The Top 5 Not-To-Be Missed Virtual Travel Destinations in Europe

Travel has come to a near standstill with borders closed, flights grounded and iconic destinations shut to visitors. Those of us who live to see new places have been feeling the itch to get out and about. But while we still aren’t able to scratch that travel itch, technology has come to the rescue.

Through the power of technology we spent time recently exploring some of the world’s most fantastic museums online. We enjoyed it immensely and were inspired to visit some of the many virtual tours in our favourite European travel destinations.

While there are some fantastic options, here are our top five not-to-be-missed virtual travel destinations:

Rome

Rome has one of the best collections of virtual tours, which is in keeping with the sheer amount of historical sites it has on offer. Start with an amazing virtual tour of the well-preserved Trajan’s Market. Built in the 2nd century AD it was once six stories high with over 150 shops and offices showcasing the power of Imperial Rome.

Don’t miss the 360 degree tour of the Pantheon (a masterpiece of engineering and mathematical precision) or the 4D tour of the Baths of Caracalla, sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World, which could accommodate 1,600 people in its heyday.

Of course there are also online visits to the Colosseum (virtual walking tour or a 360 virtual tour) and the Roman Forum, or head underground to one of Rome’s hidden gems,the Mitreo of SantaPrisca (a place of cult worship consecrated to the God Mithra).

Finish off your day at St. Peter’s Basilica, the most famous church in Christendom. It’s set in the beautiful St. Peter’s Square, which was designed by Bernini and intended to symbolise a mother’s embrace. You can check out the Vatican’s virtual tour of St. Peter’s, take in 360 views and listen to National Geographic’s audio tour, all from the comfort of your couch.

Berlin

Berlin is a city that’s alive with culture, art and music. Unfortunately, much of that isn’t available at the moment. But Berlin is still a wonderful place to visit virtually.

Start with the incredible YouVisit online tour that covers Berlin’s most visited landmarks, starting with the iconic Bundestag, through to the Alexanderplatz and on to the wonderfully moving Holocaust Museum. Or go back in time with a Cold War history live virtual tour. Using Zoom, you’ll connect with your guide who will lead you to see popular Berlin sites, including the Trabi-Museum and Martin-Gropius-Bau. As an added bonus, because this tour happens in real time, you’ll be able to ask your guide questions throughout the tour

Try one of Berlin’s virtual club nights, where you can listen to exclusive DJ sets and imagine you’re in one of Europe’s hippest night clubs.

Copenhagen

We’ve always had a special place in our hearts for Denmark in general, and Copenhagen in particular. From hygge to Hans Christian Anderson, it’s a special city with a quirky touch. And we’re lucky that through technology we can still see so much of the city, starting with the one day in Copenhagen video tour.

Once you’ve got your bearings, visit the 360 degree tours of some of Copenhagen’s most famous sites, including Nyhavn, The Copenhagen Opera, DronningLouises Bridge, Tivoli Gardens and, of course, The Little Mermaid. You can even learn Danish with free language lessons.

There’s no better way to be prepared for travelling to this incredible city when the time is right again.

London

London has always been a city that embraces technology, and it’s many online experiences showcase that history. Start by visiting the London Eye where, with its 360 degreeview, you can scroll, select and click on most of London’s renowned landmarks. Virtually visit Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace (Queen Victoria’s throne is one of our personal favourites), the Houses of Parliament and even the excavated Roman Amphitheatre, all of which have opened their virtual doors to visitors near and far.

London hasn’t forgotten its theatre roots either. Right now you can also watch one of the National Theatre’s live streamed plays free every Thursday at 7pm (UK time). Make a night of it with a virtual ride on the London Eye, a tour around the city, a streaming of Amadeus and some toad in the hole and mushy peas with your partner.

Vienna

Visiting Vienna is a bit like stepping into a fairy tale. Horses and carriages still trot past ornate palaces of Baroque architecture. Imperial history is honoured with incredible statuary, and sometimes you feel that you can actually hear the sounds of Mozart wafting through the air. Now you can get a taste of that fairy tale from your own home.

Start by taking in the 360 degree view from the Burgtheatre where you can see live images of the University of Vienna, City Hall, Parliament, the Volksgarten, the Museum of Natural History and Kunsthistorisches Museum. Then decide which of the many online experiences you’d like to see first.

Start underground with the vaults of the Capuchin Crypt (Imperial Crypt), where the Habsburgs lie buried. Move above ground to the baroque palace and gardens that is the Schönbrunn Palace, the most visited tourist destination in Austria, and the home of the Habsburgs for centuries. Don’t miss a virtual visit to the Imperial Treasury or the Imperial Carriage Museum, and you can also click through the top 100 objects of the Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna, among many other of Vienna’s incredible museums.

If your virtual adventures inspire you to plan your next year European holidays, get in touch with our team on 1800 242 353 or chat online.