It’s sad that because of this new situation we’re all facing right now, we can’t travel the world and see whatever we wish to see. But we can’t let that make us fret, because there are virtual tours we can have and most of them are free (sort of, because we need to pay for internet connection). So connect yourself to the internet and get ready.
Petra, Jordan
One of the oldest cities in the world, this sandstone city is believed to be built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabataean Arabs. You might have seen it in Hollywood films like The Mummy Returns and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
In the online tour, you can have a guided, interactive walk around some of Petra’s most iconic monuments. It heads through a narrow gorge called the Siq, passing tombs, temple ruins, an enormous monastery and Al Khaznah, the famous building whose elaborate facade is carved into the gorge wall.
Titanic: The Exhibition
Not gonna lie, I’m still fascinated by this ship. And if you’re like me, then you’ll like this virtual tour of RMS Titanic. This virtual exhibition has about 2000 sqm collection of artifacts that you can enjoy or lament over.
Additionally, there are up-close views and information on more than 400 artifacts recovered from the Titanic wreck site, including luggage, the ship’s whistle, a piece of its hull, and a full-scale recreation of its luxurious Grand Staircase.
One thing, though, this tour isn’t free. Ticket prices range from $5 or $15 depending on features. But, we don’t need to buy plane tickets and fly to wherever the exhibition is, and we have the entire place to ourselves without having to wait for other people to get to that artifact you wanna see.
Chichén Itzá, Mexico
There’s always something bewitching about the Mayans. They disappeared rather quickly without exact known reasons and yet they left us wonderful architectures and relics. If you wanna know more about them, you can take a virtual tour of this ancient city.
El Castillo pyramid (also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, a serpent deity) at the centre has a combined 365 steps ascending its four sides. Twice a year, on the equinox, the steps cast a shadow in the shape of a serpent on the north section, which connects to a snake head sculpture at its base, meant to depict Kukulkan. The 360-degree aerial images explore several of the Mayan ruins, including the pyramid, the Temple of Warriors, the observatory and the nunnery.
Versailles, France
Lavish, ornate, and luxurious. The 2,000 acres Palace of Versailles is the result of one of Louis XIV’s ambitions and vision as the center monarchy of Europe. You see a lot of this palace on youtube and tv shows, but if you want to explore the place more thoroughly, this virtual tour is a good choice.
Courtesy of Google Arts and Culture, you can explore via StreetView the extensive gardens and the beautiful Hall of Mirrors, as well as collections of artwork, insights into the engineering behind the site’s many fountains and lakes, and much more. It’s easy (as well as enjoyable) to lose yourself virtually in the details of how Europe’s most impressive gardens came to be.
Stonehenge, UK
If I’m not mistaken, you can’t see this prehistoric site up close (correct me if I’m wrong) even though you wish to surround yourself around this 5000 year-old monument. Well, The English Heritage virtual tour includes a 360-degree interactive image from the centre of the site, with pop-out videos on its excavation, conservation and design, including as a site for celestial observation. There are also interactive CGI images that give more information on its construction and the landscape at different periods in its history.
Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
Adorned with frescoes by distinguished artists from the 15th and 16th century, you can’t help but having your jaw dropped or your breath taken by the sight of Sistine Chapel. Here you can find the infamous The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo. You can now view it virtually in exquisite 360-degree detail, along with many other virtual tours of Vatican City.
Machu Picchu, Peru
An ancient Inca citadel built on a 2,430 meter mountain ridge, how amazing is that? Built around AD1450, this city was created without wheels or animals to transport the huge stones up the mountainside. It’s still a mystery how they managed to build an entire city somewhere so high.
To “visit” this site, you can get a series of 360-degree images on YouVisit’s virtual tour exploring various areas of the site. The tour also includes a voiceover guide with information on the architecture, history and resident alpacas. There’s also a bird’s-eye view tour, simply go to AirPano and look at the interactive images, including from the summit of Machu Picchu mountain.
Museum
Maybe you’re a history/archaeology geek, maybe you’re an art geek, or maybe you’re both. If so, going to these virtual museums are great for you during these times. Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 2500 museums and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world. Here are the famous ones.
Musée d’Orsay, Paris
You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
South Korea is famous for its idols and kpop music, but the country’s artists are just as great. You can visit this popular museum and go through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.
Pergamon Museum, Berlin
As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
I’ll admit that I’m one of those people who admire his works and can relate to his difficult life, so I’m elated that this museum is available virtually. You can see his works almost up close here. This museum has the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
Your fascination and thirst for Mayan, Aztec, or Incan civilization artifacts might be quenched here. Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit rooms with ancient historical objects that you can see.
American Museum of Natural History
There are a lot of things that you can find here, such as “Ahnighito,” the largest meteorite on display in any museum, Titanosaur, a gigantic sauropod dinosaur, and a 30-meter, 9.5-ton model of a blue whale on the ceiling.
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