All travelers have lists of “places to visit”— some of countries, some of cities— but the ultimate travel checklist is that of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. UNESCO was created by the United Nations in 1945 and is best known for its World Heritage Site program, dedicated to identifying and conserving sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance. These are the most fascinating places in the world — and Viking River Cruises can take you to many of them. Below is a sampling of just some of the places we visit on our Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt itineraries. For more information, visit vikingrivercruises.com and unesco.org.
EUROPE COLOGNE CATHEDRAL (GERMANY)
Construction of this Gothic masterpiece, began in 1248 and took seven centuries to complete. Cologne’s Cathedral is considered an “exceptional work of human creative genius,” containing artistic treasures, intricate stained glass windows and religious relics. (See pages 34, 50, 54)
KINDERDIJK (NETHERLANDS) x Cologne Cathedral HISTORIC CENTER OF PRAGUE (CZECH REPUBLIC)
Dating as far back as the 11th century, the Old Town, Lesser Town and New Town of Prague make up the magnificent historic city center. With monuments such as Hradcany Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and numerous churches and palaces, Prague is an exciting cultural destination. (See pages 56, 66, plus extensions on numerous itineraries)
Construction of hydraulic works to facilitate agriculture and settlement began in the Middle Ages and continues to this day. The ingenious windmills of this area illustrate the outstanding contribution made by the Dutch, and it is a fascinating working community to observe. (See pages 34, 42, 50, 54)
x Kinderdijk BANKS OF THE SEINE IN PARIS (FRANCE) x Charles Bridge
Many of the wide avenues and architectural masterpieces of Paris can best be viewed from the banks of the Seine River. Take a Seine cruise past iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Place de la Concorde, and graceful bridges like the Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III. (See pages 56, 74, 78, 82, plus extensions on numerous itineraries)
EGYPT PYRAMID FIELDS (GIZA TO DAHSHUR)
With its extraordinary funerary monuments, including rock tombs, temples and pyramids, the capital of Egypt’s Old Kingdom was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the three Great Pyramids, the famous Sphinx at Giza and the ancient Step Pyramid of Sakkara. (See pages 110, 114, 116) x The Sphinx
Now known as Luxor, Thebes — city of the god Amon — was the capital of Egypt during the period of the Middle and New Kingdoms. With the temples of Karnak and Luxor and nearby necropolises, Thebes bears silent witness to Egyptian civilization at its height. (See pages 110, 114, 116)