The world's most stunning heritage sights — by cruise

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are, of course, some of the most incredible destinations around the globe. But getting to some of them – even the most famous ones – can be a challenge. But thanks to incredible cruise itineraries like the ones below, exploring some of the world’s most beautiful places has never been easier.

1) Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Think visiting the Land of the Pharaohs is out of your league? Think again. The Old Kingdom of Egypt (which includes the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur) is yours to explore aboard the Norwegian Star.

BONUS SITES: The Town of Rhodes (Greece), the Baha’i Holy Palaces (Israel), the Old City of Acre (Israel), Petra (Jordan), and the Land of Frankincense (Oman).

2) Valetta, Malta

So, maybe Valetta’s not as famous Egypt’s pyramids, but it is touted as one of the most beautiful UNESCO Sites EVER. The picturesque peninsula’s 320 monuments are crammed into .3 square miles and Carnival will happily take you there (and A LOT of other really cool places too)!

BONUS SITES: The Acropolis (Greece), the Ancient City of Ephesus (Turkey), Pompeii (Italy), Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy), the Palau de la Musica Catalana (Spain)…the list goes on…

3) Machu Picchu, Peru

How, you may ask, can you sail into the middle of a tropical rainforest on the eastern slopes of the Andes? You can’t. But this unique Avalon Waterways itinerary hooks you up with an incredible journey on the Amazon and on land so you can check out the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu.

BONUS SITES: The City of Cuzco and the Historical Center of Lima.

4) Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

When it comes to beautiful ruins, it’s hard to compete with those in Angkor, Cambodia. Possibly home to as many as 1 million people, it’s said to be the largest pre-industrial city in the world and this AmaWaterways cruise is the perfect way to explore it.

5) Great Barrier Reef, Australia

What’s blue, full of coral, and bigger than the Great Wall of China? You guessed it: The Great Barrier Reef. Located off the coast of Australia, this beautiful destination is composed of over 3,000 individual reef systems and Royal Caribbean will help you discover them.

Forbidden City, China

6) Forbidden City & Great Wall, China

Speaking of the Great Wall…it’s probably one of the most famous UNESCO Sites and thanks to this Viking sailing, seeing it up close is a total cinch.

7) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Marine iguanas! Fur seals! Blue-footed boobies (hehe)! Endemic species litter the famed Galapagos Islands and, with this Celebrity itinerary, you’ve got a chance to channel your inner-Darwin and see them all.

8) Geirangerfjord, Norway

Make like the Vikings and head to Norway on MSC. You’ll be able to check out a lot of incredible sites, including the majestic Geirangerfjord – a long branch off the Sunnylvsfjorden and home to some impressive waterfalls.

Ready to explore these beautiful locales? Find your cruise at Orbitz today.