World Heritage Sites II: 12 More of the World’s Greatest Places

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates and brings attention to World Heritage sites across our planet—special places in the world that stand as superlative creations of human genius and of nature. World Heritage sites are considered to hold global significance for all of humankind—places that bear witness to the development of our civilization, and our remarkable ecosphere.

Our first foray into World Heritage sites, World Heritage Sites: Exploring the World’s Greatest Places, celebrated UNESCO’s remarkable initiative, exploring a rich sampling of these sites across the globe. In this exciting sequel of 12 thrilling lectures, World Heritage Sites II: 12 More of the World’s Greatest Places, expert historian Professor Jacobs introduces you to a dozen more extraordinary treasures of archaeology, architecture, art, engineering, and the natural world. As before, his richly diverse itinerary takes you around the world, and across a wide span of history:

• The Great Wall(s) of China. Highlighting the iconic walls of the Ming Dynasty emperors, study their majestic architecture and dramatic history.
• The West Norwegian Fjords. Travel these globally beloved waterways within Norway’s coastal mountains and witness their breathtaking scenery and reflections of Norwegian cultural history.
• India’s Incredible Mountain Railways. Make the trek into the Himalayas mountain range and the Nilgiri Mountains and learn about the ingenious engineering that enables the trains to ascend soaring mountains.
• Sacred Bagan of Myanmar. Delve into the history of the mighty Bagan Empire and visit a range of the kingdom’s 3,000 Buddhist temples, shrines, and stupas.
• Old Havana of Cuba. Discover what makes Havana an extraordinary architectural treasure, as you uncover the layers of history in its elegant plazas, boulevards, imposing forts, churches, and mansions.
• Brazil’s Futurist Capital: Brasília. Investigate the utopian vision of Brasília’s modernist architects and planners and visit its phenomenal municipal and residential structures.

Each of these treasured World Heritage sites is unique. And each one tells you something exceptional about life on our planet.