Hello my dear traveler! As a curator at Extraordinary Travel, I spend my days dreaming up itineraries that feel like stepping into a different world. There is a special kind of magic that happens when you stand on a spot you have only ever seen projected on a giant screen. It turns the silver screen into your own personal reality. Today, I am pulling back the curtain on seven of my absolute favorite filming locations that are just as breathtaking in person as they are on film.

1. Matamata, New Zealand: The Shire

When I send clients to the rolling hills of the Waikato region, I always tell them to prepare for a feeling of profound peace. Walking through the Hobbiton Movie Set, you aren't just visiting a set; you are entering Middle-earth. The lush green slopes, the vibrant flower gardens, and those iconic circular wooden doors are so masterfully maintained that you expect to see Bilbo Baggins stepping out for a morning pipe.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia: King's Landing

There is an undeniable intensity to the stone walls of Dubrovnik. Perched high above the shimmering Adriatic Sea, this city is the literal embodiment of Westeros. I love wandering the labyrinthine limestone streets of the Old Town. When you walk the ancient City Walls, you feel the weight of history—and the epic drama of Game of Thrones. It is a city that demands to be explored on foot, glass of local wine in hand at sunset.

3. Skellig Michael, Ireland: Ahch-To

Getting to Skellig Michael is a journey in itself, but for any Star Wars fan, it is a spiritual pilgrimage. These craggy, remote islands off the coast of County Kerry serve as the dramatic backdrop for Luke Skywalker's exile. The sheer, towering cliffs and the ancient beehive monastery huts feel like the edge of the world. It is wild, windswept, and utterly transformative.

4. Matera, Italy: No Time to Die

I have always had a soft spot for Matera. This ancient city of 'sassi' (cave dwellings) is carved directly into the limestone cliffs of Basilicata. It feels like stepping into a sepia-toned photograph. Its dramatic, rugged beauty made it the perfect backdrop for James Bond's high-octane chase in No Time to Die. It is one of the most unique architectural wonders in Europe and a place I encourage everyone to visit before the rest of the world finds out.

5. Vík, Iceland: The Wall and Beyond

Iceland is a land of extremes, and it is no wonder filmmakers flock here to capture the otherworldly landscapes. From the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara to the shifting glaciers of Vatnajökull, this is where fantasy meets reality. Whether it is the vast emptiness of the North of the Wall from Game of Thrones or the icy vistas of Interstellar, Iceland changes your perspective on what our planet is capable of.

6. Glenfinnan, Scotland: Hogwarts Express Route

There is a mist that clings to the Scottish Highlands that feels like pure magic. Every time I book a trip to the Highlands, I insist my clients take the Jacobite Steam Train. Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a bucket-list moment. Watching that train chug across the towering arches amidst the lush Scottish greenery makes you feel like you are heading to Hogwarts, even if you are just a Muggle on vacation.

7. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco: The Sands of Time

Finally, we head to the desert. This fortified village in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains is a masterpiece of earthen architecture. Its sun-drenched walls have served as a set for countless films, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones. Walking through its narrow alleys as the golden hour light hits the mud-brick towers is an experience that stays with you forever. It feels timeless, ancient, and undeniably epic.

I hope this list has sparked a bit of wanderlust in your soul. Whether you want to climb the steps of a Jedi master or walk the streets of an ancient kingdom, I would be honored to help you craft your own cinematic adventure. Reach out to me at Extraordinary Travel whenever you are ready to turn your favorite movie moments into your next vacation memories. Let us make your story the next one to be told.