10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Can See With Albatross Tours

10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Can See With Albatross Tours

With over 400 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe, it’s practically impossible to take a tour that doesn’t feature at least one of these significant locations. In this post, we highlight 10 wonderful sites included in Albatross itineraries – and the tours you can take if you want to see them in person.

Wait a minute! Have you taken our European UNESCO Sites Quiz? If you haven’t and you would like to, we recommend doing so before you read this article. Otherwise, you’ll find the quiz much too easy! So stop scrolling and take the quiz. We’ll wait right here for you.

1. Château de Chambord, France

This Loire Valley masterpiece was constructed by King Francois I, who used it as a hunting lodge (after all, the surrounding grounds cover over 5,000 hectares of woodland). In terms of sheer size and grandiosity, no chateaux in the region can quite compare to this magnificent building.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
• See Château de Chambord on our La Grande France Tour.

2. Verona, Italy

Verona was made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It’s where you can step out onto the iconic balcony that inspired one of the story’s most well-known scenes, leave your own romantic note in the Tunnel of Love, and rub Juliet’s right breast for good luck (no really, that’s the tradition!).

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
• Visit Verona on our New Year in a Venetian Villa & Tuscany Tour.

3. Évora, Portugal

This charming town holds more wonders than its small size would suggest. Marvel at the ruins of a Roman temple, walk along the surrounding medieval walls, and relax in the enchanting Giraldo Square. Évora has a 2,000-year history and is the perfect place to partake in a walking tour.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
• Explore Évora on our ‘Magnifico' Spain and Portugal Tour.

4. Newgrange Tombs, Ireland

This prehistoric place is one of three sites that form the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site (the other two are Knowth and Dowth). These monolithic structures are Ireland’s equivalent of the Pyramids in Egypt, and you can practically hear whispers from the past echoing around you as you explore the passageways.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
• Discover Newgrange on our Ireland Connection Tour.

5. Wieskirche, Germany

With sprawling meadows in every direction, Wieskirche is beautiful for its location and isolation alone. However, the building itself is also something to behold – many consider it one of the most gorgeous churches in Germany (or even all of Europe).

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
• Wander around Wieskirche on our Bavarian Fairytale Christmas Tour.

6. Cathedral of St James, Croatia

This ornate building is one of Šibenik’s most iconic landmarks. Remarkable both inside and out, the building’s design and history are best explained by a local tour guide.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
• Call into the Cathedral of St James on our Croatia & the Adriatic Tour.

7. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

This gorgeous town is much easier to fall in love with than it is to pronounce. Built in the 13th century around a large castle (the second largest in the Czech Republic), Český Krumlov is famous for its quaint streets and terracotta roofs.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.
• See Český Krumlov on our Medieval Bohemian Christmas Tour.

8. Lavaux Wine Route, Switzerland

Covering 800 hectares of stunning landscape, the vineyards of the Lavaux road are dotted by beautiful terraces. A journey through this region offers beautiful views of Lake Geneva, fantastic panoramic photo opportunities, and – of course – plenty of delicious wines to taste.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.
• Love Lavaux on our Swiss Christmas in Grindelwald Tour.

9. Mezquita, Spain

Also referred to as the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Mezquita is a truly captivating building to see and explore. This cathedral-mosque hybrid features a unique architectural style and countless intricate decorations to admire.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
• Marvel at the Mezquita on our ‘Magnifico' Spain and Portugal Tour.

10. New Lanark, Scotland

This quaint village sits on the River Clyde and is best known for its historic cotton mills (along with the buildings where the mill workers used to live). These were all built by David Dale, a Scottish industrialist who also founded the village in 1786.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
• Navigate New Lanark on our Best of British Tour.

Which of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe interests you the most? Which ones have you already visited? If you already know which site is next on your must-see checklist, be sure to check out the relevant tour and reserve your place for our next departure date!