Top Ten James Bond Destinations

Paris

Fearless baddie May Day’s leap off the Eiffel tower, played by Grace Jones in the film A View to a Kill, was pretty spectacular as far as Bond stunts go. The Eiffel tower, located in the chic French capital Paris is one of the many jaw-dropping landmarks the city has to offer. With flights aplenty from the UK, Paris is a top city break destination - as well as being home to the iconic tower, you can visit other illustrious places of interest such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur. On a night take advantage of the fine restaurants, head to the renowned Moulin Rouge or simply gaze in wonderment as you stroll down the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Florida

The Florida coastline has been cast in Bond films such as Thunderball and Licence to Kill. Miami and Key West in particular are areas that have been used to shoot the famous films, where landmarks such as Hemingway house and the seven mile bridge can be seen. The Florida coastline has long been a firm favourite of the British holidaymaker. With sun-kissed white powdery beaches and areas of interest like the Kennedy space centre it makes for a great holiday base. Many choose to stay in fun packed Orlando, with its fantastic theme parks and great shopping malls.

Monte Carlo

In GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan’s Bond can be seen at the famous Monte Carlo casino in an archetypal screen moment. After all, casinos and James Bond go hand in hand, and the fact that Monte Carlo was used as the location only helped to evoke the kudos of the Bond character. Monte Carlo is situated on the French Riviera, full of glitz and glamour and famous landmarks making for an exciting short break experience. The famous casino aside, you can trace the route of the famous Monaco grand prix where only the true great drivers like Ayrton Senna win or take a stroll along the über glamorous harbour where you can mix with the millionaires and their colossal yachts. You would struggle to find a more elegant setting anywhere in the world!

Las Vegas

Never one to shy away from a game of poker or chancing his arm on a roulette table, tuxedo-clad James Bond was in his element in the extravagant city of Las Vegas, the setting for Diamonds Are Forever. This man-made oasis in the Nevada desert is like a fantasy bubble, and home to some of the largest, most outrageous and extravagant casinos and hotels the world has to offer. Las Vegas regularly plays host to world championship boxing, music concerts and other large events. You can also take a helicopter ride down the famous strip or through the nearby Grand Canyon – which is not for the fainthearted! Las Vegas has the word Fun (with a capital F) at the top of its agenda.

Tokyo

Sean Connery’s Bond is dispatched to the fascinating city of Tokyo in the film You Only Live Twice where he infiltrates the headquarters of the corrupt industrialist Mr Osato. Tokyo is a spectacular destination to visit with its own quirky unique atmosphere. Modern and hi-tech are the main buzz words here, where you can shop ‘til you drop in the exclusive Ginza area, stay in one of the many lavish hotels or catch the high speed bullet train. True to the city’s roots you can also enjoy the best sushi in the world prepared by immensely skilled chefs and wash it down in true Bond style with a glass or three or saké.

Jamaica

One of the most iconic Bond moments of all time is set at the idyllic Crab Key in Jamaica, in the film Dr No. Honey Ryder, played by the stunning Ursula Andress, emerges from the sea, singing Underneath the Mango Tree, in her famous white bikini, where Sean Connery's Bond is waiting to surprise her. Jamaica was also one of the backdrops used in the film Live and Let Die and in fact James Bond creator Ian Fleming chose to live on this beautiful island. Jamaica probably doesn’t need an introduction to most people – this fascinating place speaks for itself! Birthplace of Bob Marley - the most famous reggae musician ever, here you can visit the famous distilleries, go diving along amazing coral reefs or simply soak up the sun on the immaculate Caribbean beaches, all the while absorbing the vibe of the reggae rhythm that Jamaica can lay claim to being home to.

Egypt

In Egypt, Roger Moore's Bond had to wrestle with the gigantic figure of the metal-mouthed Jaws, in the film The Spy Who Loved Me. The action was filmed partly in Luxor as well as the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Famous landmarks such as the Karnak temple and the Pyramids of Giza can be seen whilst watching the film. Whether it’s exploring its ancient history, cruising up the famous River Nile or relaxing along one of the Red Sea’s gorgeous coastal resorts, Egypt offers so much to so many different types of holidaymaker that it’s easy to see why it is now such a popular destination to visit.

Turkey

James Bond scenes are often set in Istanbul, Turkey. Sean Connery’s Bond was seen collecting a vital decoding machine at the impressive Hagia palace in the film From Russia With Love, whilst Maiden’s tower appeared in The World Is Not Enough staring Pierce Brosnan. Istanbul is an exhilarating city full of charm and has lots of mesmerizing architecture. It is situated on the banks of the Bosphorus River and has a great culture, with influences from both Europe and Asia making it a perfect place to go for a long weekend. In a recent poll, it was voted as one of the top three best European cities to visit.

Switzerland

The Schilthorn summit in the Swiss Alps can be seen in scenes from the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, in which George Lazenby makes his one and only appearance as James Bond. Switzerland is seen by many as the premier alpine destination. Tourists flock to the exclusive Swiss Alps in the wintertime as the ski resorts come into their own, attracting people there with all the fresh alpine air, spectacular scenery and great skiing facilities they could possibly want.

Venice

Venice creates a special Bond-esque setting, hence why it has been used in many Bond films, most recently in Casino Royale, starring Daniel Craig. If there was a country called Romance, then Venice would be its capital! Couples gather here year after year, drawn in by its fabulous squares and attractive canals where you can take a dreamy ride on a gondola boat. Flights and hotels can get full quickly here in peak periods (for example Valentine’s day), so book up early to avoid disappointment.

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