Seven Wonders: The PureTravel list

The 124 mile journey along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan draws travellers back thousands of years to the Egypt of the pharaohs, with breathtaking pyramids, towering statuary and magnificent temples lying in still stunning ruins along the river banks. Incomparably romantic and relaxing, a Nile cruise is the perfect way to experience the grandeur of ancient Egypt while enjoying hotel-style amenities, superb cuisine and nightly entertainment.

Off the north eastern coast of Queensland, Australia is the Great Barrier Reef. It is 900 islands and 2,900 reefs in the Coral Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, it is famous for its great diversity of life and has been selected as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is more than 2,600 kilometres of brilliantly coloured fish, six species of sea turtles, giant clams, seahorses, sharks, stingrays, skates and much more along with 400 coral species. Visitors also see moray eels, stone fish, clown fish, potato cod, lion fish and brightly coloured nudibranches.

Stunning landscape, exotic rainforests, pristine beaches, exciting cities and ancient history make the Amazon a magnet for those who love to travel. With the Amazon region encompassing a great portion of South America, it might create a dilemma for tourists to decide where to go and what to see and do.

Halong Bay in Viet Nam is a new Seven Wonders of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. The over 3000 limestone ravines, sinks and underground streams as well as islands that are of innumerable shapes and sizes and are spread over the 120 km coast of Bai Chay Beach. These limestone islands, large and small and the caves and grottos along the shore have developed over 500 million years. Humans have been living in the area for over 18,000 years.

Halong Bay in Viet Nam is a new Seven Wonders of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. The over 3000 limestone ravines, sinks and underground streams as well as islands that are of innumerable shapes and sizes and are spread over the 120 km coast of Bai Chay Beach. These limestone islands, large and small and the caves and grottos along the shore have developed over 500 million years. Humans have been living in the area for over 18,000 years.

Mexican history is steeped with mystery stemming from several ancient civilizations that seemingly vanished into thin air. These civilizations built magnificent cities using advanced mathematical and architectural techniques that should not have existed during their time, and these cities prospered for many years. Eventually the cities declined, fell and were reclaimed by the jungle or built over by modern people. Today Mexico has over 60 documented lost cities that are excavated and available for exploration by visitors.

Many people have added "Climb Mt. Everest" to their bucket list--the things they want to do or accomplish before they die--not thinking of the costs, difficulties and fitness it requires to be one of those who have managed to climb to the remote camp at the foot of the Khumbu Ice flow.

There are few places on earth that offer such a range of experiences and adventure as Southern Africa. Running through it is the Zambezi River, the epitome of everything that is African. It is 3,540 kilometers long- or slightly more than 2,000 miles. It flows through a variety of landscapes, from lush forest to roaring gorges and boasts exotic animal life.