Holidays to the world wonders: Rome & Jordan

The naming of the new seven world wonders in Lisbon over the weekend has presented adventurous holidaymakers with a fresh travel to-do list.

The New7Wonders organisation revealed Petra in Jordan, the Coliseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza in Mexico and the Taj Mahal in India as the new world wonders, as voted by the public by telephone, online and text message.

Seeing all seven wonders will require some serious long-haul travel, as they span three continents, but the closest two are not all that far away.

The nearest of the man-made masterpieces is located in the Italian capital. The Coliseum in Rome is a fantastic sight on the modern city's landscape. Lit up by night, used for grand concerts and packed with visitors during the day, it remains one of Europe's must-sees.

Rome is a one of the continent's top city break destination, having some of the best night-life in the country, as well as attractive parks, stylish shops, great pizzerias and many other ancient sights.

Among the tour operators with Rome city breaks are Real Holidays, Archers Direct and Simpson Travel.

The next closest wonder to the UK is Jordan's hidden city of Petra, carved out of rock and only accessible through a narrow pass.

Only rediscovered in the early 19th-century, the archaeological wonder is has lots to explore, including its grand and impressive treasury building, royal tombs, a monastery and a theatre.

The Middle Eastern country is just over five hours away by plane.

Among the tour operators with holidays to Petra are Explore, Headwater and Longwood Holidays.