To take full advantage of the interactivity of this site, you will need to download and install Google Earth. We hope you will enjoy your tours of the Marvels of the World and come back often for new experiences. Remember that each time you click on a Google Earth hyperlink (KMZ file) you should look for and open a video or envelope symbol for more information about the place you are visiting.

Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a sea cave off the coast of an island called Capri in Italy.  It has a partly submerged opening into the sea, like most grottos. The grotto was used by Roman emperors as a bathing ground. But now in modern times it has become a popular tourist spot. The Blue Grotto is also one of the seven wonders of the natural world because it has wonderful sparkling aqua blue water. Sunlight passing through an underwater cavity and shinning through the seawater creates a blue reflection that illuminates the cave. The Blue Grotto can be reached by motorboat from the port on Marina Grande, by bus from Anacapri.  To enter the low opening to the grotto, you would have to lie in the bottom of the boat as it goes in. Locals once believed that the Blue Grotto was inhabited by witches and monsters because it was such a natural wonder. See The Blue Grotto Video

By Sarah Raugewitz

See Blue Groto Google Earth Virtual Tour: Blue Grotto.kmz

Reims Cathedral

Reims Cathedral is located in Reims, France, and is where the kings of the country France were once crowned. Before Reims Cathedral was built, there was another cathedral but it burned down in 1211. The construction of the cathedral began in 1211. Reims Cathedral was completed by the end of the 13^th century except the western front part of the cathedral. The western front par t of the cathedral was finally built in the 14^th century with designs from the 13^th century. See Reims Cathedral Video

By Miranda Castillo 

See Reims Cathedral Google Earth Virtual Tour: Reims Cathedral 1 kmz.kmz

Esphesus Turkey

The city of Esphesus was originally built as an ancient Greek city.  It lies on the west coast of Antolia in the region known as classical Greece in present day Turkey.  Later the city was taken by the Romans and was mostly rebuilt by Emporer Constintene I.  But unfortuanly most of his work was destroyed by an earthquake in 614 A.D. The city is famed for the Temple of Artimus which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  The city is iconic for the front façade of the Celsus Library near the main gate to the city.  The Library remnants are in ruins, but the front façade has been saved from destruction due to the efforts of residents in the area. See Esphesus Turkey Video

By Kody Henrichs

See Esphesus Turkey Google Earth Virtual Tour: Ephesus.kmz 

Mt. Athos, Greece 

Welcome to Mt. Athos country of men. Do you know why they call it a country of men? It s because there are no girls allowed on this island. Not even female animals are allowed. Also if you are a guy they won’t let you visit the holy mountain without the proper papers. The clocks here run on Byzantine time. If radios, television, and paved roads didn’t exist in the year 972 A.D. they don’t exist here. Just 30 yrs ago it appeared that Athos was about to die out. The buildings were in disrepair and most of the monks were old. Today however, the average age has fallen to something closer to 40 here. Life here is very calm and your bedtime would be 9:30 pm. Mt. Athos is located in Greece. If you’re planning to stay overnight here overnight stay is forbidden unless you have proven that you have religious beliefs or are over 18. So if your looking for a calming, relaxing and girl free life you should go to Mt. Athos country of men. See Mt. Athos Video

By Sage Chaffin

See Mt. Athos Google Earth Virtual Tour:Ephesus.kmz

Jerusalem

One of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem is the capital and largest city of Israel. It is high in religious importance to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Jerusalem’s rich history is evident throughout the city with its numerous natural and manmade historic sites. Some of Jerusalem’s most popular attractions include the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the old city walls. Though Jerusalem has been the center of many conflicts and battles for thousands years, it has retained its history and beauty. See Jerusalem Video

By Megan Gerard

See Mt. Athos Google Earth Virtual Tour:Jerusalem, Israel.kmz

Halicarnassus

Halicarnassus, in Caria, Anatolia which is now Turkey had one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World around 5^th century B.C. The Mausoleum in Halicarnassus was built as a tomb for Mausolis who was the ruler of the time. His wife built it as a last memoir for her deceased husband. The Mausoleum in Halicarnassus has since been destroyed; some historians think it was when another empire tried to take over Halicarnassus as it was part of the Greek Empire.  Halicarnassus was an ancient Greek city where the Siege of Halicarnassus between Alexander the great and the Persian Empire also took place. Modern day Halicarnassus is now called Bodrum, and it is a Turkish port town on the southern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula and it faces the Greek island of Kos. See Halicarnassus Video

By Dominique Mejia

Click here to take a Google Earth tour of Halicarnassus Halicarnassus, Turkey.kmz 

Isfahan, Iran

Isfahan, also known as Isfahan, is approximately 107,000 square kilometers. Esfahan is a province in Iran. It is considered to be the home of the nightingales. The Nightingale is a small bird, which thrived in Isfahan.  Approximately 4.6 million were counted during the census in 2006. Esfahan is full of castles. It has a defensive military base, said to be the primary location of the Iranian nuclear weapons program. Isfahan became the capital of Safavid Persia during the 17^th and 18^th centuries. See IsfahanVideo

By Eric Snyder

Click here to take a Google Earth tour of Isfahan, Turkey: Esfahan.kmz

Colossus, Statue of Helios

The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek god Helios. It was created on the Greek island of Rhodes between 292 and 280 B.C. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders Of the Ancient World. It was destroyed, but it had been one of the tallest statues of the ancient world and stood at 107 ft. tall. The statue was an entrance to another harbor in the island of Rhodes. This colossus was built as a celebration of freedom. The island of Rhodes was an important economic center of the ancient world. It was built on the northern coast of Rhodes. See Colossus, Statue of Helios Video

By Alexis Sanchez

Click here to take a Google Earth tour of Colossus, Statue of Helios: The Colossus of Rhodes.kmz

Timbuktu

Timbuktu, the desert city, is located in West Africa in Mali.  It began as a nomad camp in the 1100’s. It didn’t become a prominent city until the 1300’s with the rule of Mansa Musa, the emperor of the Mali Empire, who attracted merchants. In the 1600’s it was one of the richest cities in Africa. It was under constant attack. In the 1890’s it was under the French rule.  Mali, the country in which it is now located, didn’t become and independent nation until the 1960.  While it may not be under attack anymore it still faces the threat of degradation, for Timbuktu’s monuments are primarily made of mud.  See Timbuktu Video

By Elle

Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is found just east of Nepal, Italy.  Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world.  Because it has an eruption cycle of about 20 years, it is one of the most dangerous volcanos.  Many people live near it which makes it one of the most deadly volcanos in the world.  The most deadly eruption was in 79 AD when it destroyed the town of Pompeii.  The eruption was very deadly. See Mount Vesuvius video

By Austin Savage

Moscow Russia

Moscow, Russia is the biggest city in Russia and the capital. Moscow is not only the largest city in Russia but is the largest city in Europe. Moscow is on the Moska River in the European part of Russia. Moscow has many historical sites like the Red Square, which is a square that separates the royalty and the rich from the merchants.  Moscow was once part of the Soviet Union, which was one of the biggest communist countries. In Moscow 1.2 million people come to visit the Moscow Zoo a year. Moscow also has a high number of billionaires.www.teachertube.com/view_video.php

By Cadence Keeten

Click here to take a Google Earth tour of Moscow, Russia: Moscow, Russia.kmz

Baghdad Fabled Arabian City

It’s hard to imagine that now the sight of horrible destruction and death, Baghdad was once known as the City of Peace.  Back in the day it was teeming with life and was the destination of many love struck tourists.  At night the city was lit up with casinos and clubs.  Some described it as magical and even something out of a fairy tale.  There are also many monuments you can visit and learn about the history of Baghdad.  See Baghdad Video       

By: Hannah Botten

Click here to take a Google Earth tour of Baghdad: baghdad google earth.kmz