8 sacred sites

Jerusalem, Israel

Located in the Judean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the northern tip of the Dead Sea, Jerusalem has a history that goes back to the 4th millennium BCE, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.

Jerusalem is considered holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam -- making it sacred to more than a third of the world's population. Key religious sites include the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque. The old walled city, a World Heritage site, has been traditionally divided into four quarters, although the names used today -- the Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Quarters -- were introduced in the early 19th century.

But Jerusalem's appeal is certainly not limited to religious travellers. With its rich history, archeological treasures, museums and concerts, Jerusalem is a popular destination for religious and non-religious travellers alike.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The ancient capital of the Khmer kingdom, Angkor is the most popular destination in Cambodia. Stretching over some 400 square kilometres, including forests and jungles, Angkor Archaeological Park contains remains of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century.

Explore Angkor Wat (believed to be the largest religious structure in the world) and the city's other ancient towers and temples. The nearby town of Siem Reap offers a number of hotels, restaurants and transportation to Angkor.

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, located in the South Pacific between Chile and Tahiti, is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world. Its name "Easter Island" derives from its rediscovery by a Dutch explorer on Easter Sunday in 1722.

Formed out of an ancient volcanic eruption, the triangle-shaped island covers only 64 square miles. It is famous for its 800 or so ancient Polynesian statues that stand across the island. Exactly why and how the original inhabitants -- referred to as Rapa Nui -- assembled these ancient wonders is not fully understood (partly because their written language has yet to be deciphered). It is thought the Rapu Nui people arrived from Polynesia around 400 AD.