Celebrating culture and conservation: World Heritage Day 2026

Set atop a rocky outcrop overlooking where the Danube weaves its way through the World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley, this renowned Benedictine abbey was founded in 1089. Iconic for its yellow and ochre façade, this spectacular Baroque masterpiece is home to the Abbey Library, where an extraordinary 130,000 books, including medieval manuscripts, fill ornate wooden bookshelves beneath a breathtaking ceiling fresco by Paul Troger. The Abbey Church boasts gilded decoration, gold leaf, ornate frescoes and marble interiors, situated at the highest point of the monastery.   

Visit with us: Enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey under the incomparable guidance of an expert. They’ll lead you through its great halls, offering a rich insight into Austria’s monastic history and cultural heritage. 

Available on: Gems of the Danube

Dubbed the “sixth” Cinque Terre town, Porto Venere is a World Heritage-listed site that has extraordinary rocky coastlines, narrow streets winding through a medieval town, and sweeping Mediterranean views. A less-frequented hidden gem, it allows you the space to relax and experience the town for all that it is. Previously used as a Roman naval station, there is a lot of history for you to explore along this jagged coastline. Popular poets and writers such as Byron, Shelley and Lawrence are known to have fallen in love with the picturesque harbour.

Available on: Mediterranean Odyssey: Spain, Italy and the French Riviera

World Heritage-listed Darién National Park is one of the most important heritage sites in Central America. A natural bridge spanning the two Americas, it houses a myriad of habitats, ranging from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches and mangroves. A plethora of wildlife awaits, including the endangered night monkey, spotted paca and Guatemalan black howler. The indigenous Embera, Wounaan, and Guna (Kuna) peoples reside in small villages along major rivers within the park, making it one of the few remaining protected areas inhabited by humans in the world.   

Explore with us: Embark on a Scenic Discovery excursion by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, and ride along the coast of the Darien Jungle, watching out for an abundance of wildlife, including macaws and eagles, as well as spider monkeys and white-lipped peccaries. 

Available on: Ancient Kingdoms and Natural Treasures: Chile to Panama 

Recognised as a 'city of art and history’, Bordeaux is home to 362 historic monuments, second only to Paris, some of which date back as far as the Romans. The Place de Bourse – or Stock Exchange Square – is one of the city’s most popular hang-outs for locals and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find the bronze Fountain of the Three Graces, beautifully positioned in proximity to the Mirroir d’eau – the world’s largest reflecting pool.  

The Place des Quinconces is the largest city square in Europe, owing its name to the pattern in which the trees are planted. At its heart, the Girondins monument stands as a proud reminder of the Girondin revolutionaries.  

Peruse the rue Sainte-Catherine – one of the longest pedestrianised streets in Europe – decorated with high-end fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and be sure to pick a bottle of wine along the way, produced in one of the 10,000 estates that dot 287,000 acres of surrounding vineyards.  

Visit with us: Enjoy a guided exploration of Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, known as the ‘Port of the Moon’. This fascinating excursion focuses on 18th-century architecture, grand squares and riverside façades for an immersive look at one of Europe’s best-preserved urban landscapes.   

Available on: Bordeaux Affair  

Named after the Inuit word for ‘iceberg’, Ilulissat is the main town on Disko Bay, famous for its abundant icebergs breaking away from the nearby World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. The Icefjord is the mouth of the vast Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the world’s fastest-moving and most active glaciers, calving a remarkable 46 cubic kilometres of ice annually.  

Explore with us: A full fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards offers guests an abundance of exploration opportunities. Elevate your expedition voyage with your specialist Discovery Team, taking you beyond exploration to all-inclusive discovery. Listen for the rumbling sounds in the distance as huge chunks of ice break from the glacier and tumble into the water below, as you experience the freedom of being immersed in every moment.  

Available on: Iceland to Greenland & the Glaciers of Disko Bay 

Known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and vibrant culture, Cartagena is a historic coastal city on Colombia’s Caribbean shore. Its history as a key port during the Spanish colonial era is still reflected in its World Heritage-listed Old Town, where visitors are drawn to its cobblestone streets, churches, monasteries, bustling plazas and colourful terraces with balconies draped in bougainvillaea. Renowned for vibrant festivals and exquisite cuisine, Cartagena is a treasure trove of Latin American culture and history.  

Explore with us: Wander its Old Town, with cobblestone streets that are frequented by artisans and food vendors touting tropical fruits. The surrounding landscape of pristine beaches, tropical forests and a 17th-century fortress adds to its allure.  

Available on: Pristine Islands of the Caribbean & the Panama Canal   

One of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe –  with over 25 rooms, the ceremonial halls, court room, consistory and chapels – Avignon’s Palais des Papes will envelop you in the architectural and pictorial splendour of the papal court. Once a fortress and palace, it served as the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Today, it stands as one of Europe’s most important Gothic landmarks and a symbol of the political and religious power of the papacy in the Middle Ages. 

Visit with us: Enjoy a guided walking tour before Avignon’s Papal Palace opens its illustrious Grand Tinel Room for an exclusive gala dinner. Once closed to the public, take your seat for a three-course meal to dine as the popes of yesteryear did – your meal punctuated by the dulcet tones of a classical trio. 

Available on: South of France   

Once the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, Schönbrunn Palace is a magnificent symbol of Baroque architecture and is highly regarded as one of Austria’s most important cultural assets. Its imperial ceremonial rooms, golden halls and magnificent gardens have given it international recognition as a cultural monument, while the gardens boast magnificent fountains, statues, floral displays, and the Early Classicistic Gloriette.  

Visit with us: Join a guided excursion to this World Heritage-listed Imperial residence. Embark on a tour of the lavish state rooms and landscaped gardens while learning about the history of the Habsburg Empire.     

Available on: Jewels of Europe  

This colossal Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia was originally built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. Dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu, it is known for its intricate carvings and iconic towers and has become a worldwide symbol of Cambodian cultural heritage.  

Visit with us: One of our most popular experiences with our guests, here you’ll enjoy two Scenic Enrich experiences in one day. Marvel at the sunrise as it reveals itself from behind the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, followed by a champagne breakfast prepared by an NGO-supported local bakery school, at a secluded temple. 

In the evening, under the glow of candlelight and an illuminated temple, Scenic guests will be exclusively transported to ancient times during a mystical-themed Gala Dinner at Prasat Kravan, a small 10th-century temple in the city of Angkor. An included three-course meal of traditional Khmer cuisine and free-flowing drinks will be accompanied by an Apsara dance performance, for a memory you’ll treasure forever. 

Available on: Treasures of the Mekong 

A beautifully preserved medieval town that was once at the centre of the Hanseatic League, the Estonian capital played a crucial role in the economic development of Northern Europe during the Middle Ages. Its World Heritage-listed Old Town – Vanalinn – is packed with grand public buildings, merchants’ houses and churches, including the imposing pink Baroque-style Toompea Castle, which dates back to the 9th century.  

Explore with us: Learn about the city’s military history at Kiek in de Kök tower and admire the ornate architecture of the Orthodox Alexander Nevski Cathedral.  

Available on: Baltic Splendor: Stockholm to Copenhagen