Engineering tours are a fantastic way for people to explore and learn about the complexities of technology and the built environment. From world-renowned landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Burj Khalifa to remarkable bridges such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge, there are numerous engineering marvels to explore.
But what about the lesser-known but equally impressive engineering wonders? This article showcases the top 10 most unusual engineering tours that will take you behind the scenes and offer you a unique perspective on how these incredible feats of engineering were created.
The Hoover Dam is one of the most remarkable engineering feats in the world, and a tour of this incredible structure is a must-do for any engineering enthusiast. At the Hoover Dam, visitors can take a guided tour of the facility and see firsthand how it generates electricity and manages water flows. You can even walk across the top of the dam and experience the stunning views of Lake Mead and the Colorado River.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is an international research facility located in the suburbs of Geneva, Switzerland. Guided tours of the CERN facility provide a fascinating insight into the world of particle physics and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), one of the most complex scientific instruments ever built.
Visitors can explore particle accelerators, see the detectors used to study the results of particle collisions, and visit the CMS experiment control room – the largest such room in the world.
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift located in Scotland that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. This remarkable engineering feat allows boats to travel seamlessly between waterways that are 79 feet apart. A guided tour of the Falkirk Wheel offers visitors an experience that is both entertaining and enlightening, with a deep dive into the inner workings of this incredible machine.
The Channel Tunnel is a 31-mile-long undersea tunnel that connects England with France under the English Channel. A guided tour of the Channel Tunnel offers visitors the chance to see how this engineering marvel was constructed, including a visit to the Channel Tunnel Control Centre to see how trains travel through the tunnel at high speed.
Located in the Snowy Mountains of Australia, the Northern Hydro Scheme is a collection of dams, aqueducts, tunnels and hydroelectric power stations that provide electricity to the eastern states of Australia. A guided tour of the Northern Hydro Scheme allows visitors to see how engineers create electricity from flowing water, and visitors can even get a behind-the-scenes view of the operation of the hydroelectric power stations.
The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge located in southern France that spans the Tarn River valley. Towering over the surrounding landscape at a height of 343 meters, the Millau Viaduct is one of the tallest bridges in the world. Guided tours of the Millau Viaduct offer visitors the chance to see how the bridge was constructed, and visitors can even walk along the deck of the bridge and take in the stunning views of the French countryside.
The Sistine Chapel is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and the intricate frescoes that adorn the ceiling of the chapel are a testament to the skill and dedication of the artists who created them. A guided tour of the Sistine Chapel provides an opportunity to see these incredible frescoes up close and learn about the engineering techniques used to create them.
The Hiller Aviation Museum is located in San Carlos, California, and is dedicated to the history of aviation and engineering. Visitors to the museum can see a range of aircraft, helicopters, and other flying machines, and can learn about the history of flight from the Wright Brothers to modern planes such as the Airbus A380.
The Las Vegas Monorail is a unique engineering feat that connects the major hotels and entertainment venues along the Las Vegas Strip. Visitors to the city can take a ride on the monorail and learn about the engineering techniques used to construct this elevated railway line that spans more than four miles.
The San Francisco Cable Cars are one of the most iconic engineering feats in the USA and offer visitors a unique way to explore the hilly streets of San Francisco. Visitors can take a ride on the cable cars and learn about the history of these remarkable vehicles, as well as the engineering techniques used to power them.
Q: Can I take photographs during the tours?
A: In general, photography is allowed during the tours, but it is advisable to check with the tour provider before the tour to confirm.
Q: Are the tours suitable for children?
A: Some tours may have age restrictions and may not be suitable for young children, but many tours are family-friendly. It is advisable to check with the tour provider before booking.
Q: Are the tours strenuous?
A: Some tours may require physical activity such as walking and climbing stairs, so it is important to check with the tour provider before booking to ensure that it is suitable for your fitness level.
Q: How long do the tours last?
A: Tour duration varies from tour to tour, but most tours last between one and three hours.
Q: Can I book the tours online?
A: Most tour providers offer online booking, but it is advisable to check with the provider before booking.
