virtual reality tour europe

16 Virtual Tours in Europe You Can Take Right Now

Updated: Mar 20, 2023

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Have you ever thought about taking some virtual tours in Europe? I know I hadn't, until I came across some fantastic online tours that took me back to some of my favourite travel destinations, as well as many places that are still on my bucket list. Virtual tours are a great way to explore destinations that you may not otherwise be planning to visit any time soon. Not only that, but they also give you that all important wanderlust feeling and get your travel engines running again.

I've put together 16 virtual tours in Europe that you can easily take either from the comfort of your own home, or even on the go. Most of these virtual tours are free and self-guided, but some are run by authentic tour companies who want to give you the experience of a live tour even if you aren't there in person so having a good internet connection is essential. There are some great optimum internet plans to choose from now if you're looking to upgrade so don't worry. Keep reading to find out which famous European attractions you can go on a virtual tour of from anywhere in the world!

Virtual Tours in Europe

1. If you haven't been to St Petersburg in Russia yet then you're really missing out. I had the opportunity to visit St Petersburg last summer, and took one of the many river cruises on offer to see the city from a different perspective. Anglotourismo is now offering an off the beaten track walking tour of St Petersburg, which focuses on one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city - Vasilievsky Island . Not many tourists travel to this part of St Petersburg, so this virtual tour is a great way to see a unique part of the city, and be introduced to some pretty interesting historical sites along the way too. All you need to do is book the tour online , download Zoom, sit back and enjoy the tour. There's no set price for this virtual tour, so you can determine how much you want to tip your tour guide.

2. St Petersburg is known for its abundance of palaces, so I had to throw in one of my favourite ones - Catherine Palace . Using Google Arts & Culture , this virtual tour allows you to move around the palace grounds in a street view mode, and get up close to the details of this stunning historical site. For those of you who have visited here before, you'll know that the queue is enormous most of the time, so this virtual tour is a great way to be introduced to the palace and a bit of Russian history without spending hours waiting to purchase a ticket. Of course, nothing beats the real thing, but if you're unable to travel to Russia or are trying to plan a trip to St Petersburg in the near future, this is a great introduction to one of the city's main tourist attractions.

3. As a major history lover, one city in the top part of my bucket list is Athens . I came across this virtual tour of the Acropolis while researching things to do in Athens, and loved that you could click on the different areas of it, and then explore it in more detail using a street view. The Acropolis has played an important role throughout human history for thousands of years, and still stands tall overlooking the city of Athens. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, so if you can't be there in person yet, you may as well as practice online first!

4. One attraction I still need to visit in Paris are the Catacombs . It's a very unique site to explore, not only in France but also in the whole of Europe. The official website offers a great virtual tour of the Catacombs , which works like a panoramic photo. It's a completely free tour, and allows you to look at various rooms in HD. The Catacombs hold the remains of over 6 million Parisians from the 18th century, which was meant to lower the risk of diseases spreading from the overcrowded cemeteries. The bones themselves are arranged in a variety of decorative shapes, in order to make the whole experience a bit more attractive for tourists. But if you can't make it there in person, a virtual tour of Paris and the Catacombs are good second options.

5. The Palace of Versailles is a phenomenal historic site to visit just outside of Paris, and is a great option for a day trip . It's one of my favourite palaces in Europe to visit, so I was really pleased to stumble upon a virtual tour of Versailles . This is another free virtual tour in Europe which offers a glimpse into what you would see if you were there in person. The tour takes you around the grounds, and at each location there is a text box providing some historic background and interesting facts. So, if you find yourself longing for a French aristocratic escape and can't get to Paris, take a few minutes to virtually walk around the world-famous gardens at Versailles. You never know, maybe you'll see something you missed on a previous trip!

6. Who doesn't love a fairytale castle? Neuschwanstein Castle is probably on everyone's radar, and is now open to the public once again following lockdown. It may look like a medieval castle, but it was actually built in the 19th century as a retreat for King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Neuschwanstein Castle is at the top of my list of castles to visit in Europe, but for now I decided to take an aerial virtual tour instead. With this tour, you get to experience the castle from a helicopter's point of view, which is pretty unique and something I probably wouldn't have been able to do in person. Castle tours in Europe don't come much better than this, and I can't wait until I eventually visit and get to see it with my own eyes.

7. Windsor Castle is not only the oldest occupied castle in the world, it's also the largest. It was founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, and today is one of the Queen's main residences. If you find yourself in London or the surrounding area, Windsor Castle makes for a great day trip by train. If you don't want to ruin your planned trip too much, you can take a quick look inside the castle at a few of the more elaborate rooms by taking a virtual tour . This is another panoramic tour, but you get to see a lot of great detail, including a State Banquet set up in St George's Hall.

8. Edinburgh is filled with incredible historic attractions to visit, and one of the most popular attractions is the Palace of Holyroodhouse . It sits at the end of the Royal Mile, and is the official Scottish residence of the Queen. It's most famous for being the home of Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century. On a regular tour of the castle, you'd be treated to 14 State Apartments as well as the grounds and a 12th century abbey. But for now, virtual tours of palaces are what a lot of people will have to put up with. The virtual tour of Holyrood Palace is similar to that of Windsor castle, with a panoramic view of three parts of the palace for you to explore. Once again, this is a free virtual tour and takes almost no time at all to do.

9. Of course, you can't do a virtual tour of Edinburgh without stopping by Edinburgh Castle . This Scottish hot spot is one of the most popular castles in the world, and seen by many as one of the most iconic. The oldest part of the castle dates back to the 12th century, and you can catch a glimpse of the Scottish crown jewels within the walls as well if you happen to be able to visit in person. Thanks to Google Arts & Culture , visitors can now take a virtual tour of the castle from anywhere in the world. This is one of the lesser detailed virtual castle tours I've come across, but it's still worth a quick browse if you're missing the charm of Scotland. Travel tip : If you're visiting Scotland and want to explore its many medieval castles, I would recommend purchasing the Explorer Pass to save a lot of money.

10. For those of you longing to go to Italy, Virtually Live Tours offer a variety of tours that you can join online. All of the tours are live, and can be joined from anywhere in the world. For example, you can go on a bike tour of Florence and the Tuscan countryside, drop in on a cooking class, or see the illuminated fountains of Rome! They are all definitely very unique virtual tours in Italy to join in on, and the fact that they are done live makes you feel like you're really there - even if you're sitting at home with your feet up. NOTE: This tour is no longer running and the website is no longer available. I hope you were able to take advantage of it while it was live!

11. One castle that I can't wait to explore in eastern Europe is Bled Castle . It sits on a steep cliff overlooking Lake Bled and is the oldest Slovenian castle on record, dating back to the 11th century. Even if you aren't a castle lover (shame on you), judging from photos I've seen, the walk to the top of the hill is worth it for the incredible views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. There are a lot of virtual tours in Europe you can take, and Bled Castle is no exception. The panoramic virtual tour of Bled Castle that I came across is a bit of a strange one, since it's done at night so you can't really see much detail or any of the beautiful views either, but it's still interesting to take a look at.

12. Bran Castle was brought into the limelight due to its ties with Dracula, and is now one of the biggest (if not the biggest) draws for tourists in Transylvania. The castle itself was completed in the late 14th century, and was used as a defense against the Ottoman Empire. The virtual tour of Bran Castle is a series of 4 videos, each showing a different aspect of the castle. The videos are only short, so if you're feeling curious about this castle, you can easily fit this tour into your daily schedule. I've read a lot of interesting historical facts about Bran Castle, so I can't wait to visit Romania some time in the near future and walk around this incredible castle.

13. For those of you who have been to Prague before, you'll know what a charming European city it is. The medieval streets are breathtaking, and for me there's nothing better than feeling like you're walking through history. Prague Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in the city, and was founded over 1000 years ago. It's a very unique European castle to explore, because it's made up of various palaces and ecclesiastical buildings, which is why it holds the world record for the largest coherent castle complex in the world. Prague Castle's virtual tour offers a glimpse at various parts of the castle, and there is also an option to view some great photos as well.

14. Poland is an amazing country to visit, with lots of great historical sites to see and national parks to sink your teeth into. One attraction that really catches my eye is Malbork Castle . This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 13th century and is the largest castle in the world based on land area. It's also considered to be the largest brick structure ever built by hands during this time period. You can now take a virtual tour of Malbork Castle , which is a great option if you want to see if this is the type of castle you'l be interested in visiting. Or maybe you've already visited it and want to reminisce about your time there. Either way, it's a fun historic virtual tour in Europe to go on!

15. One city that really impressed me when we visited it earlier this year was Vienna . It's known for being one of the more expensive cities to visit in Europe, but we found that it's definitely doable on a budget, and there are a number of free historic sites to visit as well. Schonbrunn Palace was one of my favourite spots in the city, and it's free to walk around the grounds too which was great. We didn't have time to go inside and take a guided tour, so I was really pleased to come across this online virtual tour of the palace instead. Google Arts & Culture lets you see quite a lot when compared to other virtual tours, so it's well worth checking out, especially if you haven't seen the inside before.

16. In my opinion, one of the best ways to explore a city is by taking a food tour. When we visited Dublin , we had the opportunity to join Secret Food Tours and eat our way through some Irish dishes. They're now offering virtual tours for just $10 in a number of cities across Europe, as well as New York City. For each tour you go on, you'll receive $50 back in tour vouchers which are valid for 2 years! I don't know about you, but I think this is a great way to start saving for your next trip, all while helping the tourism sector bounce back after months of people being in lockdown. I'll be taking part in their virtual tour of Paris and can't wait.

BONUS : Yes, I know Machu Picchu in no way counts as a virtual tour in Europe, but if you're like me and are itching to travel here then you'll take what you can get. If you aren't familiar with this phenomenal historic site, it dates back to the Incan Empire in the 15th century, and sits 7000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains. It was once a royal estate visited by emperors, but following military campaigns and the plague brought along in the 16th century by Spanish explorers, the Incan royal line came to an end. The virtual tour of Machu Picchu allows you to explore a large portion of the ruins, and see it from different angles, all while not having to take the long hike up to the top.

These are just a handful of the many virtual tours of Europe you can take. Many popular museums are now hosting incredible virtual tours which are growing in popularity as well, which are worth clicking on if you want to add a bit of culture to your day. Don't forget to check out my blog post covering 18 Incredible Places to Visit in Europe After Lockdown for some further travel inspiration, and follow me on my travels on Instagram as well. I would love to hear if anyone else has been taking virtual tours recently, so please drop me a comment below!

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19 immersive tours and virtual experiences in europe.

Whether you're looking for culture, history, adventure or wildlife, you can discover it all from home on these virtual European tours...

Europe offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you want to explore the grounds of a castle, learn about the history of Pompeii, watch birdlife in action or walk across a mountain range, there's an experience for you.

For now, you'll have to settle for seeing Europe from your sofa. With plenty of virtual experiences on offer, it should be a breeze. Simply search based on your interests, or keep scrolling for the full guide...

Top virtual experiences for culture seekers

Top virtual experiences for foodies

Top virtual tours for history buffs

Top virtual experiences for wildlife enthusiasts

5 immersive virtual experiences for culture seekers

1. admire andy warhol's art at the tate modern, england.

Admire Andy Warhol's work on a virtual tour through the Tate Modern (Shutterstock)

Featuring iconic images of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell's soup cans, Andy Warhol's colourful pop art is among some of the most recognisable in the world. 

Learn more about the man behind the work on this insightful virtual tour of his exhibition in London's Tate Modern. 

Take the tour

2. Explore the Strada Nuova Museums in Genoa, Italy 

Palazzo Rosso is one of three castles making up the Strada Nuova Museums (Shutterstock)

Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Tursi are all separate and magnificent 16th-century palaces, but it is what they all share that's most of interest. 

Together, the three neighbouring palaces make up the Strada Nuova Museums, which houses an extensive and impressive collection of ancient art. 

Take this virtual tour to take a closer look at the portraits hanging inside. 

3. Take a city tour of Gdańsk , Poland

Walk the colourful streets of Gdańsk, Poland (Shutterstock)

With a picturesque waterfront, cobbled streets in the Old Town, spindly spires topping colourful buildings and rich, maritime history -  Gdańsk is the type of city where you can't take two steps without wanting to stop and take a photo. 

Get a taste of vibrant Gdańsk with this virtual walking tour, which allows you to peruse the main sites and soak up the bustling atmosphere, without having to leave your house.

4. Explore the Vatican in Vatican City

Virtually explore the Vatican (Shutterstock)

There's nothing like seeing the Sistine Chapel in real life.

Hearing the echo of your footsteps in the otherwise empty hall, and tilting your head back to scour at every detail of Michelangelo's masterpieces, painted on the ceiling.

But nothing gets closer to the real thing than this 360-degree virtual tour.  Y ou'll be able to marvel the paintings for as long as you desire, without getting neck ache -  the ability to zoom in and out means you can appreciate the full scale of art, narrowing in on particular details.  

This isn't the only part of the Vatican you're able to see virtually. The tour also includes online interactive visits to the Pio Clementino Museum, Chiaramonti Museum and the Niccoline Chapel, among others. 

5. Step inside the Palace of Versailles, France

Virtually tour the Palace of Versailles, France (Shutterstock)

With 2,300 rooms spread over 63,154 sq m, the 17th century Palace of Versailles has rightly been a World Heritage Site for more than 30 years.

It's around half an hour away from Paris by car, but now, you can see the glittering royal home from the comfort of your living room.

A partnership with Google means there are now a selection of virtual tours that allow you to see the paintings, engravings and sculptures up close - and learn about their significance.

There are many virtual exhibitions to choose from. The   Louis XIV/Nicolas Fouquet: A Certain History of Taste   tour teaches you what these two powerful men had in common in their artistic choices, while the   Louis XIV: The Construction of a Political Image   tour focusses on the many portraits of the past King, explaining how he used art to maintain his influence.

Explore exhibitions covering science, fashion, royalty and the history of the palace itself, too.

Like these? Explore more virtual tours of the world's best museums

4 delicious virtual experiences for foodies , 1. get a taste of france with this onion soup.

Cook a French onion soup (Shutterstock)

France is undoubtedly one of the world's great culinary capitals. So what better way to get a sense of travel here than to taste the country's food? 

Onion soup is a popular dish in France, and makes a hearty lunch or starter. Follow this recipe and have your own French dining experience at home. 

See the recipe

2. Sample Borough Market's finest, England

Discover the delights of Borough Market from home (Shutterstock)

London's bustling Borough Market is a travel experience full of bright fruit and vegetables, cheerful vendors and mouth-watering smells. 

The popular market may be closed for now due to coronavirus, but the bustle of this community is still very much in action. 

Check out the Borough Market Community Facebook page to join this community, learn new recipes and find top tips for locating local produce. 

Find out more

3. Cook authentic Italian food 

Cook Italian food (Shutterstock)

Join Grandma Nerina in her kitchen in rural Italy to learn the secrets of Italian cooking and create your own authentic and fresh pasta dish. 

Cook alongside Nerina, or simply watch her at work, all while listening to her fascinating stories, giving you an insight into Italian culture. You can even take a virtual walking tour around the Medieval village where Nerina lives. 

4. Try a taste of tradition in Germany

Cook German food from home (Shutterstock)

Sausage, stews and comforting pies - German cuisine is hearty, filling and well-loved the world over. Of course, its best tried in the country itself, though these authentic recipes are guaranteed to take you there with just one bite. 

The 600 year-old  Thüringer bratwurst recipe, Aachener printen (ginger bread) and Bavarian bread dumplings are just a few of our favourites. They're all available to download for free, too.

See the recipes 

5 best virtual tours for history lovers

1. explore the batalha monastery, portugal .

Virtually explore the Batalha Monastery, Portugal (Shutterstock)

Head back in time to 1385 on this immersive and historic tour of Portugal's Batalha Monastery. You'll learn all about Portugal's victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota, which took place close by.

You'll also be able to admire the monastery's incredible architecture, as well as the sculptures that stand inside.

2. Look around Acropolis, Athens

Acropolis of Athens (Shutterstock)

Think of the Greek capital and this large, crumbling, colonnaded building standing stoically on the cliffs likely comes to mind. It may be over 2,400 years old, but this ancient site still denotes power and importance. 

Greece may be closed off to tourists for the time being, but one of its most iconic archaeological wonders can still be explored.

With a video showing Acropolis from above and the view from the ground, paired with detailed information about its history, this virtual tour is an interactive and informative way to experience Greece's symbol of democracy. 

3. Explore Drachenburg Castle , Germany 

Explore Drachenburg Castle (Shutterstock)

You can tell the Drachenburg Castle is steeped in history just from one look. The castle sits on a hilltop and is crowned by fairy tale-esque towers, offering picture-perfect views over the Rhine River 

This virtual tour of Drachenburg Castle gets you onto street view, so you can 'walk' the grounds at your leisure. 

4. Step inside the Tower of London  

The Tower of London (Shutterstock)

The Tower of London is in the heart of England's capital. The stony, square-shaped fort remains is a popular destination with people from all over the world. 

Not only does the building house the crown jewels, but it's also thousands of years old, and with time comes many fascinating (often gory) stories of those who spent their final days imprisoned inside.

This virtual tour pairs 360-degree photos and street walking options with detailed accounts of the tower's past.

5. Soak up the history of Pompeii, Italy 

Explore Pompeii from home (Shutterstock)

This ancient city in Italy is famously preserved in ash, following a deadly volcano eruption hundreds of years ago. 

This virtual tour shows you what the site looks like now, while also filling you in on what life would have been like before the tragic volcano eruption that froze Pompeii in time took place.

5 incredible virtual experiences for getting closer to nature

1. go for a walk in denmark's countryside .

Walk across the Rabjerg Mile, Denmark (Shutterstock)

Visit Denmark has put together a list of seven nature-filled walks that you can experience from your living room. 

Whether you want to experience a moving sand dune or spot birds along Horsens Fjords, these virtual walks will make you feel closer to nature. 

2. Admire tulips in the Netherlands

Virtually admire Holland's tulips (Shutterstock)

Neat rows of brightly coloured tulips are sure to lighten up even the bleakest of days. That's just one reason why the Netherlands remains popular with travellers across the globe. 

This virtual experience allows you to see the flowers from every angle, so you can truly appreciate the size, beauty and variation of colour among the tulip fields. 

3. Watch wild badgers in Cumbria, England

Spot badgers in Cumbria (Shutterstock)

Keep a careful eye on this live webcam, and you'll likely see a badger or two walking past. 

The European badger, with its burglar-striped faces, is extremely rare and hard to spot in the wild. However, the staff of the  Badger Bar & Restaurant noticed a family living nearby and left food out for them, upping the chance of seeing them.

Since the COVID-19 lockdown, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust has been keeping an eye on these shy creatures. For your best chance of a sighting, watch the live feed at dusk on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

4. Watch ospreys in Estonia

Watch an osprey live cam in Estonia (Shutterstock)

These huge birds of prey have almost a hypnotic affect on those who spot them majestically gliding through the sky. Their wingspans can be as long as 180cm.

Get a closer look by watching this live cam in Estonia. The incredible footage allows you to see straight inside an osprey nest, where you can admire the youngster and watch its mother come and go with food.

5. See puffins up close in Alderney

See puffins in the Channel Islands (Shutterstock)

Did you know that puffins sometimes fight with rabbits? If you don't believe us, then take a look for yourself. 

Alderney, one of the Channel Islands, has set up three cams to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the popular puffins. Whether you want to enjoy a rare up-close view or see the whole colony from a distance, the webcams give you a real insight into these beautiful birds' lives. 

More virtual experiences: 

Our guide to the best virtual tours of africa, 12 immersive virtual experiences of north america, incredible virtual experiences of latin america, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

  With the time and expense required to travel being prohibitive to many, there are alternative ways of indulging your wanderlust – including via the burgeoning world of Virtual Reality.

(Photo: Cubicle Ninjas)

There are a huge number of VR companies all vying to create ever more unique experiences for consumers – and one of the biggest growth categories has been travel. And what better time to get a taste of exploration and adventure from the comfort of your living room, equipped only with a VR headset, than now, when travel is a luxury that many just can’t stretch to? We’ve picked out 10 of the best virtual reality travel experiences currently on the market.

So which VR headset should you go for? Our favourite is the Meta Quest 3, which launched onto the market in mid-2023 and is the successor to the Meta Quest 2. For immersive games and travel experiences, we believe the Meta Quest 3 is destined to become the leading VR headset over the coming years. It’s pretty affordable, too, and unlike other headsets, doesn’t require cords or a computer. You can purchase the Meta Quest 3 at Amazon.com.

Guided Meditation VR

Developed by Cubicle Ninjas, Guided Meditation VR is designed to bring peace, joy, and calm back into your daily life by teaching you ancient meditation practices in a cutting-edge way. It features over 40 lush environments to escape the everyday, 30-plus hours of guided meditations on anxiety, depression, maternity, resilience, sleep and zen, and hundreds of hours of calming musical audio tracks to help enhance your meditation experience. Users can also customise their sessions to their own specific preferences and needs, including the option to switch into Motion mode and gently float through beautiful vistas like you would on a lazy river, leaving the worries of your life behind before returning calmer and stronger.

PRICE £10.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

Be anywhere in the world with anyone, instantly, in this captivating game developed by Wooorld Inc. Visit hundreds of cities, architectural landmarks, natural wonders, and vacation spots in incredible 3D detail, and get tips about the best places to visit, the hidden gems, where to get the best food and all the tourist traps to avoid. You can also create your own 3D avatars with face and body tracking and test your worldly knowledge by guessing where you are after being teleported to 5 random locations, with only the landscape, flora, architecture, and road signs for clues. The game can played as collaboratively as you wish, with options to explore the world with friends and meet new people, or hop into a Solo World without any distractions.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Wooorld Inc.)

Blueplanet VR Explore

(Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore)

Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore  is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are captured in volumetric 3D with great detail and accuracy. The scenes look and feel like these places do in real life, and enable you to freely move around to enjoy and explore these remarkable, fragile, and priceless environments. Concern for the environment often comes from direct experience, and being as close as we can get to experiencing a sense of actually being there, Blueplanet can help encourage people to appreciate and protect these treasures.

PRICE £18.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

BRINK Traveler

Travel to some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders in fully immersive 3D and feel like you’re really there in this awe-inspiring game by Brink XR. Step into a scene akin to a postcard as you visit a total of 28 (with more on their way) of the most breathtaking places on Earth. In-game highlights include room-scale walkable areas in each destination, a virtual guide and assistant to learn about where you’re visiting, and the chance to shoot photos to share with friends. You can either play the game solo or with friends and family in multiplayer mode.

PRICE £11.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: BRINK XR)

National Geographic Explore VR

Created in partnership with National Geographic, a world-leading society in the fields of geography, cartography and exploration, this magical VR experience invites you to discover two of the most iconic locations on Planet Earth. Don your explorer hat and head to Antarctica for an exhilarating expedition. Navigate around icebergs in a kayak, climb a vast ice shelf and survive a snowstorm as you hunt for a lost emperor penguin colony. Visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru and get immersed in amazing digital reconstructions of the legendary site. Witness mummy worships, raise a cup of sacred chicha and encounter cute and furry alpacas as you match Hiram Bingham’s photographs from when he rediscovered the citadel. Be sure to take a camera as your best snaps may even make it into the prestigious National Geographic magazine.

PRICE £7.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Force Field Entertainment B.V)

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Fans of the hugely popular TV blockbuster The Walking Dead can now join the world of zombies in this new VR adventure. Travel through the ruins of New Orleans as you fight, scavenge, and survive, each day unravelling another mystery lurking within the city’s historic quarters. Encounter desperate factions and lone survivors who could be friend or foe. Whether you help others or take what you want by force, every choice you make has consequences. What kind of survivor will you be for the people of NOLA? Scavenge for anything that you can; weapons, food, tools, and clues. Be wary of the living and the dead, with spatial audio drawing attention to any loud noise. Craft makeshift gear out of scrapped material; blades, guns, medicine, and more. Test your morals and make difficult choices for yourself and others. It’s all here, bringing the small screen to life in a big way.

PRICE £29.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Skydance Interactive)

Narrated by award-winning actress Anna Friel, this trail-blazing VR series opens the door to some of the planet’s wildest environments while redefining the limits of 3D-180 cameras. Meet the humans protecting our most precious wildlife, explore the great savannahs of Kenya, discover the ancient jungles of Borneo and dive into the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Encounter elephants, orangutans, manta rays and some incredible humans, all in stunning cinematic footage filmed from the air and deep into the ocean. The series was produced in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),

(Photo: PHORIA)

The world is your oyster with this interactive, immersive VR experience that’s designed to be played by the whole family. There’s global travel and adventure in which your friends and family can join city tours, hot air balloon rides, back-country road trips, and plenty more. Or you can simply kick back and relax, practice meditation and get back to nature – all in the company of a guide or going solo, if you prefer. Other features include photo sharing, soundtracks, a range of fun games and media customisation.

(Photo: AARP Innovation Labs)

Rome Reborn: The Pantheon

Created by Flyover Zone, an American company specialising in virtual travel applications that present the world’s most important cultural heritage sites and monuments, Rome Reborn is one of five applications that present different areas of ancient Rome. This particular one transports users over the entire ancient city, focussing on the Pantheon, perhaps the best-preserved building from antiquity. In the company of two virtual guides, you’ll get to explore the exterior forecourt and interior sanctuary of the reconstructed complex as you listen and learn about the Pantheon’s design and decoration, as well as the nature of the religious cult once housed within it.

PRICE £3.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Flyover Zone Productions)

Monte Fitzroy is Argentina’s most famous mountain landmark and is even used as the logo for outdoor retailer, Patagonia. It is a place that immediately evokes a sense of adventure. At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful and remote glacial lake known as Laguna Sucia. Most people who visit Monte Fitzroy view it from a location that is much easier to access. Laguna Sucia requires a much tougher hard-to-access trail that culminates in one of the most beautiful and remote glacial lakes in existence. You are rewarded with a sense of almost meditative stillness as you approach this untouched natural amphitheatre. This VR experience utilises Pterovision, a 3D technology that integrates computational photography, 360 Video, and gaming and allows you to take off like a bird, fly around the lake, visit the waterfalls along the edge, and fly over glacial formations beneath the mountain peaks. Numerous narrations will tell you about the challenges we faced when filming in this location, as well as educate you about the geology, culture, and history.

PRICE $2.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift 

(Photo: Specterras Productions)

Gala360 – Travel & Relax

Taking you on awe-inspiring virtual adventures across the globe, Gala360 is the result of the magic touch of an array of exceptionally talented photographers who have captured their globe-trotting trips in all their glory before being rendered into VR form. In professional 6K resolution, more than 300 tours around the world are featured, with some also including narration which allows you to listen to the stories behind the trips. Most of the tours are free, but you can pay a small fee to unlock more.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Go (soon available on Quest 2)

(Photo: Gala 360)

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Virtual tours: See Europe’s top travel destinations without leaving your couch

Confined or simply no desire to leave home? Here are some of the most famous travel destinations that are available to visit online

In times where travel plans are hard to make, there are plenty of ways to see the world without leaving your home. Some of the most iconic European museums and travel destinations are inviting guests to take a virtual tour of their premises, enjoying the precious collections and sites for free, online. Here is a selecting of the European venues welcoming the guests virtually.

A digital stroll around the world’s largest art museum resembles an on-site experience: try not to lose track of time in the numerous galleries and corridors as you browse some of the world’s most precious pieces of art.

The Eiffel Tower

A virtual trip to Paris can also take in one of the most famous landmarks. This immersive experience offers some breath-taking panoramas of Paris as well as an interactive history of the attraction.

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família

This UNESCO World Heritage Site invites you to take full control of the virtual sightseeing tour available on its website. Choose the location inside and outside Sagrada Família and press the arrows to change your perspective. Feel free to keep on the accompanying soundtrack as you look around.

Collections of the Prado Museum

The main Spanish national art museum, located in central Madrid, allows the exploration of its vast collection online. On top of this, virtual visitors can learn more about the restoration work in the multimedia section of its website.

The Rijksmuseum

The Dutch national museum offers users the chance to experience a multimedia tour through its mobile application.

Buckingham Palace

This iconic building and the official London residence of the Queen of the United Kingdom has opened its doors for online visitors. Discover the Throne Room, Grand Staircase and White Drawing Room without leaving your own living room.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are also offering you the chance to take a tour around their immense collections.

Notably, the Sistine Chapel which wasn't easy to get into even before the pandemic can now be admired as often and for as long as you like.

As unprecedented numbers of trips got cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 related restrictions, some countries are trying to keep the spirits of travellers high, by inviting them to have a little taste of their beauty online.

This East Alpine country offers some virtual tours and tips to experience its culture without leaving home.

Switzerland

It’s nearly impossible to take your eyes off aerial panoramic views of Switzerland's most picturesque sites, shot at different times throughout the year. Each video shows a small map graphics in the corner - to make it easier to find, once you decide to hit the road again.

A collection of videos in so-called 'slow-tv' style on Norway’s official travel guide website take you on a slow virtual trip to the country’s most unexpected sites.

Miss the Highlands no more. Travel blog Nordic Visitor has put together a virtual itinerary using Google Street Views to bring you on a 360-degree tour of the country, starting out from the capital Edinburgh to take in the Scottish Highlands and islands and everything in between.

Every weekday at 21.00 CET, Euronews Travel brings you a story from somewhere different around the world. Download the Euronews app to get an alert for this and other breaking news. It's available on Apple and Android devices.

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Europe Virtual Tours: 200 Ways to Travel Europe From Home

By: Author Caroline Ikeji

Categories Europe

Itching to travel to Europe but stuck at home? These 200 virtual tours of Europe will help you fulfill a bit of that wanderlust – all from your couch!

What do you do when you are itching for a European getaway but are stuck at home? You can take one of these virtual tours of Europe and pretend you’re traveling throughout the continent – all without leaving your sofa!

Over the years, some of my favorite travel moments have been in Europe – from climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris , eating allllllll the pasta in Florence and Rome, pretending to be a princess at Neuschwanstein Castle , wandering through the cobblestones alleys in the Alfama district in Lisbon , seeing Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona , and more. 

Even still, there are so many things left to check off my Europe bucket list, and so I find myself returning to the continent over and over again. 

Unfortunately for me as an American citizen, it might be awhile before I can get back over there due to the travel restrictions imposed as a result of the novel coronavirus. *insert crying emoji here* 

Fortunately for me, there are soooo many virtual tours of Europe that are available all over the internet, to help me satisfy my wanderlust….just a little bit. And because I’ve been missing Europe a little bit too much, I went on a quest to find as many virtual tours of Europe as I possibly could – and ended up finding 200 of them!

I’ve found virtual tours, live webcam streams, and online experiences so you can see and experience everything from the most iconic European sights, to some hidden gems that I never heard of until now – that I can’t wait to visit in person one day.

The best part? The vast majority of these virtual tours in Europe are absolutely FREE! (although there are a few of them that are paid experiences or request a donation.)

If you’re like me and missing traveling, then I hope these virtual tours of Europe will help you satisfy that travel itch, even just a little bit. And without further ado, here are over 200 ways to travel all over Europe – without leaving home!

The Best Virtual Tours of Europe | 200 Ways to Travel Europe from Home

Austria Virtual Tours

Take an ultra HD virtual walking tour through Salzburg , home of Mozart and where Sound of Music was filmed.

Take a virtual tour of the Mozart Residence , the house turned museum in Salzburg where the legendary composer once lived. The museum gives visitors an insight into Mozart’s life, and displays various artifacts related to his life, including the original instruments that he once played.

Experience some of the natural wonders of Innsbruck , including hang-gliding down the Nordkette mountain, and visiting over 2000 animals at the Alpine Zoo.

Take a virtual walking tour through Hallstatt , the charming 16th century Alpine village.

See the stunning views in this live webcam footage shot from Großglockner High Alpine Road , on top of Austria’s highest mountain standing at 3798 metres. 

Take a 360 degree virtual reality tour of the world’s largest ice caves in Werfen, in the Salzburg province. 

Virtually explore the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) in Vienna. The museum exhibits artwork spanning over seven millenia –  from Ancient Egypt to the late 18th century, and is especially known for its Renaissance and Baroque art collections. 

Take a virtual tour of the Schonbrunn Palace , Austria’s most visited tourist attraction. It is one of Europe’s most beautiful Baroque complexes and has been in the possession of the Habsburgs since the 16th century, who used it for their summer residence.

Stream performances by the legendary Vienna State Opera and Ballet from home – each performance is €5.

Get a birds eye view of Vienna with this 360 degree virtual reality experience, which was created from footage shot while flying over the city in a hot air balloon.

Check out the beautiful views in this live webcam footage of Graz , Austria’s second largest city.

Croatia Virtual Tours

Take a virtual tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park via Google Earth. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its 16 cascading lakes and over 90 waterfalls, which have created natural dams over time. 

Check out the live webcam footage of Hvar , the Croatian island known for its 13th century walls, hilltop fortress, its Renaissance era cathedral, and its beaches. 

Check out live webcam footage from Stradun , one of Dubrovnik’s main thoroughfares. The 300 limestone-paved street runs over 300 meters through the city’s Old Town, famously surrounded by the Walls of Dubrovnik.

Go on a virtual tour of Dubrovnik’s Rector’s Palace , a 13th century palace that once housed government and state offices as well as Rector’s headquarters and living accommodation, in Raguza times. The iconic building now houses the Town Museum as well as a concert hall.

Take a virtual tour through the Zagreb Cathedral , the tallest building in Croatia and the most monumental sacral building in Gothic style southeast of the Alps.

Czech Republic Virtual Tours

See live footage of what’s happening in the Staré Mesto, Prague’s Old Town Square . In this webcam footage, you can see some of the most famous landmarks in the city, including the  Astronomical Tower, as well as the Gothic towers of the Our Lady before Tyn church. In the winter , you’ll also be able to see the giant Christmas tree and festive markets!

See Prague from sunrise to sunset in this 360 degree video , which shows footage of the city at various points of the day shot from some of its most iconic locations, including Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and more.

Virtually explore the collections of some of Prague’s most notable museums and learn about Czech culture on Google Arts & Culture: the Prague National Gallery , Prague National Museum , and Prague Jewish Museum .

Take a virtual tour of the Prague Castle complex , which  is one of the largest castle complexes in the world. The castle was founded in the ninth century and became the seat of Czech rulers and presidents. The complex is also home of the St. Vitus Cathedral, which is a stunning example of Gothic architecture.

Take a virtual stroll along Prague’s royal route , which stretches from the Municipal House in Old Town to the Prague Castle. This is the route that was once taken during coronation processions of the Kings of Bohemia for almost 400 years. 

Explore the charming medieval town of Cesky Krumlov in this virtual 360 degree video. You can virtually wander through the city’s maze of narrow, winding streets, find the romantic nooks and crannies, check out its castle, and more.

Denmark Virtual Tours

Spend one perfect day in Copenhagen in this 360 degree virtual tour. The tour takes you through some of the city’s highlights, including the colorful Nyhavn harbor and Little Mermaid statue. You can also take a video helicopter tour over the picturesque city!

Take a virtual tour of the National Museum of Denmark . The museum has cultural exhibits on how Denmark came to be, as well as a varied collection of objects from the ancient cultures of Greece and Italy, the Near East and Egypt. To access the virtual tours, click on the exhibitions on the right, and the virtual tour option will appear on the dropdown.

Visit Denmark from home via several live streams from various places in the country – take a look at what’s happening in the harbor of Ribe, Denmark’s oldest city; see the waves crash at Klitmøller beach; watch the wild boar roam in Lille Vildmose; see meditative footage of the Black Sun at Wadden Sea; and more.

Estonia Virtual Tours

Take a 360 degree virtual reality walking tour of Old Town Tallinn , the best preserved medieval Old Town in Northern Europe. The area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Gothic spires, winding cobblestone streets, and charming architecture.

Virtually explore the Tallinn CIty Museum , which gives insight into the history of the town from the earliest times to the present. The museum’s main location is housed in a historic merchant’s building in the city’s Old Town, but encompasses nine other sites.

Take a virtual tour of the Estonian Open Air Museum , which is a life-sized reconstruction of an 18th century Estonian fishing village. The museum, which is located in Tallinn, includes a church, inn, schoolhouse, several mills, a fire station, 12 farmyards and net sheds.

Virtually visit Parmu , known as the summer capital of Estonia, through virtual experiences the highlight the best of what the town has to offer. You can take a virtual spa holiday, nature holiday, check out the cows in the coastal meadow, go surfing, and more!

Finland Virtual Tours

Take a 360 degree virtual reality tour of Helsinki , Finland’s capital. The tour shows the city through each of the four seasons and highlight some of the most popular sights, starting from the empire-style Senate Square and the White Church, going to home of architect Alvar Aalto, the father of Nordic design, and then ending with a gorgeous view of the city’s skyline.

France Virtual Tours

Browse through the vast collection of the Louvre – arguably the most famous art museum in the world (and a must on any Paris itinerary ) – right from the comfort of your own home.

Explore the magnificent Palace of Versailles (without the crowds!), including the stunning Hall of Mirrors and gardens, with a virtual tour via Google Arts & Culture or Google Earth . You can also take a virtual reality tour of the extravagant palace and its grounds here .

Virtually visit Monet’s gardens in Giverny, the subject of many of his masterpieces. You can also take a video tour here.  

Enjoy the beautiful seaside views from this live webcam feed of the Cote d’Azur beach in the Nice region.

Want to experience the magic and sparkle of the Eiffel Tower from home? You can check out this highlight of many people’s Paris bucket list in a number of ways: view from the top , explore the surrounding district , watch this webcam stream for live footage of the iconic monument, find out the history and fun facts behind the structure, take a virtual reality tour , or explore the iconic monument via Google Arts & Culture .

Descend into the underground of Paris in this virtual tour of the Paris Catacombs . The catacombs are said to house the remains of over six million in a network of underground tunnels, estimated to stretch for over 200 miles. 

Admire Monet’s massive water lilies paintings on a virtual tour of the Musee L’Orangerie . 

Take a virtual tour of Mont Saint-Michel via Google Arts and Culture, the medieval city atop a rocky inlet surrounded by vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides, situated between Normandy and Brittany. Atop the inlet is an abbey, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. You can also take a virtual reality tour of the island here .

Take a virtual tour through the galleries Musee d’Orsay , one of the most popular museums in Paris and home to many iconic European works. 

Get up close and personal to the stunning stained glass windows in this 360 degree tour of the Sainte-Chapelle church – one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris ! 

Go on a virtual tour of the Grand Palais in Paris, one of the symbols of architectural innovation in the city. The monument was built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, and dedicated “by the French Republic to the glory of French art.” The site was named a historical monument in 2000. You can also take a video tour of the Grand Palais here .

Take an interactive panoramic tour of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica , one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. You can tour some of the church’s highlights, including its famed mosaic ceilings. Be sure to also check out the epic views from the top of the dome, which is also the highest point in Paris.

Take a virtual tour through the Lascaux Caves , a complex of caves nestled deep below the Dordogne Valley. The caves, which were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for its 20,000 year old Palaeolithic cave paintings because of their exceptional quality, size, sophistication and antiquity.

Learn about the art of lacemaking on a virtual tour of the La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode de Calais (Museum of Fashion and Lace of Calais),. The museum is housed in a 19th century lace factory in the heart of Calais, which is known as the City of Lace. The museum also offers an audio tour here .

Live out your fairytale dreams by taking a virtual tour of the castles of Loire Valley . You can explore some of the region’s most popular castles, including the Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire, Chateau de Moulin, and more. You can also take a virtual tour of Chateau Chenoceau here . 

Experience a 360 degree virtual walk through Provence’s beautiful lavender fields .

Take a virtual tour of the Opera Garnier , one of the world’s premier opera and ballet houses. You can explore the stunning auditorium, the Library-Museum of the Opera (the French National Library), and check out the view from the roofs of the Palais Garnier.

Take a virtual tour of Chateau Fontainebleu , one of France’s largest royal palaces and what once served as the residence of monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III.

Want more ideas on how to travel to France form home? Try reading one of these books about Paris !

Germany Virtual Tours

See the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle (and the breathtaking landscapes of the Bavarian Alps surrounding it) from above with this 360 degree virtual reality tour. You can also take a virtual tour of Neuschwanstein Castle in the winter !

Take a virtual tour of the Pergamon Museum , Berlin’s most popular museum and home of an altar of Zeus from Pergamon, an ancient Greek structure that was shipped to Berlin in 1910.

Take a virtual tour of the Schleißheim palace complex , one of the largest in Germany. The complex consists of three individual palaces that were the summer residences of the Bavarian rulers of the House of Wittelsbach. Some of the highlights include a Baroque garden, stunning paintings, and a porcelain exhibition.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps in this live webcam footage from the Schloss Elmau luxury resort.

Take a 360 degree virtual tour of Dresden, known for the classic architecture of its reconstructed old town.

Take a 360 degree virtual tour of Hamburg , Germany’s second largest city. You can check out the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, Elbstrand beach, Planten un Blomen park and more.

Take a 360 degree tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber , the charming Medieval town that is one of the highlights on Germany’s Romantic Road.

See the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the North Rhine area of Germany with these 360 degree tours. Some of the sites you can visit virtually include the Cologne Cathedral, Aachen Cathedral, the Augustusburg and Falkenlus Palaces, and more.

Take a virtual tour of the Schloss Drachenburg , a modern castle located near Cologne and Bonn. The elaborate 19th-century villa is modeled after a medieval castle and offers sweeping views of the Rhine Valley.

See all of Munich’s highlights in this virtual walking tour of the capital of Bavaria. This video starts in Karlsplatz, then makes its way through Marienplantz, the city’s main square. Visit Munich ‘s churches, and then check out the attractions in Odeonsplatz.

Take a virtual tour of the Sanssouci Palace , the summer residence of Frederick the Great and where he often retreated to in difficult times, in the company of his dogs. The palace is often referred to as Germany’s answer to Versailles.

Virtually visit the Reichstag Parliamentary Building , a historic edifice that is the seat of the German parliament, the Bundestag. It is one of the most visited sites in Berlin and is famous for its glass dome.

Greece Virtual Tours

Take a video tour through Santorini , one of Greece’s most popular islands, famous for its beautiful beaches, white painted villages, and an active volcano. It’s also considered one of the most romantic Greek islands. You can catch a sunset over the island’s cliffs here .

The Greek tourism board has compiled ways to experience Greece from home , offering a glimpse into what this ancient yet contemporary destination can offer. The site includes many videos, through which you can take a virtual tour of Corfu, peer at archaeological sites, fly over island beaches, listen to Greek music and learn about Greek food, listen to national opera singers perform from home, learn about Greek wine, and much more.

Take an interactive virtual tour of the Acropolis , the ancient sanctuary atop a rocky hillside over Athens that played a significant role in Greece history. Over the years, the Acropolis has served as a home to kings, a citadel, a home to gods, a religious center, and nowadays, one of Greece’s most popular tourist attractions. You can also take a virtual tour of the Acropolis Museum , which exhibits over 3000 artifacts excavated from the site.

Take a virtual cruise around the Greek islands – this video takes you to some of Greece’s most popular islands, and highlights the individual vibes of each one, from the traditional, romantic, to party-driven.

Check out the view from the summit of Mt. Olympus , Greek’s highest mountain. In Greek mythology, the mountain is regarded as the home of the gods, and the site of the throne of Zeus.

Hungary Virtual Tours

Check out the stunning views of the iconic Parliament Building, River Danube, Castle Hill, and beyond in this live Budapest webcam footage shot from the Hotel Victoria.

Take a virtual tour through the rooms of the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building , the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary and one of the most famous landmarks in Budapest.

Virtually explore the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest, one of the greatest performing arts centers in the world. 

Virtually experience and tour the famous Szechnyi Thermal Baths , one of the best and largest spa baths in Europe. The water for the medicinal baths is provided by two thermal springs, and the water is made up of components including sulfate, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and a significant amount of metaboric acid and fluoride.

Iceland Virtual Tours

See the spectacular Northern Lights over the skies of Iceland with this 360 degree virtual tour. You can see the Northern Lights over some of Iceland’s most beautiful locations, including the Godafodd waterfall and the Joksarlon Lagoon.

Take a virtual tour along Iceland’s stunning coastline . In this ultra HD video, you can see stunning footage of the dramatic coastline, as well as see some of the amazing wildlife and birds in the area.

Iceland is famous for its waterfalls, and you can take a virtual tour of some of its most famous ones here . The tour takes you through some of the most beautiful and well-known waterfalls all over Iceland, including Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and more. You can also take a video tour here .

Take a virtual trip along Iceland’s Golden Circle , which consists of three of the country’s most popular attractions: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir national park.

Ireland Virtual Tours

Check out the live footage from the lively Temple Bar district in Dublin, the center of the city’s nightlife. In this live webcam footage, you can check out what’s going on outside of the iconic Temple Bar Pub.

Virtually tour the grounds of the Belfast Castle , a fairytale castle nestled in the hills of Northern Ireland.

Take a video tour of the Long Room at the Trinity College Library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The library was built in the 18th century, and contains over 200,000 books. (You can also take a virtual walking tour of Dublin by taking a look at this one day in Dublin itinerary ).

Learn more about the brewing process of one of Ireland’s most iconic beers by taking a virtual tour of the Guinness Storehouse , one of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions. You can also take a video tour here .

Learn about the heritage and distilling process of Jameson, one of Ireland’s most famous whiskeys by taking a virtual Jameson Experience tour at their distillery in Cork and of the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin.

Take a virtual tour of the Blarney Castle , the medieval castle that is home of the famous Blarney Stone, and its surrounding gardens.

Can’t get enough castles? You can tour many more Irish castles here , including Belleek Castle, Narrow Water Castle Keep, Kinbane Castle, Tully Castle, and more.

Virtually visit Christ Church Cathedral , which was founded in 1028 by the Vikings and is the oldest working structure in Dublin.

Take a 360 degree tour of the stunning Cliffs of Moher , one of Ireland’s most famous sea cliffs along its west coast.

Take a virtual tour through St. Patrick’s Cathedral , Ireland’s national cathedral and one of the most famous churches in the world.

Take a virtual tour of the rugged landscape of the Giant’s Causeway , known to the Irish as the eighth wonder of the world. Here you will find about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, a result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. You can also see views of the area at sunset, as well as see it from different perspectives on this tour.

Italy Virtual Tours

Take a virtual tour of the Florence Duomo , one of the most iconic examples of Renaissance architecture, featuring its magnificent dome built by Brunelleschi. You can also wander through the surrounding side streets as well. This is a highlight of any F lorence itinerary !

Take a virtual tour through the immense art collections of the Vatican Museums , including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

Learn to cook traditional Italian dishes by taking a virtual cooking class with an Italian Nonna. (this one is a paid experience)

Take a virtual tour through some of Rome’s most famous cultural sites, which gives you an insight into the city’s heritage. You can also take this virtual tour of three of Rome’s most popular monuments – the Forum, Colosseum, and the Pantheon. You can also get up close and personal to the Colosseum and Forum via Google Arts and Culture. 

Take a virtual tour through and explore the collection of the Uffizi Gallery , the prominent art museum in Florence featuring many Renaissance masterpieces. 

Virtually wander through the Boboli Gardens , the historic gardens in Florence designed for the Medici family, via Google Street View.

Get up close and personal to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa with this ultra-HD 360 degree virtual photo tour.

Learn about the history and art of Murano glass blowing , which has been created in Venice since the 10th century. The Venetian island is known to be the home of many master glass blowers, who are world-famous for their fine technique, which has been passed down through generations.

See the breathtaking landscapes on a virtual tour of the Dolomites via Google Earth. You can also see the scenery of the area during the fall season in this ultra HD video .

Virtually explore the streets and canals of Venice via foot, gondola, or vaporetto via this Google Street View trek . You can also take a virtual gondola ride or enjoy live webcam footage of the canals.

Virtually explore the Piazza San Marco , Venice’s principal public square. In this ultra high-res 360 degree photo, you can get up close and personal to some of the most famous landmarks in the city, including the San Marco Basilica, and Doge’s Palace, the latter of which you can also virtually tour (and get a street view of the city’s iconic canals) here .

Get up close and personal to the magnificent Duomo di Milano cathedral via Google Street View. The cathedral is the second largest in the world and took six centuries to complete construction.

Take a virtual tour through the archaeological areas of Pompeii . You can also virtually explore two recently excavated sites here .

Go on a virtual tour of the city of Rome and some of its most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Vatican, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Villa Borghese, and much more.

Get up close and personal to the Trevi Fountain (without having to battle the crowds!) by checking out this ultra high-res 360 degree photo. The fountain is one of the most famous in the world, and the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. You can also explore the site via Google Arts& Culture here . 

Go on a virtual tour of the historic center of Florence , going through the Piazzale della Signore, Palazzo Vecchio, and with beautiful views of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio Bridge.

Admire the stunning views of the Florence skyline with this Ultra HD panoramic photo tour of the Piazzale Michelangelo .

Virtually walk across the Ponte Vecchio , and check out the beautiful views of the unique bridge, with the houses on it.

Google Arts & Culture offers a virtual Grand Tour of Italy , going through four cities that shaped the country’s history – Rome, Venice, Siena, and Palermo.

Admire this beautiful panoramic view of the rolling hills of Tuscany , shot from the top of the Conti Guidi observation deck at the Museo Leonardiano Vinci in Vinci.

Check out the stunning coastal views of the Amalfi Coast on Google Street View. The area is famous for its sheer cliffs and rugged coastline, dotted with pastel fishing villages and small beaches.

Admire the stunning coastal views from Cinque Terre , one of Italy’s premier vacation destinations. In this 360 degree panoramic photo, you can see the fishing boats and the colorful buildings that are perched up on the hillside of one of the world’s most dramatic coastlines. You can also take a virtual tour via Google Street View here .

See what’s going on in Venice right now in this live webcam , shot from various spots in the city. The rolling camera shows footage from the city’s famous canals, squares, and more.

Malta Virtual Tours

Learn about Malta ’s heritage and culture through some of the country’s most prominent museums and landmarks, which you can virtually tour through Google Arts & Culture. 

Netherlands Virtual Tours

See colorful tulips, daffodils, and more on a virtual tour of Keukenhof , one of the largest flower fields in Europe. Over seven million flower bulbs are planted annually, and the gardens stretch for over 32 hectares. You can also see more footage of the tulips here , as well as take a 360 degree virtual reality tour here .

Take a virtual tour of the Rijksmuseum , the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and culture, and one of Amsterdam’s most famous museums. 

Virtually tour the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, home of the largest Van Gogh collection in the world.

See the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk Elshou , the largest concentration of such windmills in the Netherlands and some of the oldest and most well-known.

Virtually walk through the streets of the Amsterdam Red Light District in this ultra high-res 360 degree photo. The neighborhood is famous for its liberal laws, “coffee shops,” and ladies of the night.

Check out the live webcam footage from Amsterdam Dam Square , the city’s central town square. The camera oscillates to provide great shots of the area’s streets, sculptures, and stunning architecture.

Take a virtual tour of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, which is one of three palaces which are at disposal of the monarch and serves as King Willem-Alexander’s official reception palace. The palace stands at the west end of Dam Square, in the heart of the city

Virtually tour the secret annex of the Anne Frank house , where the young girl hid for more than two years during World War II and wrote in her diary.

Norway Virtual Tours

Virtually tour through Norway’s magnificent fjords , including Trollstigen, Geirangerfjorden, Pulpit Rock, and many more.

Take a virtual steam train ride through the highest elevation station in Norway.

Take a virtual road trip through Norway – some of the places you will visit through this video are Oslo, Geiranger Fjord, Bergen, Lofoten, Senja, Lovatnet and even Northcape.

Experience the unbelievable colors of the Northern Lights move through the Arctic Sky in this virtual tour of an Ice Hotel in Norway.

Poland Virtual Tours

Take a virtual tour of the Centennial Hall in Wroclaw, recognized as one of the most significant architectural achievements of the 20th century for its use of reinforced concrete. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as one of Poland’s official National Historic Monuments.

See the ornate Baroque details of the Church of Peace in Swindica , Poland, the largest wooden religious venue in Europe.

Take a virtual tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum , established at the site of the concentration camp. From 1942, Auschwitz became one of the main centers of execution of European Jews by the Germans, and over 1.1 million people were killed. 

Portugal Virtual Tours

Get up close and personal to the colorful towers of the Pena Palace with this ultra HD 360 degree photo.

Take a virtual tour of the National Palace of Sintra , the sole surviving medieval royal palace in Portugal. Discover more fairytale castles in this guide to planning a day trip to Sintra .

Learn about the history and significance of the Portuguese Azulejo tiles via Google Arts and Culture. These tiles can be seen on the facade of many buildings throughout the country, and are considered to be beautiful works of art. You can also take a virtual tour of the National Azulejo Museum in Lisbon.

Go for a virtual ride in one of Lisbon’s iconic line 28 tram, taking you through some of the most famous landmarks in the city.

Spend 1 perfect day in Lisbon and see all the city’s highlights through this virtual reality tour.

Take a virtual train journey through Portugal along the CP Cascais, Douro, Sintra, Northern, or Oeste lines.

Take a virtual 4K video tour of the historic Alfama district , the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. You can also check out this stunning panoramic view of the city from one of the miradouros (viewpoints) in the area. 

Take a virtual tour over São Miguel Island , the largest in the Azores. You can see some of the island’s highlights, including Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa das Furnas, the northern and eastern coasts, and more.

Take a virtual tour through two stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Belem district , two highlights of any Lisbon itinerary . The Jerominos Monastery is a prime example of the Manueline architectural style, and  served as a place of spiritual protection for sailors and explorers during the Discovery Age. The Torre de Belem is one of Lisbon’s most iconic structures, and was originally built as a fortress to guard Lisbon’s harbor and to serve as a ceremonial gate.

Take a 360 degree virtual reality tour of Obidos , a medieval village just north of Lisbon known for its narrow cobble-stoned streets, painted houses, and imposing castle.

Spend one perfect day in Porto in this 360 degree virtual reality tour. See the city’s stunning azulejos-tiled churches, beautiful riverfront views from the Dom Luis bridge, charming historic streets, and more.

Virtually tour through the stunning rooms of the National Palace of Queluz , located on the outskirts of Sintra. The 18th century palace served as the official residence while mad queen Dom Maria I was hid away from public view and is characterized by a beautiful blue and yellow facade.

Take a virtual tour of some of Lisbon’s street art and graffiti. This tour points out some of the most notable murals in the Calcada da Gloria, one of the best areas in the city to view street art.

Romania Virtual Tours

Take a video tour through Bran Castle , more commonly referred to as “Dracula’s Castle.” The castle is said to have served as an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s famous novel, but was originally built in the 14th century as defense against the Ottoman Empire.

Russia Virtual Tours

Take a virtual tour of the historic Bolshoi Theatre , one of Russia’s symbolic attractions and home of one of the most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Virtually tour the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra church , one of the most important Russian monasteries and the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church. 

Admire the Rococo architecture of the Catherine Palace on a virtual tour via Google Arts & Culture. The palace, which sits 30 kilometers outside of St. Petersburg, was once the summer residence of Russian tsars and is known for its richly decorated interiors, including the world-famous Amber Room.

Go on a ultra HD video tour of the Kremlin , the fortified complex in the center of Moscow that includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. 

Take a virtual walking tour of one of St. Petersburg’s hidden gems. This tour takes you through Vasilievsky Island, one of the city’s oldest and lesser known neighborhoods, introducing you to its street life, street food, back alleyways, and Russian banya (sauna) culture. This is a “Pay-what-you-want” tour.

Scotland Virtual Tours

Sail around the captivating Isle of Skye in this video tour. You’ll discover the ancient history, mysteries, and myths behind the fascinating island, and see the alpine crests of the Cuillin and the beautiful shelters coves. 

Take a virtual tour through the Royal Botanic Gardens , one of the first botanical gardens in the world. The garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh, and is also a world-renowned scientific center for the study of the diversity and conservation of plants.

Take a virtual tour of the Palace of Hollyroodhouse in Edinburgh, the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland. The tour takes you through the magnificent Grand Stair, Morning Drawing Room, and Royal Dining Room, and gives you further insight into some of the palace’s items of significance. 

Take a virtual walk around Edinburgh Castle , one of Scotland’s most famous sights. The historic fortress dominates the Edinburgh skyline from its position atop Castle Rock. It has been the site of human activity for over 3000 years.

See live webcam footage shot from the Eilean Donan Castle , one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, featured in several major films. The castle stands on an island where three lochs meet in the western Highlands of Scotland. The castle was rebuilt to its current Medieval style, but there is little known about the original castle because the fortress was blown to smithereens in 1719. You can also check out a 360 degree video of the castle and its ground here . 

Virtually climb to the top of the summit of Ben Lomond and enjoy the views in this 360 degree video. Ben Lomond is one of the most popular Munros (a mountain standing at over 3000 feet) in Scotland and is a prominent feature of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, together with its namesake loch.

Take a virtual tour of Blair Castle , which has stood in Scotland for over 700 years. The castle is traditionally the home of the Duke of Atholl, and is the garrison for the Atholl Highlanders, the only legal private army in Europe.

Virtually sail through Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal , the largest lake by volume in the British Isles. Extending over 22 miles, there’s more fresh water here than all of the lakes in England and Wales put together.

Slovakia Virtual Tours

Take a virtual tour of the Jasovská Cave , a fascinating limestone cave and archaeological site that is the oldest publicly accessible cave in the world and is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Take a virtual tour through Domica Cave , the largest in the Slovak Karst National Park in southern Slovakia. The cave stretched 25 kilometers into Hungary, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its spindly stalactites, underground wetlands, numerous bat species, and archaeological discoveries of Stone Age fragments.

Slovenia Virtual Tours

Check out the beautiful 360 degree views of Lake Bled in this virtual panorama. You can also take a virtual walking tour around the lake, one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions.

Take a virtual tour of Bled Castle , which sits atop a steep cliff overlooking the iconic Lake Bled. Bled Castle dates back to the 11th century and is known as the oldest castle in Slovenia. You can also take a night tour of the castle here .

Take a virtual tour of Ljubljana Castle , which was built as a medieval fortress in the 11th century, and is a key landmark of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. On the tour, you can take a look at the castle’s terrace and check out the epic view of Downtown Ljubljana.

Spain Virtual Tours

See the whimsical Dr. Seuss-like details and the rainbow-colored stained glass windows of the Sagrada Familia on a virtual tour of one of Gaudi’s most famous works. You can also take this tour of the unique interior of the church via Google Earth. This is a highlight of many people’s Barcelona itinerary !

Virtually visit Casa Mila , yet another of Gaudi’s famous works. The house is known as one of the famed architect’s most creative works, and is renowned for its functional and constructional innovations.

Take a virtual tour through Casa Batllo , another one of Gaudi’s most famous works. The house was built for the wealthy Batllo family, who gave the famed architect complete creative freedom in its design. Therefore, you can see his most unique ideas and concepts – the house eschews straight lines and draws inspiration from marine life and organic matter.

Still can’t get enough of Gaudi? Take a virtual tour of the monument and gardens of Park Guell , featuring some of Gaudi’s colorful and whimsical works set against nature.

Take a virtual tour of the Alhambra , the palace and fortress that is one of the most famous examples of Spanish Islamic architecture, and was once home to the Moorish monarchs in the Middle Ages.

Take a virtual tour of the stunning Sevilla Cathedral , the largest Gothic cathedral and the third largest church in the world, via Google Earth.

Virtually explore the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, home of the world’s most complete collection of the famed 20th century artist. You can also take a virtual tour of the museum’s beautiful courtyard here .

Check out the beautiful views from the Palma de Mallorca harbor in this live webcam footage. The city has a rich historical past, and is one of the major port cities in the Mediterranean. In the footage, you can see the ships go by, and pans to other locations in the port area as well.

Take a virtual tour of the Palau de la Musica Catalana , a shining example of the Catalan Art Noveau style of architecture and one of the most Instagrammable places in Barcelona . The Palau is the only concert hall listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many world-class orchestras, choirs, composers, singers, and recording artists have performed on its stage since the venue opened in 1908.

Virtually explore the galleries of Museo del Prado , which boasts the world’s largest collection of Spanish paintings, as well as a selection of Italian and Flemish masterpieces.

Take a virtual tour of La Giralda , one of Seville’s most emblematic monuments. The tour allows you to get up close and personal with the outstanding details on the building’s facade and the bronze Girardillo sculpture at the top, and check out incredible views of the city’s historic center, the Alcazar Palace, Plaza de Espana, and more.

Sweden Virtual Tours

Go on a virtual reality walk through Gamla Stan , Stockholm’s old town. You will get to see the colorful 17th and 18th-century buildings, the cobblestoned street, as well as the Stortorget square and the Nobel Museum. A must on any Stockholm itinerary , and also one of the most Instagrammable places in Stockholm !

Take a virtual tour through the Swedish Lapland – you can tour an Ice Hotel, see the local Arctic wilderness, meet local huskies and reindeer, virtually go dog and reindeer sledding, and even virtually join a Northern Lights hunt! 

Virtually walk through a recently excavated viking village in Birka , a medieval village near modern-day Stockholm.

Take a virtual tour of Stockholm’s subway art . At over 100 kilometers long, it is known as the longest art exhibition in the world. Ninety of the 100 stations in the system have been decorated in some way, and showcase the works of over 150 artists since 1950. Also check out this guide to planning a self-guided Stockholm subway art tour , which showcases some of the most beautiful stations in the system!

Virtually explore the Museum of Antiquities inside the Stockholm Royal Palace on this 360 degree virtual tour. The museum features a collection of art and antiquities acquired by King Gustav III in the late 1700s, and its items are displayed as originally exhibited.

Take an ultra HD video walking tour of Stockholm in the winter . The tour starts in the Norrmalm district, makes its way through Central Stockholm, and ends up in Gamla Stan, the city’s old town. 

Catch the magic of the Northern Lights without leaving home with this virtual reality tour of Abisko National Park .

Switzerland Virtual Tours

Go on a virtual Grand Train Tour through Switzerland, which merges the most beautiful panoramic train lines into one unique 1280 kilometer route. You will see some magnificent views and some of Switzerland’s most famous sights on this tour!

Check out the breathtaking views in this live webcam footage from Jungfrau region . You can see footage from the summit of Jungfraujoch (aka “the top of Europe”), Kleine Scheidegg, Maanlichen, and more. The vistas in these cams are absolutely incredible!

Check out the epic views from the top of the famous Matterhorn mountain in this live webcam footage, shot from 3883 meters high.

Get a bird’s eye view of Switzerland in this virtual reality experience – you’ll see some breathtaking mountain landscapes, glittering lakes, and picturesque cultural sites.

Take a 360 degree tour through the city of Basel , in northwest Switzerland. You can tour some of the city’s most popular landmarks, including the Markplatz in Old Town, Münsterplatz in front of the Basel Cathedral, and take a walking tour along Kleinbasel on the banks of the Rhine.

Take a virtual road trip through Switzerland. This grand tour stretches for 1600 miles around the scenic country, passing through 22 lakes, 5 Alpine passages, and 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Check out the footage from the live webcams in Zurich . You can see live feeds from various points in the city, including the Old Town, Uetliberg, and the west end of the city. Enjoy beautiful views of Zurich’s beautiful architecture, the breathtaking Alps, and more.

Take a virtual tour of the Parliament House in Bern, the seat of the Swiss government and parliament. Inaugurated in 1902, the building is a lasting symbol of Swiss democracy.

United Kingdom Virtual Tours

Take a virtual tour through the magnificent rooms and halls of the Houses of Parliament in London, also known as the Palace of Westminster. This is the meeting place for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Virtually explore the extensive collection of the British Museum . You can also take a virtual tour of the galleries via Google Street View , visit its virtual galleries , or learn more about the collection via Google Arts & Culture .

Take a virtual tour of the magnificent Buckingham Palace , the official residence of the Queen and home of many national celebrations in Britain. 

Take a virtual tour of London’s vibrant street art scene via Google Arts & Culture. 

Take a virtual visit through the galleries of the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Virtually explore the grounds of Stonehenge , arguably the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. The English Heritage foundation will also live stream the summer solstice (June 20-21) on their Facebook page here . 

Take a virtual tour of the Crimson Drawing Room and Waterloo Chamber at Windsor Castle , home of the British royal family. BBC also offers a virtual tour of the castle here .

Take a virtual tour of the Tower of London , the fortress, armory, and royal palace that protected London from the 11th to 16th centuries. The site is the home of the Crown Jewels, an impressive collection of 23,578 gems which are protected under the watchful eye of the Yeoman Warders, some of the most powerful soldiers in British history. 

Check out the view of the iconic Tower Bridge and its surrounding area by boat. This was a highlight during my one day in London !

Explore the collection of over 50,000 plants and flowers housed at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew  on this virtual tour . The garden boasts the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world. You can also explore the gardens via Google Street View here .

Take a virtual reality tour through the galleries of London’s National Gallery , which houses an extensive collection of paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.

Explore the galleries on a virtual tour of the Tate Modern , Britain’s national museum of international modern art.

Virtually visit 10 Downing Street , the official residence of the Prime Minister of Britain.

See the treasures of Westminster Abbey , such as the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, the High Altar and the Coronation Chair, on a virtual tour of England’s royal church.

Take a 360 degree virtual ride on the London Eye , one of the tallest observation wheels in the world. Here, you can see panoramic views of central London and the River Thames below, and zoom into some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Take a virtual tour of the Raglan Castle in Wales, the last true medieval castle built in Great Britain. The castle has striking towers and is surrounded by glorious countryside.

Virtually stream some of Shakespeare’s masterpieces , as performed by the performers at the Shakespeare’s Globe, a world-renowned world-renowned theater, education center, and cultural landmark in London dedicated to the infamous playwright.

Take a virtual tour through the grounds of the Hestercombe House and Gardens , which offers a unique combination of over three centuries of British garden design. The gardens represent three different styles: a Georgian landscape garden, a Victorian terrace and shrubbery, and an Edwardian formal garden.

Which of these Europe virtual tours do you want to check. out first?

Like this post? Save these virtual tours of Europe on Pinterest for later!

Caroline is a Southern California based traveler, writer, and photographer. She travels all around California, the US, and the world in search of the most colorful places, the most delicious food, and bucket-list adventures. Her aim is to inspire other travelers discover how to add more adventure and joy to their lives. On Pictures & Words, you’ll find detailed guides + itineraries, along with vibrant photos to help you plan the the most epic trips. When she’s not traveling, Caroline also runs half marathons.

Tuesday 11th of August 2020

This is such a comprehensive list! I had no clue that there were so many virtual tours available :) These are such a great idea to see new places or revisit old ones!

Alanna Koritzke

Saturday 8th of August 2020

This is an awesome list! I love how virtual tours are becoming so readily available given the pandemic. It's great!

It's definitely not the same, but will have to do for now! I think I'll start with Switzerland, since it's so expensive in "real life." :)

Great list Caroline! I'm particularly intrigued by the virtual tour of the Blarney Castle - I love Ireland!

What a great idea to help satisfy my current wanderlust and lack of travel plans! Thanks for this roundup - so helpful!

Travel through time: 7 immersive virtual reality experiences in Rome

Relive ancient Rome through these multimedia and augmented reality experiences in Rome

Rome is known worldwide for its fascinating open-air museum, boasting thousands-year-old monuments, ruins and architecture. So much so that each year millions of tourists flock to visit the stunning archeological treasures the Eternal City has to offer. But in addition to visiting these colossal structures, you can now relive ancient Rome in a completely different way thanks to these 5 virtual reality experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the glorious days of the Roman Empire and witness the monuments the way the were 2000 years ago. From augmented reality experiences to multimedia shows, get ready for the famous ruins to come back to life with these 7 immersive experiences in Rome .

Circo Maximo Experience

The colosseum in vr, domus aurea, van gogh experience, palazzo valentini’s domus roma, baths of caracalla 4d virtual tour, imperial rome – virtual reality bus.

There is little left of the famous Circo Massimo, once the heart of Roman entertainment and a social hub for the city. But with the Circo Maximo Experience , everything changes – the cutting-edge project allows us to see into the past and experience Roman life at the famous arena, using interactive display technologies never before realized in an outdoor area of such large dimensions. The immersive experience takes us on a journey through time, seeing the Circus Maximus evolve from the origins of Rome to the current day: from a simple green valley, to the area’s first primitive arena, to the splendour of Roman imperialism and beyond. The 40-minute walking itinerary is available in eight languages (Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Japanese) and is a must-have experience for anyone wanting to relive the splendours of the Circo Massimo.

It’s not always easy trying to imagine how things looked like thousands of years ago. And this goes for wonderfully preserved monuments like the Colosseum as well. As many know, the Colosseum was once a stadium for gladiator contests and public spectacles. But how was the Colosseum really 2000 years ago? With the new animated and interactive 3D reconstruction , you can now live the Colosseum like it was back in the day. With this Colosseum Virtual Reality experience , you’ll get a skip-the-line ticket into the Colosseum Archeological park plus last generation Samsung Oculus VR to virtually immerse yourself in ancient Rome. Inside the arena, you will immerse yourself between the roar of the lions and gladiators fighting; as well as into various 3D corridors of the mysterious underground  area of the Colosseum where slaves prepared the shows and hungry animals were ready to be let into the arena. It will be unlike any experience you’ve ever had, equipped with an audio guide in English, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

Erected by Emperor Nero in 64AD, the Domus Aurea , also known as the Golden House, was an opulent imperial residence that sprawled from the Palatine Hill to the Colle Oppio and Caelius Mountain. At its peak, the Domus boasted gardens, woods, and even artificial lake, statues hailing from Greece and Asia Minor, gold and marble from Egypt and the Middle East, and even a grandiose, octagonal chamber with a domed roof graced the grounds. The palace was inhabited until it was damaged in 104 AD by a wildfire. Legendary artists of the Renaissance, Raphael among them, made pilgrimages to the site, studying and later recreating the Domus’s motifs and designs in their own work. Fast forward to the present century: after extensive renovation, the palace finally opened its gates to visitors in 2014 offering virtual reality tours . With the aid of visual headsets, the 3D, multimedia experience provides a glimpse into how the Domus looked in its heyday, resurrecting Nero’s elaborate frescoes.

The Next Museum , one of the newest cultural centers in Rome, situated just a 10 minute walk from the famous Villa Borghese Gardens , presents Van Gogh Experience , a virtual reality experience dedicated to the famous dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh . Visitors can purchase the oculus goggles for three euros to see a completely different kind of world as if looking through the artist’s very eyes. Don’t miss the interactive room, where you’re confronted by wall-to-wall projections set to the thrum of passionate, emotional classical music.

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In Rome, we walk by hidden treasures everyday without giving them a second thought; however, the unassertive yet noble  Palazzo Valentini’s Domus Romane is a must-see you should not ignore. The main floor is open to the public and uncovers the Domus Romane – the archeological remains of homes belonging to the wealthy families of Imperial Rome. The virtual tour is a mix of history and wonder: exquisite relics of finely detailed mosaic floors to colossal marble columns, and vast kitchens to private saunas are displayed beneath your feet. The glass floors allow you to look down into the superior archeological relics while the enchanting lighting and knowledgeable guide bring them back to life. The comprehensive tour walks you through the design of the Trajan column, as well as the history of the Roman Empire, tempting you to visit the real thing just outside.

When visiting the Baths of Caracalla it is now possible to fully relive the ancient splendour that characterised this fascinating archaeological site. In fact, with the 4D virtual tour , designed especially for the Baths of Caracalla, visitors will be able to jump time barriers: wearing special visors they will be able to go back to 216 A.D., when Emperor Caracalla, of the Severan dynasty, inaugurated these majestic Baths. Thanks to technology and advanced geolocation systems, visitors will be able to see the original version of the complex reconstructed in 4D, with truly extraordinary results.

Who among us has never wished to take a trip back in time to discover how a place looked centuries and centuries ago? Thanks to the exhibition Imperial Rome – Virtual Reality Bus , it will be possible to admire, on board a small electric bus, the three-dimensional reconstruction of the ancient monuments of the Capital. This is a 3D immersive experience tour , due to special “visor free” VR technology. All reconstructions of the architecture are enjoyed directly on OLED screens superimposed on the windows of the bus. All of this is supported by sounds, music and an integrated fragrance emission system, in order to ensure a truly immersive experience. The approximately 30-minute route will wind through the heart of Rome’s historic center, from the Imperial Forums to the Colosseum, from the Palatine Hill to the Circus Maximus to the Theater of Marcellus.

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The Virtual Reality Bus website indicates that the bus will no longer run after 28 February 2023. I will be in Rome in March. Is there a similar tour available then?

Hello Dyanne, not at moment. But you can have a look at the Colosseum in VR here: romeing.it/shop/product-tag/virtual-reality/

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Best virtual tours you can take online now — enjoy a free digital vacation

Visit the Faroe Islands or a Paris art museum right on your laptop

Virtual tours — they’re the internet’s greatest gift to social distancing, travel-deprived individuals with a wanderlust itch they can’t scratch due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We can’t physically visit the Faroe Islands’ windswept mountains nor can we feast our eyes on the Louvre’s artsy masterpieces, but thanks to remote tourism, travel lovers can experience both locales with virtual tours here and here , respectively — all while being couch potatoes in our living rooms.

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We’ve scoured the far corners of the internet for the best virtual tours — I’m talking 360-degree panoramic views, high-definition imagery and interactive engagement with far-flung environments that you could only dream of visiting. Some virtual tours are even optimized for VR headsets .

Categorized by six continents —  Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, Australia/Oceania and South America —  here are the most amazing virtual tours you can experience in the comfort of your own home. 

The best virtual tours in Europe 

Sinking one’s feet into the unforgiving cobblestone roads that populate Europe’s ancient, beautiful cities isn’t an option for many travel enthusiasts right now, but thankfully, the internet has provided us with a cornucopia of stunning virtual tours — and your soles will thank you for laying back and enjoy the remote-tourism experience without putting a foot on the ground. 

Czech Republic: Prague  

This beguiling nighttime virtual tour of Prague will have you scribbling “Czech Republic” on your must-see travel list. On this virtual tour, you can feast your eyes on a pretty-as-a-picture, bird’s eye view of the Charles Bridge — a historic structure that was built to completion in 1402. You can also look across The Vltava, the longest river in the Czech Republic. This virtual tour includes 360-degree panoramic views and ethereal, magical music that will transform you into another world. 

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Spain: The National Museum of Sculpture  

This immersive virtual tour of Spain’s National Museum of Sculpture features not one, not two, but 30 — yes, that’s right, 30 -- 360-degree rooms that allow you to explore the museum’s stately (and informative) interior. You can hop from room to room and zoom in on intricate sculptural details by clicking on magnifying glass symbols. You can also wander around the museum’s patio and marvel at the building’s magnificent architecture. As a cherry on top, a traditional Spanish folk song plays in the background while you weave in and out of the museum’s exhibits. 

Portugal: The Pena Palace  

The best virtual tours in North America 

Two of the best North American virtual tours are located in the good ol’ USA — these remote-tourism visual masterpieces will have you singing, “America the Beautiful.” From a mesmerizing national park to a state with rich colonial history, you’ll find yourself getting lost in deeply engaging tours. Finally, you’ll be able to visit Mexico and explore the sacred, ancient Mayan ruins. 

California: Yosemite National Park  

There’s no way to fully explore the Yosemite National Park virtual tour in one sitting — there are more than 130 sites to visit right from your couch. You can bask in the beauty of California’s stunning waterfalls, spin around in vibrant meadows, and take in nature’s grandeur as you stand on imposing cliffs. Clicking on red points populated throughout the virtual tour will transport you to a different location in the park. The virtual tour also captures the true-to-life ambiance of each scene with accurate audio — from the chitchatter of fellow tourists to the burble of a fast-moving creek.  

Kentucky: Lexington  

This remote-tourism platform is particularly special because of its mish mash of engaging features, including aerial views that let you soar through the sky from one site to another. You can also explore Lexington on foot and take a peek inside popular political figures’ estates. My favorite part of the Lexington virtual tour was visiting the quaint home of Mary Todd, Abraham Lincoln’s wife. And as an added bonus, this virtual tour supports VR headsets. 

Mexico: Chichen Itza  

The best virtual tours in Asia 

Skip the super-long flight to Asia and absorb the continent’s most beautifully striking locales right on your laptop. The best Asia-based virtual tours will have you exploring the depths of a mind-blogging cave in Vietnam, strolling through vibrant tourist attractions in Thailand and gawking over scenic vistas in Bali. It’s too bad, though, that we can’t chow down on delicious, authentic Asian dishes such as pho, spicy shrimp soup and Indonesian fried rice. 

Vietnam: Hang Son Doong  

Prepare to be amazed! National Geographic is offering a picturesque look inside the world’s largest cave — Hang Son Doong in Vietnam. The virtual tour features a map on the right-hand side; you can click on various points of interest throughout the map to navigate to a place that arouses your curiosity. You can also click the on-screen arrows and the tour will  lead you deeper into the colossal cave. The high-definition imagery heightens your senses — you can almost “feel” the textured aspects of the cave, including the rugged rocks and dewy vegetation.

Indonesia: Bali  

Bali is an Indonesian archipelago — and a masterpiece of nature that was carved by a talented divine being. See for yourself in this postcard-perfect virtual tour , which features more than 50 points of interest, including rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches and rich-blue lagoons. 

Thailand: The Grand Palace  

The Grand Palace is the eclectic architectural splendor of Bangkok, filled with multi-tiered roofs, golden spires and intricately decorated statues. Check it out in this magnificent virtual tour.  

The best virtual tours in Africa 

With more than 50 countries to choose from, the African continent seduces tourists with its exquisite views from Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro to the steep descent of Zambia’s Victoria Falls. With these virtual tours, you can get a taste of the natural wonders (and historical treasures) that Africa has to offer.

Egypt: Tomb of Menna

Of all the tours I’ve discovered, this one is by far the most immersive — this virtual tour of the Tomb of Menna isn’t just a 360-degree image. Oh no, it’s far better than that. You can explore every nook and cranny of this ancient tomb, which is decorated with well-preserved Egyptian wall paintings and hieroglyphics. Other Egyptian virtual tours you should check out are the Tomb of Queen Meresankh III , The Red Monastery and The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan.  

South Africa: The Msanzi Experience  

This virtual tour invites you to explore the hidden wonders of South Africa, including three spectacular national parks. Before each tour, you’ll get whisked away into an awe-inspiring video that succinctly describes the site you’re about to visit (you can always skip this).  

You can stand on the rocky edge of Table Mountain and ogle at the beautiful city of Cape Town. Or you can visit an elephant graveyard and the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall — an extraordinary natural arch. 

Ethiopia: Bete Giyorgis  

Bete Giyorgis is a striking structure that was carved out of a single rock dozens of feet below the surface. Archaeologists date Bete Giyorgis back to the late 12th century. The cross-shaped underground wonder continues to draw curious tourists from all over the world, but this virtual tour gives you up-close access to Bete Giyorgis without moving a muscle. To navigate to other perspectives of the Bete Giyorgis, you can click on the tiny yellow camera icons on the map or scroll through the bottom carousel.  

The best virtual tours in Australia/Oceania 

Australia and Oceania may seem like out-of-reach locales for now, but I've discovered some virtual tours that will make these picturesque regions seem like a quick click away.

Australia: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park  

What makes the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park virtual tour unique is that it is populated with music note icons. When you click on one, you can hear the locals’ thought-provoking perspectives on the unspoiled natural beauty of the far-reaching park located in the Northern Territory of Australia. 

New Zealand: Fiordland

Holy smokes! Welcome to paradise, folks. This heart-stopping virtual tour will take your breath away. As you’re hovering above the landscape, AirPano offers you a scenic slice of heaven in a little place called New Zealand. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Manapouri reflect the grandiose mountains of Fiordland — it is a spectacular sight.

Tahiti: The Museum of Tahiti

Polynesian culture is so much more than hippy Tahitian dancing and bright, colorful flower headdresses — Tahiti has a rich cultural history and The Museum of Tahiti has captured snapshots of the fascinating story behind the island paradise. There are several exhibits you can explore in this virtual tour , including the spiritual saga of Tahitian locals. 

The best virtual tours in South America 

South America is exploding with rich history and well-preserved traditional culture, but you don't have to miss out on the region's splendor due to the pandemic. Here are the best virtual tours of South America.

Peru: Lima  

British Airways is sponsoring virtual tours that reveal the many electrifying sides of Lima, including the famed 15th-century Inca citadel Machu Picchu. It’s a smart business move for British Airways — virtual tours are a perfect way to build a niche of eager tourists who will jump at the opportunity to take a flight to Lima when COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted. And we won’t hesitate to take advantage of the free digital entry into Lima right on our laptops.

Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

It’s unfortunate that a virus is hindering our travel to Rio de Janeiro, but on the plus side, you can skip the super-long Christ the Redeemer queue (which some say takes hours) and explore the most popular Brazilian landmark without having to wait a second with this virtual tour . You should also check out Ipanema Beach and the Corcovado Viewpoint . 

Argentina: Buenos Aires  

With this virtual tour , you can almost hear the Argentinian tango music emanating from your laptop. The remote-tourism platform will give you a bird’s eye view of Buenos Aires —  and unless you snagged a helicopter ride, it’s a perspective you could ever experience on foot in the bustling Argentinian city. 

Bottom line 

At Laptop Mag, we’re known for being thorough when it comes to the tech we’re passionate about — and virtual tours are no different. I dug through the far corners of the web to discover the best virtual tours I could find for readers who’ve been yearning to escape their hometown as the viral pandemic anchors us all.

While we immerse ourselves into virtual tours from all over the world, I can’t help but marvel at technology’s ability to rise to the occasion when humans suffer setbacks, whether it’s Microsoft Teams and Zoom calls to connect remote co-workers or virtual tours to remedy our insatiable itch to travel.

Kimberly Gedeon, holding a Master's degree in International Journalism, launched her career as a journalist for MadameNoire's business beat in 2013. She loved translating stuffy stories about the economy, personal finance and investing into digestible, easy-to-understand, entertaining stories for young women of color. During her time on the business beat, she discovered her passion for tech as she dove into articles about tech entrepreneurship, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the latest tablets. After eight years of freelancing, dabbling in a myriad of beats, she's finally found a home at Laptop Mag that accepts her as the crypto-addicted, virtual reality-loving, investing-focused, tech-fascinated nerd she is. Woot!

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Sightseeing

For time travelers.

Explore Vienna on a unique journey through time, where the history of the city unfolds before your eyes with the help of virtual reality.

Discover Vienna

Now and then.

Experience the Vienna of today on a city tour and then immerse yourself in the Vienna of past centuries using VR glasses.

The scenes are structured chronologically and you are introduced to the history of Vienna in short sections using additional image and text material.

Enjoy the unique experience of a virtual journey through time in combination with a challenging but entertaining and humorous city tour.

"Very cool and informative! One of the best tours I've ever done"

Maurice, Germany

"The tour was sensational! Highly recommended!"

Markus, Switzerland

"Sehr cool und informativ! Eine der besten Touren, die ich jemals gemacht habe"

Maurice, Deutschland

"Die Tour war sensationell! Unbedingt empfehlenswert!"

Markus, Schweiz

• Do you have any questions?

Like never before

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic city center of Vienna and the exciting history of sieges, plague, war and peace.

Our customized 360-degree 3D animations in virtual reality bring history to life in an unprecedented way.

We offer guided tours in various languages. In addition to German, we also offer audio guided tours in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Dutch.

What our guests say

How to find us

Johannesgasse 21, a- 1010 vienna, +43 660 84 666 78 tuesday to friday from 10 am to 3 pm and 30 minutes before the start of each tour, opening hours: 30 minutes before the start of each tour and by appointment, [email protected], vr tours vienna.

General information:

We kindly ask that you come 15 minutes before the start of the tour to johannesgasse 21, 1010 vienna., the tour ends after approx. 2 hours (3.4 km) at stephansplatz., you are welcome to use your own headphones (3.5 mm jack - no bluetooth)., the tour takes place in all weathers, even in the rain., if you have any further questions, you will find many answers on our information page., or send us an e-mail or give us a call., tour times:, wednesday at 5pm / thursday at 10am & 5pm / friday 10am & 4pm / saturday & sunday at 10am, 1pm & 4pm respectively..

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11 tips for virtual reality experiences in Berlin

Absolute Immersion

With virtual reality you travel through space, time and history . From VR game arcades and art projects in galleries and exhibition spaces to virtual extensions of historical sites, you will find numerous exciting offers in Berlin. Immerse yourself!

Tip 1: Go on a virtual journey through time with TimeRide Berlin

Travel back in time to the divided Berlin of the 1980s. On the virtual TimeRide at Checkpoint Charlie you can take a look behind the Wall and experience life in the GDR. Meet contemporary witnesses and visit the former Allied border crossing. Experience the division of the German capital on a virtual bus ride, experience 40 years of the GDR in fast motion or immerse yourself in a virtual journey through German history. TimeRide Go invites you on a virtual city tour through historic Berlin. You will embark on a 90-minute city tour through Berlin and take a look back into the city's past through VR glasses at selected stations. Where: Zimmerstraße 91, Mitte When: Monday 11 am - 5.20 pm, Tuesday to Saturday 10 am - 5.20 pm, Sunday 11 am - 3.20 pm

More about TimeRide Berlin

Tip 2: Enjoy historical views with the TV tower's VR Odyssey

From the TV Tower you can see Berlin from a height of 203 metres! Discover exactly what you can see in the new Virtual Reality Odyssey. Take a flight over the capital and experience how Berlin has developed from the Middle Ages through the Empire and divided Berlin to the present day. Through the VR glasses, you are right in the middle of the action as the small towns of Berlin and Cölln grow into a major city over the centuries. The 15-minute journey through time includes many historical reconstructions and exciting animations spanning nine centuries of German history.

Tip: A combination ticket for a visit to the TV Tower and the VR Odyssey is available especially for school classes.

When: daily 9 am - 11 pm Where: Panoramastraße 1 A, Mitte

Tickets for the TV Tower Berlin

Tip 3: See history come alive with MauAR

No virtual reality experience but augmented reality overlays are offered by MauAR app. Get an impression of how the border strip looked like during the time of the occupation forces. On the screen of your smartphone the three meter high grey concrete wall, grained by barbed wire, rises up again. Soldiers patrol along the wall. Enter scenes from the past and experience how the German-German border was overshadowed by watchtowers back then. Immerse yourself in the history, which is vividly conveyed by means of original photos, videos and sound recordings. The app can currently only be used with the iPhone .

More about MauAR

Tip 4: Let off steam in the VR Nation Berlin virtual reality arena

There is no turning back: Find the Diamond Skull! Equipped with sensors on your hands, feet, torso and head, you experience the dangers of adventure as if they were reality. Wind effects and temperature changes add to the illusion of this full body VR experience. The VR Arena aktuell offers two games, where you can let off steam on over 100 square meters.

Where: Leipziger Straße 96, Mitte When: Tuesday to Thursday 2 pm - 10 pm, Friday 2 pm - 11 pm, Saturday 11 am - 11 pm, Sunday 11 am - 10 pm

More about VR Nation

Tip 5: Get behind the scenes with this AR tour on the history of Berlin's clubs

The new BerlinGuide tour immerses you in the history of Berlin's club scene. Using augmented reality, historical photos, drawings and films come to life on site in 3D experiences . Using AR, you'll be there when David Bowie visits one of Germany's most famous transwomen, Romy Haag, in her legendary nightclub. You will learn how the fall of the Berlin Wall affected the development of the club scene and why Berlin's clubs are not just party places, but political spaces where the city is shaped. Of course, you'll also find out what's going on in Berlin's clubs today - and where the music is being played. Take a look behind the scenes of Berghain and Co - without queuing.

Where: planned starting point Connection Club, Fuggerstraße 33, Schöneberg. When: selected dates

The Story of Berlin's Clubs in Augmented Reality

Tip 6: Explore games, escape rooms and adventure rides at Revity VR 

Revity is one of the most successful VR providers in Berlin. Here you are not limited to just one attraction , but can experience an infinite number of different things in the unlimited virtual world . No matter whether you've ever wanted to fly while lying down, race in a racing car or experience an action-packed battle as a protagonist. Revity bietet VR Erlebnis-Fahrten, VR Games, VR Escape Rooms und Free Roam Lastertag.

With a prime location at Alexa Berlin, it's possible to test the limits of VR and see for yourself. And if travelling is not possible, that's no problem: Revity also offers you the opportunity to present VR technology on site at birthdays and other events.

Where: Grunerstraße 20 (Alexa Berlin), Mitte When: Monday to Saturday 10 am - 8 pm

MORE POSSIBILITIES AT THE ALEXA

Tip 7: The 360-degree VR video: "What did you want in Berlin?" makes you feel like a prisoner

You should have a strong stomach for this virtual reality journey. In the 360-degree video you experience to be a prisoner in the Stasi-Investigation Center Berlin-Hohenschönhausen . You will be interrogated, monitored and put on trial. The short film, which was awarded the German Reporter Prize, is based on the "interrogation protocols" of the GDR dissident and writer Jürgen Fuchs.

Prisoner in the Stasi-Investigation Camp on YouTube  

Tip 8: The virtual reality experience "Bei Liebermanns" takes you back in time

When visiting the Brandenburg Gate Foundation, you can travel through the world of Max Liebermann and his family using VR glasses . Go on a journey through time and visit the artist's home and studio, which was completely destroyed in the Second World War. Among other things, you can wander through the music room, the dining room and the study. You will also get a digital insight into the works of Liebermann, who is one of the most important German painters of modernism.

When: Thursday to Sunday 11am - 6pm Where: Pariser Platz 7, Mitte

More about „At Liebermanns“

Tip 9: Discover the city's history in before-and-after slideshows with the Berlin History app

Berlin is a city that you can discover on many levels. If you are interested in history, you should try the Berlin History App . It doesn't offer a virtual reality experience yet, but you can find out more about historical facts and places - and you can even take action yourself. Take part in creating before-and-after slideshows and see how Berlin has changed over time. Here you can find more practical apps and travel guides for your pocket:

Berlin Apps

Tip 10: HAU 4 by Hebbel am Ufer takes you to a digital stage

HAU4 is the digital stage of HAU Hebbel am Ufer .. It develops projects for the digital space and also experiments with links between the digital world, online audiences and the real theatre stage. With an extensive archive of projects, videos, texts and approaches that take a tech-positive but also critical look at the topic of digitalisation, HAU4 is a wonderful place to browse and exchange ideas. Of course, current performances and dates are also teased. More about HAU4

Tip 11: Compose with the Konzerthaus Berlin's AR app "ˈʊmˌvɛltn̩"

With the interactive composition "ˈʊmˌvɛltn̩" the Konzerthaus Berlin invites you into the mysterious garden of a walk-in score. Composed by Mark Braden and visually artistically rendered by Julian Bonequi, "ˈʊmˌvɛltn̩" is an audiovisual experience that transcends the boundaries of perception. Depending on how you interact with the plants and creatures in the virtual space, sounds and tones are created, so that every visit to "ˈʊmˌvɛltn̩" is individual and different. You can get a small insight on the website of the concert hall, here you can also find out current dates to experience the interactive VR composition. Originally created as a VR experience, "ˈʊmˌvɛltn̩" is now available as an augmented reality app for tablets and smartphones. In the AR version, which is designed as a game, you can discover "singing" creatures in various portals. By tapping on them, you can hear the sounds, which can be freely combined. This creates your own composition that you can record and share.

„ˈʊmˌvɛltn̩“

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See the World from Home: Best Virtual Travel Experiences

With virtual reality, armchair travel has boomed. Now you can take a virtual tour of Japan, Austria, Yellowstone National Park, Guggenheim Museum and more.

In an age of  self-quarantine , virtual travel experiences have popped up across the internet. Armchair travelers can be transported to the wonders of the world, from national parks in the USA to temples in Japan to art museums to see Monet without leaving the sofa. 

Take a Virtual Visit to the Czech Republic

If you’ve ever been to Prague, you know how beautiful it is. Now you can explore Prague and six other destinations in the Czech Republic. Just pull out your iPad or other device and sit back and enjoy. Click through to the video, press play, and use the buttons in the upper-left corner of the video to look in any direction.

Bustling city streets of  Prague Kayaking and castles in  Český Krumlov Natural beauty of  Moravian Karst, Punkva caves Expansive elegance of the  Lednice Chateau  and gardens Bohemian spa town of  Karlovy Vary Hiking the hills of  Hřensko, Bohemian Switzerland Following the  Royal Route  through Prague

Virtual Online Tours of Museums in New York City or Around the World 

Check contemporary art at the  Guggenheim Museum  in New York via Google street view or the Mona Lisa at the  Louvre  or Study by Adam by Michelangelo at the  British Museum  or famous Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.  

To honor the 500th anniversary of Raphael, Musement.com, an online platform that helps travelers book tickets to their favorite attractions, has created a virtual museum that display’s Raphael’s works in 11 different countries and more than 30 cities. You can explore and admire all of his creations at the click of a button, without leaving the sofa.

See the Natural Wonders at National Parks via Virtual Reality Experiences 

The National Parks Service invites you to take a virtual tour of some of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Explore  Yellowstone National Park’s  most famous natural wonders including Upper Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Fountain Paint Pot or the Mud Volcano.

Travel Oregon’s most rugged backcountry  terrain through an online photo tour of the cascading Toketee Falls in the Umpqua National Forest, experience The Milky Way illuminating Crater Lake at the Crater Lake National Park or take in a spectacular sunset setting behind Mount Hood . 

You can also take in some of the most spectacular sites at the  United States National Parks  in just fifty seconds thanks to Google and top park rangers who are your virtual tour guides. 

Visit Austria’s Most Historic Sites Via Virtual Reality

Walk the halls of the Schönbrunn Palace and experience the opulence of 17th-century neo-Rococo style and the enchanting Mirrors Room.

Get outside on  Austria’s Großglockner  High Alpine Road which winds through the mountain forests, rock formations, and the peaceful Alpine meadows.

Finish your climb to the highest mountain with a trip to the Pasterze glacier. You can also check out a live view of  Austria’s Großglockner  via webcam. 

Find a seat on your sofa and take in a concert, opera or ballet performance at the  Vienna State Opera . You can also stream the performances on your smart TV or mobile devices. 

Finally, see the magnificent giant ice caves in Werfen . A virtual tour provides the perfect backdrop for sofa-bound travelers to experience floors and tunnels fashioned from ice and the most impressive sight, the “Dome” which is the largest room on this virtual tour. 

Virtual Tours of Japan

Japan had a minor setback with the date of the Olympics being postponed, but you don’t have to wait for this event to the rescheduled. The Japan National Tourism Organization wants you to see all that Japan has to offer.

The  360-degree virtual reality movie experience  highlights include a walk through a bamboo forest, sushi making, sumo wrestling and Geisha performances. Animal lovers won’t want to miss the live webcam of the  Nihondaira Zoo  featuring two celebrity polar bears which are a big draw to the zoo. 

Get a Guided Virtual Tour from a Local  

For over six years, Withlocals have been connecting travelers throughout the world for one-of-a-kind travel events. With the grounding of all travel,  Withlocals LIVE  allows those suffering from wanderlust to stay connected by offering 35 online experiences from 20 locals from 12 countries and 15 worldwide cities! 

Thankfully, virtual reality has come to the rescue of those weary of ennui and grounded from travel. We will all get through this together. In the meantime check out this article on the  Top 5 Ways to Escape When You Can’t Travel.

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Virtual exhibitions

Immerse yourself in modern and contemporary art with our selection of exhibitions designed for the web: virtual tours, augmented reality, interactive experiments on your own, or guided video tours. Discover our collection and relive our exhibitions on your screens.

Virtual reality

Prix Marcel Duchamp 2022

More online resources

The Sistine Chapel, the full glory of which can be appreciated online. Photo: © Mondadori Portfolio / Bridgeman Images

British Museum, London Take a  virtual tour of the museum

Much of the British Museum’s collection of around eight million objects, spanning over two million years of human history and culture, is available to explore online. The Google Arts & Culture virtual tour is perhaps the most enjoyable and glitch-free way of discovering it.

The Reading Room in the Great Court of the British Museum. Photo: © Trustees of the British Museum

Highlights on ‘virtual’ display include the Lewis Chessmen , a remarkable group of 12th-century chess pieces carved from walrus ivory and whales’ teeth, and the  decorated wooden coffin  of an ancient Egyptian named Pasenhor. The Museum of the World timeline, curated by category, continent and century, is a brilliant alternative for those in search of a whistle-stop tour of star exhibits.

The 12th-century Lewis Chessmen. Photo © The Trustees of the British Museum

For teachers and parents on home-schooling duties, the museum’s comprehensive bank of free learning resources covers everything from Ancient Egypt and Japanese Printmaking to drawing and critical thinking activities for toddlers to teens.

Don’t miss… The British Museum’s series of downloadable podcasts . Browse the archive of 13 episodes to hear more about the museum’s activity, from exhibitions to accessibility programmes.

Find out more about our updated online sales calendar

Uffizi Gallery, Florence  Enjoy a  virtual stroll around the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi houses one of the world’s outstanding collections of sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the Modern period, including ancient statues and busts once in the collection of the Medici family.

Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus , circa 1485. Tempera on canvas. 172.5 x 278.5 cm. Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence. Photo: Bridgeman Images

Take a digital stroll through the galleries to marvel at such masterpieces as Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi   (1480-81) and The Birth of Venus   (1483-85) by Sandro Botticelli. In addition to the Google Arts & Culture virtual tour, you can explore four online exhibits , each of which is dedicated to an outstanding work in the museum’s collection.

Elsewhere on the museum’s homepage  you can find links to the browsable digital archives and its online magazine.

Titian (Tiziano Vecellio), Venus of Urbino , before 1538. Oil on canvas, 119 x 165 cm. Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence. Photo: © Raffaello Bencini / Bridgeman Images

Don’t miss… Titian’s Venus of Urbino   (1532-34), bought by the Duke of Urbino as a gift for his young wife in 1538. The painting — which depicts a nude young woman traditionally identified as the goddess Venus in a domestic interior — is widely considered one of the most sensual paintings of the 16th century.

Louvre, Paris   Look up close at Apollo’s Gallery

Although the world’s most visited museum is now temporarily closed, you can still explore a part of its remarkable collection of approximately 380,000 objects online. Each of the museum’s four virtual tours (Adobe Flash Player is required) features an interactive map and detailed explanations of key works.

The Louvre, Paris. Hall Napoleon under the pyramid of the Louvre, by Ieoh Ming Pei in association with Michel Macary and Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Photo: © Collection Artedia/ Artedia / Bridgeman Images

Pink granite Great Sphinx from Tanis, Musée du Louvre, Paris. Egyptian civilization, Old Kingdom. Photo: D. Dagli Orti / De Agostini Picture Library / Bridgeman Images

Discover the history of the Louvre as a palace and museum on the ‘ Medieval Tour’ , or take the ‘Egyptian Antiquities’ tour for a walkthrough of the eastern wing of the Louvre (Sully), home to the magnificent Tanis Sphinx (2600 BC).

Don’t miss… The virtual tour of the Apollo Gallery , the first Royal Gallery for Louis XIV. Rebuilt after a fire in 1661, it features 41 paintings, 118 sculptures and 28 tapestries, including The Triumph of Neptune, Evening   or Morpheus and Night or Diana   by Charles Le Brun.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Discover the secrets of Rembrandt’s Night Watch

In response to the current health crisis, the Rijksmuseum has launched Rijksmuseum From Home , a brilliant multi-media initiative offering visitors 10 ways to engage with the collection online. Highlights of the new digital programme include the #Rijksmuseumfromhome short video series, which sees museum curators discuss their favourite works in the museum, and Masterpieces Up Close .

Rembrandt van Rijn, The Jewish Bride , c. 1665-c. 1669. Oil on canvas. 121.5 x 166.5 cm. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. On loan from the City of Amsterdam (A. van der Hoop Bequest)

The latter slickly recreates the experience of browsing the works on display in the Rijksmuseum’s Gallery of Honour, home to Vermeer’s Woman Reading a Letter (circa 1663) and Rembrandt’s The Jewish Bride   (circa 1665–1669), among others. As you ‘walk’ through the gallery, click on works to zoom in and see them up close. Of those on display, around 20 have accompanying audio descriptions.

Rembrandt van Rijn, Night Watch, Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq , 1642. Oil on canvas. 379.5 x 453.5 cm. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. On loan from the City of Amsterdam

Don’t miss…  Operation Night Watch, a comprehensive dive into Rembrandt’s most famous painting:  The Night Watch   (1642). The intuitive multi-media presentation unpacks the painting’s secrets, history and composition in entertaining style.

Guggenheim, Bilbao Watch Bending Gravity now

Designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry and built between 1993 and 1997, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a landmark of 20th-century architecture. Organised around a central atrium, the three levels of the museum can now be explored at the click of a button.

View of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Photo: Courtesy of Museo Guggenheim Bilbao

To look at the outside and inside of the museum, take a leisurely digital stroll through the permanent collection, featuring works by modern and contemporary artists, such as Anish Kapoor, Anselm Kiefer and Yves Klein. For something faster paced, watch  Bending Gravity , a thrilling short video (in English) that explores the museum building as seen through the eyes of urban photographer Trashhand and free-runner Johan Tonnoir.

Spanish-speakers can also enjoy a series of curator-led video tours as part of the Guggenheim’s initiative to bring the museum and its collection to your home.

Don’t miss… The short introduction to Maman    (1997), a gigantic bronze spider by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois. Originally conceived for Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in 2000, the sculpture is now one of the artist’s most recognisable works.

Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, Madrid Take a virtual tour of Rembrandt and Amsterdam portraiture, 1590-1670

Madrid’s Thyssen-Bornemisza has unveiled an enjoyable virtual tour of its blockbuster exhibition, Rembrandt and Amsterdam portraiture, 1590-1670 . Charting the Dutch artist’s activities as a portraitist, it features around 40 of Rembrandt’s paintings alongside works by his most talented peers.

Installation view of Rembrandt and Amsterdam Portraiture, 1590-1670.  Photo: Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

For more information about Rembrandt’s life and art, take a short guided video tour of the exhibition (in English with Spanish subtitles) with curator Norbert E. Middelkoo, or leaf through the exhibition’s accompanying interactive publication .

Beyond Rembrandt, there’s a virtual tour of the museum’s permanent collection, which spans more than eight centuries of art history and includes works by artists such as Paul Cézanne, Franz Marc and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, among others. Online, you can also find links to a wealth of thematic tours of collection highlights.

Paul Cézanne, Portrait de paysan ,1905-1906. Oil on canvas. 64.8 x 54.6 cm. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Fränzi vor geschnitztem Stuhl , 1910. Oil on canvas. 71 x 49.5 cm. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

Don’t miss… The museum’s curated edit of Spotify playlists to soundtrack your days at home.

National Gallery, London Take a  a virtual tour of the Sainsbury Wing

The National Gallery’s homepage offers plenty of links to at-home resources, including behind-the-scenes videos , story features, detailed guides to must-see works , as well as virtual tours.

Hans Holbein the Younger (1497/8-1543), The Ambassadors , 1533. Oil on panel. 207 x 209.5 cm. National Gallery, London. Photo: Bridgeman Images

In 2016 the museum teamed up with Google Street View to offer 360-degree tours of the Central Hall and Rooms 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15. Although the interactive arrows on these tours are frustratingly fiddly to navigate, persevere and you’ll come face to face with Renaissance masterpieces from northern Italy, the Netherlands and Germany, including works by Titian, Veronese and Holbein.

Titian (circa 1488-1576),  Bacchus and Ariadne,  1520-23. Oil on canvas. National Gallery, London. Photo: Bridgeman Images

Also offered is a 3D-tour of the Sainsbury Wing , home to the Gallery’s collection of Early Renaissance paintings, and an additional 2011 Adobe Flash  virtual tour  of a further 18 galleries. The latter is integrated with the museum’s information pages, so that you can quickly and easily find out more about the paintings and the artists who painted them.

Don’t miss… The Gallery’s remarkable collection of 10 works by Italian Renaissance artist  Paolo Veronese , all of which are on virtual display in either Room 9 or 11d.

Vatican Museums, Rome Marvel at the  frescoes of the Sistine Chapel

On the ‘Discover the Museums’ webpage, you’ll find links to  360-degree virtual tours of the Vatican’s seven most popular sites, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and the Chiaramonti Museum. There’s also one of the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis , an outstanding example of an ancient Roman burial ground.

In addition, there are short online videos of other popular Vatican sites, including the Christian Museum and the 17th-century Chapel of Pope Urban VIII Barberini .

The Sistine Chapel. On the vault the Stories of Creation are framed by membrature with Prophets and Sibyls painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1508 to 1512. On the altar wall the Last Judgement executed by Michelangelo himself between 1536 and 1541. Photo: © Mondadori Portfolio / Bridgeman Images

Don’t miss… The opportunity for a closer look at the magnificent painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel , which continues to host the most important services of the Papal Calendar. Completed in 1512, Michelangelo’s masterpiece spans over 5,000 square feet and features more than 300 figures.

The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg Admire the only Michelangelo work in Russia

In a bid to share its remarkable collection with audiences around the world, the State Hermitage has launched a new series of video broadcasts on YouTube about works in the collection (currently only available in Russian). Online, you can also find a selection of educational articles in English, charting everything from the museum’s history and architecture to key patrons.

The 19th-century Jordan Staircase, Winter Palace, State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg. Photo: Tarker / Bridgeman Images

Michelangelo Buonarroti, Crouching Boy , circa 1530-34. Marble, height 54 cm. State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg. Photo: Bridgeman Images

Highly recommended is the excellent 360-degree  Virtual Visit of the museum’s galleries, complete with an interactive floorplan and text descriptions of standout works. If you have five hours to spare, settle in to watch The Hermitage Shot on an i-Phone Pro , a one-take film (with audio but no voiceover) that takes you languidly through the museum — no clicking required.

Don’t miss… The Italian Cabinet (Room 230), which is home to Crouching Boy (1530-1534), the only work by Italian Renaissance master Michelangelo (1475-1564) in Russia. 

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Pergamon Museum View the Pergamon Altar

Berlin’s Pergamon Museum is home to one of the world’s most important collections of Greek and Roman art, as well as a remarkable collection of Islamic and Middle Eastern art. The library of online activities and resources includes a browsable digital database of the collection, a 360-degree virtual tour of museum galleries, and, most impressively, a 3D model of its star exhibit, the Pergamon Altar.

Overall view of the Pergamon Altar, built in first half of 2nd century BC. Photo: © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Antikensammlung / Photographer: Johannes Laurentius

Built during the reign of Eumenes II, king of Pergamon (in the west of what is today Turkey) in the first half of the 2nd century BC, the altar depicts the Gigantomachy, the battle between the Olympian Gods and the Giants. The hall that contains the altar is closed for refurbishment until at least 2024, so make the most of the 3-D model tool which allows you to explore the Hellenistic masterpiece up close.

Detail of the Pergamon Altar. Photo: © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Antikensammlung / Photographer: Johannes Laurentius

Don’t miss… The Market Gate of Miletus , one of the best-known exhibits in the Pergamon Museum. This large marble monument was built in Miletus in the 2nd century AD, but was destroyed in an earthquake in the 10th or 11th century. It was later excavated by a German archaeological team and rebuilt for display in the Pergamon. 

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Who says you can't see the world if you stay home? Virtual reality (VR) tourism experiences let you see places all over the world without ever leaving your couch. These aren't games; they're experiences, so the pace may be slower than you expect, but they are worth your patience. Here are some of the best VR tourist destinations to help you decide on your next virtual adventure.

Make sure your computer is beefy enough to handle the demands of virtual reality technology.

The Grand Canyon VR Experience

Very relaxing experience.

Excellent visual and sound quality.

Impressive attention to detail.

Predefined with little control.

Requires powerful hardware.

Short experience.

In The Grand Canyon VR Experience ($2.99 by Immersive Entertainment), you sit in a virtual motorized kayak ride through the Grand Canyon. Tailor the tour to your preferences by selecting either a sunlit or moonlit experience and controlling the ride's speed.

While you cruise along, you'll enjoy the sights and sounds of procedurally generated, artificially intelligent wildlife. Attract and feed the virtual fish as you navigate the waterways.

The ride is on rails, so you can't steer the kayak. However, you can stop at various points and enjoy the scenery by using the throttle speed controls of your motorized kayak or by exiting at scenic rest stops.

The tour is short, and there's no historical background information for history buffs. Still, it is a fun ride perfect for someone new to VR.

This tour requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift , or Valve Index .

Explore amazing places.

Impressively detailed.

More locations are added to the library regularly.

Not updated recently.

Realities (free from Realities.io ) is a VR travel app that allows you to explore scanned and modeled real-world environments. The environments aren't just 360-degree photos; these locations were captured with specialized scanning equipment, allowing for immersive rendering in virtual reality.

The user interface is a giant globe you rotate with your VR controllers. Once you decide on the place you want to visit, tap the area on the virtual globe, and you are instantly whisked away to the exotic locale.

One interesting destination is a cell in the infamous Alcatraz prison. When you arrive, you're greeted by an unseen narrator, presumably a former prisoner in the cell next to you, who recalls their experiences. It's museum-like and an educational adventure worth having.

There are other destinations of varying size and complexity, and the experience is updated with new realities regularly.

This experience is compatible with the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality .

Titans of Space PLUS

Great soundtrack.

Detailed 3D visuals.

Impressive sense of scale.

Flying through space makes some users feel nauseated.

No improvements since late 2019.

Do you like planetariums? Have you always wished they were more realistic? If you've ever dreamed of riding in a spaceship and exploring the solar system and beyond, Titans of Space PLUS ($9.99 by DrashVR LLC) helps make this a reality—at least a virtual one).

The original Titans of Space was one of the first polished virtual reality experiences available; it created a lot of buzz about all the potential VR had to offer.

This app provides a theme park-style ride through the solar system and beyond, allowing you to control the pace of the experience. Factoids about the planets and moons are provided throughout your journey, as are distances and other measurements of interest.

The sense of scale of the planets and moons is truly awe-inspiring and gives a unique perspective only astronauts usually get to have.

This title runs in both standard and VR modes. It does not require a VR headset. It is compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Impressive rendering technology.

Auto-tunes for your GPU.

Stunning visuals.

Can feel slow.

Mostly narration with little hands-on time.

Everest VR ($9.99 from Sólfar Studios ) is an interactive Mount Everest VR tourism experience.

You'll experience Mount Everest in five iconic scenes. Prepare for your expedition at Basecamp, traverse the terrifying Khumbu Icefalls, spend the night at Camp 4, ascend the perilous Hillary Step, and finally conquer the summit of Everest.

After completing your first summit attempt, unlock God Mode to reach a unique vantage point of the Himalayas that's only possible in VR. Towering over the mountain range, this is a stunning VR diorama.

EVEREST VR is a must if you're into mountain climbing but don't like its possible death and frostbite aspects.

Requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or Valve Index.

The VR Museum of Fine Art

Lots of content.

Educational experience.

Hasn't been updated since its initial release.

No voice narration.

Only takes about 20 minutes to experience.

If you've ever wanted to peruse a museum at your own pace with no limits on how close you can get to the artwork, then The VR Museum of Fine Art (free from Finn Sinclair) is for you.

This free app holds amazing educational value with incredibly detailed scans of some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. Look at the brushstrokes of Monet's Water Lilies or take a 360-degree tour of Michelangelo's David. This is an art lover's delight.  

The experience makes you feel as if you're visiting a museum, complete with a pamphlet map to help you navigate your way around the exhibits.

Great VR experience.

Incredibly realistic.

Contains three episodes.

theBlu ($9.99 from Wevr INC .) is a collection of virtual reality-based underwater experiences that make you feel as if you're literally in the tank of a huge aquarium exhibit.

Stand on the deck of a sunken ship while a gargantuan whale swims by and looks you straight in the eye or swim in a sea of bioluminescent jellyfish. There's no need for expensive scuba equipment or diving classes, or even to leave your living room, for that matter.

The level of detail in this app is amazing, and the sense of scale (especially during the whale encounter in the first episode) is jaw-dropping.

Compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Google Earth VR

Amazing street view VR.

Travel the world virtually.

Impressive, vast experience.

Can be slow to load.

Lacks a search feature.

May cause motion sickness.

When Google Earth was released many years ago, everyone marveled at the novelty of finding and viewing their house from satellite imagery. Now, Google Earth VR (free from Google) lets you see your house from space and virtually fly to it and stand in your front yard or on your rooftop.

Change the sun's position, scale objects to any size you like, and fly around the world. The detail levels depend on what you're trying to view. For example, tourist destinations are likely to have more detailed geospatial imagery than rural areas. There is so much to see, and Google offers virtual tours to help you get started.

Google has even added several comfort features to prevent virtual travel sickness in this must-see virtual reality app.

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Virtual tours of Europe: Experience 6 of our destinations online

Sitting at home can be frustrating, especially knowing how many fantastic sights in Europe are waiting to be discovered. Thankfully, staying home doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on Europe’s finest landscapes and cultural highlights entirely. Many countries and cities offer creative ways to explore some of their best experiences online, to pass the time until you can visit them in person. Anticipation is the greatest pleasure after all!

Here are a few European cities you can get to know with virtual tours and events:

The UK’s diverse capital is a must-see for anyone – as are its many online offers. Famous sights such as Buckingham Palace or the Houses of Parliament have opened their virtual doors to the public. You can also take a closer look at renowned landmarks by clicking where you want to go from the top of the London Eye. On these tours, you get to see majestic London attractions for free from the comfort of your sofa. You even have a major advantage: Thanks to these 360° views you get to see Big Ben before it was covered in scaffolding for renovation works.

If you’re looking for weekend activities, why not see what London’s events scene has in store? Watch one of the National Theatre’s live streamed plays or find other events for your daily dose of London.

You’ve always wanted to stand on top of the elegant iron structure that is the Eiffel Tower and overlook the French capital in all of its glory? Thanks to Google Maps’ street view , the magnificent vistas come straight to your living room, creating an experience that even those with a fear of heights can enjoy.

Dreaming of getting a glimpse into the glamorous day-to-day activities of the French? Get a taste of France’s culture by watching the regular shows La Comédie-Française are putting on – also a brilliant way of practicing your French. You also have the possibility of touring the Musée d’Orsay for some exquisite art from the 19th and 20th century.

Berlin is one of Germany’s cultural hubs with a broad range of shows, events and places for a great night out. Thankfully, you don’t have to miss out on the countless opportunities for an entertaining evening. The popular Schaubühne theater has created an online program with daily performances to pass the time.

Starting at 6pm every evening, you can catch different contributions and bring a piece of Berlin’s culture to your home. Some of them don’t have subtitles, so in addition to being entertained, you’ll also practice German and feel like you’ve spent your time productively. Truly a treat and a welcome change from trying to find new Netflix shows to binge!

Hands up if you miss a good night out with friends! Well, you’re not alone. Luckily, Berlin’s club scene decided to do something to combat the lack of dance parties in our homes. Thanks to virtual club nights , you get to listen to exclusive DJ sets and get those feet moving. A great way to pass the time, it gives us a unique chance for a party with the whole family (but perhaps keep the volume on the lower side while you’re bopping away – let’s keep the peace between neighbors!)

Living “La bella vita” in Italy’s gorgeous capital might have to wait, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good impression of what the city’s narrow alleys look like. The Prowalk Tours Youtube channel has uploaded an HD virtual walking tour . Over five (yes – five!) hours you get to go on an incredible walk and experience Rome’s sounds and visuals as realistically as possible from the comfort of your own four walls. You learn facts about ancient ruins while virtually meandering through picturesque cobbled streets and seeing sights like the famous Colosseum up close.

If you want to immerse yourself in the culture of the city, you can also visit the Musei Vaticani online and get a 360° view of the Sistine Chapel among other impressive sections that will teleport you to some of Rome’s most prestigious, history-filled rooms.

Spending time in Dublin always promises plenty of craic (or fun, if you’re not familiar with Irish slang). While you’re waiting for your next trip to the city that gracefully combines historic neighborhoods like Temple Bar with new builds of the harbor area, you can get a first impression of what to expect online.

On Virtual Visit Tours you get to do some of the things on your bucket list, like stroll across the river Liffey via Ha’penny Bridge, peek into the iconic Guinness Storehouse and admire the famous St. Patrick’s Church. You love a quiz night in an atmospheric pub? Dublin’s got you covered with a  virtual quiz that you and your friends can participate in – fun guaranteed!

If you want to recreate a proper Ireland trip, an excursion to the stunning coasts of the Green Island should definitely be included in your itinerary. The Cliffs of Moher in West Ireland are an absolute top tip for every traveler’s list, offering one of the most breathtaking  views in Europe. The steep rock formations rising above the roaring waves of the Atlantic are normally a three-hour drive away from Dublin – and online only a click away from your sofa.

6. Barcelona

For your daily dose of summer vibes, you can also check out some of Barcelona’s highlights. While the city offers ticketed events as well, this website contains plenty of free 360° experiences of the tourist attractions.

Stand on the beaches and take in views of the sparkling sea, enjoy overlooking the sunny city’s rooftops from Parc Güell or crane your virtual neck to look up at the spires of La Sagrada Família, undoubtedly among the most famous sights in Barcelona and Europe.

All of these are great ways to not only pass the time, but to actually start planning where you want to go next. Maybe start a list of cities you’d like to visit or research your dream places – may we meet there again very soon!

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First in Europe : Dreamscape, an immersive virtual reality center, opening in Geneva

by artanim | May 28, 2022 | Events , Virtual reality | 0 comments

Dreamscape Immersive, the virtual reality company backed by major Hollywood studios, announces the opening of its first European venue in Geneva in July 2022. Halfway between cinema and theme-park, Dreamscape offers its visitors a virtual reality experience like no other that combines the power of immersive storytelling, motion capture and virtual reality (VR) technologies.

The opening of the Dreamscape center in Geneva, in Confederation Center, is planned in two stages. The 1st of July will see the return of the Geneva 1850 VR experience. Created by Artanim and originally premiered at the Museum of Art and History in 2019 (read also here ), this widely acclaimed experience has been enhanced to include new characters, new sound design, and two minutes of new content. Then, in September 2022, the center will offer two additional adventures designed by Dreamscape Immersive: Alien Zoo , as well as DreamWorks Dragons Flight Academy – which promise the thrills and magic of immersive and full-sensory storytelling.

The Geneva 1850 experience immerses visitors in the heart of the 19th century, at the time of the Fazy revolution. Visitors, welcomed by General Guillaume Henri Dufour, will have a front row seat to the upheavals that shook the City of Calvin. The story leads them from the top of the Salève mountain to the shores of Lake Geneva, passing through the alleys of the Old Town, in the Geneva of the famous Magnin relief of 1850 which served as the basis for the setting of the adventure.

Alien Zoo transports visitors to an orbiting zoo populated by all kinds of extraordinary and wonderful creatures, some of them dangerous, but all of them on the verge of extinction. Upon arrival, travelers can play with exotic and majestic creatures and join forces to narrowly escape the galaxy’s greatest predator.

DreamWorks Dragons Flight Academy has staged a rescue mission in the Dragons license universe. Aboard their flying mount, each participant will ride a dragon and soar in free flight towards the Hidden World to save the village from invaders, while trying not to set fire to their virtual world.

“ Dreamscape was founded to be a place where people make lifelong memories by exploring fantastical worlds with their friends and family ,” said Walter Parkes , co-founder and CEO of Dreamscape. “ The genesis of Dreamscape was born in Geneva, so it’s particularly meaningful to be opening this location in the place where it all began. ”

A virtual reality experience like no other

A true meeting place in the heart of Geneva, Dreamscape offers a new type of high-end entertainment. Equipped with VR equipment and motion sensors, participants are immersed in universes that push the limits of virtual reality. During the experience, they can interact with other participants, feel the wind on their skin, grab an object, move freely or even choose the appearance of their avatar.

The programming of Dreamscape in Geneva is evolving and new adventures will be offered regularly.

Caecilia Charbonnier , co-founder of Dreamscape and Artanim specifies that “ after the opening of four centers in the United States and one in Dubai, we are opening the first European center in Geneva in order to get closer to our technological development, where the adventure began. This center will be our laboratory. The Geneva public will be able to test new adventures and technological innovations for the first time.”

Geneva, laboratory of innovation

The Dreamscape center in Geneva was out of a partnership between Dreamscape Immersive , ACE & Company , Opus One and Artanim. With the opening of this center, the partners aim to promote the technological and creative ecosystem of the region while offering synergies with universities and companies in the Lake Geneva region at the forefront of digital transformation.

“ Dreamscape invents new worlds and new ways of telling stories. Technology is put to work for the emotions by pushing the limits of the genre and blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. The result is truly amazing, ” explains Vincent Sager , director of Opus One. “ It is this approach that convinced us to embark on the adventure and to accompany Dreamscape in the opening of their first European center, here in Geneva. ”

“ I am personally very happy to be able to support this project and ensure that the first Dreamscape in Europe opens its doors in Geneva, which seems relevant to me for a company whose world-famous technology was invented on our shores by our local entrepreneurs. ” adds Adam Said , co-founder and CEO of ACE & Company.

For more information about Dreamscape in Geneva , please consult the website: https://www.dreamscapegeneva.com

Invitation to the press Press representatives are invited, on Monday July 4, 2022 at 10 a.m., to discover the Dreamscape center in Geneva in exclusivity. Please reserve your place until June 24, 2022 by registering by email at [email protected] . Download the media kit here .

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Virtual reality: four Brussels locations where you can have a go

Do you want to feel new sensations and be immersed in an entirely fabricated virtual world? In Brussels, immersion is guaranteed thanks to virtual reality! 

Originally reserved for video games, virtual reality is now evolving quickly. It has even become a part of the scenarios in  Brussels' Escape Rooms . Whether you are a fan of new technologies, a regular user or just curious, come along and experience immersion in another dimension. Try to overcome your opponents and phobias with your friends and family in these different venues across the capital!

1. Virtual reality time travel   

Enter a new dimension of thrilling entertainment at Virtual Room , one of the world’s best team-based virtual reality experiences in Brussels. Played in groups of 2, 3 or 4 players, you will talk to each other, walk around, bend, throw objects and collaborate together to solve the puzzles and challenges : travel through time with our missions Time Travel 1 & 2 (from Ancient Egypt to Prehistory via the Middle Ages and the Aztecs), the encounter with the zombies of Are We Dead? and also Press Start, the latest adventure which pays tribute to the classics of video games.

2. Unique experiences in virtual worlds

You know it's an illusion, yet it all seems so real! Welcome to  Zero Latency 's virtual reality in the university district of Ixelles. This Australian company has opened more than forty sites on four continents and has been repeatedly praised for its innovative use of free-roam VR. You can move around freely through over 200m² and get completely lost in adrenaline-pumping shooters and other adventures with your family, friends or colleagues.

3. Infinite immersive adventures 

Try the virtual reality games at  Futurist Games  in central Brussels. Put on your helmet and prepare to be amazed by more than 30 ultra-realistic worlds that you can explore on your own or transform into the sites of spectacular battles against your friends. It is impossible to be bored with all these possibilities: take on the role of intergalactic soldiers, survive a zombie apocalypse or immerse yourself in the vast Arctic Ocean.

4. A new era of escape games

Very close to the Cirque Royal,  Immersion  offers 15 exciting challenges where collaboration and reflection will allow you to complete your mission.  Team up and evolve in virtual universes where you can interact with each other. Ready to take up the challenge ?

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360° virtual tours

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Explore the Palace of Versailles and relive its temporary exhibitions remotely, with our collection of 360° virtual tours. 

Horace vernet 

Find all the artworks in this exhibition in a unique setting using 360° photo technology. An immersive experience, to discover the world of Horace Vernet. A key figure at Versailles during the reign of  Louis-Philippe , the artist produced, over period of 13 years, some of the most beautiful paintings in the  Historical Galleries , making Versailles home to the largest collection of his works today.

Curator:  Valérie Bajou, General Curator at the National Museum of the Palaces of Versailles and Trianon.

Discover the exhibition     Discover the tour

louis xv passions of a king exhibition (2023)

Discover all the works of this exhibition in a unique scenography thanks to the 360° photo technology. An immersive experience, to discover the passions of Louis XV.

Curators : Yves Carlier, Chief Heritage Curator at the Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon, Hélène Delalex, Heritage Curator at the Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon.

the king's animals exhibition (2021-2022)

The Palace of Versailles, located in the heart of a huge forest in Île-de-France, has fostered the development of a new relationship with the animal world. From the object of study and collection to the animal as a political attribute and symbol of power, what relations did the Court have with pets, wild and exotic animals?

Exhibition curators : Alexandre Maral, Curator General, Head of the Sculpture Department of the Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon and Nicolas Milovanovic, Head Curator of the Paintings Department of the Louvre Museum.

hyacinthe rigaud or the sun portrait exhibition (2021)

The palace of Versailles presents the first major monographic exhibition dedicated to the work of  Hyacinthe Rigaud . This most famous portraitist of the Sun King dominated portraiture for nearly a century and set new codes in the discipline.

Exhibition curators : Laurent Salomé, Director of the Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon, Élodie Vaysse, Curator of Heritage and Ariane James-Sarazin, Curator General of Heritage, Deputy Director of the Musée de l'Armée.

Discover the exhibition      Discover the tour

versailles revival exhibition (2020)

The exhibition «Versailles Revival» shows the enthusiasm and passion for the Versailles of the Ancien Régime, which developed a hundred years after the French Revolution through 350 works, documents and photographs. In parallel, the Republic gathers its assemblies and receives foreign sovereigns, gardens attract tourists and large waters become a popular destination. 

Exhibition curator : Laurent Salomé, Director of the Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon et Claire Bonnotte, scientific collaborator of the Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon.

the king is dead exhibition (2015-2016)

The exhibition explores the role of the king’s death in the monarchical imagination and court society, placing the death of Louis XIV in the context of the funeral rituals of European rulers from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. It presents major works of art and historical documents, some of which have never been exhibited before, relating to the survival of this ritual after the French Revolution .

Exhibition curators : Béatrix Saule, Director and Head Curator of the Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon, assisted by Hélène Delalex, Conservation Officer at the Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon

versailles and the ancient exhibition (2012-2013)

A political and aesthetic ideal, antiquity was glorified in all the courts of Europe since the Renaissance and the Greek and Roman remains were collected with passion by the princes and powerful. But with the reign of Louis XIV, this admiration took on a completely different dimension. To impose in the eyes of all the advent of the absolute monarchy and the power of France, the Sun King conceived his palace as a new Rome dedicated to the cult of Apollo, as well as a sanctuary for his prestigious collection of statues, busts, vases, cameos and medals.

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wardrobe of LOUIS xvi

The wardrobe cabinet , made in 1788, is considered the masterpiece of Versailles royal art. It is a small cabinet of about 13 m2, located in the interior apartment of Louis XVI and accessible through a hidden door. The white and golden woodwork is unique in Europe and represents a peak of French decorative art of the 18th century.  

napoléon rooms

The Napoleonic collections are now presented in several spaces in the palace: in the Coronation Chamber showcasing Napoleon 's rise to become Emperor ; in the rooms known as the « Revolution Room », the « Consulate Room » and the « Empire Room », on the ground floor of the South Wing, presenting the most important moments in Napoleon's rise and his reign in the political, military, diplomatic and dynastic domains ; and in the Gallery of Battles , on the first floor of the same wing. On the second floor, known as the Chimay and South Attics, the story of Napoleon is illustrated by other works, accompanied by many portraits of the Emperor's entourage and the society of his time.

Voyage d’hiver 2017-2018