Taj Mahal
This week sees the release of Eat, Pray, Love, a new film based on Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling novel that’s sure to ignite wanderlust in many a holidaymaker! The film tells the story of Elizabeth, played by Julia Roberts, who travels around the world to the likes of Italy and India on a journey of self discovery.
The film is sure to join the many movies to have inspired people to travel to places they might not normally have considered as a holiday destination. With that in mind, here’s Thomson and First Choice’s top tips for holidays around the world where some of all-time favourite films were shot for the big screen.
INDIA - Eat, Pray, Love
Eat, Pray, Love sees Julia Roberts visit India in an effort to escape reality and immerse herself in the tranquillity of an Ashram. Sure to captivate your body, soul and mind, Goa offers fun and culture with a laid back pace. Holiday in the ‘Land of the Gods’ or combine a stay in Goa with a tour of India’s other hotspots for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Thomson’s ‘Golden Triangle Tour’ includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur for the chance to experience old and new in one big adventure.
TUNISIA - Star Wars
Star Wars fans will know all about Tatooine, Luke Skywalker’s home planet. Contrary to the film’s opening titles, Tatooine isn’t in a galaxy far, far away - it’s actually just a three hour flight from the UK! Tatooine is in fact Tunisia. The country’s dusky landscape and exotic-looking medinas suited George Lucas’ vision perfectly and you can even visit ‘Star Wars Canyon’, also known as Sidi Bouhel, which is the gully where R2-D2 is captured by the Jawas.
Tunisia was also the location for the Oscar-winning The English Patient, and action blockbuster, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Monty Python’s Life of Brian is also worth a mention as filming took place at the Amphitheatre at El Djem, the Kasbah of Sousse and several other towns and areas.
MOROCCO – Sex and the City
This sequel finds the four friends on an all expenses paid vacation in Abu Dhabi, but as the crew were not able to film in the Emirates, they ended up spending eight weeks shooting in Morocco. Create your own fashionably fabulous vacation with the help of Thomson and make sure to visit Marrakech’s medina where Carrie met up with old flame Aidan!
JAMAICA – Dr. No
In the very first James Bond film, Dr. No, 007 investigates the disappearance of a missing colleague in Jamaica, which leads him to the island of the mysterious Dr. No. However, it is Ursula Andress’ character ‘Honey Ryder’ that grabs all of the attention when she emerges from the Caribbean Sea wearing that bikini. Shot almost entirely on location in Jamaica, the white sands and swaying palm trees are the perfect backdrop for a classic Ian Fleming adventure, as well as a chilled-out tropical holiday.
TENERIFE – Clash of the Titans
In 2009, Warner Bros Pictures flew a 350-strong production team to Tenerife to work on the Hollywood blockbuster, Clash of the Titans. Based on the cult 1981 film of the same name, the story revolves around the Greek myth of Perseus and his quest to save Princess Andromeda. Starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Worthington, this 2010 epic showcased Tenerife’s unique scenery, including Teide National Park and the coast in the districts of Icod, Buenavista del Norte and Guía de Isora.
To visit any of these locations, visit thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.
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