Virtual tours can open up amazing and awe-inspiring locations around the world that may otherwise be inaccessible to you. You can experience the majesty of the Sistine Chapel, the wonder of the Great Wall of China, or the beauty of Hawaii from the comfort of your own home.
Picking the Right Virtual Tour for You
As you consider which virtual tour you want to take, try finding one that not only helps you explore a new place,but consider a place tied to your heritage. Learning more about your cultural heritage can help you become more resilient as you develop a deeper understanding of your story.
You can discover more about your heritage using the Where Am I From?experience, which maps where your ancestors came from.
The following virtual tours allow you to see some of the most spectacular sites in the world and gain a greater appreciation for world cultures. By immersing yourself in world heritage, you will better understand your own heritage.
1. Vatican Museums
This collection of virtual tours lets you see some of the masterpieces of the Renaissance,including the Sistine Chapel, Niccoline Chapel, Raphael’s Room, and more.
2. Great Wall of China
The Great Wall is often regarded as a wonder of the world, making it a prime tourist attraction. By taking the tour online, you can skip the crowds and still experience the incredible view and Chinese history.
3. Louvre
The Louvre, located in Paris, is the largest art museum in the world. Three of the museum’s top exhibits are available online.
4. Taj Mahal
This ivory marble mausoleum in India is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Emperor Shah Jahan had it built in 1632 for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
5. Ellis Island
The virtual tour of Ellis Island is a great choice if you have ancestors who immigrated to the United States. The immigration station processed over 12 million immigrants as they entered the country.
6. British Museum
With online exhibits from the British Museum in London, dive into the fascinating history of famous world artifacts such as Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone.
7. Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Home to the second-largest private collection of art in the world, this Spanish museum holds some of the greatest pieces and names of almost every artistic period.
8. Carlsbad Caverns
Dive into an exploration of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, in the United States. You’ll get the chance to see deep caverns filled with unique and awe-inspiring rock formations that were formed when the limestone was dissolved by sulfuric acid.
9. National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City
As the largest museum in Mexico, the National Museum of Anthropology is home to significant artifacts from pre-Columbian Mexican heritage. If you have ancestors from Mexico, this tour will help you understand the history of Mexico and the Aztec and Mayan people.
10. African Safari
African safaris are some of the best ways to appreciate African wildlife and heritage. These 360-degree video tours bring that experience into your home.
11. Great Barrier Reef
The world’s largest and most famous coral reef covers an area of over 344,000 square kilometers (133,000square miles) off the coast of Australia. Take the interactive journey online to dive in.
12. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea
The contemporary art museum in Seoul also contains international art from different periods, and it is worth looking in to see the impressive collection.
13. Hang Son Doong
The world’s biggest cave is located in Vietnam. Don’t fret—National Geographic has a 360-degree virtual tour available for free online.
14. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
If you are unable to make it to Washington, D.C., to see the Smithsonian, it has a complete virtual tour that allows you to click through and see the entirety of the museum.
15. Buckingham Palace
Tour the iconic British palace with all its ornate details, including the grand staircase, throne room, white drawing room, and more. It is a significant site for anyone with British ancestors.
16. Gardens of Versailles
The magnificent gardens outside the Palace of Versailles in France have been meticulously kept since1661, when they were renovated by André le Nôtre by order of King Louis XIV. Walk through online to enjoy the impressive feat.
17. Acropolis
The ancient citadel in Athens is famous for its significant historical remains, particularly the Parthenon.
18. Metropolitan Opera
While this one isn’t a tour, it’s still a way to experience world travel from home. The Metropolitan Opera in New York City is streaming some of their best shows nightly at 7:30 p.m.(eastern time).
19. Create Your Own Virtual Tour
With the help of Google Maps or Google Earth, you can explore almost any location in the world. If you need ideas of places to visit, use the opportunity to virtually explore the places of your heritage. Traveling to understand the past and particularly your ancestors will help you gain a connection to your heritage and a sense of your roots.
First, choose a destination and create a list of significant sites you would like to see. Once you have a list of places, use Google Earth or Google Maps to search for the places you chose and see real images of them.Using these tools, you can wander through places as if you were actually there and walking through them.As long as you have access to the internet, you have access to the world. No matter what is keeping you at home, there is a wealth of information, images, and virtual tours available online that makes it possible for you to travel from home.
Don't forget to share your experience with virtual tours in the comments below!
