Windows to the World is billed as chance for people to travel to 33 different countries via their embassies and high commissions over several weekends in September and October - without the hassle of jet lag.

Centenary of Canberra creative director Robyn Archer said the diplomatic corps provided Canberra with a unique connection and insight into international life and culture. She hoped Windows to the World would become an annual legacy of the centenary celebrations.

ACT deputy chief minister Andrew Barr said the program, with visitors walking between embassies in their suburban groups in Yarralumla, Deakin, Red Hill and O'Malley, would make for a great day out.

While embassies often took part in open days, this was the largest combined group opening and many had not been opened for 10 years or more, he said.

Ms Archer said three things made Canberra unique in the nation - its planned Walter Burley Griffin design, hosting all the national institutions and collecting houses, and as the site of more than 100 embassies and high commissions.

Over four weeks coinciding with Floriade, the embassies will open in free events that will include food tasting, music and dance performance, and art and cultural displays.

Many people would relish the opportunity to step behind embassy gates and tour homes and gardens, Ms Archer said.

''Festivals can be festivals anywhere and many festivals and celebrations, like shopping malls, can look like any other shopping mall or festivities anywhere else. One of the great secrets in planning a good celebration is to try to find those things that are unique about that place,'' she said.

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Argentinian ambassador Pedro Villagra Delgado said the program would also help dispel any notion that diplomats lived a grand life of ''chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces and champagne''.

Mr Delgado said his home on Mugga Way, which will be open on September 21, was a fairly ordinary Canberra home built in the 1950s.

''Sure, some of the embassies are grand, but others are more modest affairs. The days of Versailles are over for diplomats,'' he said.

As the ceremonial head of the diplomatic corps, Mr Delgado said Canberra's international community was particularly cohesive and close because it was such a small city. ''We see each other all the time so we build up good friendships during our postings.''

Windows to the World was ''a very enjoyable way for us to help celebrate the centenary and say thank you to the people of Canberra for sharing their city with us'', he said.

Visitor need to book places through the Australian Institute of International Affairs and to bring identification and undergo security screening. Places on some tours would be limited.

■ For bookings or information go to www.windowstotheworld.com.au