James Bond: Thomas Cook’s Top 10 Bond Destinations

Daniel Craig returns as James Bond in Skyfall this week, which will be the 23rd action-adventure in the franchise. Many of the film’s most famous scenes have been shot in exotic places, here are a few

Over the years many of the film’s most famous scenes have been shot in some of the most glamorous and picturesque places around the World – Thomas Cook takes a look at the top ten.

1. Istanbul – (Skyfall, From Russia, With Love, The World is Not Enough)

One of the popular destinations for Bond films, Istanbul combines history with beautiful architecture and an element of mystery that keeps the 007 crew coming back time and time again.

Straddling two continents, Istanbul offers an intoxicating blend of east and west. Civilisations have left their mark and can be seen today in the city’s fascinating pot-pourri of architectural styles.

2.  Venice – (From Russia With Love, Casino Royale)

Italy continues to be a big draw for Britain’s favourite secret agent, with Venice playing host to two of the most popular Bond films ever. Italy’s floating city oozes Hollywood glamour and the iconic scenery provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for any blockbuster movie.

Stay at the five star Danieli Hotel, located on the famous Riva Degli Schiavoni, it’s one of the most iconic in Venice and has been the star of not just one, but two James Bond movies (Casino Royale and Moonraker).

3.  Jamaica – (Dr No, Live and Let Die)

This Caribbean island is a favourite James Bond destination and was the set of one of the most iconic Bond girl scenes in history.  One of the island’s beaches is even named after the man himself – ‘James Bond Beach’.

Boasting an abundance of natural beauty with its jungle clad mountains, breath-taking waterfalls, superb white sand beaches combined with the easy-going charm of its people, it’s not surprising you will find yourself returning to Jamaica time after time.

4. Las Vegas – (Diamonds Are Forever)

The destination of choice this year for Royalty, A-listers, sports and music stars, Las Vegas is the ultimate adults’ playground and the set for many blockbuster movies. Diamonds Are Forever features some of Las Vegas’s famous landmarks and hotels including Circus Circus Hotel & Casino and the Las Vegas Hilton.

A truly 24-hour city, where the nights are even more dazzling than the sunny days. Take a break from the casinos and shopping malls and enjoy a once in a lifetime helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon or show your romantic side with the other half and renew the old wedding vows.

5. Bahamas – (Thunderball, License to Kill, Casino Royale)

Located off the east coast of Florida, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas is a stunning collection of 700 islands. Used as the backdrop for Daniel Craig’s memorable walk out the sea in ‘those’ trunks in Casino Royale, these Caribbean islands are well and truly part of the Bonds’ must famous filming locations.

6. Thailand – (Man With The Golden Gun, Tomorrow Never Dies)

Phang Nga, Thailand, also known as James Bond Island made a huge impression in the 1974 James Bond film Man With the Golden Gun. To visit the set its best to stay on the island of Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular resorts. Offering all the ingredients for the perfect beach holiday, this Thai Island is surrounded by 25 miles of perfect beaches and is one of the world’s top ten dive sites.

7. Mexico – (Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Quantum of Solace)         

With its dramatic landscapes from mountains to deserts to rainforests – Mexico has played host to 007 classics such as Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and most recently, Quantum of Solace, where the airstrip in the popular resort of San Felipe in Baja California was used to shoot for this film.

Popular year round, Mexico offers the perfect combination of colourful culture, great cuisine and beautiful coastline. Here you can do as little or as much as you like and enjoy some of the world’s finest hotels and resorts.                     

8. Egypt – (The Spy Who Loved Me, Diamonds Are Forever)

Offering some of the world’s most recognisable sites it’s no wonder the Bond crew return to Egypt to film. Featured in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me,  James Bond is dispatched to Cairo where some of the films famous scenes were shot around the Pyramids and Great Sphinx alongside scenes in Cairo city itself.

Take a trip to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts where you relax on the beach or enjoy what lies beneath with some of the world’s best dive sites. Whilst here you can enjoy a day trip to Cairo and see the sets for yourself.

9. Miami – (Thunderball, Goldfinger, Casino Royale)

The Fontainebleau Hilton in Miami played host to Goldfinger in this 1964 James Bond Classic. A popular choice for filming – this hotel also feature in The Bellboy, Scarface and The Bodyguard. Miami is also featured as a backdrop in a number of other Bond movies including Casino Royale and Thunderball.

Famous for its beaches, architecture and scores of celebrity visitors each year, Miami combines a rich and diverse culture, exclusive boutiques and exciting nightlife with a near perfect year-round climate – what’s not to like!

10. Monte Carlo – (GoldenEye)

Monte-Carlo is a by-word for wealth, glamour and sophistication which fits perfectly with James Bond so it’s not surprising filming has taken place here.  The World famous Monte Carlo Casino features in Goldeneye

Famed for the pink Palais Princier, the Grand prix, the Casino and of course the yachts – Monte Carlo is the perfect combination of a city break and sunshine getaway. Arrive in true James Bond style with helicopter transfers for a truly unforgettable weekend away.

For more information on all the destinations visit www.tcsignature.com or www.crestaholidays.co.uk

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Shabana Adam