james bond travel

Travel like 007 with these James Bond inspired trips

"Bond, James Bond."

Those three words, first uttered from the silver screen 60 years ago, began an era of intrigue and fascination with the 007 franchise, as well as the allure of global adventure travel.

I remember the first time I saw a James Bond movie, which I watched at home with my mom, a huge fan of the franchise, on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Roger Moore played Bond in "The Spy Who Loved Me" fighting Jaws, the towering, metal-mouthed villain. He used an array of teched-out vehicles, including an amphibious sports car that dove into the ocean and then shot a helicopter out of the sky, and ingenious weapons (hello, ski pole gun) he picked up back at spy headquarters.

More than the incredible-for-the-time special effects, it was the destinations that mesmerized me — the snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps, Egypt's ancient sites and the beaches of Italy.

Although I might not have known exactly where all of these locations were at the time, they resonated with me. How awesome would it be to visit those places in the lavish style of Ian Fleming's literary spy brought to life?

For anyone who's ever dreamed of racing sports cars through the streets of Monaco ("Casino Royale"), water skiing on Lake Como ("License to Kill") or diving into the aqua waters of Jamaica ("Dr. No," the first film in the franchise, which premiered Oct. 5, 1962), the Bond film franchise's 60th anniversary brings a number of new travel itineraries to immerse fans of film and travel alike into the world of the beloved franchise.

For example, Black Tomato — the official travel partner of EON Productions (the British film company that produces the James Bond film series) — just announced a limited, ultra-glamorous, multi-country European itinerary that will bring 007 to life.

Just 60 private, immersive European Bond-centric adventures are available to book as groups or individuals. A special website just debuted in time for the anniversary. The trips will take place in March 2023, and more details, including prices, will be released at a later date.

These luxe adventures will explore all things 007. Highlights include a Lake Como setting ripe for a daring adventure. From the private jetty of your hotel, take inspiration from James Bond in "License To Kill" and water ski along the Moltrasio shoreline, before jumping aboard a private seaplane to continue your expedition.

Then take to the skies above the picturesque towns of Bellagio and Varenna on their way to "SPECTRE" agent Mr. White's infamous lakeside home, Villa La Gaeta. The thrills continue as you touch down, met by an iconic Bond wooden Riva boat and a bottle of 007's favorite, Champagne Bollinger. Speed off in style to the iconic Villa del Balbianello from "Casino Royale" to stroll the terraced gardens before enjoying a private villa tour with exclusive insights into how they transformed the location for the film.

Then it's on to France and picturesque Chantilly, home to Europe's oldest equestrian center, Château de Chantilly. Bond fans may remember it from "A View to a Kill" as the lavish estate of villain Max Zorin. Then saddle up for a horseback riding adventure through Chantilly Forest to the Château de Chantilly for a deeper look at a Bond villain's lair.

Although Black Tomato is the official partner for the film's anniversary, there are other ways to immerse yourself in the world of 007 and turn on-screen adventures into real-life trips during the 60th anniversary and beyond.

Special Ops training with EMBARK Beyond

Yacht broker Northrop & Johnson has launched what they call the ultimate Bond-inspired getaway, with curated itineraries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean in partnership with bespoke luxury travel agency Embark Beyond.

First, you'll choose one of two six-stateroom yachts to charter — either the Skyfall or the Casino Royal — and then it's time to create a truly big screen-worthy itinerary.

Participants can loop in with more of the espionage and intrigue part of James Bond, with opportunities to jump out of a helicopter or skydive with a Special Ops agent from Servius (a security company that employs elite U.S. Special Operations personnel), attend luxury car road rallies in Monaco or go horseback riding along the beach in the Bahamas to the Albany House, which played residence to one of the film's villains in "Casino Royale ," before jet skiing and hydro-foiling in the sea.

Those interested in booking the experience work with Embark Beyond to customize the itinerary and with Northrop & Johnson to select the charter that best fits the journey (prices available upon request).

Stay and play like 007

You don't need to book a luxury itinerary to immerse yourself in the world of Bond.

Going back to my first and favorite Bond film, "The Spy Who Loved Me," you can book a stay at the Luxury Collection's Hotel Cala di Volpe, in Sardinia, Italy, nestled on the shimmering turquoise bay of Costa Smeralda, where scenes from that movie were filmed. Award nights are available from 90,000 points per night.

The Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is an homage to James Bond creator Ian Fleming with villas perched on stilts in the rainforest and over the ocean, some of which have private infinity pools. Award nights here are bookable from 90,000 points per night.

Related: The best bucket list points trips to beach destinations

If you really want to live large in super spy, or supervillain, style, you can rent entire villas that were used in Bond films. Two stand-out options are part of StayONE, Mandarin Oriental's Luxury Homes collection.

In Ocho Rios, Jamaica, travelers looking to visit the birthplace of Bond can stay in an oceanfront villa with room for 12 on the island where Fleming wrote his James Bond novels and where scenes from "No Time to Die" and "Dr. No" were filmed.

And in Corfu, Greece, in the estate where For Your Eyes Only was filmed. It boasts stunning views of the Ionian Sea and is roomy enough for 18 super Bond fans.

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• Entertainment

See amazing James Bond locales in real life: How to travel like 007

Exotic locations from across the globe are a staple of any Bond film. Here's where to find some amazing sights around the world as seen on screen.

James Bond fans can now rejoice. No Time to Die  finally has its worldwide premiere Thursday after being delayed for more than a year and a half. In  CNET's No Time to Die review , Richard Trenholm promises an "epic, explosive and emotional farewell to the longest-serving 007." The next  installment in the franchise  will be the 25th Bond film and the fifth and final starring Daniel Craig as the British secret agent. 

Like every Bond  since 1962's Dr. No, No Time to Die spans the globe , showing viewers not just London, but also far-flung locations like Italy, Jamaica, Norway and Scotland. It's enough to give you the serious travel bug, even if you can't afford the luxury hotels someone on a government payroll seems to be able to manage. 

As a 007 fan , I try to seek out sights shown in the series when I travel. Here are a few incredible places I've been so far and one I can't wait to to see in person. 

A word of warning, though: Abundant spoilers below.

James Bond Movies Ranked, From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig

From Russia With Love

The ancient city at the mouth of the Bosporus is as much a character in the second Bond installment as Bond or snarling henchman Donald Grant. Sean Connery traverses many of the city's top tourist sights like the Grand Bazaar and the Hagia Sophia , where one of the film's pivotal scenes -- he gets the plans for the Soviet embassy from Tatiana Romanova -- takes place. Completed in 537, the Hagia Sophia served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral when the city was called Constantinople and was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. After the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, it became a mosque and gained minarets. Now a museum, it has an immense scale that's as dazzling and as impressive as the Parthenon or the Colosseum. Walk in, stand under the 183-foot dome and just take it in. Yeah, there are exhibits to read, but just gawking is fine.

Keep in mind the Hagia Sophia was built almost 1,500 years ago.

Your next stop is nearby at the Basilica Cistern , where Bond and MI6 station chief Kerim Bey embark on a boat to sneak under the Soviet Consulate (sadly, the periscope they used to observe the consulate's secret meeting was movie fiction). Built in the fifth century, the cistern has a massive scale -- 453 feet long by 213 feet high -- and can hold 2.8 million cubic feet of water. The 30-foot-high ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns, two of which have bases with the face of Medusa. The Basilica Cistern can feel like a bit of a tourist trap, but it's still pretty cool.

The Basilica Cistern: Sorry, tours under the Soviet Embassy aren't available.

You only visit twice: Later Bond films to show Istanbul ( not Constantinople ) include The World is not Enough and Skyfall (more on that film below), but in both cases it gets less screen time.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

I've only been to a corner of Switzerland (Geneva) so I have yet to do the country justice. But when I return, Schilthorn will be my first stop. The 9,744-foot peak in the Bernese Alps is featured in my favorite Bond movie , and it's the best villain's lair in the series -- yes, even better than the hollowed-out volcano with the monorail in You Only Live Twice . I mean … how can you not love a place with tremendous Alpine views that's accessible only by an aerial tramway or a helicopter? In choosing Piz Gloria, Spectre's Ernst Stavro Blofeld moved up in the world.

Piz Gloria isn't shy about its Bond connection. 

The complex was still under construction when the film's location scouts discovered it in 1968. As it roughly matched Blofeld's Piz Gloria hideout described in the book , the producers financed its completion. Now a revolving restaurant named Piz Gloria (of course), the building looks much as it did in the film for which it served as the allergy clinic where Blofeld was making a bioweapon. You can have a meal in the restaurant and browse the museum with memorabilia from the filming. Down the mountain are the towns of Grindelwald , where Bond and his soon-to-be bride, Tracy di Vicenzo, escaped terrifying henchwoman Fraulein Bunt and Blofeld's orange-clad assassins, and Lauterbrunnen, the site of the stock car race.

A view to die for inside Piz Gloria (and if you count what happened in the movie, I mean that literally).

Diamonds Are Forever

Las Vegas 

After George Lazenby 's turn in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Connery reprised the role, bouncing from Amsterdam to Las Vegas to foil the further plans of old nemesis Blofeld. The Las Vegas scenes mostly show a city that's now long gone. The Tropicana Hotel was the height of luxury, and empty patches of desert surrounded classic (and now demolished) Strip hotels like The Dunes . The Riviera Hotel (where Bond meets Plenty O'Toole) is also history, but the Circus Circus and its midway games (where smuggler Tiffany Case won the stuffed dog with the diamonds) and the The Westgate Hote l (the setting for The Whyte House) still exist. Diamonds Are Forever also visits McCarran International Airport ,  downtown Las Vegas  and the Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetery .

Exteriors of The Whyte House in the movie were shot here.

Palm Springs 

No, James Bond never made it to Las Vegas' more refined desert cousin. But a favorite scene was shot here when Bond fought energetic assassins Bambi and Thumper. The fight was filmed at The Elrod House , a modernist fantasyland home with a pool that's partially indoors. Built in 1968 and designed by architect renowned John Lautner (who also designed the you-might-recognize-it Chemosphere in Los Angeles), it has a living room that incorporates the hillside's boulders into the walls and that's topped by massive circular canopy. The house in the hills above Palm Springs is privately owned -- it sold for around $8 million in 2016 -- so you can't tour it, but you can see it from above during a hike on the Araby Trail .

For Your Eyes Only

My favorite Roger Moore film spends much of its time in one of my favorite countries, Greece. We start in Corfu , where Bond meets up with Melina Havelock to find Britain's lost submarine communication system before it's captured by the KGB. An island in the Ionian Sea off Albania, Corfu is a world away from the stereotypical Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos . While those Aegean Sea islands are rocky and barren, Corfu is so lush it reminded me of Hawaii.

This clocktower in Corfu Town is seen when Bond arrives on the island. The town looks more like Italy than stereotypical Greece.

There are a ton of locations to explore, beginning with Corfu Town where Bond and Havelock go shopping after he arrives. Forget whitewashed buildings with blue roofs, the town's buildings and winding streets show influences from the island's onetime Venetian and British rulers. Have an expensive coffee around Spianáda (the town's main square) and sample the local kumquat liqueur . Corfu also is one of the best places in Greece to experience the magical celebrations for Greek Easter .

The Vlacherna Monastery is one of the island's most scenic sights.

South of Corfu Town is one sight you can't miss. The tiny Vlacherna Monastery , which sits on an islet off the Kanóni Peninsula in a brilliantly deep blue bay, is shown multiple times in the film. The monastery is usually closed, but walk over anyway on a narrow causeway that's right under the final approach to Corfu's airport -- heaven for aviation geeks like myself . Then take in the only-in-Corfu view by hiking up to the Kanóni Cafe for a Greek salad (one of the world's perfect foods) and a bottle of Assyrtiko wine .

Bond casually kicks Locque's car off a cliff at the Old Fortress. 

Next, rent a car and drive around the island, exploring the sandy beaches and picturesque hill towns. Places to stop include the Old Fortress above Corfu Town (where Bond pushes henchman Emile Leopold Locque to his death), Issos Beach (where Locque runs over Countess Lisl von Schlaf), Kalami Bay (where Melina's parents are killed) and the Achillion Palace (Corfu's "casino" in the movie and where Bond and Melina stand on the balcony at sunset). In the hilltop village of Pagi (where Melina flipped her Citroen 2CV6 during the car chase), the Bond 007 Cafe has memorabilia from filming. If your travel budget is generous, you can rent the villa where Melina killed hitman Hector Gonzalez with her crossbow (in the film, the villa was set in Spain).

The street in the village of Pagi where Bond and Havelock took a tumble.

This is where Bond battles with villain Aristotle Kristatos and foils the KGB's plans. Trust me, Meteora is one of the most striking places you'll ever visit , making it far worth the four-hour drive from Athens (or the three-hour trek from Thessaloniki). Rising above the town of Kalambaka are immense monolithic pillars and giant boulders that border the Pindos Mountains in northern Greece. Sitting atop the ridges are six Orthodox monasteries, the oldest of which was built in the 13th century. Though all are active monasteries, they admit tourists for a small fee. 

The Monastery of The Holy Trinity has a spectacular setting.

Bus tours from Kalambaka are available, but it's best if you rent a car and explore the monasteries on your own -- a paved circular road connects all six. Though each is worth a visit, Bond fans shouldn't miss the Monastery of The Holy Trinity , which played the part of the abandoned St. Cyril's in the film. Unfortunately, you don't have to be winched up in a basket to visit --  instead, you climb a staircase cut into the cliff -- but the setting is spectacular. As the monks wouldn't permit the film crews inside, interior shots were done on a soundstage. The real thing is better, in any case. You'll see some rich frescos before walking the grounds to take in the jaw-dropping view of the valley below.

James Bond, 'Game of Thrones' were here: Tour the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora

A View to a Kill

San Francisco

Yeah, A View to a Kill wasn't the best Bond film, but it had at least three awesome things: airships , Grace Jones and Duran Duran. You also go inside San Francisco's City Hall , where *cough* California State Geologist Stacey Sutton had her office. It's also the building that villain Max Zorin and henchwoman Mayday set ablaze to cover up their murder of Stacey's boss. And that's a shame, because it's one of the most beautiful government buildings in the US. OK, maybe I'm a little biased because I was married there, but the Beaux-Arts interior is stunning. And it's all crowned by a magnificent 307-foot high dome that's taller than the US capitol. 

San Francisco's City Hall makes paying your tax bill a little less painful. 

Completed in 1915, the building replaced a city hall that was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake . Guided tours are available, but you can also wander on your own. Stand under the rotunda, poke into the small exhibits in the Light Courts and walk up the grand staircase that leads to the wood-paneled chamber of the Board of Supervisors. Also take a moment to remember gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk taking his seat in 1977 as the first out elected official in California and his assassination in the building a year later. 

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, but beware of white blimps.

While you're in town, enjoy a bracing walk across the awesome Golden Gate Bridge where Zorin and his cool, but not very practical, getaway blimp met their end in the film's climax. The drawbridge over which Bond convincingly drives a hook-and-ladder fire truck as it's opening, is the Lefty O'Doul Bridge next to Oracle Park . Stacey's home was the Dunsmuir Hellman Estate in Oakland, which you can tour.

By all means, this is the perfect place for a chase with a giant fire truck.

Perched on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower , the Jules Verne is where Bond met with French private detective Achille Aubergine before Mayday dispatched Aubergine with a poisoned fish hook. The real restaurant's interior is nowhere near as large as the stage set shown on screen, but it's still gorgeous. Reservations are essential, and with dinner starting at 190 euros for a tasting menu, it's very much a special occasion restaurant. (My husband and I took my mother-in-law there on her only trip to Europe, and she was beside herself.) The food was amazing and the views sublime, and you can save a bit by going for lunch. After you eat, head out for the view of Paris, but leave your parachute at home. Zorin's opulent residence is 20 miles north of Paris at Château de Chantilly , though I haven't been. 

Wine with a view at the Jules Verne Restaurant.

St. Petersburg

I've always been fascinated by  Nicholas II , the last Russian tsar and his family, so I was excited to visit St. Petersburg on a cruise 14 years ago. Founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great as Imperial Russia's "Window on the West," it served as Russia's capital until the Communist Revolution in 1917. Renamed Leningrad in 1924 (after a few years as Petrograd), it resumed its original name in 1991. Spread over a series of islands where the Neva River empties into the Gulf of Finland, St. Petersburg has a stunningly beautiful setting with a treasure of baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau buildings in bright colors that feel more Mediterranean than Baltic. 

The view of Palace Square from a window of the Hermitage. 

Though some of the St. Petersburg scenes were filmed in the UK, GoldenEye did shoot on location. Just before Pierce Brosnan's Bond arrives in town, we see brief glimpses of the Hermitage (formerly the Winter Palace and now one of the world's great museums) and the grand Palace Square (or Dvortsovaya Ploshchad) and St. Isaac's Cathedral . And of course, the oh-so-believable tank chase takes place in the city's streets and along its canals. If you visit, the list of must-see sights in St. Petersburg is endless. But among them are the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood , the Nevsky Prospekt , the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Peterhof Palace with its elaborate gardens and fountains. In Tsarskoe Selo , after you see the Catherine Palace , don't miss the Alexander Palace  , where Nicholas II and his family lived before they were exiled and executed. 

The Peterhof Palace was the summer home of the Tsars.

I'd love to go back. But since my visit, the outlook for gay and transgender rights has deteriorated considerably , making me reluctant to return until I'm confident of my safety.

Casino Royale

The first Daniel Craig film takes us to a world of thrilling locations: the Czech Republic (which stood in for Montenegro), the Bahamas, Venice and Italy's Lake Como. Of course, Venice is always worth a visit. Locations seen in Casino Royale include the Grand Canal, Campo San Barnaba (also a filming location for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade ) and the outrageously ritzy Cipriani Hotel . 

There's no place like Venice.

You only visit twice : The final scene in From Russia With Love (where Bond kills villain Rosa Klebb before she can kick him with her switchblade-tipped shoes) also was shot in Venice, as were parts of Moonraker including the absurd bit with Bond driving a gondola-turned-hovercraft through St. Mark's Square. 

If you visit St. Mark's Square, leave your gondola hovercraft at home.

After Venice, travel 150 miles west to the shore of Lake Como in the foothills of the Alps. Like Venice, this is a place with a deserved grand reputation. Indeed, the green hills spilling down into the brilliant lake are as beautiful as you expect. In the film, Bond recovers from his shipboard torture at  Villa del Balbianello near the town of Lenno . You can tour the villa's sumptuous interior, but the highlight is the opulent gardens that border the lake. This is also where Anakin Skywalker marries Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones . So go ahead, take your travel companion and hold them like you did by the lake on Naboo.

Villa del Balbianello: a place for rest and weddings.

Further north on the lake's western shore is Villa Gaeta , where Bond shoots Mr. White in the leg at the end of the film. It's not open for tours, but it has a few apartments that you can book. Outside of touring (or shopping for) lakeside villas, one of the best things you can do in Lake Como is spend time hopping around the lake on one of the ferries . Just watch the shore pass by, maybe with a bottle of wine, and gawk at the homes of the rich and famous. 

The town of Varenna on the lake's eastern shore makes for a pleasant place to stay. Easily accessible by train from Milan, it's a quieter and more low-key alternative to the tourist hub of Bellagio with its luxury shops. Hike up to the Castle of Vezio and the village of Fiumelatte to see Italy's shortest river crashing down the hillside in a waterfall. Then, treat yourself to dinner at the wonderful Osteria Quattro Pass in town. Albergo del Sole is a pleasant place to stay.

Just cruising around Lake Como on a ferry is a treat.

One for the dogs : If you watched the episode of Netflix's Dogs featuring Ice, the 10-year-old Labrador retriever and first mate on a fishing boat, his human family operates Ittiturismo Ristorante Mella in Bellagio.

This Bellagio is better than the one in Las Vegas.

Every Bond movie passes through glorious London for at least a brief visit, usually to M's office to get his mission briefing. Skyfall , though, gives us a grand tour of the British capital as Bond rushes to protect M from assassin Raoul Silva. We get glimpses of popular sights like the Palace of Westminster , Whitehall and Smithfield Market before paying a visit to M's terrace house. Though it's not named on screen, she naturally resides in Knightsbridge , a posh neighborhood in West London where you'll find the Harrods (skip it) and Harvey Nichols (visit) department stores and the Victoria and Albert Museum (absolutely visit). 

The MI6 headquarters in London makes its presence felt.

The MI6 headquarters depicted in the film is the real building that houses the UK's Secret Intelligence Service . Located in Vauxhall in west London, it has a divisive and bloated postmodern design that looks a bit like a ziggurat (" Babylon-on-Thames " is one of its nicer nicknames). There's no MI6 gift shop or museum, so you can only walk by and look past the fortress-like gates. For the best view, cross the Vauxhall Bridge and imagine the building blowing up as it did on the screen (something that also happened in The World is not Enough.)

Bond meets Q at the National Gallery in front of The Fighting Temeraire by Joseph Mallard William Turner. One of the world's top art galleries, it's a big place so tour at your leisure (admission is free, but donations are welcome). Later, Bond chases Silva through the Charing Cross Underground station, jumping onto the back of a Jubilee Line train. Transit geeks and Londoners will notice that although the station in the film is signed as Temple, that's a separate Underground stop not far away (the Jubilee Line doesn't stop at Temple). 

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The rooftop swimming pool where Bond takes a dip in Shanghai is actually across London at the Virgin Active Club in Canary Wharf (the Shanghai backdrop was added digitally). Packed with glass skyscrapers, shopping malls and luxury flats, Canary Wharf looks like more New York than old streets of Covent Garden. Then hop on the Docklands Light Railway to the Island Gardens stop on the Isle of Dogs (sadly, it's not what you might think) and walk through the 118-year-old Greenwich foot tunnel under the River Thames. Check out the awesome interiors of the Old Royal Naval College (where M attends the funeral of the victims killed in the attack on MI6 headquarters) before hopping one of the Thames Clippers boats to return to central London. You're in the world's greatest city so enjoy yourself.

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich with the towers of Canary Wharf beyond.

Wildly gorgeous Glen Coe is the setting for Bond's ancestral Scottish home, where he takes M to (unsuccessfully) hide out from Silva. Though the driving scenes when the pair first arrived in Scotland were shot here, Skyfall Lodge was a temporary set built near Elstead , Surrey, about an hour's drive southwest of London. The scene where they stop the car to take in the view was shot in Glen Etive , a short drive from Glen Coe. 

Straight from Central Casting, a scene of the Scottish Highlands.

A long valley (or glen) carved by an ice age glacier from an ancient volcano, Glen Coe is a postcard picture of the amazing Highlands. Craggy hills draped with mist line a green valley floor threaded by the crystal River Coe. Don't complain if the weather is blustery as it's all part of the experience (I've heard it can be sunny, but this is Scotland so don't count on it). Drive the length of the valley stopping at the viewpoints along the way to absorb the stark, moody setting and the waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs. The Visitor Centre at the western end gives a great overview of the area's natural and human history, including the 1692  Glencoe Massacre . 

Almost as beautiful as Glen Coe, Loch Leven is a great place to stay in the area.

If you visit, consider the Loch Leven Hotel in nearby North Ballachulish. Set right on the water, the 17th century hotel is warm and welcoming with comfortable rooms, an excellent restaurant and a wonderful wood-paneled pub.

Matera & Gravina

England  excl London

Turkey & Istanbul

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Las Vegas, San Francisco, LA

New Orleans

Hong Kong & Thailand

France: Côte d'Azur

France: Paris

Austria & Vienna

Marking 50 Years of Luxurious Travel With James Bond

Since 1962, the films have introduced the world to all sorts of exotic, jaw-dropping destinations

Alastair Bland

Ever since Sean Connery first strode onto the screen in 1962 as a dapper secret agent with the code name 007, the world has been riveted by the character called James Bond. He has grace, confidence, delivery and deadly power—and he also travels. Dr. No , the inaugural film in the series, featured the gleaming waters and blazing beaches of Jamaica. The next year, From Russia with Love took audiences farther afield to Turkey, the Balkans and Venice. Through the ’60s, Bond’s creators drilled audiences with film after film , almost every year, as James Bond appeared in such places as Egypt, the Bahamas, Amsterdam, Japan, the Alps and Portugal. All the while he wooed sizzling exotic women and outsmarted absurdly wicked villains. Though Bond’s was a dangerous world of spies, gold, weapons, ninjas and nuclear war, he swaggered fearlessly through it, from one fantastic landscape to another.

In 1960, fewer than 2 percent of Americans had traveled abroad by air—and many who watched Bond do business in one thrilling place after another were enthralled.

Perhaps, millions pondered, America was not enough.

Through the 1970s air travel become mainstream , replacing trans-Atlantic ocean liners. Europe was suddenly just hours away, and Americans began turning up in numbers throughout the world. By the 1980s, the airline age was in full swing, and with the rise in global travel, James Bond tourism attractions would begin to appear. Consider Khao Phing Kan: After it was featured in 1974′s The Man with the Golden Gun , this beautiful Thai island became a hot tourist attraction and even gained the popular nickname “James Bond Island.” And in the 1980s the very abode in Jamaica where author Ian Fleming dreamed up the Bond world opened as the luxurious GoldenEye Hotel .

Bond’s association with travel and place would solidify through the years. Most recently, with the British release last month of the 23rd Bond film Skyfall , travel agencies and publications have pushed a flurry of James Bond tourism campaigns. Forbes Magazine recently listed the best luxury hotels at which James Bond ever spent a night; on November 2, DesMoinesRegister.com named the best places for following in Bond’s footsteps ; a Caribbean “adventure tours” company called Island Routes features a “ 007 Thunderball Luxury Tour “; a Japanese tour agency is promoting a 13-night Bond-based itinerary inspired by 1967′s You Only Live Twice”; and VisitBritain , the tourism agency of James Bond’s home country, is hinging a fresh tourism push on the hype surrounding Skyfall .

With the American release of the new film this weekend, starring Daniel Craig in his third venture as 007, the James Bond film franchise turns 50 years old. The immortal spy has now traveled in 50 countries and logged 180,000 miles of air travel, by the Huffington Post ‘s estimate. Surely, Bond has out-traveled virtually all of us in a world often depicted as absurd and cartoonishly implausible. Yet Bond’s world is the real world, and where he has gone, his fans are sure to follow.

These are just five of the most beautiful sites where the world’s favorite spy has done business.

James Bond Island , Thailand. Classic James Bond met classic Thailand in the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun . Actor Roger Moore, who had by then replaced Connery as the dashing spy, pursued Bond’s nemesis Francisco Scaramanga to Khao Phing Kan , a pair of craggy islands draped in greenery that jut like monoliths from a placid turquoise sea. It is the Thailand of a million tourists’ dreams—of a coastline so stunning it looks at times more like a computer-generated dreamscape than a real product of time, water, jungle and geology. Bond was there in its virgin days, before the crowds, and before it became known as James Bond Island.

Contra Dam , Ticino, Switzerland. The opening scene of GoldenEye featured Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan, taking a dizzying leap from an enormous dam in what would later be voted the greatest film stunt of all time . The Contra Dam, also called the Verzasca Dam or Locarno Dam, is located in the Swiss Alps on the Verzasca River. Tourists may visit the dam—and those with a heart for first-class spy-style adventure may even bungee jump off the face . The top of the dam is 720 feet above the stream below, making it one of the world’s highest bungee jumps .

Gibraltar . In 1987, the famed rock set the stage for the opening scene of The Living Daylights , in which Timothy Dalton as Bond leaps off a cliff and onto the roof of a runaway Land Rover in one of the finer Bond action sequences. The scene, actually filmed through repeated runs on the same short stretch of road , ends with a turn off a cliff, a parachute leap, a fiery explosion and a suave Bond-style landing on a yacht.

Meteora Agia Triada monasteries , northern Greece. In the 11th century , Byzantine hermits perched upon the spectacular pinnacles; in the 1300s and 1400s, the monasteries were built; and, in 1981, popular fame finally arrived for the monasteries of Meteora with the Bond film For Your Eyes Only . James Bond was still in his Moore days when he scaled the limestone cliffs to reach the lair of villain Kristalos . Today, rock climbing is one of the attractions of Meteora.

Green Grotto Caves , Jamaica. The 1973 Bond installment Live and Let Die leads our spy into the voodoo world of New Orleans and the thug lairs of New York. Finally, Bond enters the Green Grotto Caves of Discovery Bay, Jamaica, where he deals appropriately with the villainous drug lord Kananga. The caves, which lead for a mile underground and are inhabited by several of Jamaica’s 21 bat species , have been used as a hideout for escaping slaves, as a stash for weapons smugglers and as a storage depot for rum handlers. Stalagmites, stalactites, sun holes in the ceiling, a subterranean tidal pond and green algae coating the walls create the incredible beauty of the caves. Also featured in Live and Let Die was Jamaica’s Falmouth Crocodile Farm, where Bond ran across the backs of a line of lounging crocodiles to reach safety. The farm, also known as the Falmouth Swamp Safari , is now a tourist attraction that, like so many others on earth, flaunts the fact that, once long ago, James Bond was here.

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Alastair Bland is a journalist based in San Francisco who writes about the environment, agriculture, science and food.

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This James Bond–inspired Luxury Trip Will Take You on a Multi-country Tour of Europe

Follow in the footsteps of 007 with Black Tomato, a Travel + Leisure 2022 World's Best Awards-winning tour operator.

Jasin Boland/Courtesy of James Bond Indicia © 1962-2022 Danjaq and MGM. All Rights Reserved.

Calling all James Bond fans. Black Tomato , the official travel partner of EON Productions, the creator of the James Bond movies, wants to take you on a private, 007-inspired adventure. In honor of the legendary franchise's 60th anniversary this year, the luxury travel company announced that it has curated a European itinerary in collaboration with the movies' location scouts. The inaugural travel experience will take cinephiles to some of the franchise's most stunning European locations and give them a taste of Agent 007's lifestyle (minus the dangerous stunts, of course) and his inimitable style.

"It is an incredibly special milestone for Black Tomato to be given the honor of bringing 007's travels to life for the first time ever," Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, told Travel + Leisure . "The destinations in which Bond's adventures take place play a leading role in the James Bond franchise, and it's an immense privilege to bring these stunning backdrops to the forefront for travelers."

Courtesy of James Bond Indicia © 1962-2022 Danjaq and MGM. All Rights Reserved.

Courtesy of James Bond Indicia © 1962-2022 Danjaq and MGM. All Rights Reserved.

The first trip will start in London, the home of 007 , and "will span arts and culture, action and adventure, with uncompromising luxury throughout," according to a statement shared with T+L. Highlights include visiting Europe's oldest and most prestigious equestrian center in Chantilly, France, featured in "A View to a Kill" (1985) as the lavish estate of villain Max Zorin. Travelers will get access to the facility's training grounds and Les Aigles track to attend a morning exercise before meeting with jockeys and trainers and heading for a horseback riding session. A private guided tour of the stately Château de Chantilly will follow.

Also on the itinerary? A Lake Como getaway wherein travelers will water ski along the Moltrasio shoreline, inspired by the 1989 "Licence To Kill." After a private seaplane tour of the lake, a boat will take guests to the beautiful Villa del Balbianello from "Casino Royale" (2006) for a stroll through its gardens and a villa tour. Finally, the agenda will conclude at a truly iconic location for James Bond fans: Monaco's Casino de Monte-Carlo , where guests will have access to exclusive private rooms of the casino for an evening of gambling.

This is the only James Bond itinerary currently in the works, but through Black Tomato's exclusive partnership with EON, the T+L 2022 World's Best Awards-winning tour operator intends to host similar itineraries every year.

"Given this significant 60th-anniversary milestone for EON and Bond , it is an apt moment to officially celebrate some of the extraordinary locations from Bond's film history over the past six decades," Ali James, location manager for EON, told T+L.

Black Tomato will announce the full itinerary for the inaugural trip in March 2023, and only 60 spots will be available to book. Pricing is not yet available, but you can learn more here .

7 Best James Bond Tours in London (ranked!)

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In 1953, British novelist Ian Fleming introduced one of the most iconic secret agents to the world.

Since then, the suave and heroic character of James Bond has appeared in dozens of novels and 27 blockbusting films.

The fictional spy’s tie to London has created plenty of tourist appeal, with over a dozen iconic filming locations throughout the city.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best James Bond tour in London is this James Bond 2-Hour Walking Tour .

Click here to check prices and availability.

If you’re looking for a London-based tour that dives into the world of ever-evolving fiction rather than age-old history, take one of these exciting James Bond London tours, including 007 tours in London, James Bond walking tours in London and James Bond bus tours in London.

Whether you’re up for a good bit of walking, or prefer to relax in a classic London cab or minibus, or even want to speed down the River Thames in a speedboat, you’ll have a blast immersing yourself in the world of agent 007 on these 7 best James Bond Tours in London!

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best James Bond Tours

1. james bond 2-hour walking tour of london : james bond london tours.

⭐️  RATING:  4.6 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Professional guide
• Visit over 10 locations from Bond films
• Learn about James Bond and real spy stories
• Convenient meeting place near public transportation

During the James Bond 2-Hour Walking Tour of London , you’ll not only learn about the fictional world of 007 himself, but also dive into the world of real espionage!

Your tour begins in front of the Charing Cross railway station, and takes you to some of the most iconic locations from various Bond films.

You’ll be using public transit to get around to the various locations throughout the tour, so be sure to have your Oyster card loaded and ready to go!

Discover what happens in the government buildings of Westminster, as your expert guide fills you in on both Bond trivia as well as fascinating facts about the British Secret Service!

The tour concludes in front of another recognizable Bond location: the MI6 Building at Vauxhall Cross.

This iconic building is just a 2 minute walk from the railway station, right along the River Thames.

Hungry? There are plenty of places in the area to grab lunch after the tour!

2. James Bond Bus Tour of London

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 40+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Minibus transportation
• Knowledgeable guide
• Near public transportation
• Stroller accessible

Skip the walking and climb aboard the James Bond Bus Tour of London !

This exciting and informative bus tour boards outside of the Blackfriars station on Queen Victoria Street, and ends next to the London Eye.

The minibus will transport you between many recognizable filming locations seen throughout the franchise.

Don’t worry about missing out on photo ops!

You’ll stop and get out to see the locations up close, having plenty of time to snap some memorable vacation photos before boarding the bus again.

During the 4-hour tour, you’ll hear stories about the actors who’ve played James Bond as you visit locations from GoldenEye , Die Another Day , Skyfall , Spectre , and more!

You’ll also pass by the college featured in the sixth Bond movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – the only film that saw actor George Lazenby in the 007 role!

Travelling with kids?

This minibus tour is stroller accessible!

3. Bond for a Day London VIP – All Inclusive day and Private Tour : James Bond experience in London

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Breakfast & Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages
• 300 rounds at a shooting range

Live like 007 for a day on this all-inclusive private tour !

Immerse yourself in the world of James Bond for six whole hours and get a taste of the agent’s daily life – literally!

Your tour includes a delectable full breakfast, and will end with Bond’s drink of choice: a vodka martini – shaken, not stirred.

You’ll start at a secret location in Whitehall, London (located near public transportation), where you’ll receive a “mission briefing” before embarking on your action-packed day!

Try your hand at firing a gun like an expert agent, with 300 rounds at a shooting range featuring many different firearms to choose from.

As if dining and fighting like an agent aren’t enough, you’ll also get to smell like one!

Receive a sample of Bond’s (and author Ian Fleming’s) favoured fragrance, Floris No.89.

Like the perfume enough to take a full bottle home? Take advantage of the 10% discount included with your tour!

4. James Bond London Locations Tour by Black Taxi

⭐️  RATING:  4.6 out of 5 Stars, 19+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Expert driver/guide
• Stop for photos at iconic locations
• Complimentary water
• Hotel pickup & dropoff

What’s more London than an iconic black cab and everyone’s favourite special agent, 007?

You’re in for a doubly memorable experience when you take this James Bond London Locations Tour by Black Taxi !

Your expert guide is also a professional London black cab driver, and will pick you up from your Central London hotel.

From there, you’ll travel in comfort as your guide takes you to the most famous James Bond filming locations in London!

Not only that, but you’ll also come across several fascinating real-life locations of London espionage – including secret bunkers!

On this 3-hour tour, you’ll see the house where Bond author Ian Fleming lived, real MI5 and MI6 locations, and, of course, plenty of recognizable locations from various Bond films, as well as the places from which 007 would get his clothing and cigarettes.

And don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get out and take some envy-inducing vacation photos along the way!

5. J ames Bond Private Tour : James Bond London tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 5+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Professional local guide
• Private walking tour
• Wheelchair accessible

Introverted James Bond fans will prefer this devoted private tour , where you’ll have a professional local guide all to yourself for three whole hours!

Your guide will meet you outside the Vauxhall Underground Station, or if you prefer you can arrange to be picked up from your Central London hotel.

From there, you’ll embark on a 3-hour walking journey to see the most iconic filming locations throughout the James Bond franchise!

Get an up-close look at the locations of some of the most memorable scenes from Quantum of Solace , and other Bond films!

But it isn’t just fiction you’ll encounter on this fascinating tour!

Visit Whitehall and learn about the lives of real spies, including an infamous Cold War murder that sounds like something out of a Bond movie in itself!

You’ll have your guide’s full attention on this private tour, so don’t be shy about asking any questions that may come up!

6. London: Canary Wharf Speedboat Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.8 out of 5 Stars, 300+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Thrilling speedboat ride
• Complimentary plastic ponchos
• Life jackets to wear during ride

While the tour isn’t dedicated to 007 himself, you’ll be feeling like James Bond as you dash across the Thames on this Canary Wharf Speedboat Tour!

The speedboat will blast the Bond theme as you take off on a high-speed ride along London’s famous river – keep an eye out for the MI5 and MI6 buildings!

You’ll be fascinated by your guide’s friendly and fun commentary as you pass by several iconic London locations, like the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Climb aboard at Embankment Pier (conveniently located right across from the Embankment station) and feel like an action hero as you zoom down the river to Canary Wharf and back!

The tour lasts about 45 minutes, with 25 minutes of easy-paced commentary and 20 minutes of high-speed action!

Worried about getting soaked to the bone? Don’t be! Your tour includes a complimentary plastic poncho, and mandatory life jackets will ensure your safety.

7. Small-Group Spy & Espionage Tour of London

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 5+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Expert, professional guide
• Audio headset during tour
• Luxury vehicle with onboard Wi-Fi

Discover what happens in the lives of real spies on this exciting Small-Group Spy & Espionage Tour of London !

This tour isn’t Bond-specific, but you’ll get a load of fascinating information about the realities of his line of work – and with a maximum of 25 travellers, you won’t have to shout for your questions to be heard!

Your tour begins and ends at St. Ermin’s Hotel – a former MI6 headquarter! – and lasts for three hours.

But don’t worry, you won’t be walking the entire time!

Your expert guide will lead you around some of the most important spy-related locations in London via luxury mini coach, and you’ll get out and do a bit of walking for up-close views.

There will of course be several James Bond locations that pop up throughout the tour, like the MI6 headquarters along the River Thames.

Audio headsets (provided) will ensure that you don’t miss a moment of fascinating commentary – the details of which you’ll want to share with everyone you know!

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

• 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
• 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
• 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
• 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
• 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 19 Most Unique London Tours
• 9 Best Day Trips to Oxford from London
• 7 Best Stonehenge Day Trips from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
• 11 Best London Museum Tours
• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best London Beatles Tours
• 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
• 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
• 17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• 17 Best London Foodie Tours
• 13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh
• 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 11 Best London Bike Tours
• 11 Fun Tours of Royal London
• 11 Cool Tours of Downton Abbey Spots in the UK
• 13 Best Isle of Skye Tours
• 13 Wonderful Loch Ness Tours in Scotland
• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
• 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
• 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
• 5 Best Graffiti Tours in London
• 9 Best London East End Tours

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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Experiences

Posted August 27, 2020 by AI

007: Shadow of Spectre

Explore a new side to London with 007: Shadow of Spectre, the real-world game experience from immersive pioneers HiddenCity. Guided by their phones, players in teams of 2-6 delve into a treasure hunt-style game across London. Seamlessly blending interactive gameplay with real-world exploration, teams engage with key characters to make decisions shaping the game’s outcome, and ultimately aim to outsmart Spectre. Tickets on sale now.

007.inthehiddencity.com 007Store.com .

Bond in Motion International Spy Museum

Vehicle exhibition Bond in Motion has travelled to The International Spy Museum in Washington. Opened on March 1, 2024, Bond in Motion at L’Enfant Plaza features 17 vehicles from the 007 film series, ranging from the Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace (2008) to the Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day (2002). Other highlights include the submarine from For Your Eyes Only (1981) and the MR Glastron Boat from Moonraker (1979), offering a journey chronicling James Bond’s 60+ years of adventures. Tickets are available for purchase priced at $12.00.

spymuseum.org

Black Tomato Travel

Journey across Bond locations. In the world of 007, destinations are characters in their own right – from Alpine drama to Lake Como elegance. Black Tomato, luxury travel experts, curate bespoke James Bond-inspired adventures or their customers can choose from a range of 35 unique-access behind the scenes experiences. Speak to a member of the Black Tomato team for further details of your cinematic journey.

blacktomato.com

007 Elements

007 ELEMENTS is a world-first — a cinematic installation dedicated to the world of James Bond built inside the summit of the Gaislachkogl Mountain in Solden, Austria, 3,040 metres above sea level. The name 007 ELEMENTS reflects the visitor journey through a series of galleries, each distilling the craft of the signature elements that define a James Bond film. The installation focuses on Spectre , which was shot in Sölden and also features other titles in the long-running Bond film franchise. 007 ELEMENTS guides visitors on a journey through a series of high-tech, interactive galleries, displaying the signature elements of a Bond film — the beautiful title sequences and dramatic scores; the jaw-dropping action sequences; the cars, gadgets and technology; the breath-taking locations and iconic studio sets and lastly, a host of compelling characters.

007elements.soelden.com

James Bond's London

London is the home of 007 and features as a recurring location throughout the 25 James Bond films. Many classic London Bond locations can be visited across the Capital without special permissions or access. This list that will help you take a close-up look at some of the sites of 007 scenes shot around London such as The National Gallery where Bond meets his new Quartermaster in Skyfall , Somerset House which appears in GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies , The Ministry of Defence and Hammersmith Bridge as seen in No Time To Die and many more.

Bond in London

007 X Spyscape: Driven

007 x SPYSCAPE: DRIVEN explored the creative process behind the James Bond films, taking a look at the multi-facetted world of 007. The exhibit revealed the secrets of Bond’s trusted Aston Martin DB5 with a close-up look at the technical modifications. From a detailed interpretation of Q’s Lab, to original concept art in Oscar®-winning Production Designer Sir Ken Adam’s studio, visitors could also peek behind the scenes of Skyfall ’s explosive finale. Now ended, the exhibit was part of Spyscape’s celebration of secrets, spies and extraordinary gadgets based in Manhattan, NYC.

spyscape.com

Secret Cinema Presents Casino Royale

Secret Cinema Presents Casino Royale is an immersive cinematic experience putting guests at the heart of the action. From the bustling markets of Madagascar to the heart of MI6, the Casino Royale in Montenegro to Venice’s shady backstreets, the experience takes you on a mission across the globe. The event debuted in London in 2019 to widespread critical acclaim and drew record-breaking crowds of over 120,000, before transferring to Shanghai in partnership with SMG Live.

secretcinema.org

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Bond In Motion At International Spy Museum

Special showcase exhibition at museum’s new location

Bond In Motion In Prague

Iconic 007 vehicles on display in Czechia

Coming Soon

Sign up for 007 news from the world of James Bond. Receive exclusive updates and content – from behind-the-scenes stories, to the latest product launches – plus film clips and trivia from the Bond archive.

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Travel Like 007: Iconic James Bond Film Locations

To celebrate the release of the latest James Bond film, ‘No Time to Die’, we’ve been imagining ourselves jetting around the world like 007.

However, our version of a trip away is somewhat more relaxing than the high-octane chases and explosions that follow Bond in his filming locations across the globe.

With the films set in stunning locations, like the Bahamas, the Alps and Thailand, the world’s most beloved spy franchise has undoubtedly inspired many luxurious holidays to iconic far-flung locations.

So, we thought this was the perfect time to put together a hand-picked list of luxury hotels and resorts that have played a part in the British spy film phenomenon.

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to sit back, relax and get inspired for your next 007 inspired holiday!

The 8 Best James Bond Film Locations to Visit

1. london – no time to die (2021).

After a star-studded London premiere for ‘No Time to Die’, James Bond is officially home. The UK and Ireland is littered with locations that’ll be coming to the big screen in the latest edition.

With ‘Bond tours’ and a host of iconic locations from the 007 franchise throughout the city, London is a quintessential destination for fans of the world’s most legendary spy. You could even head over The O2 where you can climb up its roof, following the footsteps of Pierce Bronson in ‘The World is Not Enough’.

We Recommend: The Lanesborough

Right in the heart of the city centre, The Lanesborough is the perfect place to begin any Bond-themed exploration of London. Just around the corner from Buckingham Palace, Harrods, the National Gallery and Westminster Abbey, you’re in the perfect place for immersing yourself into the culture of London. Home to a luxurious spa, named England’s Best Hotel Spa and London’s Best Spa, you’ll also find Michelin-star cuisine at Céleste.

2. Jamaica – Dr No (1962)

London may be most commonly associated with the film series, but Jamaica is undisputedly the birthplace of Bond.

Ian Fleming visited the island in 1942 while serving as a naval officer and, unsurprisingly, fell in love with its stunning natural beauty. He moved here after the war and wrote many novels in his purpose built home, which was aptly named GoldenEye. Today, the property is a boutique resort that’s dedicated to celebrating its role in creating one of the films’ most legendary characters. Jamaica itself still has many strong links to 007, and was a filming location for ‘Dr No’.

We Recommend: GoldenEye

A stay at GoldenEye lets you walk in the footsteps of Ian Flemming as he first created his most famous character. Once the author’s home, today guests at GoldenEye can choose one of 20 luxury cottages. To get even closer to Bond history, you can even stay at Fleming Villa, the stunning home of Flemming himself. The proximity to the famous beaches makes this hotel one of the best in Jamaica for watersports and activities.

3. Jamaica – Live and Let Die (1973)

Jamaica will return to the globetrotting James Bond franchise in ‘No Time to Die’ with Kingston Harbour featuring as a filming location. A great deal of ‘Live and Let Die’ was also shot on this stunning Caribbean island and it was in Jamaica, on Ocho Rios beach, the Ursula Andress appeared from the ocean as Honey Ryder and created one of the most memorable character introductions in cinema history. A Bond-themed visit here would immerse you into the history of the series and allow you to recreate famous scenes for yourself.

We Recommend: Half Moon

There’s so much 007 history routed in Jamaica that we couldn’t pick just one hotel on the island to make the list. For Bond fans, a stay at the chic and luxurious Half Moon , lets you enter the movies for yourself and stay in one of the luxurious cottages that appeared as Bond’s hotel room in ‘Live and Let Die’. Perfect for an active holiday, Half Moon also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course.

4. Bahamas – Casino Royale (2006)

Who could forget ‘that’ beach scene where Daniel Craig emerges from the ocean in his famed swimming trunks during ‘Casino Royal’? The stunning beach that Bond was filmed on is Cove Beach on Paradise Island in the Bahamas , giving yet another stunning island a deep connection to 007.

Craig isn’t the first Bond to arrive in the Bahamas though, with Sean Connery playing the role on the island in ‘Thunderball’ and its unofficial remake, ‘Never Say Never Again’. Exploring the nature of the islands, while discovering hidden movie gems, is an unforgettable experience.

We Recommend: Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort

Ocean Club is found on Paradise Island and it has all of the hallmarks of world-class island luxury. From here, you can easily reach Cove Beach to recreate Daniel Craig’s arrival in ‘Casino Royale, plus the suite where Bond and Solange hid away in the film actually exists and is part of the hotel! The on-site golf course has also breathtaking ocean views and there’s divine cuisine from Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

5. Venice – From Russia with Love (1963)

For some, Venice is a place that conjures romantic images of canals and gondolas. For Bond fans, it’s the starring role played by the Orient Express in ‘From Russia with Love’.

When a young Sean Connery boards the train in Venice, the fight scene that ensues aboard this iconic train is legendary. Guests travelling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express today will find it a much more relaxing experience. Still, with a Champagne bar and its own chic art deco design, you’ll feel just as glamorous as the globetrotting super-spy.

We Recommend: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train

The world’s most famous train has played host to the rich and famous for over a century, and you can channel your inner Bond by boarding the Orient Express for yourself. Setting off from Venice, you’ll be surrounded by luxury service and elegant décor. Also, 007 isn’t the only literary legend who’s made an impact on this historic train, with Hercule Poirot investigating the carriages in Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’.

6. The Alps – The World Is Not Enough (1999)

The Alps, Europe’s highest mountain range, are shared by France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria and Slovenia. Known for skiing and snow sports, you might be surprised to learn that the French Alps have the highest density of any James Bond filming locations in the world, outside of his native London.

So many iconic 007 films have made their mark on the mountainous slopes including ‘Goldfinger’, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, ‘For Your Eyes Only’, ‘Goldeneye’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough’.

We Recommend: Courchevel, France

Perfect for any Bond fans that enjoy skiing, a stay in Courchevel lets you whiz down the slopes like 007 himself. Combining luxury with excitement, a skiing holiday is ideal for any spies in the making. With a range of enchanting chalets available, our Travel Specialists can help you find the perfect place to retire to for a warming hot chocolate or perhaps even a sundowner martini. Shaken, not stirred, of course!

7. Thailand – The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)

Roger Moore’s second outing as Bond in ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ sees him chasing villain, Francisco Scaramanga, from Macau to Hong Kong, then on through Bangkok and all the way to the Phuket, Thailand .

You could even recreate the journey yourself and embark on a bespoke sightseeing tour across several fascinating countries. Interestingly, Bond almost never came to this part of the world at all. The book version of ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ was set in Jamaica, but producers changed the location as the previous instalment, ‘Live and Let Die’, was also filmed on the Caribbean island.

We Recommend: Banyan Tree, Phuket

With so many incredible locations on the journey to catching Scaramanga, it’s difficult to choose just one hotel. However, we think that the producers saved the most beautiful and luxurious destination until last. The stunning resort town of Phuket is perfect for both relaxation and exploration. With six restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and a world-class spa you’re guaranteed an unforgettable stay at Banyan Tree, Phuket .

8. Florida – License to Kill (1989)

Bond is about as British as you can get, but that hasn’t stopped him hopping over the pond for some intrigue and adventure. Florida Keys and Key West provided a stunning backdrop for Timothy Dalton’s ‘Licence to Kill’ 007 adventure. As most of the movie was filmed in Southern Florida, this is the perfect spot for tracking down on-screen filming locations. You might even find your way to St Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church, where Bond famously parachuted into a wedding.

We Recommend: Cheeca Lodge & Spa

With an enviable setting in Florida Keys, Bond enthusiasts can use Cheeca Lodge & Spa as basecamp for some 007 exploration. There’s plenty to do with your free time with a 9-hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, a breathtaking 1,100-foot palm-lined private beach, three swimming pools and six tennis courts. After all that you’ll need somewhere to relax, and you can treat yourself to a signature hot lava shell massage in the spa.

If you’d like to stay at one of these iconic locations or get more ideas for a tailor-made James Bond inspired holiday, contact us to speak to our Travel Specialists today.

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Iconic James Bond Film Locations To Inspire Your Travels Around The Globe

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Travel Inspiration

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Young, old, male, female, we all love 007. He’s charming, suave, hunky, and, man, is he well-traveled! You’ll find amazing James Bond film locations all over the world, and they make for great travel destinations.

Why? Well, if they’re in such a huge movie, it’s guaranteed that they’re stunning places to see. They’re spectacular, often unusual, and you can role-play that you’re James Bond (or his date — whatever floats your boat, seriously!).

So let’s have a look at some of the most iconic James Bond film locations to help you plan your next trip.

Skyfall, Scotland – Skyfall

Those epic final scenes of Bond’s 2012 adventure take place in the atmospheric valley of Glencoe , where his childhood home — the Skyfall estate, is located. Bond and M take their final stand against a former agent turned bad as the mist creeps across the Scottish landscape.

We won’t give away any spoilers (although seriously, haven’t you seen it yet?), but we will highlight how pivotal this stunning location is in the 007 tale. It’s a must-visit for any true Bond fan.

Zócalo Mexico City, Mexico – Spectre

Mexico City’s main square is the venue for another dramatic chase scene opening Spectre . This finds 007 following his own path (as always!) to thwart a terrorist plot on Day of the Dead. Hot on the heels of danger, he weaves around the crowds in this enormous square.

You can see glimpses of the spectacular architecture of the buildings surrounding Zócalo, including the Catedral and the Palacio Nacional. There’s history all around as one of the best Bond opening sequences unfolds, and this scene only scratches the surface of how genuinely majestic Mexico City is.

Piazza San Marco Venice, Italy – Casino Royale

Casino Royale was the first in the ‘rebooted’ stage of the Bond films and has a special place in our hearts for showing a less experienced but still super-cool 007. It also shows off one of our favorite cities – Venice – in its powerful second half.

It is in the vast Piazza San Marco that Bond realizes his lover has betrayed him; from this wide-open space, he sets off to follow her to find out the truth, weaving in among the stunning palazzos surrounding the square. Venice is a truly spectacular city; you almost can’t believe it’s real; the James Bond aspect is only part of it!

Jökulsárlón, Iceland – Die Another Day

It’s the otherworldly quality of this substantial glacial lake that makes it one of the most memorable James Bond film locations.

While 007 manages to conduct a car chase in an Aston Martin across the frozen surface, in reality the lagoon is water with a few icebergs floating around in it. While undoubtedly gorgeous, it probably wouldn’t be our first pick for places to freedom camp in Iceland.

Even without a frozen surface, it’s still a stunning place to visit as the ice shimmers in the sunlight, and shapes and colors change all around you. There might not be any high-speed car chases, but you’ll still never forget the sight!

All Over London, England – Almost every film, particularly Skyfall , Spectre , and The World is Not Enough

Unsurprisingly, given that it’s his hometown, there are several James Bond film locations in London. Usually, we just see him being told off by M in the M16 headquarters, but in some memorable scenes, there’s a lot more of London.

Think about The World is Not Enough when he chases an assassin along the Thames River or the helicopter crashing into Westminster Bridge in Spectre . It’s pretty epic stuff, although we’d hope your trip to London is less destruction and more sightseeing!

Grand Bazaar Istanbul, Turkey – Skyfall

Skyfall might poignantly end at its eponymous location, but it begins with a classic 007 chase scene through the intricate corridors of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Apparently Ian Fleming’s favorite city, Istanbul, is one of the most iconic James Bond film locations.

In this film, motorcycles pelt around the bustling market, even making it up onto the rooftops above the many stalls (Istanbul locals were surprisingly chill about this disruption!). Without all this action, it’s still a fascinating place to visit, with intriguing things on sale around every corner and history seeping from every lane.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain – The World is Not Enough

There are few things better than exploring a contemporary museum filled with cool art unless one of those things is a museum with 007 stunts going on in and around it! The world-famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, this titanium-plated building served as the opening teaser for Pierce Brosnan’s The World is Not Enough .

Set along the river in central Bilbao, this is worth visiting as much for Frank Gehry’s stunning architecture as it is for the innovative exhibitions and collections inside.

Casino de Monte Carlo, Monaco – GoldenEye

GoldenEye might start in the USSR, but the action quickly shifts to the picturesque hills above the Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco, before 007 heads inside to share a drink and a gamble with a mysterious woman.

This gambling and entertainment complex in the world’s second-smallest country is always buzzing with life as expensive cars pull up at the ornate façade. Sure, it’s a bit pricey inside, but you can enjoy the view from outside with a coffee in the square.

Seven Mile Bridge Florida, USA – Licence to Kill

Part of the Overseas Highway connecting the Florida Keys , the Seven Mile Bridge was the setting for the epic chase scene that opens Timothy Dalton’s last outing as 007. With views over the surrounding ocean and an incredible sense of freedom, the Seven Mile Bridge is a vital part of any US road trip.

Obviously, we would not recommend trying to recreate the part where Bond lassos a drug lord’s plane from a helicopter in pursuit!

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria – The Living Daylights

OK, this is one of the rare James Bond film locations that doesn’t involve an action sequence! The baroque Schönbrunn Palace is actually the backdrop in a romance montage as 007 puts the moves on an attractive cellist. They ride a horse and carriage through the vast grounds and enjoy orchestral music.

This is Vienna’s most popular tourist destination, and when you get there, you can see why Bond picked it to impress the girl – 1441 elaborate rooms, landscaped gardens, and history and romance abound!

Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil – Moonraker

Sugarloaf Mountain soars over the bay of Rio de Janeiro , and the panoramic views from the top are nothing short of breathtaking. Unless you’re an experienced rock climber, you have to take a cable car to the peak. It’s on this cable car that famous Bond villain Jaws attacked 007.

It’s one of the most memorable James Bond film locations for the striking backdrop and stomach-churning fight halfway up the cable – definitely worth seeing in person!

Las Vegas Strip, USA – Diamonds Are Forever

As Sean Connery’s sixth and final appearance in the official James Bond film series (we don’t count Never Say Never Again here), he went where so many of us do these days, to Vegas!

Following a diamond smuggling investigation, James Bond heads to Las Vegas , where he unveiled a sinister plot headed by his nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The production shot including almost all of Las Vegas’s biggest hotel and casino properties at the time, including The Riviera, Landmark Hotel & Casino, Dunes Hotel, International Hotel, Las Vegas Hilton, and Circus Circus Las Vegas.

Bond, however, stayed at the Tropicana Las Vegas – though we dare say he would choose a less dated Vegas hotel these days. Black Rock Desert, McCarran International Airport, and Fremont Street were also used as filming locations, but we dare say the most memorable scene of James Bonds’s trip to Vegas is the car chase scene through downtown Las Vegas.

This feat alone requires a portion of the Vegas Strip to be closed at night for three days. Being Vegas, however, a great deal has transformed since Bond ripped through the strip, and it is almost comical to compares 50 years on. 

Lisbon, Portugal – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

Only a brief clip is shown of Bond crossing the famous 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon – but most fans will still remember the scene. 

The filmmakers wanted to use the French Riviera but considered it to be too over-exposed and not photogenic enough. So used Portugal for much of the filming in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, with little effort made to get the audience to believe it was France. 007 was on vacation in the Portuguese Riviera, where the coastal and hotel scenes were filmed at Hotel Estoril Palacio in Estoril and Guincho Beach in Cascais.

As Bond is kidnaped by Dracos men at the Hotel Palacio and driven to Draco, Draco’s Rolls Royce is seen crossing the famed Ponte 25 de Abril (25 April Bridge) that connected Lisbon with the south of the country, including Lagos .

Lisbon was again used for the reunion of ‘the girl’ Tracy and Bond, and the conclusion used a mountain road in the Arrábida National Park near Setúbal. Sadly, Porto did not make the cut – but we are sure he will make it there in the future…

Iguazu Falls, Argentina – Moonraker

Bond spends quite a lot of time in Latin America in Moonraker (before heading into space!). After his death-defying antics at Sugarloaf Mountain, he heads to the truly wondrous Iguazu Falls , on the border between Argentina , Brazil , and Paraguay.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the falls are a sight to behold even when Roger Moore isn’t paragliding down over them as he does in the movie.

Hong Kong Harbour, Hong Kong – The Man with the Golden Gun

In Roger Moore’s second film as 007, he has a covert meeting with M and Q aboard the wreck of the Queen Elizabeth ship in Hong Kong harbor.

Now, we’re not saying that if you go to Hong Kong you’ll get to experience this (I think Health and Safety would have something to say about that!), but the iconic Hong Kong skyline is well worth seeing with or without Mr. Bond.

Take a boat and head out on the harbor for the best views and 007 vibes!

Himeji Castle, Japan – You Only Live Twice

Unusually for the globetrotting secret agent, this is one of the few Bond films to be shot primarily in one location – Japan, in this case. One of the many beautiful Japanese James Bond film locations is Himeji Castle , dating back to 1333.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated National Treasure played the role of a ninja training camp in You Only Live Twice , where Sean Connery learns to fight. The real role of the castle is one of legend in Japan, and it’s a spectacular place to visit.

Furka Pass, Switzerland – Goldfinger

There’s no more suitable place for a Bond-style high-speed car chase than a vertiginous mountain pass through the Alps, and Furka Pass played exactly that role in Goldfinger . It’s among the most iconic James Bond film locations because of the heart-in-mouth quality of the hairpin turns and sheer drops.

We’d definitely recommend hiring a car and traveling through the scenery (at a reasonable pace, of course!) or doing the walk through the glacier at the top.

Trust us, traveling at James Bond speed means you won’t be able to take anything in – you’ll want to be able to drink in the views! A grand and worthy landmark of Switzerland to be sure.

So make a list of the locations and try to tick them off – if they’re good enough for Bond, they’re good enough for us!

Everything I ever needed to know about travel I learned from James Bond

When it comes to travel, nobody does it better. as the bond film franchise turns 60 this month, here’s what the secret agent has taught us about traveling with panache..

F rom the very start, James Bond was more than a secret agent, he was also a travel agent. Women desired him, men wanted to be him, and frequent flyers coveted the points from his American Express Centurion Card.

Upon the release of “Dr. No” 60 years ago this month, Bond invented bleisure travel (that’s the irritating portmanteau for business and leisure travel). Every Bond movie finds our hero not only working hard to save the world but also savoring it and selling it. Beaches! Historic European cities! Ski resorts! It’s all there on the big screen, looking much more enticing than any travel pamphlet or website. He even made kitschy 1971 Las Vegas appear chic in “Diamonds Are Forever.” Bravo, Mr. Bond.

How many couples honeymooned at the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach after seeing the stunning hotel in the first few minutes of “Goldfinger” ? Or how many travelers added Lake Como in Italy to their must-see lists after “Casino Royale”?

“There’s no doubt that film enthusiasts have been inspired to travel to Bond locations,” said Anders Frejdh, a Bond expert and founder of the website From Sweden With Love . “I’ve visited hundreds of locations, and I know other Bond fans who have done the same. It’s difficult not to get inspired, even for casual viewers.”

In fact, I personally know of one small-town teenager who, after seeing Grace Jones parachute off the Eiffel Tower , made it his mission to get to Paris. Yes, I’m talking about me again, sorry. Although my first Bond film was the tepid “A View to a Kill,” it still hit me like a Thunderball . It started me down a path of begging my parents to let me take a class trip to Paris. I made it thanks to Roger Moore, Jones, Duran Duran, and my 11th-grade French teacher.

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According to Frejdh, the Bond films of the 1960s were particularly inspiring for moviegoers because many had yet to travel internationally. Suddenly, instead of seeing the Bahamas or Switzerland via aunt Edna’s snooze-inducing vacation slide show, they were experiencing these destinations on the big screen as a backdrop for action, adventure, and plenty of gratuitous décolletage.

There’s another reason why Bond films still inspire journeys beyond the décolletage, and that’s because the man knows how to be a traveler and not a tourist. If you have Amazon Prime, you can currently watch most Bond films for free and see the master globe-trotter at work (the streaming service also has a superb new documentary about Bond music). Here are some (indirect) travel tips gleaned from 60 years of cinematic spying upon Ian Fleming’s enigmatic, randy, and timeless character.

Check out the touristic sights, but also go off the beaten path.

In 2012′s “Skyfall,” Bond (Daniel Craig) visited the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, but he also made time to see other parts of Turkey. When he found himself at death’s door, he wisely escaped to Fethiye, a town along Turkey’s southwest coast, to convalesce. This area is a little slice of heaven (naturally, Bond would wind up here), and it’s also near Kas, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Once again, Bond knows best. Follow his lead and try to leave a little room in your itinerary to go beyond the guidebooks.

Don’t dress like a slob for your flights — even if you can’t afford first class.

One of the biggest takeaways from any Bond travel itinerary is style. You likely won’t be wearing a Savile Row suit on your flight, and unfortunately, Pan Am is no longer around to offer some of the grooviest sofas in the sky. But just because you’re not an international spy and you’re not seated in first class doesn’t mean you should roll out of your bed and directly into your seat. We live in a miracle age where deconstructed blazers are more comfortable than sweat shirts, and very breathable and stretchy pants are better suited for travel than flannel pajama bottoms. Every story I’ve read about how to get an upgrade involves dressing somewhat respectably. It’s yet to happen to me, but I keep doing it. You can’t win if you don’t play. Heck, maybe someday a flight attendant will at least randomly offer me a martini. Speaking of style, try to leave room in your suitcase for at least one semi-dressy ensemble. It doesn’t have to be a tuxedo or a gown, but one special outfit is always a wise idea.

Don’t be afraid to chat and make friends with the locals.

Bond never hesitated to step into unfamiliar surroundings and make new friends, although many of them had names such as Pussy Galore, Plenty O’Toole, Chew Mee, Bambi, and Thumper. If they didn’t have risqué names they were probably trying to kill him. For the average Joe and Josephine, the whole killing thing usually isn’t a problem, so don’t hesitate to enter a fencing match with a stranger if offered, or talk to that attractive lady or gent sitting next to you at the roulette table. More realistically, you’ll find yourself making new friends in restaurants and bars. On a recent trip to Liverpool, a pair of locals chatted me up in a bar, and we ended up clubbing until the sun came up. Perhaps not the best example, but we all became fast friends and still regularly chat via social media.

Solo travel can be rewarding.

Many folks think of solo travel as scary, and if you’re James Bond, it probably is. However, unless your boss is named M., solo travel is also a great way to meet new people (please see “Don’t be afraid to chat and make friends with the locals”). As someone who travels by himself about 90 percent of the time, I can tell you that friendly and interesting people will approach you far more often than they would if you were traveling with family and friends. The biggest payoff of solo travel is the feeling of confidence you gain by tackling foreign territories by yourself. Don’t think you can drive in England? Worried about language barriers? If I can do it, anyone can. If that isn’t enough to convince you, think of it this way: If you travel by yourself you can do what you want to do and never suffer through the cockamamie suggestions of others.

Exercise is still important when you’re on vacation.

Bond does everything to excess when he travels, including physical activity. You don’t need to tear up the double black diamond slopes the way Bond (George Lazenby) does in the criminally under-appreciated “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” but just because you’re away from your Peloton doesn’t mean you should enter full sloth mode while on the road. Vacation is a time to enjoy good food and perhaps a tipple or two, which is all the more reason to stretch your legs and walk instead of taking an Uber. Rent or use a bike share program, maybe try a hike or two, or make that romantic stroll down the beach just a little longer. You know Bond would never say no to an extended romantic moonlight walk through the sand.

Keep your wits about you and maintain a sense of humor.

Travel can be stressful, and often that stress bubbles over into the way we behave or treat others while on the road, particularly during air travel. Do you think Bond ever yelled at a ticket agent while checking into a flight or threw his water bottle at a fellow passenger? That’s a firm no. Bond was dropping bon mots while fighting for his life, not sweating the small stuff. I suggest you do the same. Take a deep breath if you’re feeling impatient waiting at the car rental counter. Don’t cut off other passengers when deplaning or be rude to servers if they’re overwhelmed and taking too long to bring your dinner. You’re on vacation (unless you’re bleisure-ing), keep calm. Remember, you only live twice , make the most of every moment.

Christopher Muther can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.

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New james bond travel experience will create exclusive activities inspired by ‘casino royale,’ ‘spectre’ and more 007 films.

For the first time ever, immersive and authentic 007 exploits are available through a partnership between EON Productions, Bond production members and luxury travel company Black Tomato, as the franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary.

By Kathryn Romeyn

Kathryn Romeyn

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James Bond is 60. To celebrate that major cinematic — not to mention spy adventure — milestone, the bespoke travel company Black Tomato has partnered with film company EON Productions to bring into reality iconic moments for the ultimate thrill–seeking traveler who chases rare experiences.

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“It has been great to play a role in bringing components of the itinerary to life,” says Oscar-winning special effects supervisor and human Bond encyclopedia Chris Corbould, OBE.

Corbould, who was nominated for No Time To Di e, adds that his consultations on the special itinerary have included “delivering some behind-the-scenes insight into how we created the collapsing, sinking Venetian home in Casino Royale and the high-octane alpine pursuits in Spectre . … It’s about imparting a glimpse into how, through the skill and talent of a whole host of people, we pull off the seemingly impossible, in a way befitting of Bond.” He will be (pending availability) a private guide for guests through the interactive cinematic installation 007 Elements on the summit of Austria’s Gaislachkogl and a lunch date at ice Q restaurant at a table overlooking the exact place Daniel Craig as Bond first walked up to Hoffler Klinik in Spectre and met Madeline Swann (Léa Seydoux).

Bond location manager Ali James is particularly excited about the U.K. offerings, where guests stay at The Corinthia Hotel in London and can experience a privately guided high-speed chase down the Thames, captured by a drone, before taking a masterclass on stunt techniques with Lee Morrison, who oversaw chases, fights, falls and more on the last five films.

Adrenaline rushes are also on tap in Chantilly, France — an hour away from selected bolthole Hôtel de Crillon, Paris, A Rosewood Hotel — where the horse race and party scenes in A View to a Kill were filmed. That outing includes visiting some of the most expensive thoroughbred horses on Earth, riding on the grounds of Château de Chantilly, taking a private tour of the Royal Stables (which include three Raphael paintings) and having a Bond-inspired lunch including favorites such as Beluga caviar and canard a l’orange .

Possibilities also include a yacht cruise on Monaco’s Cote d’Azur with Octopussy Bond girl Carole Ashby, a behind-the-scenes tour of Casino de Monte-Carlo and waterskiing on Lake Como before jumping on a seaplane and then a wooden Riva boat to visit a villa from Casino Royale . As a grand finale, guests can check into Hotel Cipriani, Venice, A Belmond Hotel, for a host of recreated film moments. Those include a surreal evening on the island of Murano at a seemingly abandoned glass factory complete with private glass-blowing demonstration and candlelit wine-paired four-course dinner. Completely off-limits to the general public, it’s absolutely Bond-worthy in every way.

Trips can be booked beginning March 30, 2023, but travel is most recommended from May onwards.

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Pat Fearing : "What exactly do you do?"

Bond : "Oh, I travel... a sort of licensed troubleshooter."

- from the movie Thunderball, 1965

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Q's House, 42 Roupell St, London

It looks like Q's home in the movie No Time To Die is located at 42 Roupell St, 42 Roupell St, London SE1 8TB, UK.

More information and links

Matera, Italy

An important sequence of No Time To Die takes place in the beautiful town of Matera in Italy.

The small city is situated on a rocky outcrop in the region of Basilicata, in southern Italy.

Faroe Islands

The stunning Kalsoy island, part of the Faroe Islands, is a prominent location in No Time To Die .

Filming for No Time To Die took place on the islands in autumn 2019.

The winding roads and tunnels through the dramatic mountains on Kalsoy island will form a perfect backdrop for the film.

Rules Restaurant, London, UK

M, Q and Moneypenny meet at Rules restaurant in the 2015 movie SPECTRE .

Filming took place inside and outside the Rules restaurant on Friday 22 May with MI6 members M (Ralph Fiennes), Q (Ben Whishaw) and Moneypenney (Naomie Harris) all attending.

Hashima Island, Japan

The deserted island of Bond's adversary Silva in the movie SkyFall (2012), might seem the result of the writers' fantasy, but does actually exist. The island is called Hashima, and is located off the coast of Japan.

In 1959, the island was one of the most densely populated areas on earth. On the tiny island (400 x 160 meter), more than 5000 people lived and worked.

Villa Le Torre, Talamone, Southern Tuscany, Italy

Villa Le Torre, located near Talamone (6km), in Southern Tuscany, Italy, is featured in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace . Bond, after leaving the Tosca Opera in Bregenz, visits René Mathis (and his girlfriend) in this beautiful villa and asks him to come and help him in Bolivia.

Villa del Balbianello, Lenno, Como, Italy

Villa del Balbianello is located next to Lake Como, Italy. In the spring of 2006, the movie Casino Royale was filmed in front of the villa. The villa doubles as a hospital where James Bond (Daniel Craig) is recovering, together with Vesper (Eva Green) and where the Swiss banker comes to get the code to transfer the money.

Villa La Gaeta, San Siro, Lake Como, Italy

This James Bond Villa is located next to Lake Como, near San Siro and Menaggio, Italy, surrounded by a beautiful park with paths, benches and a lit fountain. In the spring of 2006, the movie Casino Royale was filmed in front of this villa (the last scene of the movie when Bond shoots and meets Mr. White, and utters the famous words " Bond... James Bond ").

Hotel Cala Di Volpe, Sardinia, Italy

In the movie The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), James Bond (Roger Moore) and Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach) stay at Hotel Cala Di Volpe on the Italian island of Sardinia.

Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Grandhotel Pupp, a 228-room luxury hotel located in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Czech Republic, doubles for Hotel Splendide in Montenegro in the 2006 movie Casino Royale .

Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf, London, UK

Two scenes in SkyFall  (2012) were filmed in the Four Seasons Hotel at Canary Wharf in London (update: now called the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel).

Les Ambassadeurs Club, London, UK

Les Ambassadeurs Club was the fictional location of the first time we see James Bond in the film Dr. No (1962), and it was also the real location of the first meetings between Ian Fleming and Albert R. Broccoli in (summer 1959) and later with Harry Saltzman (December 1960). The club also features in The Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night (1964).

Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco

One of the most glamorous Bond locations is the Casino Monte Carlo in the country of Monaco, the second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican). The beautiful casino with it's impressive facade features prominently in Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye .

Fort Antoine Theatre, Monaco

In the 1995 James Bond movie GoldenEye , Pierce Brosnan as Bond watches from the Fort Antoine Theatre how Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen) and the admiral board a Riva speedboat that takes them to the Manticore yacht in Monte Carlo's port.

Château de Chantilly, France

Both the Château de Chantilly and the Great Stables were featured prominently in the Bond movie A View to a Kill (1985), as the estate of evil Max Zorin (played by Christopher Walken). Max Zorin organises his annual horse sale here and Bond (Roger Moore), together with Sir Godfrey Tibbett (Patrick Macnee), a horse trainer, infiltrate the event.

Stoke Park, Stoke Poges, United Kingdom

The James Bond films Goldfinger (1964) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), were filmed in and around the Clubhouse and on the championship golf course, Stoke Park at Stoke Poges.

The famous golf match between Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe) and James Bond (Sean Connery) were filmed on this course and in front of the main club building.

SIS/MI6 Headquarters, Vauxhall Cross, London, UK

The Vauxhall Cross SIS Building, also commonly known as the MI6 Building, is the headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service.

Luton Hoo, Luton, Bedfordshire, UK

The Luton Hoo Mansion House doubles as health clinic Shrublands in the movie Never Say Never Again (1983) and a staircase in the building can be seen in The World Is Not Enough (1999).

Chalfont Park House, Buckinghamshire, UK

Chalfont Park House in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, doubles as the Shrublands health clinic in the movie Thunderball (1965). The exterior of the building can be seen in several shots.

Hotel Atlantic Kempinski, Hamburg, Germany

The Atlantic Hotel was featured in the 1997 Bond movie  Tomorrow Never Dies . A few scenes were shot here, but one of the most memorable is the stunt scene in which Pierce Brosnan - or rather his stunt double - climbs from the Atlantic Suite to the globe on the roof of the hotel after Bond killed Dr. Kaufman.

Bregenz Open Air Theatre, Austria

An important scene in the Bond movie Quantum of Solace takes place in and around the stunning open air Opera building in Bregenz, Austria. From April 29th until May 9th, 2008, the Bond team filmed several scenes with Bond (Daniel Craig), two villains (played by Matieu Amalric and Anatole Taubman), and the beautiful Bond girl (portrayed by Olga Kurylenko).

One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas

The Ocean Club, featured prominently in Casino Royale , actually exists. Several scenes were filmd in and around the Club. First Bond arrives with a waterplane and drives in his Ford Mondeo to the club.

British Colonial Hilton, Nassau, Bahamas

Never Say Never Again  (1983), starring Sean Connery as Bond, were shot at the swank, canary yellow, British Colonial Hilton Nassau hotel that is conveniently nestled in downtown Nassau, Bahamas.

Address: One Bay Street Nassau Bahamas N-7148

Goldeneye, Jamaica

Ian Fleming's beloved Jamaican home where he wrote 14 of his famous 007 novels. What Fleming loved most about Goldeneye was the out of doors, nature, the sounds and colors, the peace and drama of living by the sea. He delighted in " the blazing sunshine, natural beauty and the most healthy life I could live. "

Udaipur, India

In the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy , several palaces in and around the town of Udaipur, India were used, most notably Shiv Niwas Palace (Bond's hotel), the Taj Lake Palace  and Jag Mandir Palace which double as the home of Octopussy (played by Maud Adams) and  Monsoon Palace (Kamal Khan's residence).

Cerro Paranal, Chile

Cerro Paranal, in the Atacama desert in Chile, home of the ESO (European Southern Observatory) Very Large Telescope, has been chosen as one of the settings for the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace  (2008).

Piz Gloria, Schilthorn, Switzerland

Many scenes were filmed at Piz Gloria for the 1969 James Bond 007 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service . Piz Gloria is located on top of Schilthorn, a 2,970 metre high summit in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, above Mürren. It's Blofeld's clinical research institute, and Bond spends some time there, eventually destroying the whole place.

Verzasca Dam, Lake Locarno, Switzerland

In the opening sequence of the 1995 movie GoldenEye , James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) jumps off the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland.

The dam, also known as the Contra Dam, is 220 metre (720 feet) high hydroelectric dam, and is located close to the city of Locarno.

Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico

The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is one of the largest radio telescopes in the world. It features prominently in the last part of the 1995 movie GoldenEye .

Villa Arabesque, Acapulco, Mexico

Villa Arabesque is a luxury villa in Acapulco, Mexico and was used as film location in the James Bond film Licence to Kill (1989) where it doubles as the house of drug dealer Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi).

Villa Felice, Kanoni, Corfu, Greece

The luxury Villa Felice (formerly known as Villa Sylva) is located on the island of Corfu, Greece. Not the villa itself, but the swimming pool and garden area is featured in the movie For Your Eyes Only (1981), with the villa visible in the background. The villa and swimming pool still exist and can be rented. 

Skinny Bridge and canals, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

In the movie  Diamonds Are Forever (1971), several scenes were filmed in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. James Bond (Sean Connery), disguised as a professional smuggler and murderer Peter Franks, travels to Amsterdam to meet contact Tiffany Case. The real Peter Franks shows up, but Bond intercepts and kills him and switches IDs to make it seem like Franks is Bond.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México

The 5-star Gran Hotel Ciudad de México features in both Licence to Kill (1989) and SPECTRE (2015).

Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

The Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel is featured in For Your Eyes Only (1981). James Bond stays at the hotel and looks out from his balcony.

Hotel Palácio Estoril, Portugal

Hotel Palácio Estoril, Portugal is not only Bond's hotel in On Her Majesty's Secret Service , but Ian Fleming himself stayed here during the Second World War and it might have given him inspiration for his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale .

The Peninsula, Hong Kong

The Peninsula Hong Kong hotel appears in The Man With The Golden Gun (1974). In the film, James Bond (Roger Moore) follows Bond girl Andrea Anders (Maud Adams) from Macau to Hong Kong, where she's picked up by one of the hotel's "Peninsula-green" Rolls-Royces.

Admiral Hotel, Milan, Italy

If you're a Bond fan and are looking for a hotel in Milan, make sure to visit the Admiral Hotel. You can visit the "Coffrini Dell'Orto private collection, a must for every Bond fan. In the lobby, hallways and breakfast room you can find several display cases with the Bond collectibles, merchandise, gadgets, model cars, and much more.

Reform Club, London, UK

The Reform Club in London appears in two James Bond films: Die Another Day  in 2002 and Quantum of Solace  in 2008.

Reform Club is a private members club on the south side of Pall Mall, in what is often called London's Clubland.

Ocean Sky Bombardier Challenger 604 private jet

James Bond only settles for the best, and so do his wealthy enemies. So when they travel to and from Austria in Quantum of Solace , they fly a Bombardier Challenger 604 private jet from Ocean Sky. Ocean Sky is one of the leading private jet operators and jet centres specialising in business jet charter and aircraft charter.

Elrod House, Palm Springs, USA

One of the most stunning villas seen in a James Bond film is Elrod House in Palm Springs, which doubles as Willard Whyte's summer house in Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

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Bond Lifestyle is an unofficial information resource and is not linked to the official James Bond production companies. © No Time To Die © 2020 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Danjaq, LLC, Eon Productions, Universal Pictures, United Artists. © SPECTRE © 2015 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Danjaq, LLC, Eon Productions, and Columbia Pictures, Inc. © SkyFall © 2012 Danjaq, LLC, United Artists Corporation, Columbia Pictures, Inc. 007 and related James Bond Indicia © 1962-2023 Danjaq, LLC and MGM. 007 and related James Bond Trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq.

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Black Tomato Reveals New Details of Bucket List 007 Adventure

“The Assignment” is an example of some of the incredible experiences offered by this Black Tomato x EON collaboration.

By Toby Louch

Seasoned luxury travel curator Black Tomato has revealed major new details of its new ultra-exclusive James Bond travel experiences, in collaboration with EON Productions and the 007 film production crew.

In true Black Tomato fashion, these experiences will see travelers gallivanting across Europe in the highest of luxury, while staying in some of the most glamorous locations to have played home to the famous agent with a license to kill.

While Black Tomato is revealing this enticing itinerary as an example, each of the 60 limited-edition trips available ­(60 as it’s the 60 th anniversary of the Bond franchise) will be utterly bespoke. James Bond fans partaking in this experiential travel will make selections from a wide range of activities inspired by some of the films.

Black Tomato has unveiled what has been dubbed “The Assignment”: A painstakingly curated 12-night adventure of a lifetime, that will see travelers sipping fizz like a true spy in Champagne , risking it all at the roulette table in Monte-Carlo and blasting up and down the canals of Venice in a speedboat.

Perhaps most exciting of all, on some of these experiences guests will have the opportunity to be joined by key individuals that helped to transform Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels into the wonderous cinematic world we all know and love. From Bond girls to stunt doubles, location managers and archive directors, this will give lovers of James Bond unrivaled enlightening access to exactly what it is that makes this franchise tick.

So blow the dust off your tuxedo, pour yourself a martini (shaken or stirred), find a cat to stroke and behold the jet-setting, gun touting, baddy-busting majesty of a trans-European excursion for the ages.

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Starting on his majesty’s home turf.

Black Tomato’s trip begins at the home of 007. London features in more Bond films than any other city, which makes it a must-visit for any true aficionado. Set a stone’s throw from the British Parliament and Westminster Abbey (soon to hold King Charles coronation ), The Corinthia Hotel will be the exemplary first stop for guests to begin their adventure.

This hotel, located in a building once used as the Ministry of Defense, is favored by celebrities and international dignitaries alike — Daniel Craig himself has stayed on numerous occasions.

Travelers will be able to travel down London’s River Thames on a privately guided high-speed chase in the original Superhawk 34 that featured in The World Is Not Enough. In the 1999 film, Bond is chasing the character Cigar Girl. If you please, you can be joined on this adrenalin-fueled chase by Sarah Donohue, Cigar girl’s stunt double in the film who can reveal exactly how it was all done in the movie.

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Switching from water to land, car fans will love the defender driving experience. You can visit Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, the home of Land Rover’s test facilities since 1961 and take the same Land Rover Defender that was used in No Time To Die for a spin. On this day of off-road antics, you will be tutored by a Land Rover instructor who will show you how to drift around corners, scale steep inclines and truly push the car to its limit.

Those looking to enjoy the world of Bond at a slightly slower pace might be delighted by a trip to the sartorially exquisite Burlington Arcade and Jermyn Street. Here, they can browse the boutiques Bond uses, and may even bump into a few costumes from the films.  

“A bottle of Bollinger. And two Glasses” – Live and Let Die 1985

After a quick hop over the English Channel, guests will find themselves among some of the finest vines in the world. Loved by Bond and his enemies alike, a glass of champagne usually makes an appearance — it’s no surprise that a spy with expensive taste demands the best.

With that said, even Bond himself would be interested in the exceptionally rare opportunity to take a tour of the Champagne Bollinger Chateau and Estate . Open by appointment only, the renowned Maison will be opening its doors exclusively for Black Tomato.

Visitors will tour the vineyards in a vintage Land Rover, before diving into the coveted 1829 Reserve Cellars for an equally exclusive guided tasting of La Grand Année vintage, enjoyed by Bond in Casino Royal . In the film Bond utters “Excellent choice,” which sounds about right.   

[See also: Four Seasons New Orleans Unveils Dinner With Impressionists]

Relaxing on the Riviera

No Black Tomato 007 trip is complete without a short sortie to the haven of ritz that is the Cote d’Azur. It’s the glitz-fueled Monaco specifically which is a must-see for Bond fans. There’s no better way to arrive than aboard a private yacht , joined by actress Carole Ashby who features in 1983’s Octopussy and 1985’s View to A Kill.

Carole’s stories will pass the time as you cruise past the dramatic backdrop of Monte-Carlo , before docking and taking lunch at La Reserve de la Mala. Spend the afternoon lounging on secluded beaches and exploring some of the coves, before getting dolled up in your finery for a star-studded arrival to the Bay of Monaco.

Guests will be staying at one of Monaco’s best, Hotel Metropole , ideally placed over the road from the famous Casino de Monte Carlo . At the Casino, guests will partake in a VIP behind-the-scenes tour before hitting the tables with Andreas Daniel, who helped to consult the Texas Hold’em which featured in Casino Royal .

[See also: A Weekend in Copenhagen, The World’s Happiest City]

Relive incredible moments in Italy

While the world may not be enough for some travelers, with 25 official Bond films, Black Tomato quickly realized the opportunity for 007-related travel is essentially endless. It’s why heading north from Monaco you will arrive at Lake Como , a favorite of Bond’s and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places on earth.  

In between water skiing and soaring through the sky in a seaplane, guests will take in the incredible vistas of Como. A classic wooden-clad riverboat will be the transport to both Villa La Gaeta and Villa de Balbianello — both of which played a part in Casino Royal . It’s these incredible accommodations that truly make Lake Como, and travelers will be staying at Villa Passalacqua , easily one of the best.

After Lake Como, it’s on to the utterly enchanting Venice where a speed boat will drop you at the colorful island of Murano, famed for its incredible glassware. It was here by the famous Coppa Barovier that Bond and Chang duked it out in 1979’s Moonraker. The evening will end with a gourmet candlelit dinner in the Nason Moretti glass factory, a totally exclusive, unbookable experience.

[See also: A Long Weekend Guide to the Dolomites]

The world is your oyster

This example itinerary is a mere drop in the ocean of the 30-plus experiences that will be available to guests on these Black Tomato-curated trips. Everything will be utterly bespoke and customizable to the exact wants and needs of travelers.

Skiers may wish to head to Austria to hit the slopes and spend time with legendary Oscar-winning special effect supervisor Chris Corbould OBE. A titan of the industry, Corbould has seen it all, across 15 Bond films and many more movie epics. The chance to pick his brain is sure to fascinate any film lover.

[See also: A Long Weekend Guide to New Orleans]

So if you’re the ultimate Bond fan, and would love to know what it feels like to step into the shoes of a secret agent for a few days, it seems this experiential travel — born from the 007 collaboration of Black Tomato and EON — is about the closest you can get. Don’t forget to pack your best suit or evening dress. Although it’s probably best not to bring your gadgets — maybe leave the real world saving to the professionals.

Trips can be booked through Black Tomato with prices starting from £15,000 per person

blacktomato.com

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James Bond’s Global Filming Locations Now Have Their Own Coffee Table Book

Assouline's 'james bond destinations' takes readers across the world and behind the scenes of the movie franchise., demetrius simms, demetrius simms's most recent stories.

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Think of Assouline’s latest book as a travel guide to the world of 007.

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James Bond Destinations

Buy Now on Assouline: $120

James Bond Destinations also explores the world behind the scenes. Set images from Casino Royale and Skyfall both feature cast and crew side by side near a European lake and on a London rooftop, respectively. The book also shares the stories of how the filmmakers discovered various locations, and transformed travel hotspots for filming. Producer Michael G. Wilson, for instance, famously got Venice’s Grand Canal closed for the first time in centuries to permit Daniel Craig’s Bond to sail unobstructed in a scene for Casino Royale .

Books are great, but if you want to take the action one step further, there are plenty of experiences that may suit thrill-seekers better than turning pages. Back in March, Black Tomato launched a new James Bond-inspired itinerary that spans five European destinations from Austria to Monaco. Dubbed “The Assignment,” the bespoke and 12-night experience offerings allow you to train with Craig’s stunt double, visit filming sites including Big Ben, and even explore the Bollinger estate outside of Paris. Prices start at $18,500. Your own copy of Assouline’s James Bond Destinations , however, will only run you $120. 

Demetrius Simms is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. After starting their career in PR, they transitioned to freelance writing in 2020. Their work has now appeared in lifestyle and culture…

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The James Bond Travel Guide

From Madagascar to Montenegro, Daniel Craig’s 007 has been everywhere, man.

By Andrew Connor

A good Bond movie requires class amidst all the action. An Aston Martin ? Check. Expensive watch ? Check. A slick suit ? Check. Exotic locales? Check. The basic formula hasn’t changed since the Connery years, and it isn’t stopping with Daniel Craig.

Naturally, the latest Bond has had his fair share of travel , from Madagascar to Montenegro and everywhere in between. But while each destination is worthy of exploration, it would require an MI6 expense account to visit each one in the level of luxury and style 007 is used to. Given the choice of only a few, these six are the best spots in the Daniel Craig Bond universe for living it up like a “double 0” agent.

Casino Royale

Bond at His Most Lavish

Nassau, Bahamas

In pursuit of Alex Dimitrios, an associate of Casino Roylae main villain Le Chiffre, Bond heads to Nassau, Bahamas. He drives a considerably under-the-radar Ford Mondeo to his hotel, the One & Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island (Connery’s Bond also visited Paradise Island in Thunderball ). There Bond enjoys a dip in the ocean and faces off against Dimitrios in a game of Texas Hold ‘Em, winning his Aston Martin DB5, a considerable trade-up from the Ford.

Karlov Vary, Czech Republic

Most of Casino Royale takes place in the small sovereign state of Montenegro at the fictional Hotel Splendide, where Bond faces off in a high-stakes game of Texas Hold ‘Em with Le Chiffre. In real life, it is the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. While it isn’t Montenegro, Karlov Vary is a small, beautiful spa town that’s more than suitable for anyone aspiring to agent status. If you think your poker face is as good as Bond’s, the Grandhotel Pupp does have a casino, and we’re willing to bet they’ll make you a “Vesper,” the drink he orders in the film.

Quantum of Solace

Secret Agent in the Sun

Quantum of Solace starts where Casino Royale left off, with Bond driving through Italy en route towards Sienna in an Aston Martin DBS after having captured Mr. White at his Lake Como Villa (actually Villa la Gaeta ). When he gets there, he chases a double agent through the city during the Palio di Siena . If you want to visit a truly magnificent Italian location from the film, make it the Torre di Talamonaccio , a restored Medieval tower which acts as the Tuscan home for Bond’s friend René Mathis.

La Paz, Bolivia

Bond and Mathis eventually fly to La Paz, Bolivia where they are met by MI6 agent Strawberry Fields. Fields wants to take Bond back to London, but in the meantime, she looks to wait things out in a dingy hotel in La Paz. Naturally, the place doesn’t sit too well with Bond, and he insists on staying at the Gran Andean Hotel. Since the “Gran Andean” was actually shot at the Instituto Nacional de Cultura in Panama City, if you’re heading to La Paz and demand equally swanky accommodations, you should try the Casa Grande Hotel .

Keep a Low Profile

Fethiye, Turkey

The opening scene of Skyfall sees Bond and Eve Moneypenny chasing down a stolen hard drive through the streets of Istanbul, through Eminonu Square and eventually on the rooftop of the Grand Bazaar . When Moneypenny accidentally shoots Bond, he’s presumed dead and takes it as an opportunity to have an unofficial sabbatical. He heads 300 miles south to the coastal town of Fethiye. You won’t be able to stay at his beachfront digs or drink at the same bar where he plays the scorpion drinking game, but you can visit Koca Calis Beach, where they filmed those scenes, and stay at the nearby Yacht Classic Hotel , where Daniel Craig stayed during filming.

Glencoe, Scotland

To lay a trap for Skyfall villain Silva, Bond takes M to his childhood estate in the highlands of Scotland, near Glencoe. The estate that gets obliterated in the film was, of course, a set, but if you’re jones-ing for a weekend in the Scottish Highlands in a similarly classy estate (minus the violent showdown), the Glencoe House is a great home away from home. Along the way stop to admire the views of Buachaille Etive Mor and Buachaille Etive Beag just like Bond does in the film, though likely in something a little less extravagant than a vintage Aston Martin laden with machine guns and an ejector seat.

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Welcome to Switzerland Travel Centre! You are welcome to contact us by e-mail or by phone on +44 207 420 4900 .

In the Footsteps of James Bond

8 days / 7 nights.

This 8-day tour of Switzerland allows you to experience some of the iconic settings for several scenes from the James Bond movies, culminating in Blofeld’s Lair at Piz Gloria, atop the Schilthorn.

• Locarno & Excursion to Verzasca Dam 
• Train ride along the Furka Pass
• Stay in Bern with private city tour 
• Cruise on lake Thun to Interlaken
• Mürren, Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald
• Excursion to Schilthorn Piz Gloria 

« The Piz Gloria Burger Lunch at the 360-degree revolving restaurant leaves nothing to be desired. »

Your itinerary.

• Do you dare to jump like James Bond?
• Beautiful Verzasca Valley
• Thrilling Cliffwalk in Grindelwald

Arrival by public transport from your starting point in Switzerland to Locarno. Overnight stay in Locarno.

Today take the Postbus to “Diga Verzasca”, a 20-minute ride from the station in Locarno. Here you will find the Verzasca Dam, where you can stand and look down to the valley floor, just as Bond did in the eighteenth 007 film, “GoldenEye”. Overnight stay in Locarno.

Highlights: Verzasca Dam, Postbus to Diga Verzasca, pure nature

Today`s journey takes you from Bellinzona to Bern, via Andermatt and Brig. This trip passes close to the Furka Pass, where Bond famously drove at high speed in the third 007 movie, “Goldfinger”. Overnight stay in Bern.

Highlights:  Furka Pass where Bond famously drove at high speed

The Swiss capital, Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in the early part of the sixth 007 movie, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. A tour of the old town is included with a private guide. Overnight stay in Bern.

Highlights: The Swiss capital Bern, private guide and tour

Train journey from Bern to Thun. From here we take the boat to Interlaken and continue by train to Lauterbrunnen and via Stechelberg to Mürren. Overnight stay and dinner in Mürren.

Highlights: Lake Cruise to the Bernese Oberland

Heading to the station in Lauterbrunnen, where many scenes from the film were shot. Take the train via Zweilütschinen to Grindelwald, where the ice-skating scenes were shot in the centre of the village. Overnight stay in Mürren.

Highlights: Views from your hotel, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald

Breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon ride on the cable car to Piz Gloria, Blofeld's lair in the movie. Enjoy the included burger menu in the famous 360°-Restaurant Piz Gloria as well as a glass of prosecco and a coffee. A tour of Spy World provides interactive experience for all Bond fans. Time to experience the Thrill Walk, Allmendhubel and Mürren. Overnight stay in Mürren.

Highlights: Schilthorn Burger Package with prosecco and coffee, the Thrill Walk

• All rail travel per itinerary with a Swiss Travel Pass 8 days
• Overnight stay incl. breakfast in Locarno, Bern and Mürren
• Private guided walking tour in Bern (1.5 hours)
• Boat Cruise on Lake Thun (Thun - Interlaken West Pier)
• Excursion to Schilthorn including burger menu, prosecco and coffee in the famous 360°-Restaurant Piz Gloria
• From price applies per person in a 3-star double room, 2nd class travel, excluding flights
• Booking period: all year round
• Travel period: 06.01. - 24.09.2024
• Price example calculated on 01.09.2023 for 15.09.2024

Good to know

• Travel documents are sent by email and in exceptional cases by post.
• Additional overnight stays bookable
• Benefit from over 100 2 for 1 offers and save up to CHF 4,500 with the  Swiss Coupon Pass . 

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Our in-house flights experts will be happy to offer advice and to book the most convenient flight for your trip.

Your flights will be covered by our package booking conditions and will be protected under our ATOL license. We will charge £35 per person for this flight booking service. 

Alternatively book your flights directly with Swiss - our preferred partner for flights to Switzerland.

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We are both the official and largest tour operator for holidays to Switzerland and have been in operation for over 30 years with ABTA and ATOL protection. Please give us a call and we will be happy to go through your plans. Call  +44 207 420 4900  to speak with us or send us your travel request via  [email protected] .

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‘WaterCar' turns heads in Long Beach with its ability to travel on water and land

The first hybrid amphibious vehicle is hitting the waters near the queen mary , by mekahlo medina • published 58 mins ago • updated 57 mins ago.

It is something out of a James Bond movie -- a car transforming into a boat while driving into the water. But it’s not Hollywood magic, it’s Southern Californian engineering and the ambition of the developers from WaterCar.

A new amphibious vehicle that can traverse through land and water is making a splash in Long Beach with its unique abilities.

“It’s like a neighbor vehicle, like an electric golf cart,” said David March, co-owner of Fountain Valley-based company WaterCar. “If you live within 5 or 10 miles from the water, then you are able to drive right down into the water (on one charge).”

The family team behind the company said what makes this creation so unique is that it’s a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid technology allows the car to use its battery power as a car and gas as a boat. Owners can charge it at home by plugging it in or while the gas engine is powering up the alternator on the water. 

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“It’s electric,” said Michael March. “So, it is silent and it’s got quite a bit of torque, sort of like a Tesla.”

It doesn’t go as fast as a Tesla, however. Its speed averages at about 25 miles per hour on the road and 45 mph on the water.

“These aren’t cheap,” said David March. “They are all handmade and they are made out of high-strength aluminum. So, they are north of $100,000.”

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WaterCar's owners said they hope to bring that price point down once they start mass-producing them. 

This isn’t the first amphibious vehicle the Marches created. In 2008, the owners showed NBC News’s Lester Holt the first rendition of the ‘WaterCar.’ It looked more like a sports car than a boat.

Customers demanded more of a “boat-centric” design. The company made the switch and went green with the electric car battery.

It’s designed to switch out the gas boat engine in the future to comply with impending state requirements and go fully green. 

“It’s fun, that’s what it’s all about,” said Michael. “That’s what boating is all about.”

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