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If we all drew up a list of places we want to see before we die no two lists would be the same, but the following five attractions should feature close to the top of anyone's wish-list of places to visit. All are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a couple have been selected as New Seven Wonders of the World. Go see.

Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

This is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Giza on the outskirts of Cairo. Believed to have been built as the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Khufu, it was the tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years after its completion around 2,560BC.Nearby is the Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the world's largest and oldest statues.

Stay at Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel, which boasts views of the pyramid complex. A double room costs £60 to £70 per night booked through hotelclub.net. Return flights to Cairo cost from £300 return.

Machu Picchu, Peru

It's not the “Lost City of the Incas” itself that is so awesome, rather its location in a saddle between two mountains. It's impossible to imagine how or why the Incas built the city at the top of a 600metre sheer cliff face 400 years ago or why it was left hidden by jungle until 1911.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is most easily accessible by train from Cusco. Those who are fit enough can walk the “Inca Trail” to Machu Picchu from just outside Cusco, which takes about four days — but you do need a guide and a visitor's permit. Journey Latin America has a 5-day tour of Cusco and the Sacred Valley which includes an excursion to Machu Picchu by train. It costs from £397 pp excluding flights to Peru.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Believed to be the world's largest religious monument, you need several days to explore the temple. Many people visit as part of an add on to a holiday in Thailand, but if you do that make sure you stay at least one night so you can see the sunrise over Angkor Wat. There are lots of other temples in the region but Angkor Wat — built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century — is the largest, most elaborate and best preserved. Kuoni includes guided tours of Angkor Wat in its 7-day Cambodia Discovery package, which costs from £1,479pp including flights, transfers and hotel accommodation.

Petra, Jordan

Also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra is a city carved from red rock over 2,000 years ago. Among its structures the most famous is the Treasury, which many will recognise from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

It's easy to combine a trip to the archaeological site with a city break in Amman, a rejuvenating visit to the Dead Sea or a few days by the Red Sea. Explore! includes Petra in its 9-night Lawrence's Arabia package which starts in Jerash and passes along the shores of the Dead Sea to Aqaba. It costs from £799 pp, including flights, accommodation and excursions.

The Alhambra, Spain

Once the residence of the Muslim kings of Granada and their court, the Alhambra — meaning Red Fortress - is now one of Spain's biggest cultural attractions exhibiting the country's most famous Islamic architecture.

Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a beautiful collection of buildings and gardens so expect to spend at least half a day touring the complex.

There can be long queues, especially in the summer. Tickets are strictly limited so make sure you get in by booking online at alhambra-patronato. A 5-hour guided tour costs £29.40 pp, booked through isango.

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