World’s Priciest Tourist Attractions

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Tourist hotspots often hit the wallet hard, especially ones that are inherently designed to pull at your purse strings with irresistible souvenirs and collectibles. Yet, there are standout attractions whose ticket prices alone can leave you astounded. In this article, we delve into the world’s most expensive tourist attractions to uncover their true costs and whether they are worth the splurge.

In total, we highlight seven tourist experiences renowned for their expense. So, what makes these destinations some of the priciest in the world for a single day? GOBankingRates investigated across the globe, diving into the details online.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking in Kigali is regarded as one of the country’s most iconic attractions despite the steep cost. For visitors from outside Africa, acquiring a permit to view these majestic apes in their natural environment costs $1,500 for just one hour, as stated by SafariBookings. This fee not only controls daily visitor numbers but also contributes to habitat conservation.

According to Hotels.com, overnight stays are reasonably priced at around $130, but international flights from JFK to Kigali can average $1,400 per person, making it a costly adventure for primate enthusiasts.

Murder Mystery Aboard The British Pullman

The British Pullman Train departing from London’s Victoria Station offers a unique 1930s-themed murder mystery experience. Guests can enjoy the scenic Kent countryside while savoring a five-course meal paired with wines. The challenge of solving dramatic whodunit clues adds to the allure.

While tickets might seem more affordable when shared, bookings are typically by table (minimum two persons), making it a luxurious indulgence. Travelers can extend their stay in nearby Victoria at hotels like The Clermont, where rates begin at $440 per night.

Embark on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Many wanderers are captivated by the idea of a grand journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, setting off from Paris to Istanbul. Marketed as one of the world’s most opulent train rides, prices start at $3,800 per person for a twin cabin, referenced from Luxury Train Tickets.

For those seeking unparalleled luxury, an overnight in the L’Observatoire Carriage costs $86,000, offering amenities such as a library, secret tea room, and exclusive butler service—truly a traveler’s delight according to Van Es of Fast Cover Travel Insurance.

Explore Antarctica’s Harsh Beauty

• Price: $10,000 to $100,000

With difficult accessibility, visiting Antarctica remains expensive. A single-day fly-in visit ranges from $10,000 to $15,000. Adventurers can fly from Cape Town on a private jet, landing on polar runways to engage in glacier hikes and observe penguin colonies.

Affluent travelers also explore via cruise ships from Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, with luxury options reaching up to $100,000 for extended voyages, as estimated by Van Es.

The North Pole Expedition

• Price: $30,000 to $200,000

Like Antarctica, reaching the North Pole is arduous. “Budget” packages like those from Polar Explorers start at $30,000, including flights and a helicopter journey. For a lavish $200,000 expedition, OceanSky Cruises offers a 48-hour journey by airship, providing a unique polar experience.

Activities might include witnessing breaching whales or partaking in a polar bear plunge, making it a bucket-list adventure.

The Mysteries of the Mariana Trench

Off the coast of Guam, the Mariana Trench beckons adventurers. EYOS Expeditions offers a deep-sea experience to Challenger Deep for $750,000, involving a submersible descent to Earth’s deepest oceanic point. This journey provides an unparalleled marine encounter.

Suborbital Space Adventure

• Price: upwards of $30 million

Venturing into space is more than a journey—it’s becoming a playground for the elite with hefty price tags. With Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, individuals can expect costs ranging from $200,000 to $300,000, with auctions historically reaching $28 million. Although brief, this suborbital journey provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The trip from Texas allows passengers to briefly experience weightlessness before safely landing back on Earth. Actor William Shatner described the profound beauty and vastness of space following his flight, offering a rare endorsement.

Note: Prices are subject to change.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to this article.