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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
This iconic landmark, often used to symbolise California or even the USA as a whole, was built in 1937 during the Great Depression, representing hope and resilience. At that time it was the longest suspension bridge in the world with a main span of 4,200 feet (the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey now holds the title with a span of 6,637 feet). The Golden Gate Bridge draws 10 million visitors per year, in addition to carrying 112,000 vehicles per day. The energetic can walk or cycle the entire length for great views.
Little known fact: The colour, “International Orange”, was chosen to improve visibility in fog.
In the movies: Vertigo (1958).
How can I experience this?:
California and the Golden West
Canals of Amsterdam
Cruising the canals of Amsterdam today is a highlight of any tour of the city, but when they were created 400 years ago they were the lifeblood of a trading empire and the elegant houses on either side once belonged to rich merchants. The half-moon-shaped network stretches for almost nine miles and attracts seven million visitors a year.
Little known fact: For three days each summer, the private canal gardens behind the stately houses are open to visitors.
In the movies: Diamonds Are Forever (1971).
How can I experience this?:
Lake IJssel and Keykenhof Gardens river cruise
The Nile, Egypt
Transport yourself back to Ancient Egypt as you cruise along, marvelling at the temples, tombs and monuments that line the riverbanks. The river is home to crocodiles, hippos, and multiple fish species. At around 4,130 miles long, it flows through 11 countries in Africa and is still central to modern-day life, with 95% of Egyptians living on its banks. Around 1.5 million people take Nile River cruises between Luxor and Aswan each year, a relaxing contrast to the chaotic city of Cairo.
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The Nile
Little known fact: The Nile has two major tributaries, the Blue Nile and the White Nile. The former starts in Ethiopia, but the source of the latter is still hotly disputed.
In the movies: Death on the Nile (2022) and Mountains of the Moon (1990).
How can I experience this?:
Colosseum, Rome
Built between 70-80AD, this famous symbol of the power of the Roman Empire covers six acres. The outer walls have three levels of columns, and each level has 80 arches. On these you can still see the roman numerals that guided spectators to their seats. Up to 80,000 people could be accommodated for a spectacle of man versus beast and today it attracts 12 million tourists every year.
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Colosseum, Rome
Little known fact: It was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre, because it was built by the Flavian dynasty of emperors. “The Colosseum” trips off the tongue much more easily though.
In the movies: Gladiator (2000) and Gladiator II (2024).
How can I experience this?:
Grand Tour of Italy from Venice to Sicily
The Rocky Mountains
We think of The Rocky Mountains as being contained within Canada, but although they start there, in British Columbia, they end in New Mexico in the USA, 3,000 miles further south. More than four million visitors are drawn to the Rockies each year, and a top experience is to board the Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury train running between Vancouver and Calgary. Think of it as a cruise by rail with the standard of service, food and drink you would find at sea, overnighting in hotels built to service the Canadian Pacific Railway. You’ll travel through snow-topped mountains, pine forests and dramatic river canyons, stopping at the must-see Lake Louise.
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Lake Louise, Banff
Little known fact: Banff became a popular health resort in 1886 on account of its hot springs, the handrail there reportedly built with wooden crutches left behind by cured patients.
In the movies: The Revenant (2015).
How can I experience this?:
Deluxe Alaskan Voyage and Rocky Mountaineer
Machu Picchu, Peru
The “city in the clouds” is a clue to the altitude of this Inca city of 200 temples, palaces, towers and fountains, enveloped in jungle for 500 years until rediscovered in 1911. Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 metres above sea level, but it’s possible to climb there over four days if you’re reasonably fit. The easy way is to take the train and bus right to the entrance, where you can still experience the grandeur of this feat of engineering begun in 1440. Visitors are limited to 5,600 per day during peak season.
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Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Little known fact: If you turn up in a Scottish kilt, you’ll be turned away. You are not allowed in wearing the traditional costume of your home country.
In the movies: The Motorcycle Diaries (2004).
How can I experience this?:
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Walking around the city walls is a must in the Old Town, with stunning medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Many historic buildings were shelled in the Balkan Wars of the 1990s, but Herculean efforts were made to restore the majority. Around 1.4 million tourists arrive each year. Ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for a bird’s eye view of the Old Town and the sea beyond.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Little known fact: Dubrovnik banned slavery in 1416, centuries before other countries, including Britain, which didn’t pass the Slavery Abolition Act until 1833.
In the movies: The Last Jedi (2017), but it’s probably most famous as a filming location for the TV series Game of Thrones.
How can I experience this?:
Classic Croatia Star of the Adriatic
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
This is an other-worldly seascape of towering rocks, floating villages and idyllic islands. An unforgettable experience is to cruise around the bay in a junk boat, stopping to explore Vietnam's dramatic grottoes and caves. The emerald-green waters are home to coral reefs, mangrove forests and wildlife. The bay spans 130 square miles and attracts 2.6 million tourists annually.
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Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Little known fact: Legend has it that dragons swept down from heaven to protect the land from invaders, hence the name Ha Long, meaning “descending dragon”.
In the movies: Kong: Skull Island (2017).
How can I experience this?:
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
Venice
Every year is a year to see Venice, for its romantic and timeless atmosphere. Partygoers enjoy the carnival in February while others prefer the quieter months of September and October, but whenever you go, you will be entranced. St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace are obvious must-sees, but exploring the less famous alleyways can be equally rewarding (and cheaper). For a budget-friendly sightseeing cruise, take Vaporetto Line 1, a water-bus that runs the length of the Grand Canal. An estimated 30 million tourists come to Venice each year, so a tax for day-trippers has been introduced to address over-tourism.
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Gondolas in Venice
Little known fact: The first public casino in the world was opened in Venice in 1638.
In the movies: Don’t Look Now (1973) and The Brutalist (2024).
How can I experience this?:
Grand Tour of Italy from Venice to Sicily
Sagrada Família, Barcelona
Will it ever be finished? This question is part of our fascination with the Spanish temple, begun by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi in 1882. Its futuristic design is a blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau, but only the crypt and Nativity Façade were completed before Gaudi’s death in 1926. Each year an average of 4.7 million tourists visit the church itself and its museum with explanations of the historical, technical, artistic and symbolic aspects. The building is the tallest church in the world, its central tower reaching 534 feet. The current plan is to finally complete it in 2026.
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Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Little known fact: It is not a cathedral but a basilica, which is a church with special privileges. The only cathedral in Barcelona is La Catedral de Santa Eulàlia.
In the movies: All About My Mother (1999).
How can I experience this?:
Portugal and Spain City Explorer cruise
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