, but the chance to watch Kilauea's lava flows meet the sea is but one of the reasons to visit. Among other attractions visitors will find: Crater Rim Drive- a 10 mile drive that circles Kilauea Caldera. Driving this loop will expose visitors to the park's main attractions: the Kilauea overlook, Jaggar Museum, Halemaumau Crater, Devastation Trail, Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook and the Thurston Lava Tube. The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum honors the man that pioneered the study of volcanology at Kilauea with geologic displays, maps and videos about the study of volcanoes. Halemaumau Crater, the legendary home of Pele. Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) is a 500-year old lava cave that was formed when an underground channel of molten lava drained from its cooled walls leaving behind a massive, hollow chamber. A tropical rainforest awaits visitors at the end of the tube. The Puu O’o Vent on Kilauea where lava floods underground tubes that dramatically empty into the ocean. Chain of Craters Road is a ¾ mile drive ending where a lava flow has overtaken the road. The Volcano House hotel overlooking Halemaumau Crater has been operating since it was a grass shack in 1846. Mark Twain once stayed here on his visit to Hawaii. Two international airports provide access to Hawaii island, Hilo and Kona International airports, each of which is also served by interisland carriers from Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

Petra, Jordan is a city that is literally carved from rock. Known as the “Rose-Red City”, Petra takes its nickname from the hue of the rock of which its famous buildings and monuments were crafted by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people that inhabited this part of Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Entry to Petra is through the Siq, a narrow gorge over 1 km in height, flanked on each side by soaring cliffs made of dazzling rock formations and hiding the entry to Al-Kahzneh, a massive façade carved from dusty pink sheer rock. The Al-Kahzneh was created as a tomb for a Nabataean King in the first century and is a perfect example of the engineering genius of the Nabataeans. Once inside the Siq, visitors enter the Petra valley. There are no motorized vehicles allowed past the Siq, into the valley. Walking is the primary method of touring but horses and horse drawn carriages are available to hire for transportation if needed. The Petra valley is full of awe-inspiring examples (there are hundreds) of the Natabaean engineering feats. There is a Roman style theatre that can seat more than 3,000 people. Obelisks, temples and sacrificial altars abound along colonnaded streets. High above the valley is the Ad-Deir Monastery, reachable only by a climb up 800 steps carved from the stone. The Petra Archaeological Museum and the Petra Nabataean Museum are worthy of your visit providing wonderful insight into Petra and its glory days. If your dream is to visit this Middle Eastern city famous for its prolific rock carvings and ancient history we suggest you start planning now. The rock formations are under constant attack from water, wind, weather and earthquakes. Conservation efforts are underway but the sheer magnitude of this incredible testament to man’s ingenuity makes preservation difficult and costly. Make sure you can cross a trip to Petra, Jordan to view the colossal rock carved structures off your list.

The Taj Mahal is considered the jewel of Muslim art in India. This immense white marble mausoleum is a much admired memorial commissioned by Mughal Emperor, Sha Jahan to honor his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal after her death in 1631. The Taj Mahal is situated on the right bank of the Yumana River. It was constructed of materials brought to the site from throughout India and Asia. Precious stones inlaid the structure came from the far corners of the region, places such as Baghad, Punjab, Egypt, China, Russia, Afghanistan, Ceylon, Persia and the Indian Ocean. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and hosts millions of visitors annually to its iconic buildings and gardens. Visitors enjoy examining passages from the Muslim Quran that adorn the complex in paint, stone inlay and carvings. The impressive gardens, marble water tank and reflecting pool are also memorable components of the Taj Mahal. The complex is enclosed on three sides by red sandstone walls that rise in stark contrast to the alabaster colored building. The Taj Mahal is located in the Indian state of Uddar Pradesh, 200 kilometers from Delhi in the city of Agra. Agra is part of the Indian Golden Triangle Agra-Delhi-Japur and well connected to the rest of the massive country. Restaurants and accommodations appealing to every taste and budget are easily found in Agra. Your trip of a lifetime to India will most certainly require a visit to the famous Taj Mahal to truly make for a dream come true. Include this UNESCO World Heritage site on your list and start planning the appropriate way to layer this unforgettable excursion in with the rest of your must-see Indian locations.

A UNESCO world heritage site, Easter Island (or Rapa Nui as is its indigenous name) presents unique and imaginative shrines, sculptures and monuments developed by native people without outside influence. For nearly 600 years beginning in the 11th century AD, these islanders of Polynesian descent erected enormous stone figures known as Moai, believed to be representative of the inhabitants’ ancient ancestors, that continue to fascinate all that choose to visit and observe. While it is widely believed that the first settlors of Rapa Nui arrived about 1700 years ago, probably from the Marquesas, the population and resultant development had its most explosive growth during the approximate 600 year span when the unique architecture and carvings were created. Given the massive dimensions of many of the Moai statues, numerous theories exist as to how the monuments were carved out of mostly volcanic rock and then transported to their sentinel positions. Much of the island is now part of the Rapa Nui National Park, so designated in consideration of the important relics and history located on Easter Island that deserve preservation. Rapa Nui National Park is a World Heritage Site. The park is divided into seven sections: Rano Kau (which includes Orongo) Puna Pau (named after the quarry where the pukao were carved). Rano Raraku (named after the quarry where most of the moai were carved). Anakena - Ovahe Ahu Akivi Costa Norte Hanga Roa (Urban Area). Easter Island was annexed to Chile in the late 1800’s and lies 3,500 kilometers west of Chile’s coastline in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The island is accessible by regular commercial air service from Tahiti, Santiago de Chile, and Lima, Peru. Access to the island is also possible by ship and is included on some “Around the World” cruises. Rental jeeps, buses, bicycles and motorbikes are the primary method of transportation once on the island. Besides the Moai statues and petroglyphs, carvings and monuments, visitors to Easter Island include viewing volcanic craters and cinder cones, visiting idyllic white-sand beaches, scuba diving and snorkeling along with exploration of an extensive cave system as their favorite on-island excursions. There are good restaurants, bars (serving the “unofficial” alcoholic drink of the island, Pisco) and a reasonable collection of hotels and guesthouses. A Visit to Easter Island, Chile belongs on your list if you have dreamed about viewing some of the world’s most interesting ancient monuments and rock carvings. Put this trip on your list and start doing the research to learn as much about the ancient culture that created these important links to the past. Tie this visit in with your trip of a lifetime to South America or Tahiti and truly create memories that will last forever.

The Great Barrier Reef presents incredible ecological variety and unsurpassed beauty off the north-east coast of Australia. The world's most extensive stretch of coral reefs stretches over 2,600 kilometers, contains 900 islands and cays and is most likely the richest area in terms of regional animal diversity in the world reflecting the evolution of the northeastern Australian ecosystem over millions of years. The reef contains over 1,500 fish species including whales, dolphins, dugongs, tropical fish and sea snakes. Multiple species of sea turtles, saltwater crocodiles, sharks, rays, mollusks, birds and other life forms add to the incredibly diverse collection of fauna including over 400 species of hard and soft coral, sponges, anemones, marine worms and crustaceans. Thousands of different plant species are found throughout the islands and reef systems. The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A rich variety of landscapes and seascapes, including rugged mountains with dense and diverse vegetation and adjacent fringing reefs, provide spectacular scenery. The reef system includes major feeding grounds for the endangered Dugong and nesting grounds for two endangered species of marine turtle, the Green and the Loggerhead, as well as habitat for four other species of marine turtles. It is also an important breeding area for whale species including the revered Humpback. The Great Barrier Reef holds an important place in the historic and contemporary culture of the Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander groups and plays an important role in the maintenance of their cultures. There is a strong spiritual connection for these indigenous peoples with the ocean and its inhabitants. The Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination for tourists including divers, “live-aboard” yachtsmen, fishermen and water sports enthusiasts. Resorts are found on a number of the islands scattered about the region and primary access to the Great Barrier Reef is through the Queensland city of Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands. Helicopter tours, seaplane excursions and boat tours are among the various methods for touring the area. Your trip of a lifetime to Australia may very well need inclusion of a visit to the Great Barrier Reef make the adventure a dream come true. Whether for a day, a week or longer you’ll need to focus on the areas of the reef that will fulfill your interests and start planning the best way to make sure it happens today.

Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, is a holy city to the 3 primary religions that have the prophet Abraham at their roots; Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The city has been at the center of conflicts throughout its rich history having been completely destroyed twice. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, inhabited for over 5,000 years. As a result, many of the visitors to Jerusalem are drawn to its history and religious and cultural significance. Visitors to Jerusalem typically include a tour of the Israel Museum to visit the largest cultural institution in Israel and view its art and archaeology exhibits. The Israel Museum features the most extensive holdings of biblical and Holy Land archaeology in the world with over 500,000 objects in its collection. Next door to the Israel Museum is the Bible Lands Museum, an institution dedicated to the study of cultures in the ancient Judeo-Israelite world. The City of David Visitors Center offers a walking tour in the footsteps of biblical kings and prophets and provides an understanding of the ancient Israelites. The City of David has undergone significant archaeological excavations and is continually unearthing major artifacts. The museum at the top of Ammunition Hill (Givat Ha-Tachmoshet) is dedicated to the reunification of Israel at the site of a major battle during the Six-Day War in 1967 and includes tours of five exhibit halls with displays of weapons, maps and battle plans among its collection. Visitors may also walk along the tops of the old city walls that provide incredible views over the new and old city. Jerusalem contains many other sites of historical significance worthy of your time including The Mount of Olives, Rachel’s Tomb and the Western Wall. Christians, Muslims and Jews the world over are drawn to Jerusalem as the city has played such a significant role in the foundation of their respective religions. The city combines ancient and modern in a way that helps create experiences that are remembered for a lifetime. Your dream may be to visit a city with the historical significance of Jerusalem. Start planning your trip to Israel so that you can check that trip off your list.

Evidence exists that winemaking in this Portuguese region has been ongoing since the end of the Roman Empire in the 3rd or 4th century, A.D.. The Douro region, located along the Douro River in the northeastern corner of Portugal is thought to be one of the premier producers of Port wines in the world but also is responsible for some world class wines in other styles. The nearby city of Porto, the 2nd largest city in Portugal, provides easy access to the estates that produce extraordinary wines in this sliver of Europe. As you tour the region, absorbing the magnificent viticulture landscapes, you will experience the traditions and processes that are engrained into the locals’ winemaking way of life. Tours may be arranged that include over night stays at some of the wine estates in addition to visiting cellars for tasting. The names given to the ports (ruby, tawny, vintage) will depend on the blend of grapes and how they are aged (in the bottle or in wood). True oenophiles interested in visiting the premier wine producing regions of the world will want to include a trip to Douro, Portugal on their list. Visitors to this hotbed of wine production can choose from a variety of modes of transportation when moving from cellar to cellar, including on the backs of Portugese Lusitano horses. Now that’s an idea that could just be your dream come true.

The Galapagos Islands, owned by Ecuador, is an archipelago located in the Eastern Pacific Ocean serving as the background for studies by amateur and professional natural historians due to its unusual flora and fauna. The famous naturalist Charles Darwin was inspired by the Galapagos Islands as he developed his Theory of Natural Selection. The islands, volcanic in origin and somewhat barren, have been an Ecuadorian National Park since 1959. The islands are considered young from a geological perspective with active volcanic activity still occurring. Many of the islands’ plants and animals are found only in the Galapagos and nowhere else on earth. Among the animals that are easily seen from land are Sea lions, Giant Tortoises, Penguins, land and marine Iguanas and a multitude of birds, including the chronicled Blue Footed Booby. On the island of Santa Cruz is found the Charles Darwin Research Center and its tortoise breeding operation which is a must for first time visitors to the Galapagos. The Galapagos Islands are also considered to be one of the premier dive spots in the world due to the rich and colorful sea life that abounds. Two islands in particular are considered to be ideal location for diving, Wolf and Darwin, with live-aboard charters the primary method for participating in these dream dive excursions. Divers can expect to see large turtles, sharks (including Whale Sharks at certain times of the year), sea lion pups, penguins, four eyed fish and dolphin among the ocean’s bounty. The wildlife, land and sea, in the Galapagos are considered tame and docile by almost any standard due to the limited interaction with humans. Although the Galapagos Islands are reachable by air from Quito and Guayaquil the recommended method of touring the Islands is by boat. Private charters may be arranged as well as cruises on larger vessels accommodating up to 100 passengers. Your dream of visiting the pristine and unique Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin was inspired to develop his theories about evolution, can by fulfilled by adding the trip to your list today. Some of the islands limit the number of visitors so planning your trip well in advance is vital. Start working on the details today.

Fossilized relics of a village that was part of the Byzantine Empire as long ago as the 4th century can be seen in Cappadocia, Turkey at the Goreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The windswept remains of the towering spires, convents, churches, pillars and dwellings blend into the landscape and natural outcroppings of surreal fairy chimney rock formations. Ancient civilizations carved homes out of the rocks and accommodations in the area include guesthouses fashioned from the soft stone to create “sleeping caves”. Goreme National Park is easily found on the main Ankara-Adana highway among others. Buses from Istanbul are regularly scheduled and airports are found in relatively nearby Kayseri and Neveshir. Walking around town and the National Park is the primary method of touring. In addition to the natural wonders, there is an open air museum, several hiking trails and a wide selection of traditional kebab and pide eating places. There are several bars and clubs in Goreme along with a good selection of hotels, hostels and guest houses, some of which offer the “sleeping caves” as an option. Include an excursion to Explore Goreme National Park Rock Sites in Cappadocia during your dream trip to Turkey. Including this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your list will allow you to see some of the most unusual natural rock formations on the planet along with the relics of ancient civilizations, truly a memorable experience.

Construction of the Potala Palace complex, the Tibetan winter home of the Dalai Lamas, was begun in the 7th century AD. The Palace is an iconic symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and plays a key role in the administration of Tibet. Built on Red Mountain in the center of the Lhasa Valley (the highest elevation of any ancient palace), Potala Palace is the oldest building in a collection that includes the Jokhang Temple Monastery and Norbulingka, a masterpiece of Tibetan art and the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Within the Potala Palace complex is found the White Palace where the throne of the then sitting Dalai Lama was located. The nearby Red Palace harbors the remains of Dalai Lamas that have gone before in resplendent gold tombs as well as a great collection of halls that house numerous Buddhas and the sutras (libraries of tenets, sermons and rules) of Buddhism. Potala Palace and its surrounding buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3 to 7 day tours from Kathmandu, Nepal are popular ways for visitors to see the historically significant buildings and grounds of Potala Palace. Visitors that arrive at Potala Palace on their own are required to be accompanied by local guides and must have previously obtained a special permit to visit. The Lhosa Gongarr Airport offers flights in and out of Lhasa from a number of locations in China. Buses connect Lhasa with other cities in Tibet. The Qinghai-Tibet (Qingzang) railway connects Lhasa and Golmud, China with continuing service to points beyond. Lhasa has a number of quality restaurants, many of which serve Western food. A broad selection of hotels and other accommodations are available. Your dream to visit this historical center of Tibetan Buddhism requires a trip to Lhasa, Tibet to See Potala Palace. You might combine this with a visit to China or one that includes a number of other centers for Eastern religions. Add this trip to your list and start doing the research so that you can understand the customs necessary to pay proper respect to the sacred objects of this ancient religion housed at this historic complex.

The temples of Angkor, Cambodia were built by the Khmer civilization between the 9th and the 15th centuries. The remaining structures display one of man’s most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. The Khmer Kings ruled over a vast domain that reached from Vietnam to China then to the Bay of Bengal from Angkor. The more than 100 stone structures one sees at Angkor today are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social and administrative metropolis that once included many other buildings such as palaces, public buildings and homes built of wood that have long since decayed and disappeared. The Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent relics tucked into a heavily forested area. Angkor Wat (Wat denotes “capital temple”) was developed during the early years of the 12th century by Suryavaram II in the classic Khmer architectural style. The Temple honors the Hindu god Vishnu and is a symbolic representation of the Hindu structure of the universe. It consists of an enormous building symbolizing the mythical Mt. Meru. Angkor Wat’s five nested rectangular walls and moats are thought to represent chains of mountains and the ocean that is the universe. The shorter dimensions of the vast compound are precisely aligned along a north-south axis, while the east-west axis has been deliberately diverted 0.75 degrees south of east and north of west, reasoned to give the faithful a three day anticipation of the spring equinox. Although originally built as a place of worship for those of Hindu faith, the complex switched to a religious place for those followers of Theravada Buddhism before the end of the 15th century. Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become the symbol of Cambodia. The Khmer civilization was highly evolved and displayed a refined taste for art. The walls of the temple speak about the lives and customs of the citizens in the reliefs carved into the walls which includes more than 300 nymphs in at least 30 different styles. A visit to Angkor, Cambodia and the iconic Angkor Wat is best planned for a multiple day excursion. The Archaeological Park is located about 20 minutes from Siem Reap by car or "Tik Tuk", a hired motorbike with a driver. Siem Reap has its own international airport, the second largest in Cambodia. Every type of service sought by tourists is available in Siem Reap including a broad selection of accommodations, restaurants, shopping and attractions. Your dream of visiting an iconic temple complex that was the center of an ancient civilization to admire its architecture and gain a better understanding of its citizens can be realized by visiting Angkor Wat in Angkor, Cambodia. Add this trip to your list of other World Heritage sites you wish to visit one day and start planning the when and how.

The City of Fez (sometimes “Fes”) is at the center of Morocco’s history and traditions. It is thought to have been the first capitol city of Morocco with its roots planted in the 9th century, AD. Fez has a rich history with much of the city as it was in the Middle Ages yet with modern hotels and a reliable water supply. Fez was once considered the center of education from Europe to West Africa and is home to what is believed to be the world’s oldest institution of higher learning, Karaouine University, established soon after the city of Fez. Throughout time, Fez has been periodically under the control of foreign governments, most recently the French, with the city’s inhabitants speaking a mixture of French and Arabic. Visitors to this ancient medieval city find the landmarks and historical buildings alluring. Among the favorite places to tour is the ancient walled city of Fes El-Bali (or “Old Fes”) and its largest car-free urban area in the world. The “Medina” or old town as it translates encompasses ancient schools, mosques, art museums, the tomb of an Islamic Saint, tanneries and souks of historical significance. A visit to Dar Batha Museum will allow for inspection of displays of Moroccan arts and crafts and a beautiful garden. The fortification walls of the city also command the attention of visitors as they date back to the 11th to 13th centuries. The most beautiful minaret in Fez may be found at Cherableeyeen Mosque, built in the 14th century. Jewish culture has a large part in the history of Fez and a recently restored 17th century Synagogue, Ibn Danan, is an interesting, historically significant site. The Fez Festival of Sacred Music is held every June and is heavily attended. A daytrip to the beautiful Berber Mountain town of Azrou is another favorite of visitors to this part of Morocco. The journey provides spectacular views and the town is a great place to buy carpets or to find excellent restaurants. Nearby are cedar forests where you can observe Barbary Apes. There is a hot springs and luxury spa 20 km from Fez at Moulay Yacoub and the best preserved Roman site in Morocco is found at Volubilis, just outside the city. Your dream list may not be complete until you add a visit to the ancient city of Fez in the Kingdom of Morocco. Touring this vibrant, fascinating city in the North of Africa can provide an excellent way to examine the culture and religious history of this important part of the world. Start planning your trip today.

The buildings of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine on the island of Itsukushima in the Seto Island Sea are well preserved examples of traditional Japanese Shinto architecture bridging their construction in the 12th and 13th centuries to today. The buildings are integrated into the surrounding landscape, situated at the base of much worshipped Mount Misen, symbolizing man’s reverence of nature and were designed to emphasize their high architectural quality and harmony with their surroundings. The Itsukushima Shinto Shrine has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Itsukushima is accessible by ferry from Hiroshima harbor. The entire island sits within the protected Setonaikai National Park along with about 3,000 other Japanese islands. In addition to the visiting the buildings of the many Shinto shrines and temples, visitors to the island enjoy riding the Miyajima Ropeway, an aerial tramway that deposits riders to within a 20 minute walk to the top of Mount Misen along with enjoying the heavily forested mountain slopes. You may need to include an excursion to See Itsukushima Shinto Shrine on Itsukushima Island in Japan on your list to explore and begin to understand some of the philosophy relative to ancient Japanese architecture. There are 17 different buildings within the complex including the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja.

Monticello is a National Historic Landmark just outside Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. It was the estate of Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence, third President of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia; it is also, at his direction, the site of Jefferson's burial place. The house, which Jefferson designed, was based on the neoclassical principles described in the books of the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. It is situated on the summit of an 850-foot (260 m)-high peak in the Southwest Mountains south of the Rivanna Gap. Its name comes from the Italian "little mountain." An image of the west front of Monticello by Felix Schlag has been featured on the reverse of the nickel minted since 1938 (with a brief interruption in 2004 and 2005, when designs of the Westward Journey series appeared instead). The University of Virginia (also The University, Mr. Jefferson's University, or Virginia; often abbreviated as U.Va. or UVA) is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson. Conceived by 1800 and established in 1819, it is the only university in the United States to be designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The University is one of the eight original Public Ivies. The University is notable in U.S. history for being the first educational institution to offer academic programs in disciplines now common, such as astronomy and philosophy. Its School of Engineering and Applied Science was the first engineering school in the United States to be part of a comprehensive university. Officially, the University of Virginia is incorporated as The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. Both Monticello and nearby University of Virginia were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987.