There’s a new trend in travel, and it’s called ‘set jetting’, where fans travel to places where their favourite TV shows or movies were filmed.
Cashing in on this phenomenon, an increasing number of tourism operators are offering ‘fandom tours’ : self guided or tailored itineraries for visitors to relive moments from the show and create fantasies of their own.
Game of Thrones
As the season finale inches closer (the show premieres on April 14 in the United States), we’re all excited to be back in Westeros and it’s never ending political intricacies, subterfuge for power, and of course, giant flying dragons and White Walkers. The series’ majestic landscapes were shot in different locations across Europe and the Mediterranean, but the one that stands out the most is Dubrovnik, aka ‘King’s Landing’.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the culturally-rich medieval town hosts the show’s main plotline, the glory of the Iron Throne and invites fans to relive some of the series’ most crucial moments, including Queen Cersei’s walk of atonement. Klook offers several new themed experiences, including the Game of Thrones Filming Locations Tour, which takes fans through the halls of the Lovrijenac Fortress, the Trsteno Arboretum and the Lokrum Island. Indulge in the fantastical kingdom of Dorne on Klook’s Spanish Cathedral, Alcazar, & Giralda Guided Tour. Known in the real world as Seville, the tour includes a visit to the home of the House of Martell.
Alternatively, a trip to Northern Ireland offers guests a unique opportunity to see that Grjótagjá Rift – the Lake Mývatn Hike and BathTour includes a visit to where Jon Snow took a faithful leap to break his celibacy on a romantic rendezvous with Ygritte. The allure of Northern Ireland’s rich landscapes and the natural geothermal pools provide an insightful and relaxing experience.
Harry Potter
Another popular book and movie series drawing hordes of fans to set locations is the pop culture phenomenon, Harry Potter. The Harry Potter Walking Tour in London has Potterheads stepping into iconic places such as Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross, and the Leaky Cauldron. Alternatively, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter invites Harry Potter maniacs to feed their curiosities on a full day adventure and an in-depth look into the costumes and behind the ‘scenes of the movies’ production.
Sherlock Holmes
K-Dramas
The popularity of the Korean wave has seen a positive pick up on locations featured in many K-dramas. Fans of period shows such as Jewel in the Palace, The Moon That Embraces the Sun and A Man From Another Star will want to go on the Minsok Korean Folk Village tour by KTour Story. The cultural village is home to quaint wooden structures filled with ornate furniture, household items and equipment used in ancient times, as well as replicas of farm land and other important buildings. Not to forget is a tour to Nami Island, where Junsang and Yoojin spent time together riding through a mesmerising boulevard of pine trees.
Crazy Rich Asians
Klook offers a private luxury charter for guests who want to cruise around Singapore feeling like one of the uber-rich characters in the books and the film. Guests can build their own itinerary, so make a pitstop at the world-famous Marina Bay Sands, the Newton Food Centre where Nick brings Rachel for a late night chow down, the stunning 19th century convent-turned-event space Chijmes, or the gorgeous Peranakan heritage houses along Bukit Pasoh Road, where Rachel and best friend Peik Lein discuss ‘strategy’ on dealing with Nick’s mother, Eleanor.
