Travel: 5 breathtaking wonders of the world

Seeing the world’s most iconic sites is the ultimate travel experience. Here are five to feed your adventurous spirit

1 Grand Canyon, Arizona

There are few landscapes more inspiring and worthy of wonder than the Grand Canyon. Some 277 miles long, a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide, this kaleidoscopic red rock gorge formed by the Colorado River is nature at its most dramatic, humbling and its unfathomably largest. Escape the crowds by heading to the remote north rim, or by taking a trip into the base of the canyon itself. ● For more information, go to nps.gov/grca/index.htm

2 Acropolis, Athens

Looking over the city of Athens, this complex of ruined temples, statues and sanctuaries represents the pinnacle of Greek antiquity’s culture. Of the many monuments here, the Parthenon is undeniably the most spectacular. Built entirely of marble, it was the largest and most beautifully sculpted temple of its kind ever created. Battles of gods, Greek victories over their enemies and scenes of civic celebration circle the temple, while columns bulge out on all sides, as if pressed down by the weight above. Go late in the day, after the tours leave, and you’ll have the best sunset in the city to yourself. ● Visit odysseus.culture.gr

3 Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Built more than 800 years ago, deep in the jungles of Cambodia, it’s the largest religious structure ever created. The entire site covers 500 acres and is filled with huge galleries, pools, chambers and courtyards. Pillars are sculpted with lotus rosettes and walls with dancing animals. There are sculptures of serpents and gods, and 3,000 nymphs – each one carved with unique hair, clothes and floral tributes. Get up early and watch the sunrise from inside the temple – one of the most spectacular sights in the region. ● For more information, visit tourismcambodia.com/attractions/angkor

4 Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Gaudi’s masterpiece cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, is one of the world’s great architectural wonders. But it’s bizarre too – columns twist like plant stems, roofs are shaped like leaves and the ceiling is supported in exactly the same way as the crown of a tree. Climb the passion tower inside for stunning views of the ocean, and the nativity tower for views of the mountains. ● Visit sagradafamilia.org/en/

5 Chauvet Cave, France

The Chauvet Cave, in the Ardèche region of south-west France, contains some of the oldest works of art in the world – 30,000-year-old etchings of mammoths, bison and lions are perfectly preserved in stone. Prior to its discovery, the sophistication of the artistry here was thought to be impossible for the time – it was like finding Picasso buried beneath the pyramids. The Chauvet Cave could be called the birth of human creativity itself. Visit the Caverne du Pont d’arc museum for a spectacular recreation of the entire cave. ● Visit archeologie.culture. fr/chauvet/en