UNESCO Travel

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Too busy/lazy/disorganised [delete as applicable] to create your own personal travel bucket list of places to visit and cultures to experience? Fear not, those kind people at UNESCO (or the ever so slightly less snappy United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) have pretty much done the job for you.

Even more thoughtfully, UNESCO have divided the world into neat segments. There's the classic: the UNESCO World Heritage sites list of wondrous places (both natural and man-made) around the globe; the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list celebrating human creative genius in fields such as cuisine and music; the UNESCO Global Geoparks list of remarkable geographic areas (think the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania), the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves list of regions where man and nature work most harmoniously for sustainable development (eg: the Cape Winelands in South Africa, hear hear), the self-explanatory UNESCO Creative Cities list and our particular favourite niche, the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger list.

At this point we know what you're thinking: that's a lot of places to visit and imperilled languages to listen to in one lifetime, so we at Original Travel have done what we do best and distilled this deluge of delightful destinations into more bite size chunks. Welcome to our UNESCO Travel Collection, where you can browse itineraries and more, all of which include at least one UNESCO world heritage travel must-visit destination, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage travel must-experience or UNESCO Biosphere/Global Geopark/Creative City to visit. We can then tailor-make an itinerary to weave together the various places and experiences, and you can get ticking off that list.

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Itinerary Ideas

Best for: Couples

Enchanting Islands and Captivating Coastlines: A Getaway to Amalfi Coast, Capri & Rome

Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country on the planet, the food is mouth wateringly good, and the landscapes are varied...

Best for: Families

Hiking, Biking and Mountain Climbing: A Family Trip to The Italian Lakes and Dolomites

On this nine-day family holiday to Italy's Lake Como and the Dolomites Mountains, spend plenty of time enjoying outdoor activities in two of...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons and Families

The Grand Tour: Argentina

This 13- day itinerary takes in the 'Paris of the South' (BA), vast pampas, a few days horsing around on an estancia (ranch), and the magnificent...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons and Solo Travellers

Along the Emerald Coast

Brazil's natural beauty and energy is a seductive combination. This ten-day Brazilian break offers just that, with a slice of Rio followed by...

Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers

Pretty Piazzas and Renaissance Art: Luxury Florence and Venice by Train

Spend eight days in two of Italy's greatest cities; Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and Venice, the city that feels like a living...

aerial view of maniace fortress in syracuse

Best for: Couples and Road Trippers

Scenic Walks & Town Tours: A Road Trip Around South East Sicily

Spend 10 days getting under the skin of Sicily, the ball to Italy's boot, on a luxury road trip around the south-eastern coast. Take in ancient...

Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers

Italian Art and Gorgeous Gardens: An Alternative Florence Getaway

Enjoy four days in Florence on this luxury city break and step away from the beaten path to explore some of the city's lesser seen sights. Itinerary...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Families, Groups and Solo Travellers

Colombia Close Up

Colombia has it all. Towering mountains, fun cities, bountiful national parks, ancient ruins and ravishing beaches, all cradled between the Pacific...

Best for: Couples and Sabbatical Goers

Luxury Peru Sabbatical

This three-month long sabbatical in Peru combines volunteering in the Sacred Valley with an unforgettable tour of some of the country's most...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Groups and Solo Travellers

Peru in Style

Peru's ancient landscapes and culture-rich cities are all the more rewarding when explored in style. This 17-day itinerary takes you to the foodie...

Best for: Families

A Family Peruvian Adventure

This nine-day itinerary gives a taster of Peru, taking in the highlights of this mystical land at a family-friendly pace, including Machu Picchu,...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons and Families

Perfect Peru

Spend fourteen days absorbing the best that Peru has to offer on this luxury adventure taking in Lima, the Peruvian Amazon, Machu Picchu and...

Best for: Couples and Families

Peru and the Galapagos Archipelago

Peru and Ecuador are bursting with culture, history and wildlife. Here, we have distilled a few of the best bits into a two-week trip, allowing...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Groups and Solo Travellers

Sacred Valleys and Salt Flats in Peru and Bolivia

Peru's rich history and Bolivia's awesome landscapes are a powerful combination. This twelve-day itinerary takes you to one of the wonders of...

Best for: Couples

Off the Beaten Path in Peru

The perfect Peruvian holiday for second time explorers who want to take a more in-depth look at the fascinating ancient cultures of Peru, this...

Best for: Couples and Honeymoons

Java, Kalimantan & Lombok: Relics, Rainforest and Relaxation

This is one for the adventurers, who like their creatures and their creature comforts. This eleven day Indonesian adventure offers a combination...

Best for: Couples and Honeymoons

Ultimate Indonesia Honeymoon

On this 16-day Indonesian honeymoon you'll visit ancient temples in Java, learn to cook delicious Indonesian dishes in Bali, sail around the...

Best for: Couples and Sabbatical Goers

A Luxury Nature Sabbatical in Brazil

Brazil's biodiversity is legendary in scope, this most captivating of countries is a treasure-trove of natural wonders. Spend five weeks experiencing...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons and Solo Travellers

The Best of Cambodia & Laos

Explore Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and delve into the country's recent and distant past. Next, relaxed Kep with its French colonial...

Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers

Luxury Laos Road Trip

Enjoy a 13-day road trip with a difference - you will be driven instead of driving - as you explore Laos from top to bottom. You will visit the...

Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers

Northern Thailand and Laos

On this thirteen-day trip to northern Thailand and Laos, visit beautiful temples, cruise down the Mekong River on a traditional boat and meet...

Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers

The Very Best Of Laos

Spend 10 days discovering the best of Laos, visiting Luang Prabang and Vientiane as well as the lush, riverside areas in the far south. Itinerary...

Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers

The Ultimate Indochina Trip

Long trips around Asia aren't just for backpackers, and the temples, scenery and culture in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are some of the most impressive...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Families and Solo Travellers

Jewels of Indochina: Hoi An, Luang Prabang and Angkor

This 13-day tour enables you to cherry pick Indochina's best bits. Travel to Vietnam to explore lovely Hoi An, wander the temples and night market...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Families, Groups and Solo Travellers

Museums, Moai and Mountains: The Best of Chile

We're not exaggerating when we say that Chile's landscapes are breathtaking. This long thin country packs a punch when it comes to diversity,...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Families, Groups and Solo Travellers

Highlights of Northern Chile and Easter Island

This tour of Chile encompasses some of its most spectacular scenery. Beginning in the capital Santiago, you'll visit colourful Valparaiso before...

Best for: Couples

Lisbon Like a Local: A City Break Discovering Portugal's History, Culture and Food

The one-time centre of a great maritime empire, Lisbon has grown into relaxed and vibrant modern city, the perfect spot for a luxury city break. Itinerary...

Best for: Couples

Visiting Seaside Cities, Wine Estates and Beatiful Beaches: A Tranquil Trip to Lisbon and the Alentejo

Spend a couple of days in the rejuvenated city of Lisbon before indulging in food, wine, country pursuits and beachtime in the varied and under-the-radar...

Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers

A Long Weekend in Lyon

France's second city is its first for food, not to mention somewhere in the heart of excellent wine country and with fascinating culture, making...

Best for: Couples and Families

South Coast Sri Lanka

This 11 day itinerary gives you a glimpse into Sri Lanka's Southern highlights, of which there are many, from the hustle and bustle of Colombo...

Best for: Families

Family Adventure on the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, and is home to jungles, Mayan ruins, golden coastlines and a plethora...

Best for: Couples and Families

Exploring the Yucatan

The Yucatan Peninsula separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, and is home to jungles, Mayan ruins, golden coastlines and a plethora...

Best for: Couples and Families

Pre-Columbian Ruins in Mexico

Modern Mexico offers everything you could ask in a luxury holiday; culture, delicious food and some truly wonderful beaches, and in this 14-day...

Best for: Couples and Solo Travellers

Mexico's Colonial Heartlands

Mexico is brimming with history - its colonial splendour speckles the hillsides in the form of colourful cities and graceful towns. This 11-day...

Best for: Couples and Families

Cities, Civilisations and the Caribbean Coast

Mexico is the ultimate destination for a culture, cuisine and Caribbean coast combo holiday. This two-week vacation will take you from bustling,...

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Where to Go

South America > Peru > Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

An UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu is a must see for every avid traveller.

The Far East > Laos > Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

The highlight of Laos, and one of the highlights of Indochina, is the beautiful old city of Luang Prabang.

Europe > Italy > The Dolomites

The Dolomites

A well known winter ski destination, the northern Italian mountains are also beautiful in the summer. The Dolomites became a UNESCO World Heritage...

South America > Colombia > The Coffee Triangle

The Coffee Triangle

Deservedly made a UNESCO world heritage site, the Coffee Triangle is hidden away in the rolling hills of Colombia.

The Far East > Vietnam > Hoi An & Hue

Hoi An & Hue

The former capital of Hue and the ancient town of Hoi An are two of Vietnam's heritage sites, and some of its prettiest places.

Europe > Croatia > Dalmatian Coast

Dalmatian Coast

Combine beautiful Mediterranean coastline with cosmopolitan and lively cities on your Dalmatian Coast holiday.

South America > Brazil > North East Brazil

North East Brazil

At the North Eastern tip of Brazil is Jericoacoara, home to huge sand dunes and a deliciously laid back vibe. Further south, the small fishing...

Europe > Italy > Puglia

Puglia

Puglia, on the heel of Italy's boot, is a destination apart, both culturally and geographically.

South America > Colombia > Southern Colombia

Southern Colombia

South of the ever-modernising capital Bogota, Southern Colombia is a still very much a traditional landscape of untamed jungle, UNESCO-protected...

South America > Chile > Santiago & Central Valley

Santiago & Central Valley

Spend a couple of days exploring the Chilean capital itself before enjoying its surrounding attractions; coast, Andes and vineyards.

Europe > France > Lyon, Burgundy & the Rhone Valley

Lyon, Burgundy & the Rhone Valley

Explore the gastronomic heartland of France from France's second city of Lyon to the winelands of Burgundy.

South America > Ecuador & the Galapagos > The Amazon

The Amazon

Due to Ecuador's compact size and the small area covered within the Amazon here, it is one of the best countries for wildlife viewing.

The Far East > China > Chengdu

Chengdu

Welcome to the Sichuan capital, home to giant pandas, fiery cuisine and ancient tea house culture.

South America > Argentina > Peninsula Valdes & the Atlantic Coast

Peninsula Valdes & the Atlantic Coast

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peninsula Valdes is home to aquaplaning killer whales, elephant seals and southern right whales.

Indian Subcontinent > Sri Lanka > Galle & the Southern Beaches

Galle & the Southern Beaches

Stay in a luxury hotel in Galle Fort and combine the city's culture with some of the best beach destinations in the world.

Europe > Montenegro

Montenegro

A tiny country with big appeal; over 100 beaches, pristine countryside, and a destination that's definitely one to watch.

Central America > Panama > Panama City

Panama City

Start your Panamanian holiday with a couple of nights in cosmopolitan Panama City, whose Manhattan-like skyline combines with the ruined ‘old’...

Indian Subcontinent > India > Karnataka

Karnataka

The best of India (minus the mountains) in one hugely under-rated state.

Africa > Morocco > Fez

Fez

The ancient capital of Morocco is one of the most atmospheric cities in the world.

South America > Brazil > Rio, Buzios, Paraty & the Costa Verde

Rio, Buzios, Paraty & the Costa Verde

Rio de Janeiro has perhaps the most stunning physical setting of any city in the world, with the legendary beachfront neighbourhoods of Copacabana...

Africa > Morocco > Essaouira & The Coast

Essaouira & The Coast

Essaouira is among the most photogenic towns in a hugely photogenic country, with atmosphere and charm in abundance.

Indian Ocean > Mauritius

Mauritius

This tiny Indian Ocean island has long set the standard for tropical luxury holidays.

Indian Subcontinent > Sri Lanka > Cultural Triangle

Cultural Triangle

The heartland of Sri Lanka contains several World Heritage listed sites, and because they are close together, these can easily be combined in...

South America > Chile > Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park

Chile's famous southern national park is so vast and pristine that even the smattering of excellent lodges have no impact on its wildlife.

Europe > Croatia > Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is quite simply one of the most beautiful and historic towns in the Mediterranean.

The Far East > Indonesia > Java

Java

If you want to discover what makes Indonesia tick, then this, the capital island, should feature on any itinerary.

South America > Peru > Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Arequipa & Colca Canyon

After a stay in Peru's pleasant 'White City', the adventure sports in the beautiful Colca Valley region beckon.

Europe > Portugal > Lisbon

Lisbon

Historical yet accessible and great, great fun - welcome to laid back Lisbon.

Central America > Mexico > Mexico City

Mexico City

Not for the faint-hearted, this is a city in the truest sense of the word; absolutely fascinating and well worth the effort.

South America > Argentina > Southern Patagonia

Southern Patagonia

Head as far south as you can to witness Argentina's extraordinary glaciers, mountains and rugged scenery.

South America > Argentina > Northern Patagonia

Northern Patagonia

From Bariloche in the south to San Martin de los Andes, the Lake District is all about the great outdoors.

The Far East > Vietnam > Hanoi & Halong Bay

Hanoi & Halong Bay

A holiday to Hanoi, exploring the culture of Vietnam's capital, combines well with a meandering boat tour around the beautiful Halong Bay.

Central America > Mexico > Yucatan Peninsula

Yucatan Peninsula

A holiday in its own right, Mexico's southern tip combines Mayan archaeological sites with Caribbean beaches.

Caribbean > St Lucia

St Lucia

The Grand Pitons, long stretches of white beaches, a huge range of water sports, and a drive-in volcano set St Lucia apart from its Caribbean...

The Far East > Japan > Honshu

Honshu

Japan may not feature high on everyone’s travel wish lists, but trust us – it should - and there's no better place to start exploring than...

South America > Colombia > Cartagena

Cartagena

One of Latin America's most attractive colonial cities, with boutique hotels and endless photo opportunities.

Africa > Kenya > The Kenyan Coast

The Kenyan Coast

Kenya is renowned as a safari destination, but has miles of idyllic coastline to explore as part of a 'bush and beach' trip or as a beach paradise...

Europe > Norway > The Fjords

The Fjords

Pining for the fjords? You should be.

Europe > UK > Ireland > Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a small country that boasts fantastical landscapes, historical museums and the UNESCO world heritage site of the Giant's...

Central America > Cuba > Trinidad

Trinidad

One of Cuba's most attractive - and most Caribbean - cities, with pastel-coloured colonial buildings and a party atmosphere.

What to do

Africa > Morocco > Fez

Day Trip to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes

Fez is undoubtedly fascinating in its own right, but also makes a perfect staging post for a visit to many of other of Northern Morocco’s marvels.

Central America > Mexico > Oaxaca & Chiapas

Gastronomy in Oaxaca

Mexican cuisine was recently granted UNESCO World Heritage status, making this the first national cuisine to merit such exalted eminence. We’re...

Central America > Belize > The Cayes

Dive the Blue Hole

Part of the Lighthouse Reef System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Blue Hole is 60 miles off the mainland of Belize and is one of the...

Central America > Mexico > Oaxaca & Chiapas

Palenque

Located on the western edge of the Mayan empire within the state of Chiapas, the ancient and UNESCO protected site of Palenque is one of the...

Central America > Mexico > Mexico City

Teotihuacan Pyramids

Near to Mexico City lies the unmissable - and enormous - pre-Aztec site of San Juan Teotihuacán.

Central America > Mexico > Yucatan Peninsula

Mayan Ruins in Yucatan

The Yucatan area has numerous sites with Mayan ruins. While some sites cover vast areas and have been well preserved or restored others are much...

Central America > Mexico > Yucatan Peninsula

Chichén Itzá

The ruins of Chichén Itzá are on the UNESCO World Heritage list and the site was crowned one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

South America > Colombia > The Coffee Triangle

Visit a Coffee Hacienda

There is plenty to do and see in Colombia’s verdant coffee region, one of the most obvious perhaps being a visit to a coffee plantation to...

Central America > Mexico > Mexico City

Gastronomy in Mexico City

Mexican cuisine was added to the intangible UNESCO World Heritage list back in 2010, therefore it seems only right that whilst exploring the...

Europe > France > Bordeaux & The Dordogne

Wine Tour in Bordeaux & the Dordogne

If there’s one thing that can’t be missed while visiting the beautiful Bordeaux & Dordogne area, it's – you guessed it - the wine it's...

Africa > Zambia > Victoria Falls & Kafue

Activities at Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls has long had a reputation for being the adventure capital of Africa and for the more adventurous visitor there are plenty...

South America > Chile > Santiago & Central Valley

Visit Valparaiso

A visit to the Pacific coast just a couple of hour’s drive from Santiago makes for an enjoyable day’s outing. The journey takes you through...

South America > Brazil > Bahia

Pelourinho district

The city of Salvador itself is often referred to as the ‘African Soul’ of Brazil, as descendants of the first African slaves have held tight...

The Far East > Vietnam > Hanoi & Halong Bay

Halong Bay

Combine Hanoi with a trip to Halong Bay, on the Gulf of Tonkin.

Central America > Mexico > Yucatan Peninsula

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Covering around 1.3million acres the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.

Where to Stay

Europe > Norway > The Fjords