Top 8 Ancient Ruins

Imagine embarking on a week-long adventure exploring ancient ruins and capturing surreal moments at the world's most captivating archaeological sites. Are you up for the journey? Let's delve into the excavation!

Our first destination is Southeast Asia, starting with Bagan in the remote hinterlands of Myanmar. Here, you have planned two unique experiences. First, a breathtaking hot air balloon ride at sunrise. As the sun peeks over the horizon, you soar above the remarkable landscape adorned with over 2,000 golden conic-shaped structures. The balloon ride offers awe-inspiring views of the sprawling 40-mile site. Once back on the ground, you rent a bicycle and explore the village of ruins, some of which allow you to glimpse inside. These magnificent ruins, built between the 11th and 13th centuries CE, served as places of worship. Although the original count exceeded ten thousand buildings, the ravages of time and earthquakes gradually diminished their numbers. Thankfully, the site attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015, ensuring its preservation.

Next, we take a flight to Cambodia to visit the renowned archaeological site of Angkor. Nestled deep within the jungle, Angkor was once the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries. The city, founded by King Yasovarman I, thrived as one of the largest pre-industrial cities with an estimated one million inhabitants. Today, Angkor enchants visitors with its stunning architecture, characterized by massive sandstone blocks. Though the golden decorations have faded, the vine-covered temples exude an enchanting charm. Abandoned in 1431 and rediscovered in the 1840s, Angkor gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1992, offering a cultural richness worth sharing with friends.

Our journey continues in Egypt, where we venture to Luxor to explore the Karnak Temple. Opting for an unconventional mode of transportation, you embark on a boat ride down the Nile River, reveling in the scenic beauty en route to Luxor. Once arrived, you visit the Karnak complex at night, where artificial lights cast a golden glow upon the temple statues and stone columns. This colossal temple, constructed primarily between the 18th and 19th centuries BCE, bears the architectural signatures of various pharaohs. The tour highlights include walking through the Avenue of Sphinxes and discovering the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall, adorned with towering pylons and solid sandstone columns.

Our next stop takes us to Jordan, specifically to the ancient city of Petra, nestled amidst the desert landscapes. Dating back to the 4th century BCE, Petra thrived as a commercial hub, accumulating wealth through its innovative water management system. The city's ruins, known as the "Rose City," are a testament to its ancient glory. Among its highlights is the famous Pharaoh's Treasury, an intricately carved rock structure guarding a rumored hidden treasure. Don't forget to capture that iconic photo beneath it, perfect for social media. Petra's remarkable history and terracotta landscapes make it a marvel of the ancient world.

Heading to the southern tip of the Italian boot, we visit the ruins of Pompeii. Just a short car ride from Naples, Pompeii offers a well-preserved glimpse into a city once buried by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE. Walking through the streets of this ancient Roman municipality, you can envision the vibrant and prosperous life that once thrived within its boundaries. From impressive bakeries and markets to balconied houses signifying great wealth, Pompeii reveals its rich history. Surprisingly, some exquisite artwork, including frescoes and murals featuring mythological creatures, has survived the passage of time, showcasing the elevated social status of its former inhabitants.

No archaeological tour would be complete