Group tours trace famous fictional settings
From famous character Harry Potter to best-selling author Stieg Larsson, group tours are offering traveler access to the iconic settings of their favorite fictional works, according to the USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association).
“Often inspiring travel, best-selling novels and award-winning films have the ability to capture the true character of a destination,” said Terry Dale, president of USTOA.
For example:
—Offerings related to J.K Rowling and his Harry Potter character include “Mysteries & Muggles,” a United Kingdom tour by Explorica. From Lacock Abbey — the setting for many classroom scenes in the movies — to The Elephant House — the restaurant where J.K. Rowling first started writing the Harry Potter series on a napkin — the tour includes round-trip airfare, daily breakfast and dinner, and a full time tour director. Pricing and dates vary.
—New Zealand’s mystical landscapes provided the setting to bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved adventures to life, and fans can follow in Frodo’s footsteps with tours such as “New Zealand Self Drive,” a 14-day itinerary by Goway. Tour groups can experience the scenery and warm hospitality of New Zealand all while visiting the sites where the popular Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Prices start at $1,224 per person.
—Arthur Golden’s sensational novel “Memoirs of a Geisha” has taught audiences about Japan’s rich cultural history. Tour groups can step back in time with General Tours World Traveler’s “From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps,” an 11-day tour of Japan featuring sightseeing with a trip leader, accommodations, daily breakfasts, and on-tour transportation. Prices start at $4,799 per person. Anyone booking by December 30 can save $500 per person off the published price when paying in full at the time of booking.
—Eva Perón’s rise from the lower class to political fame has touched audiences around the world in both Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical and the film adaptation starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas. Visitors can learn more about this “spiritual leader of a nation” with “South American Escape,” an eight-day leisurely tour through Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro by Globus. Pricing starts at $2,089 per person.
By David Wilkening
David
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