The world is full of iconic landmarks; a mixture of enchanting history and architecture that reflects both highs and lows of global events. These landmarks inspire travel and there’s no better feeling when you arrive at your destination and witness the things you’ve only seen in books or photos come to life.
No bucket list is complete without adding these ten iconic sites to your list! It’s never too early to start planning an adventure for you and your students.
Australia – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Also known as Ayers Rock, this large sandstone rock formation stands 348m tall in the Northern Territory and is one of the Nation’s most iconic natural landmarks. It’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site for both cultural and natural values. It is a sacred place to the Aṉangu people, the traditional landowners of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Australia – The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Known as one of the seven natural wonders on Earth, the magnificent Great Barrier Reef covers an area of 348,700 square kilometres and is home to the greatest variety of flora and fauna species found in any one location in the world. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space.
France – Eiffel Tower, Paris
Named after the head engineer Gustave Eiffel, this monumental architectural achievement was erected as the entrance to the 1889 world’s fair. It’s no surprise that the Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world. To snap a classic photo of the tower, hop off the metro a few stops early and visit Place du Trocadero where you can take an all encapsulating full-length photo of the tower.
Spain – Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
The Sagrada Família is one of Antoni Gaudí’s greatest architectural achievements and one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks. Construction began in 1882 and continues today, in hopes to achieve Gaudi's original design. Admire its soaring towers, intricate façades and stunning stained-glass windows, then step inside to experience the extraordinary light, colour and detail of this remarkable basilica.
Japan – Himeji Castle (White Herein Castle), Himeji
The Himeji Castle is the largest most visited castle in all of Japan. It is the best example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture and maintains a network of 83 different buildings throughout the grounds.
United States – 9/11 Memorial, New York City
The 9/11 Memorial was designed to commemorate the lives lost on the September 11 2001 attacks. Preservationists, survivors, and other advocates fought to ensure that the World Trade Center site and its archaeological remnants were saved following the attacks.
Germany – Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau
Not only is Neuschwanstein the global symbol of romanticism, but you may recognise this castle as it is the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Originally, the castle was built by Ludwig ll of Bavaria as a gift to Richard Wagner, a famous German composer in the 1800’s.
China – The Great Wall, Beijing
Created over a collaboration of dynasty’s, The Great Wall is nearly 4,000 miles long, not including the natural barriers. The most impressive architectural feat in history, made of mostly brick, limestone, earth, wood and stone.
Austria – Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
Located in Hietzing, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country. Once a summer residence for the Habsburg rulers is now the most visited tourist attraction in Austria. The 300 years of history across this palace can be seen throughout the residence.
England – Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Built somewhere between 3000 – 2000 BC, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of a ring of standard stones each around 13 feet high, 7 feet high and weighs around 25 tonnes. It’s not entirely known what the stones were originally formed or used for, but now this wonder is used as a spiritual sanctuary and a source of inspiration for all who visit.
Greece – The Acropolis, Athens
Acropolises initially were built in nearly every ancient city as the core of the area. The Acropolis in Athens is affectionately considered The Acropolis in order to distinguish its importance over other generic acropolises in Greece.
If you’d like to start planning a tour that includes some of these landmarks, get in contact now!