As we embark on the sequel of our look at cool UNESCO World Heritage Sites of cultural import, a thought comes to mind. Why not plan your next vacation around a heritage site theme? Think about it – this concept could blow your mind and revolutionize your future travel plans. Rather than make a city, hotel, beach or family reunion the focal point of your vacation, why not inject a little historical flair into your program? No?

Impudence aside, World Heritage Sites do underscore the most dramatic cultural wonders on the planet. The Taj Mahal, Florence, Acropolis and Stonehenge, hey, UNESCO hit the mark with those. The rest of our list draws attention to sites that many overlook, that offer just as much wonder on the beauty of human accomplishment.

Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia gets lost in the shuffle of post-Cold War Iron Curtain tourism destinations. On the basis of what amounts to a collective snub, we thought it was high time to give the country some love. So with that in mind, consider the sincere endorsement of the pristine 13th-century historic town of Tallinn. A day or two within the Gulf of Finland seaport is time well-spent. Much of what became Tallinn harkens back to the legendary knights of the Teutonic Order and the castle they built here, the remains of which survive today. Once a major commercial center of trade with all of the architectural opulence that falls in line with that distinction, Tallinn and by extension Estonia, now plays a minor role on the continent by comparison. The result is a sleepy town with picturesque charm and a wealth of historical prestige.

Stay in the beautiful ancient quarter of Tallinn on your next trip to Estonia.

Aksum, Ethiopia

Read any journal on the subject of archaeology and the inevitable conclusion you will draw is that it is near impossible to take a stroll in Ethiopia and not stumble over a valuable piece of humanity’s puzzle. Indeed, the history of civilization began in a country many of us associate with famine, Bob Geldof and perhaps, Emperor Haile Selassie. Of the heritage sites in Ethiopia – 8 at last count – the city ruins of Aksum provides the most insight into the region’s place as a cradle of human culture. The massive site spans a period of 1,200 years, from the 1st to the 13th-century, when ancient Ethiopia was home to the most potent Kingdom between the Rome and Persia. With giant obelisks, royal tombs and castle ruins, Aksum represents a crucial pulsepoint in the history of human development.

Bamberg, Germany

No amount of hyperbole can do justice to the cultural importance of Germany on the world map. The town of Bamberg is a virtual concentration of the country’s historical treasures. With roots that trace back to the year 902, which is remarkable alone, Bamberg was a major center of commerce and trade for the Slav nations. A long period of prosperity that began in the 12th-century made Bamberg a nexus point in Europe for art, religion, architecture and philosophy. No surprise then that the town was the focal point of the Age of Enlightenment in Germany. For visitors today, Bamberg boasts one of the best intact old town centers in Europe, not to mention a mythical reverence for beer that dates back to the 11th-century.

A myriad of German hotel deals are right here for your consideration.

Antigua Guatemala

Guatemala is a gem that rarely grabs mainstream attention but draws incessant and hearty support from people who venture there. The city of Antigua Guatemala has a peaceful, regal charm that resonates Latin America. The old capital of the country dates back to the 16th-century. In a region vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruption, the town has proven resilient and monuments and structures that drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance survive today. The architectural splendor of Antigua contrasts with many images and notions we have of Guatemala, which makes the town even more of a welcome surprise. A virtual oasis and escape from the rush of Guatemala City, the ancient town vibrates with colonial history and a time when Spanish conquistadors set up shop in this part of the world.

The Incense Route – Desert Cities in the Negev, Israel

Israel and the Middle East in general, is a natural for heritage sites. The Bible took place here, for the love of God. No big shock that the country boasts impressive sites that inspire awe among spiritual and secular alike, from the ancient city of Acre to the Biblical Tels, to the White City of Tel Aviv. The ruins found on the ancient Incense Route however, offer sights that are entirely unique. The ancient towns of Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit and Shivta date back to a time when Biblical events were in motion, a period of over 500 years before and after the birth of Christ. The towns were links in a critical commercial chain of frankincense and myrrh trade – The Three Wise Men no doubt spent some time here – that went from one sea to another, Arabian to Mediterranean. Because they were so crucial to the economy of the region, these towns were pioneers in irrigation, defense, urban development and trade, not to mention the conversion of desert to subsistence agriculture. Israel is a world class destination for tourism and it can be tough to whittle down the attractions to a manageable itinerary. But the Incense Route in the Negev Desert is special and worth your time.