10 incredible virtual bucket-list tours to enjoy from home

With international travel being off the cards for the foreseeable future, many of us have been turning online to get our travel fix. And what could be more exciting than some of the top virtual bucket-list tours from across the globe?

To keep the wanderlust alive, Official-esta.com has rounded up some of the best bucket-list virtual tours you can experience around the world from the comfort of your sofa.

See: Six of the best virtual museum tours for an at-home culture fix

If visiting the wonderful archipelago of the Galapagos Islands, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef and gazing up at the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, these virtual tours have got you covered. Now crowds, no packing, and no stress.

See 10 of the best virtual bucket list adventures below:

1. ANTARCTICA

Home to 90% of all of the ice on Earth, no other place quite compares to the vast white wilderness of Antarctica. From meeting penguins to seeing the famous ceremonial South Pole flags, explore some of the historical and beautiful landmarks Antarctica has to offer. Take the virtual tour.

2. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Experience the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands, from exotic wildlife to unbelievable landscapes – witness everything these islands have to offer up close and personal with this virtual tour. Appearing only 5-10 million years ago due to volcanic activity, the islands are deemed as fairly young and still have some growing to do, so dive in and explore by walking the edge of an active volcano today. Take the virtual tour

3. GRAND CANYON

It’s one of only a few places on Earth that you can explore nearly two billion years worth of the world’s history, telling a story through layers of rock and fossils of the animals that used to roam back when these layers were being deposited. Explore this virtual tour and experience deeper into the Canyon than a regular tourist usually would, to learn all about the Grand Canyon and even uncover how this phenomenon is formed. Take the virtual tour.

4. GREAT BARRIER REEF

It is the largest coral reef system in the world, compiled of over 2,900 individual reefs and spanning over 348,000 km - half the size of Texas! With this virtual tour, you’ll be able to experience a scuba dive and explore the breathtaking surroundings of the Great Barrier Reef - who knows what you’ll see! Take the virtual tour.

5. MACHU PICCHU

With this virtual tour, you can visit Peru and, most importantly, one of the great wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. You can choose several different views to explore and navigate through, from the ‘front door’ to Machu Picchu’s highest point - you’ll even see some Peruvian Alpacas in the gardens. Take the virtual tour.

6. PYRAMIDS OF GIZA

One of the seven wonders of the world, and one of the most iconic sites you’ll experience are the Pyramids of Giza. With this virtual tour, you’ll be able to wander through the Great Sphinx, explore the Pyramids, and experience a sunset over Cairo, all from a stunning aerial view. Take the virtual tour.

7. NIAGARA FALLS

Niagara Falls, famous for its legendary waterfalls, is an iconic destination that attracts millions of tourists every year, step inside the state park from your living room and enjoy the 360 views of the world's most famous waterfall. Take the virtual tour.

8. NORTHERN LIGHTS

Many hunt for their chance to spot the spectacular aurora borealis, one of the most beautiful wonders of the world. Take a look at the breathtaking tour from the comfort of your home, switch off the lights and delve into the wonderful skies of Norway. Take the virtual tour.

9. SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Always wanted to spot the Loch Ness Monster? Or to simply travel through the mountainous region that encompasses Scotland? Take a tour around Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, glance at the Glencoe Valley with its waterfalls and try to spot the dolphins in the Moray Firth - all from the comfort of your own home. What better way to spend your time in lockdown than to take in the beautiful scenery and history of Scotland. Take the virtual tour.

10. AN AFRICAN SAFARI

Rhino, lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo - seeing the Big Five is something that is on everyone's bucket lists. Not only does this come at a price, but it is also not guaranteed that you will see these animals whilst on safari. Take a look at this live stream of a real-life African safari and see if you can spot any of the five large African mammal species in the wild. Take the virtual tour.

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