This study explores the impact of extended reality (XR) technologies on cultural heritage tourism, focusing on their capacity to enhance authenticity and visitor engagement. The notion of authenticity remains a contentious issue in cultural tourism studies, spanning a broad spectrum of definitions as to what constitutes the “authentic.” The introduction of digital technologies into this landscape has further complicated and expanded our understanding of authenticity. This research addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining the complex interplay between XR technologies, evolving concepts of authenticity, and cultural tourism experiences.