2. Eiffel Tower, France

Men love to build towers and Gustave Eiffel was no exception. Commissioned to build an eye-catching (привлекающий взгляд) entryway for Paris’ upcoming Exposition Universelle, he finally unveiled (торжественно открывать памятник ) his 300m-high iron icon in 1889. The structure was only meant to stand for 20 years but won global admiration for its beautiful architectural form and has stood its ground. Put it on your ‘must-visit’ list – after all, 6 million people a year can’t be wrong. Visiting hours from July to September are 9–12.30am; miss the rush by arriving first thing or catch the last entry at midnight.

3. Florence, Italy

The capital of bella Tuscany can test the endurance (стойкость) of the most hardened traveler (закалённый). Its piazzas (пьяцца, (базарная) площадь ( особ. в Италии )) are filled with the whir (шум) of digital cameras, the leather and jewellery shops hem you in (окружать), and money belts can disappear faster than kisses. But Florence is also Italy’s Renaissance jewel (сокровище) and few cities can match (сравниться) its classic beauty. Swoon over (потерять голову?) Michelangelo’s David in the Academy of Design Gallery, the gorgeous headpiece of the Brunelleschi-built Duomo, and the stunning (сногсшибательный; великолепный) sculptural landscape of the Boboli Gardens, or just sit in a cafe and swoon over handsome passers-by. The city is virtually tourist free (and cheaper!) in winter; many restaurants and attractions are closed Sunday and Monday, so plan accordingly.

4. Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal was completed at Agra in 1653 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to glorify the beauty of his favourite (but dead) wife. So, is this minaret-ringed marvel (чудо) with its domed (украшенный куполом; с куполом) mausoleum, white-marble calligraphy and bejewelled (обвешанный драгоценностями) inner chambers (залы,комнаты?) a romantic dream come true, or is it a lavish folly (чрезмерная прихоть) to which the labours of 20,000 people over 22 years should not have been devoted? You be the judge.

5. Machu Picchu, Peru

The fabulous stonework (каменная кладка) of the ruined Inca city of Machu Picchu is nestled (укрываться) high in the Peruvian Andes. It was built in the mid-15th century but abandoned only a century later, around the time some Spanish visitors arrived bearing malice (таить злобу) and smallpox (оспа). Archaeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered the site on behalf of (от имени, в интересах?) the outside world in 1911 and Peru’s tourism bureaucrats are still thanking him. The ruins and the Inca Trail (след; тропа) connecting them with Cuzco were becoming buried under tourist numbers and waste until several years ago, when toilets were installed and visitors limited to a mere 500 per day. Solo visitors are now banned. Organised treks (путешествие) must be booked 30 days in advance, plus a nonrefundable (невозмещаемый) entrance fee of US $50.

6. Uluru, Australia

Massive, monolithic Uluru is embedded in the remote Australian outback (малонаселенная, необжитая местность) and draws hundreds of visitors at dawn and dusk (рассвет/сумерки) to watch the rock’s colours magically change with the rising and setting of the sun. Some people choose to scale (подниматься, взбираться) this sandstone giant even though the rock’s custodians¹ (хранители?), the Anangu people, ask visitors to keep their feet on the ground out of respect for Aboriginal spiritual beliefs. A more respectful way of exploring enigmatic Uluru is to circumnavigate (плавать вокруг) it via the Base Walk, a 9.5km trail that often allows you a little solitude (уединение). Rise above the masses with a 15-minute helicopter ride over Uluru. It costs AU$120 per person; details are at www.uluru.com.