UNESCO world heritage sites can provide the perfect destination for any traveler with a penchant for the past. With so many historic sites to choose from, though, where to begin?
If you can think of nothing you’d rather do on your weekend than amble around English heritage sites, then why not indulge that interest further afield? There are a plethora of historical locations abroad, and with a little research, you can settle on the UNESCO world heritage site that’s guaranteed to ensure your holiday is as fascinating and insightful as it is relaxing.
Once you’ve picked out the perfect historic site, we’ll ensure that you arrive rejuvenated after enlisting our air charter service and experiencing travel onboard one of our cutting-edge private jets. After all, it’s the ancient monuments you’re looking for – not ancient aircraft!
Nemrut Dağ
If you’re sat thinking: “I’m tired of visiting the same old historical sites near me”, why not try something a little further afield that truly is unique. The location of Nemrut Dağ in southern Turkey makes it a monument less traveled, and even those who arrive in nearby Gaziantep have only completed the first leg of an arduous journey.
What really makes Nemrut special is that its millennia-old tombs and monoliths sit atop one of the highest peaks of the eastern Taurus mountains. If you’re interested in some adventure with your archaeology, then Nemrut is the perfect destination to direct your private jet towards. Even if you don’t make it to the summit, you’ll spend the remainder of your vacation in one of the world’s premier culinary cities and the capital of baklava in Turkey – I can think of worse places to be!
Lascaux
If ancient sites are your area of interest, you can’t get much more ancient than Lascaux. This incredible historical attraction forms part of a Palaeolithic network of decorated caves, and visitors are sure to be astounded by the animal depictions that date back at least 20,000 years. Any heritage list worth reading should include Lascaux among its discussion of UNESCO sites, as it really is one of the best historical places to visit in Europe and the envy of monuments around the world.
Mycenae
Perhaps old-world buildings and historic sites of a more tangible nature are what you’re looking for. If that’s the case, Mycenae is the perfect blend of ancient history and a historical experience that’s a little less esoteric. Huge, monolithic architecture makes it easy to see why this historical place – the city of Agamemnon, no less – is so often a destination for tourists with an eye for the antique.
While archaeological expertise and guided tours can no doubt enhance the visitor experience, simply walking through the massive scale of Mycenae is enough to impress upon any visitor the truly remarkable nature of this UNESCO world heritage site.
Newgrange
Ireland is a beloved holiday destination for millions of tourists every year. Less popular than the Giant’s Causeway, Guinness Storehouse, or Dublin music scene, however, is the Neolithic barrow mound of Newgrange. Newgrange – a historical site itself, in the truest sense of the word – is replete with information on this stunning ancient monument. What it doesn’t go as far as to say, though, but what those who are in the know would offer, is this hushed secret: whisper it, but Newgrange is a much better place to visit than Stonehenge.
Consider the facts: Newgrange is older, larger, and – crucially, from the perspective of the potential visitor – receives far fewer tourists annually. This culminates in an experience that, aside from allowing you to take in a monument that is itself much more impressive than its English cousin, is guaranteed to be more personal and intimate. One question remains, then: When do you depart?
Neuschwanstein
Historic sites are one thing, but if you’re looking – literally – for historic sights, few visual treats are more impressive than Neuschwanstein. This Bavarian beauty is a historical place like no other, combining 18th-century aristocratic excess with a sense of taste and an appreciation for the aesthetic that is often rare in old-money circles. Perhaps it was this anomalous panache that led to Neuschwanstein’s creator – Ludwig II – earning the moniker “mad,” but what could be saner than building something so profoundly attractive?
This fairytale castle is one of the most beautiful historical attractions in the world, and its placement on the tentative list for UNESCO world heritage status signifies that it’s not all style and no substance – there’s serious history on offer here.
Italy
If a serious dose of historical places is your idea of a dream holiday, look no further than Italy. It’s for good reason that this destination breaks the convention so far of naming individual historical places: Italy is the country with the most world heritage sites. What this means, and the same could be said of Greece and Turkey, is that travelers with an appreciation for antiquities are never more than a stone’s throw away from a unique historical sight.
When Italy comes to mind, the first thoughts are of the Colosseum, Pantheon, or Palatine Hill. There’s more to this incredible Mediterranean destination than just Rome, however, visitors are encouraged to venture away from the nation’s capital in search of the stunning historical sites that the regions have to offer. The Apennine Colossus near Florence, Doge’s Palace in Venice, or the leaning tower of Pisa – well, you can work that one out for yourself – are all stunning destinations that make the journey to the country with the most UNESCO sites in the world one that’s never to be forgotten.
Diocletian’s Palace
Paradoxically, if Roman ruins are what you’re looking for, you might be the best heading outside Italy. The sun-kissed coastal town of Split in Croatia was the birthplace of Roman Emperor Diocletian, and he certainly made himself at home. This impressive ancient complex is remarkably well-preserved, but also has the unique characteristic of being both within and part of the modern city.
What this means is that, in plain terms, one can easily stop for a quick frappe amidst this maelstrom of history, ensuring that you’re kept refreshed and can truly get the most out of this astounding historical landmark. It also guarantees that those among your party who are asking “what is a world heritage site?” are kept entertained without the need for separate plans, as mixed-interest groups can visit a location that inspires would-be archaeologists and shopaholics alike.
Skara Brae
If you’re in the UK and are sitting thinking “what about world heritage sites near me,” then there really are a host of options on your doorstep. In a bid to avoid the obvious historical locations of global significance – Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, Buckingham Palace – one might look north. The stone-built Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae is the jewel in the crown of Scottish archaeology, and a historical site that is criminally under-appreciated.
A cursory glance at a map of Neolithic heritage in this area will leave you asking “just how many UNESCO world heritage sites does one place need?”, and the more places like Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Ring of Brodgar are discovered the more the answer appears to be “lots.” Travelers with a more concrete interest in archaeology in its purest form will delight in the fascinating insights being unearthed in this area of the world, so pack your raincoat and head north!
One for the history books
Now that you’ve decided on a destination, it’s time to arrange your travel and await departure. If you’re looking for a holiday that’s as historic as the places you intend to visit, why not make it extra memorable by enlisting a private jet charter to take you to your chosen historical landmark?
Taking the stress out of travel ensures that you arrive refreshed, relaxed, and perfectly positioned to get the most out of the historical places that you visit – nobody wants to find themselves sleepwalking among the ruins!
