Top 8 most intriguing ancient ruins!

Imagine embarking on an extraordinary week-long adventure, exploring surreal archaeological sites and capturing their beauty through your camera lens. Are you up for the challenge? Let's dig in and uncover these fascinating destinations.

Our first stop takes us to Southeast Asia, where we begin our journey in Bagan, Myanmar. This enchanting site offers a multitude of experiences, and you're fortunate to have booked two distinct adventures. As the sun starts to peek over the horizon, you find yourself floating in a hot air balloon, capturing breathtaking aerial views of more than 2,000 golden conical structures. The sunrise balloon ride is fleeting but provides unparalleled vistas of the vast 40-mile expanse. Back on solid ground, you explore the village of ruins by bicycle, discovering magnificent structures built between the 11th and 13th centuries CE. Originally consisting of over ten thousand buildings, these architectural wonders were dedicated to worship. Thanks to their recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015, they have been carefully preserved.

Next, we catch a flight to Cambodia to visit the world-renowned archaeological site of Angkor, nestled deep within the jungle. Equipped with bug spray, you venture into this ancient city that once served as the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th century. Angkor, meaning "capital city" in the Khmer language, was founded by King Yasovarman I. Its stunning architecture, characterized by massive sandstone blocks, captivates visitors. Covered in vines, the temples of Angkor create a mesmerizing maze. Abandoned in 1431, the city remained hidden until its rediscovery in the 1840s. In 1992, Angkor became a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its cultural significance.

Our archaeological expedition continues in Egypt, where we visit the Karnak Temple in Luxor. Choosing the most unique mode of transportation, a boat ride down the Nile River, you embark on a mesmerizing journey from Cairo to Luxor. Luxor, once the capital of Egypt, was a hub of power and wealth. As evening descends, you witness the temple's grandeur illuminated by artificial lights, casting a golden glow upon statues and stone columns. This colossal temple complex, mainly built between the 18th and 19th centuries BCE, bears the architectural marks of various pharaohs. A walk through the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Hypostyle Hall leaves you in awe of Egypt's ancient wonders.

Now it's time to explore Jordan, where we encounter the captivating ruins of Petra. This marvel of the ancient world, situated in the Jordanian desert, was once a thriving commercial hub in the 4th century BCE. The Nabateans, an Arab Bedouin tribe, called the "Rose City" their home. Their innovative water management system made the region habitable. On your tour, you catch a glimpse of the rock-carved entrance, known as the Pharaoh's Treasury, said to hide a hidden treasure beneath. Don't forget to capture that classic photo beneath its grandeur. Pompeii, here we come! Just a day trip away from the city of Naples in Italy, these eerily preserved ruins are a testament to a city buried by volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Walking through the streets of this ancient Roman city, you can envision its vibrant past. Pompeii boasted impressive bakeries, markets, and luxurious houses with balconies that symbolized great wealth. The surviving frescoes and murals provide glimpses into the artistry of Pompeii's high society. Thermal baths and opulent showers made from lavish materials hint at the city's once thriving lifestyle.

No archaeological journey would be complete without a visit to the iconic Stonehenge in England. Located on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Stonehenge, with its curious stone rings, is over 5,000 years old. Its purpose and the identity of its creators remain shrouded in mystery. Some theories suggest it was a grand solar calendar, aiding in the tracking of time. Regardless of its origins, this ancient site stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors.

Finally, our expedition takes us to Guatemala in Central America, where we explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal. This lost city, comprised of over 3,000 buildings, was once the capital of the Mayan Empire. Tikal's North Acropolis, built entirely by human hands in 350 BCE, served as the burial place for kings and chiefs. The step pyramid temples, once adorned with vibrant red paint, are now remnants of a glorious past. The city's decline remains a mystery, leaving archaeologists with unanswered questions. Nevertheless, the majesty of Tikal endures, offering us a glimpse into the grandeur of this ancient civilization.

Our archaeological odyssey concludes here, and it's time to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences we've encountered. So, until next time, if this adventure has fueled your curiosity.