Visit These New UNESCO World Heritage Sites Before the Crowds

Lake District National Park, in the northwest corner of England, is home to the country’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and 14 lakes, including its largest, Windermere. There’s something for everyone with castles, gardens, cathedrals, archaeological sites, hiking trails, waterfalls, lake cruises, and spectacular views. Known for its stunning scenery, the area has inspired artists, writers, and poets: Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, and Beatrix Potter called the area home. 

Lovers of literature might enjoy visiting Potter’s former home in the village of Near Sawrey or Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount home, now a museum. History buffs will be interested to learn that a Neolithic earthen henge in the district is believed to have been King Arthur’s jousting arena.

Consider combining a visit to the Lake District with a trip to London, where you can stay at the opulent new Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square. From there, the national park is a pleasant three and a half hour train ride. For travelers with the time and interest in exploring, driving would take about six scenic hours. 

In the Lake District, stay at the boutique Cedar Manor Hotel in Windermere, a traditional inn with contemporary luxury, or the Daffodil Hotel and Spa on Grasmere Lake, a family-owned hotel offering a thermal pool, mineral mud treatments, elegant afternoon tea, and a lake view restaurant.

The extensive defense system created between the 15th and 17th centuries by the Republic of Venice in what is now Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy received UNESCO’s recognition based on architectural achievement and the importance of its civilization. For 1,000 years, the Most Serene Republic of Venice (Serenessima) maintained an empire ranging from northern Italy to the Greek Islands, making it the largest and richest Italian state until its fall to Napoleon in 1797. The fortifications can be seen today in Bergamo, Venice, and Palmanova, Italy; Zadar, Hvar, and Korcula, Croatia; Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Ulcinj, Montenegro.

With Venice as home base, visitors to this World Heritage area can head west to Bergamo to see this fortified hill town and ride the funicular to its medieval cobbled streets. Milan is less than 40 miles away, making it tempting to opt for a stay at the elegant Hotel Bulgari or the luxe new Palazzo Parigi and do a bit of shopping in the nearby fashion district. 

Or make it a seaside trip, starting at the San Clemente Palace Kempinski on its own private Venetian island, minutes away from Piazza San Marco by complimentary boat. From there, consider chartering a catamaran or yacht (at surprisingly modest prices considering the luxury and convenience) to see the ancient and modern cities of Croatia and Montenegro from the vantage point of the sea while cruising along the Dalmatian Coast.  Hvar, one of the fortified cities, is located on a small island of the same name, offering a perfect climate, picturesque harbor, and first-class restaurants along with its newly recognized history. 

Need an excuse to put an exotic South Pacific island on your travel to-do list? If so, here’s a good one. This large marae, or sacred place, on the island of Raiatea was once the spiritual center of Polynesia, said to be the departure point for ancient Polynesians on their seagoing voyages. It was a place of worship, ceremony, sacrifice, funerals, and political meetings. Visitors will find signs in Tahitian, English, and French to help them understand the significance of this important cultural location. 

Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands, with rain forests, lagoons, and mountains. A beach near the marae offers snorkeling, and a small wharf nearby makes it possible to visit by boat. Tahiti and Moorea are just a 40-minute flight from Raiatea, and Bora Bora is just 15 minutes away by plane. Ferry service connects Raiatea with Bora Bora and Tahiti with less frequent service. Yachts can be chartered with or without crew for the trip.

While you’re contemplating your visit to Taputapuatea, why not relax at the Four Seasons in Bora Bora, lounging in your overwater bungalow or swimming in the lagoon? Or spend a day or two snorkeling or scuba diving off the white sand beach of the Sofitel Moorea. If you don’t find your own black pearl, learn about them at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, in Papeete, Tahiti before you go shopping for one.

The forest-shrouded temples of Sambor Prei Kuk are some of the oldest structures in Cambodia, dating back to the late 6th and 7th centuries. The ruins include a walled city and numerous temples displaying the pre-Angkor decorative style. Described as less dramatic than the mysterious ancient city of Angkor Wat, Sambor Prei Kuk predates that city by about 500 years. However, visitors enjoy the serenity of the forest and the experience of viewing the ruins and noting the distinctive architectural styles of the two ancient cities.

A stay in Siem Reap, near Angkor Wat, provides the opportunity to visit both ancient sites with relative convenience while enjoying luxurious hotels and fine dining. A private tour to Sambor Prei Kuk can be arranged as a day trip with a two hour drive each way. Once your excursions have been completed and you have absorbed the history of the area and marveled at the ruins, it’s time to enjoy the chic Cambodian city of Siem Reap.

Consider spending a few nights at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, a five-star hotel boasting the largest free-form swimming pool in Cambodia and an elegant L’Occitane spa. The Park Hyatt Siem Reap and Belmond La Residence D’Angkor are also luxurious hotel options. 

Enjoy French-European dishes at Mango Cuisine or visit Wat Damnak for fine Cambodian cuisine. Browse the shops and boutiques for silks, clothing, lacquerware, and handmade souvenirs, tasting street food as you stroll. Your vacation will be the perfect combination of ancient and modern in a unique, exotic setting.

This walled city, founded in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmad Shah, is India’s first UNESCO World Heritage city. It is notable for its rich architectural heritage, flourishing for six centuries to the present time as capital of Gujarat. The stunning Akshardham Temple is one of the most well-preserved religious buildings, and the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, built in 1573, is renowned for its intricately carved latticework. Situated on the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad has a popular clothing and crafts market as well as a museum displaying antique fabrics.  A private tour would be best for visiting the important sites.  

A trip to India would not be complete without a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra, another World Heritage site. New Delhi, the closest city to the famed mausoleum, is a 90-minute flight from Ahmedabad. From there, a private tour can be arranged for a (long) day, since Agra is a four-hour drive or two-hour train trip from New Delhi. 

For a more relaxed experience and the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal at the best viewing times of sunrise and sunset, a night in Agra is recommended. Staying at the luxurious Oberoi Hotel Amarvilas, with a private balcony and view of the Taj Mahal, fine dining, and a full-service spa, will make the visit even more memorable.