Top 10 Natural Wonders

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the Earth's most beautiful light shows. This natural phenomenon appears in the sky in early Fall and dances in the sky above until early spring. The Northern Lights can be seen throughout the Arctic Circle we especially love seeing it in Lapland as seeking out the elusive Northern lights can be combined with exploring the captivating scenery of this wintry wonderland.

Known for white-sand beaches, beautiful blue lagoons, colorful coral reef and deep green rainforest, Mauritius also boasts an underwater waterfall. Take a helicopter or seaplane tour off the coast of Le Morne to witness this incredible underwater cascade. While it looks like the whole island is being sucked into a vast underwater sinkhole, this spectacular sight is actually an optical illusion caused by underwater currents pulling the sand and silt away from the volcanic plateau the islands are located on.

The vast white expanse of Bolivia's salt flats are beyond compare; especially from January to April when the rain creates a beautiful mirror effect. The clarity of the image and wide open plains make this a brilliant photo opportunity.

One of the most spectacular natural wonders in South America, rivalling the likes of Africa’s Victoria Falls and twice the size of Niagara, the Iguazu Falls is made up of hundreds of thundering cascades of waterfalls flanked by tropical forest. To experience the falls in all of their glory, stroll along the walkways to marvel at the falls surrounded by a blanket of mist, take in the flora, fauna and impressive Devil’s Throat waterfall by train, or hop on a speedboat for a spin around the base of the falls.

Formed almost three million years ago, Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive and intact caldera. The landscape is stunning and only rivalled by the spectacular concentration of wildlife found within the walls of this bowl-shaped hollow. Expect to see lion, leopard, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo, hyena, cheetah, zebra and even black rhino. Experience epic game drives, hike the crater rim and do not miss the spectacular sight of the sun rising and setting over this dramatically beautiful terrain.

Built as an impenetrable rock fortress in the 5^th century by King Kassapa, Sigiriya Rock is an architectural marvel and feat of engineering. The climb to the top is well worth the effort to see the ancient ruins, palace and endless views of the surrounding countryside. Also known as Lion Rock, the entrance to the palace is flanked by huge stone carved lion paws. Highlights include some of the world’s oldest gardens and the 8^th century graffiti on Mirror Wall.

The tranquil beauty of Halong Bay makes it one of the world’s most mesmerizing seascapes. The sight of almost 2,000 limestone karsts and islands rising from the emerald green water is breathtaking. Floating fishing villages bob amid the limestone pillars, while the network of arches, caves and grottos add fairy tale charm to the glorious scenery. The best way to explore the karsts is on a short cruise or for a different and much closer perspective enjoy a kayak expedition.

A country absolutely brimming with incredible natural attractions, Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher may be the most unforgettable. Rising up over 700 feet from the crashing sea below, this stretch of cliffs is a picturesque must-see while in the wild west of Ireland. Birders take note – these cliffs are also one of the country’s most important bird-breeding sites, with up to 30,000 breeding pairs of seabirds. From May to August the cliffs fill with their color and sound, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and kittiwakes.

Located south of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull and formed naturally from melting ice, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the jewel in Iceland’s crown. Deep blue in color, the lagoon is filled with blocks of ice that have broken away from the glacier. These blocks melt and drift out to sea, often washing ashore as ice sculptures on nearby black beach where they glitter in the sun like diamonds. Explore by boat, visit an ice cave and marvel at the Northern Lights.

Perhaps Australia’s most famous natural site, the monolithic Ayers Rock rises majestically from the Uluru's burnt desert plains high into the heavens. Its ruddy tones change color throughout the day creating a mesmerizing view from every vantage point. To truly appreciate this magnificent area, we recommend taking a guided Aboriginal walking tour, or experiencing the iconic Sound of Silence dinner as you dine under a canopy of stars in an unforgettable setting.