Spectre sees everyone’s favourite secret agent embark on a rogue mission following a cryptic message from the past. As well as the usual fast cars, femme fatales and tyrannical villains, the film adds even more glamorous locations to Bond’s already-exhausted passport. Here’s how to follow in Bond’s footsteps:
Rome, Italy
Spectre (2015)
Need to lie low after a busy day pounding the pavements in Rome? Whether you’re a secret agent or simply seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of the city, this four-night break ticks all the boxes. Based at Casa per Ferie of Santa Emilia de Vialar – a convent guesthouse run by the Sisters of the Apparition, just 15 minutes’ walk from the Vatican City – enjoy lovely views over the Basilica, delightful gardens and an unforgettably tranquil ambience, as well as a sightseeing programme. Secret Rome costs from £590 pp with no single supplement (subject to availability) including flights (Gatwick), transfers, B&B, and the services of local guides and representatives. www.vjv.com
Erfoud, Morocco
Spectre (2015)
Erfoud, in Morocco’s Sahara, is no stranger to film crews; Prince of Persia and The Mummy were both shot in the area. It’s not so much the town itself that’s of interest, but the spectacular surrounding scenery. In Merzouga, 50 km further on, you’ll find awesome Erg Chebbi – a sea of dunes, some 150 metres high, where the absolute silence is eerily exciting. A seven-night self-drive trip, split between Merzouga (half board) and the thrilling city of Fes (B&B), costs from £672 pp (two sharing) including direct flights from London, all accommodation, transfers and car hire. lawrenceofmorocco.com
London, England
Spectre (2015)
Filming of the new James Bond film Spectre has taken place at many London landmarks including City Hall, Westminster Bridge and MI6’s riverside headquarters. The Goring in fashionable Belgravia is just moments from where Bond author Ian Fleming once lived and is the perfect bolthole for Bond. The five-star hotel boasts exquisite suites, a David Linley-designed Dining Room overseen by Executive Chef Shay Cooper and an atmospheric bar which serves Bond’s classic tipple – a Vodka Martini – shaken not stirred. An overnight stay costs from £450 per room/£225 pp (two sharing). prideofbritainhotels.com
Venice, Italy
Casino Royale (2006)
Featured in no less than three Bond films, Venice is memorable to many for the tragic dénouement between 007 (Daniel Craig) and his lady love, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green). Stroll like a secret agent in the city where every vista is of silver-screen quality, enjoying four nights for the price of three (saving up to £126 pp) at the four-star Ca’ dei Conti, close to St Mark’s Square. The price is from £598 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), water taxi transfers, accommodation with breakfast, entrance to the Doge’s Palace, Guggenheim or Accademia, Kirker Guide Notes and Kirker Concierge service. kirkerholidays.com
Las Vegas, USA
Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Bond visits Vegas in Diamonds Are Forever to try and stop Blofeld from building a world-destroying satellite. Up to his usual tricks, Bond charms Plenty O’Toole at a craps table before bedding jewel thief, Tiffany Case (after Plenty is thrown out of a window). Complete your own Bond-worthy mission and cycle over 300 miles to the Sunset Strip in Las Vegas, following Route 66 from the Grand Canyon. Departing 12 March 2016, this new eight-day trip costs from £2,299 pp (two sharing), including flights (London), transport, accommodation, most meals, bicycle hire and Discover Adventure support team. discoveradventure.com
Himeji Castle & Gunkanjima, Japan
You Only Live Twice (1967) and Skyfall (2012)
Step into the shoes of Bond and jet over to Japan to visit the 1581-built Himeji Castle in Hyogo. Used in You Only Live Twice as a hide-out for ninjas and allies of Tiger Tanaka, Himeji is one of Japan’s finest examples of castle architecture. Later, head to the island of Gunkanjima, used by the villainous Raoul Silva in Skyfall. Visit all these destinations and more during a 15-night Bond-themed trip, from £1,809 pp (two sharing), including three nights at New Otani Hotel, Tokyo (used in You Only Live Twice), a tour of Himeji Castle, a trip to Gunkanjima, some meals and all domestic transfers. International flights extra. insidejapantours.com
Miami, USA
Goldfinger (1964)
James Bond (Sean Connery) checks into the glitzy Fontainebleau and enjoys a poolside massage while being briefed on his next mission: Goldfinger. The five-star hotel features in many of the film’s most memorable scenes: the sweeping aerial shot set to John Barry’s Into Miami soundtrack, the rigged game of gin rummy and the fateful end of gold-painted Bond-girl Jill Masterton. Today, the hotel remains Bond-worthy with a wealth of world-class restaurants and elegant cocktail bars. Enjoy four nights for the price of three (room only) at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach from £965 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow). dialaflight.com.
Meteora, Greece
For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Fearless Bond scales dizzying heights in For Your Eyes Only to reach a remote monastery perched atop a towering rock pillar. UNESCO-listed Meteora is a unique complex of monasteries built in a region of almost inaccessible sandstone pinnacles, where monks first settled in the 11th century and still reside today. The seven-night Corfu, Vikos Gorge & Meteora self-guided walk includes a spectacular trail through the region and a chance to visit two of the monasteries. From £675 pp (two sharing) including B&B, some meals, luggage transfers, route information and some taxi transfers. Flights extra. onfootholidays.co.uk
