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With historians and travel experts picking their favourite alternative wonders of the world, this week we pick some of our own favourite tours which include lesser known, but no less fascinating, treasures. Swap Rome’s Colosseum for Split’s old town, part set in Emperor Diocletian’s palace or Albania’s Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine sights at Butrint. You could trade the Taj Mahal for Sri Lanka’s spectacular Sigiriya rock fortress or the largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur, in Indonesia. Or, if you prefer natural rather than man-made magnificence, you could swap the Alps for the Atlas mountains in Morocco or towering peaks made of sand in Namibia’s desert.
Why the stone citadel of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka is my rock of ages The landscape is not the dead relic of a foregone age. It is a living reminder of how knowledge tailored to the local ecology is essential.
Discover Sri Lanka - save £100pp Explore the rock fortress of Sigiriya, visit Dambulla’s cave temples, search for leopards in Yala National Park and more on this wide ranging tour - all with a local guide.
…that you’ve probably never heard of From the archives: From Europe’s deepest river canyon and caves that glow to a rainbow river and hills that look like chocolate, our picks prove that nature always does it better.
Venice, Split and treasures of the north Explore Roman treasures in Split, Zadar and Pula and discover charming islands on this yacht cruise, plus spend two nights in Venice.
Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains Combine exploring the foothills of the Atlas mountains with a comprehensive tour of Marrakech and time in coastal Essaouira.
Classic Albania - Land of the Eagles - save up to 15% Discover a lesser known corner of Europe where ancient sights and a unique culture are waiting to be explored. Prices shown include the discount.
Discover Namibia - save £100pp Experience the towering dunes and shifting landscapes of Namibia plus enjoy wonderful wildlife viewing including cheetahs and rhinos.
Discover Java and Bali’s ancient sights, cultural treasures and natural wonders from fascinating Hindu and Buddhist temples to dramatic volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and rice terraces plus, end your tour with three days relaxing on the coast.
Book by 13 March 2025 to save up to 15% on this and other wishlist tours with our partner Newmarket Holidays. Prices shown include the discount.
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