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Travel in 2021 is anything but conventional – if available at all. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience something new in a foreign land. To adapt to current circumstances, many tour companies and operators have transitioned to a new style of travel – virtual tours! You can escape your living room for up to a few hours and see the far-away lands you’ve been dreaming of (for a fraction of the price, too!). Out of equal parts boredom and curiosity, I was able to experience Europe in a new light over the course of the past few months. Part 1 in this series will cover Europe, Part 2 will cover virtual tours of Asia, with more to come soon!. Enjoy this roundup of the best virtual tours in Europe, my favorite continent!
Don’t feel like taking a virtual tour? How about a virtual cooking class? Here are 25 of the best virtual cooking classes to bring the flavors of a foreign place to the comforts of your kitchen.
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Table of contents
albania
communist tirana
From the comfort of your home, join two expert guides as they lead you on a live, virtual tour of Tirana, the Albanian capital. You’ll visit at least eight sites of interest while learning about communist ideology and the rise and fall of communism in Albania. The tour is live and interactive, allowing ample time to ask your guides any questions you may have regarding communism in Albania.
Price: From $13.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF COMMUNIST TIRANA
Life is War: Surviving Dictatorship in Communist Albania
by Shannon Woodcock
bosnia & herzegovina
rafting river neretva
Here is a truly unique experience to have from your living room! Experience epic scenic beauty on this 50 minute river tour as you travel from the village of Glavaticevo to the town of Konjic. You’ll see beautiful canyons and waterfalls, hidden spots that most tourists never get the chance to see, and four adrenaline rapids – no lifejacket required! Or mask, for that matter. Rafting down the river Neretva was certainly one of the most unique and enjoyable virtual tours in Europe.
Price: From $25.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: RAFTING RIVER NERETVA
bulgaria
sofia
Sit back and relax on this virtual guided tour of Sofia, Bulgaria’s unique capital city. Enjoy the secrets of your local guides, personalized stories, and visiting all of the important sites Sofia has to offer. You’ll have the opportunity to discover 18 different touristic sites and gain new appreciation for Sofia as a focal point of Bulgarian tourism.
Price: From $26.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF SOFIA
croatia
dubrovnik
During this live guided tour, you’ll stop at some of the most prominent historic and tourist sites of Dubrovnik. Your local guide will virtually bring you to the Walls of Dubrovnik, the Old Town, Stradun, and Lokrum Island among others. You’ll learn history, culture, and get a taste of daily life for Croatians living in the capital city. The tour is interactive and allows for a Q&A session.
Price: From $9.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF DUBROVNIK
rijeka
Take a virtual “walk” through European Capital of Culture, the Croatian city of Rijeka. Learn interesting facts about the city, such as the fact that it changed six different countries over the course of the last century! Discover how the city came to be, its complicated history, and daily life for its citizens. You’ll visit a local food market, hear street music, see ancient Roman ruins, and take in a medieval fortress with bay views. You’ll visit and learn about many other interesting points in the city as well. Questions are encouraged as this is a live, interactive tour.
Price: From $25.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF RIJEKA
france
louvre
Of course we all want the ability to travel freely again, but this is one perk of lockdown. To experience the Louvre, unrushed, without tourists or queues, is such a treat! This tour takes you through the highlights of the Louvre and even includes a Q&A session in case there’s anything you’re more curious about! This tour of the Louvre was one of my favorite virtual tours in Europe.
Price: From $12.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF THE LOUVRE
versailles
Visit the Palace of Versailles from the comfort of your home in this private, guided virtual tour. Marvel at the exquisite gardens, re-live history through the stories of your knowledgeable guide, and see what life was like for French royalty at its peak. This interactive tour allows time for communicating with your guide, enabling you to learn much more than researching the Palace independently.
Price: From $13.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VERSAILLES VIRTUAL TOUR
montmartre
With its cobblestone streets, stunning basilica, artistic vibes and quintessential Parisian flair, Montmartre is one of the best known and most-visited neighborhoods in Paris. On this virtual tour, your guide will take you up the hill and through the winding alleys to uncover Montmartre’s hidden gems. The tour is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Price: From $9.00
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Link: HIDDEN GEMS OF MONTMARTRE
notre dame & quintessential paris
On this virtual tour, you will experience Notre Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, the banks of the Seine and the mini islands of Ile de la Cité and Ile St Louis. This is the quintessential and fairytale Paris that we dream of visiting. Although current restrictions may hinder your visit at the moment, you can still explore live on a detailed walking tour with a local guide. You will see the actual sites on a real-time walking tour through the heart of the City of Lights.
Price: From $13.00
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Link: NOTRE DAME AND QUINTESSENTIAL PARIS VIRTUAL TOUR
secrets of champagne
Not much is more quintessentially French than Champagne! As most of you already know, France’s iconic sparkling wine is exclusively French – Champagne can only be called ‘champagne’ if it comes from the Champagne region of France. There are two main cities in this region, Reims & Epernay. On this virtual tour, you’ll visit the Notre Dame de Reims and the famous Champagne Avenue in Epernay. Learn about the history of champagne, the geography of the region that makes it particularly conducive to this phenomenal libation, and more about the process of its creation. Bonus points if you pop a bottle during your at-home virtual tour!
Price: From $19.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL TOUR: CHAMPAGNE SECRETS
french revolution
On this virtual tour, you will experience the iconic Parisian cafés, Ile de la Cité, the opulent architecture of the Palais Royal and more. Discover the history that contributes to Paris’ allure on this immersive virtual tour in the heart of Europe that will captivate and entice you to see more once it’s safe to do so. Re-live the downfall of the French elite and what made the French Revolution so successful – maybe particularly interesting if you’re currently living in a country that seems on the brink of revolution itself! *Cough* USA *Cough*.
Price: From $13.00
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Link: VIRTUAL TOUR: THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction
by William Doyle
georgia
tbilisi
One of the cities I dream of visiting in the near future is the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. Given its rising status of the ideal digital nomad city coupled with its interesting history and culture put it straight to the top of my list. In the meantime, this all-encompassing virtual tour covers all the bases. Your guide will bring you to Metekhi Cathedral, Svobody Square, Anchiskhati Basilica, The Bridge of Peace, and 14 other sites of historic and cultural importance. This is a live tour which allows for interaction and questions along the way.
Price: From $25.00
Duration: Approximately 3 – 5 hours
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF TBILISI
germany
cold war berlin
Discover Berlin through an alternate lens from the comfort of your home during this Berlin Cold War history live virtual tour. Your guide will lead you through popular Berlin Cold War sites including the Trabi-Museum and Martin-Gropius-Bau. The tour is live and happens in real time, allowing for a fully interactive experience with ample opportunities to ask your guide questions about Germany’s Cold War history.
Price: From $49.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF COLD WAR BERLIN
Cold War Memories: A Retrospective on Living in Berlin
by Yoshika Loftin Lowe & Trisha A. Lindsey
world war II berlin
Experience Berlin’s dark history as it pertains to WWII during this live, interactive virtual tour. Your expert guide will lead you through such sites as Führerbunker, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Detlev-Rohwedder-Haus, and Topography of Terrors. Because the tour is fully interactive, you can ask your guide any questions you may have along the way. It’s one of the most moving and informative virtual tours in Europe.
Price: From $49.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF WWII BERLIN
munich old town
This tour of Munich’s Old Town will take you through some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in the city. Your guide will take you to Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Old Town Hall, Alter Hof, Staatliches Hofbrauhaus, and many other touristic sites of interest, all without the crowds! The tour is live and interactive, meaning there is time for questions and further understanding from your guide.
Price: From $13.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF MUNICH’S OLD TOWN
greece
athens history, democracy, & philosophy
This live, guided tour of Athens will take you through some of the most important sites, from ancient times to present. Explore the dynamic history of the Greek capital, the history of Greek democracy, and philosophical movements from the past to the present. Your tour is interactive and allows for ample question time to further your understanding of what you’ve learned.
Price: From $13.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: ATHENS VIRTUAL TOUR OF HISTORY, DEMOCRACY, & PHILOSOPHY
hungary
budapest’s jewish district
A licensed, local guide will take you through the Jewish District of Budapest while you learn its complicated history and discover hidden gems. You’ll visit the Dohany Street Synagogue, explore the history of Judaism in the Carpathian basin, the atrocities of the Holocaust, to the modern Jewish community in Budapest. Your tour is fully interactive and live, and your host is a professional, expert guide. Patricia is among the best guides I’ve experienced in these virtual tours in Europe.
Price: From $25.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF BUDAPEST JEWISH DISTRICT
budapest highlights
This tour is offered by the same licensed, local guide as the Jewish District Budapest Tour, so if you liked Patricia during the last visit, you’ll love this one as well. She will lead you through the highlights of Budapest including downtown, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Parliament, Liberty Square, Shoes on the Danube, and the Buda side of the city as well. The tour is private, guided, and interactive, making for a fully immersive Budapest experience.
Price: From $25.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF BUDAPEST
ireland
dingle peninsula
**Please note that this tour is NOT interactive. You will not personally speak to your guides.** From your bed or sofa, take in the beauty of Ireland in this immersive Dingle Peninsula tour. Experience untouched wilderness, rugged coastlines, and quaint Irish towns. Rory and Colm, from Dingle Sea Head Tours, introduce you to locals, flora and fauna, and introduce the fascinating history of the region. I personally prefer the virtual tours in Europe that are live, guided, and interactive, but this tour of the Dingle Peninsula is so beautiful, I couldn’t not include it in this roundup.
Price: From $20.00
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF THE DINGLE PENINSULA
italy
shakespeare’s italy
Despite Shakespeare being an English playwright, did you know that 1/4 of his plays are set in Italy? This virtual tour starts in Sicily, the setting of The Merchant of Venice and The Tempest. Next, you’ll set off to the capital city to uncover the story behind four more famous plays. The tour ends ‘in fair Verona,’ where you will learn about the city worthy of hosting the greatest love story in the world.
Price: From $7.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED OF SHAKESPEARE’S ITALY
colosseum
This virtual tour experience will combine storytelling, street and satellite views, and an engaging guide to depict historical facts and lesser-known stories of both ancient and modern times in Rome. Another of Rome’s treasures, the Colosseum virtual tour experience will bypass the queues and amateur photographers to allow you a fully immersive experience.
Price: From $12.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF THE COLOSSEUM
vatican museums
Take an in-depth tour of the highlights of the Vatican Museums, from the history to the artwork and all that lies between. This unique experience allows you to experience the wonders housed in the Vatican Museums without the lines or the excessive crowds – by far one of the best parts of virtual travel!
Price: From $14.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF THE VATICAN MUSEUMS
sistine chapel: the genius of michelangelo
On this riveting virtual tour, you’ll discover the history of Michelangelo’s early life and get up-close-and-personal with his awe-inspiring frescoes. With a combination of high quality photos, videos, and other media presentations, you’ll learn the complex symbolism that Michelangelo depicted on the world’s most famous ceiling. This is without-a-doubt one of the most interesting virtual tours in Europe!
Price: From $13.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL
italian city tours
While I personally enjoy the tours that are specific to certain tourist attractions or sites, there are also a number of city tours available virtually that I’ve listed below. These range in price from $7.00 to $30.00 and time ranges from 45 minutes to two hours. The tours below I have not personally enjoyed, but let me know in the comments if you take one and love (or hate) it!
netherlands
virtual bicycle through dutch town
Figuratively hop on the back of your local guide’s bicycle to discover the Dutch town of Kerkdriel. Learn about the history, customs, and daily life of Kerkdriel, which is a town located between the rivers Maas and Waal. You’ll also learn about the WWII memorial and the role of the town in the war.
Price: From $31.00 per group of 4
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL BICYCLE TOUR OF DUTCH TOWN
self-guided tour of amsterdam’s red light district
This self-guided virtual tour takes you through the life and history of Amsterdam’s infamous red light district, De Wallen. Not only will you learn about the ‘oldest profession in the world’ as you visit the Belle statue, but you’ll also pay visits to Nieuwmarkt and Oude Kerk. Please note that this tour does not have a live guide, if that’s what you are looking for.
Price: From $20.00
Duration: Approximately 1 – 2 hours
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF AMSTERDAM’S RED LIGHT DISTRICT
norway
half-day on mount fløyen
During this epic and fully sustainable experience, you will be connected to video live stream to head up Mount Fløyen and through the forest. You can combine this tour with the ‘Plant a Tree Tour’ to even FURTHER reduce carbon emissions. Experience stellar views, breathtaking scenery, and seemingly untouched nature on your live, guided tour. This is the longest of the virtual tours in Europe.
Price: From $86.00 per group (up to 15 people)
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Link: HALF-DAY GUIDED TOUR OF MOUNT FLOYEN
poland
krakow
The hosts of this tour have extensive guide experience and have put together this virtual tour comprised of some of the most asked tourist questions about Krakow. This tour focuses less on touristic sites but more on culture, traditions, and unusual laws in Krakow. Learn about the dynamic history and interesting facts such as why wearing certain fabrics in Krakow will get you in a lot of trouble!
Price: From $62.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF KRAKOW
portugal
street art of lisbon
Lisbon is a city with some of the best street art in the world. On this virtual tour, you’ll be guided through 30 different street art projects spanning four neighborhoods. Whether you’re an artist, an art buff, or just looking for a unique perspective to the Portuguese capital, this tour is a sensory treat to enjoy from the comfort of your home.
Price: From $7.00
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Link: STREET ART IN LISBON – VIRTUAL TOUR
jewish tour of porto
Learn about the history of the Jewish neighborhood in Porto and how it developed over time. This virtual tour will allow you to experience Porto’s medieval synagogue, the history of the inquisition, and the contemporary Jewish community of Porto.
Price: From $19.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Link: PORTO JEWISH VIRTUAL TOUR
7 wonders of lisbon
On this virtual tour you’ll experience Lisbon from a local – through history, personal stories, and tradition you will get the best that Lisbon has to offer. Hear traditional Fado music, explore culinary staples, and explore Lisbon’s historic Alfama district through the eyes of your local guide during this exciting and colorful virtual tour in Europe.
Price: From $62.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Link: VIRTUAL TOUR OF SEVEN WONDERS OF LISBON
romania
bucovina’s painted monasteries
Enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the comfort of your living room! This 1-2 hour tour takes you on a virtual tour of the history and culture of Romania’s famous painted monasteries. Your guide will share the rich history and religious culture, as well as insider details and lesser-known information. It’s a much more dynamic experience than simply reading about them and seeing photos on the internet.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Price: Starting at $7.00
Link: Virtual Tour of Bucovina’s Painted Monasteries
dracula’s transilvania
Although there is much more to Transilvania than Dracula legends, touring Bran Castle is still high on many peoples’ radars when visiting the area. So, why not take a virtual tour of Dracula’s Transilvania? Explore the legend of Vlad III, aka Vlad the Impaler, as you discover different towns and cities of Transilvania and the associated legends.
Price: From $7.00 +
Duration: 1-2 hours
Links:
DRACULA’S HISTORY VIRTUAL TOUR
DRACULA’S HISTORY VIRTUAL PRIVATE TOUR
historical bucharest
Despite having been in Romania for ten months now, I still have never been to the capital city of Bucharest! Well, aside from briefly driving through en route to Vama Veche. This virtual guided tour will take you through all the main historical attractions and buildings in the city, from Parliament Palace to Revolution Square. Learn about the in-depth history of this complicated city from a knowledgeable guide who will supplement the tour experience with personal stories and videos.
Price: From $30.00
Duration: 2 hours
Link: VIRTUAL HISTORICAL TOUR OF BUCHAREST
russia
moscow & other russian cities
The link below will put you in touch with guides that run a variety of tours in different Russian cities. You will work with your guide to create the perfectly customized tour to suit your needs and interests. Popular options besides Moscow include St. Petersburg, the Kremlin, Szudal & Vladimir, Kazan, WWII and Russian Hero Cities, and the infamous Crimean peninsula. This is one of the most unique virtual tours in Europe considering the customization it allows.
Price: From $15.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF MOSCOW & OTHER RUSSIAN CITIES
serbia
belgrade fortress
Spend an hour with your expert guide exploring Belgrade Fortress from your home, wherever that may be. You’ll also ‘visit’ numerous touristic locations and landmarks in Belgrade. With your local guide, you’ll hear personalized, local stories and insight from your two hosts. After the tour, take part in a relaxed Q&A on the Fortress and other topics pertaining to Belgrade.
Price: From $24.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF BELGRADE FORTRESS
president tito’s cult
On this controversial history tour, you will learn about Yugoslavia’s president for life, Josip Broz Tito. The tour is conducted live from his burial place. Your two guides will teach you about his early and political life, why he was adored by some and loathed by others, and the complicated, turbulent history of the former Yugoslavia. What makes this tour special is that each ticket sale also includes proceeds donated to the Museum of Yugoslavia, helping to preserve an important piece of local history. At the end of the tour, you’ll have time to ask your guides questions related to Yugoslavia or President Tito.
Price: From $33.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Link: PRESIDENT TITO’S CULT: VIRTUAL TOUR
by Joze Pirjevec
spain
dali
Immerse yourself in the world of surrealist artist Salvador Dali on this tour of his hometown, museums, and different residences. This virtual tour combines an eclectic mix of art, history, and culture with a knowledgeable guide who will share lesser known details of the artist, his life, and the sites you’ll visit.
Price: From $19.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Link: DALI VIRTUAL TOUR
medieval girona & game of thrones
I started re-watching Game of Thrones yesterday because my fiancé has never seen it (shame!) – and immediately had to book this virtual tour as well. This awesome tour takes you through the medieval streets of historic Girona with special attention paid to Game of Thrones filming sites. The tour has a live guide that takes you through the city’s hidden gems while highlighting the region’s history and culture. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this is one of the best virtual tours in Europe.
Price: From $19.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Link: MEDIEVAL GIRONA & GAME OF THRONES
gaudi & modernism
On this fully interactive tour, you’ll be live on the streets of vibrant Barcelona. Your live guide will take you through the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi while leading you through the highlights of Catalan culture. You’ll learn the history of the modernism movement and see architectural wonders that were light-years ahead of its time. Since this is an interactive tour, you’ll be able to ask any questions you may have along the way without listening to pre-recorded narratives.
Price: From $56.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Link: GAUDI & MODERNISM VIRTUAL TOUR
legends, traditions, & essence of catalonia
On this guided virtual tour you’ll experience medieval villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and an inside look into the Catalan culture. The tour is given in small groups and is fully interactive, allowing you to have a fully immersive travel experience from the comfort of your home. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with the guide and other members of your tour group.
Price: From $19.00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Link: LEGENDS, TRADITIONS, AND HISTORY OF CATALONIA
transnistria
tiraspol
Unsure of the history of Transnistria? Did you even know such a place existed? Transnistria is a narrow strip of land that is internationally recognized as part of the Republic of Moldova along the Ukrainian border. It is a largely unrecognized country that is a hidden remnant of the Soviet Union, tucked away behind a highly militarized border. On this guided tour, you will be under the care of a local exploring the capital of Tiraspol. The tour includes major highlights of the city as well as a portion of URBEX (urban exploration). Your guide is a highly knowledgeable local, keen to answer all of your questions about this mysterious little corner of the world, making this one of the most interesting virtual tours in Europe.
Price: From $31.00
Duration: Approximately 2 – 3 hours
Link: VIRTUAL GUIDED TOUR OF TIRASPOL, TRANSNISTRIA
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Street Art In Lisbon sounds wonderful!
Great way to see Europe from the comfort of your home, while in lockdown.
This is such a great idea! I am ashamed to say I hadn’t even heard of some of the places. For example Transnistria, but how cool does that look? I am hoping to travel this summer (fingers crossed) but if not I have saved this post and I will be living through this! THANK YOU!
I’ve been doing a lot of virtual tours lately, but I’ve missed some of the ones on your list! Going to be saving this post for when I have some free time to hit up some more tours online!