Whether the movie is Under the Tuscan Sun, Tomb Raider, Eurotrip or Motorcycle Diaries, all of them offer the most unusual inspirations for holidays. So if you are wondering where to holiday next, get inspiration from celluloid and live life like a movie star...
Frodo Baggins discovering the world that lay beyond his village or Lucy investigating the kingdom inside the closet – both the characters found the same land, the Land of Kiwis – New Zealand. New Zealand offers a wide variety of locations to choose from and is ideal for shooting locations. None can tell that Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe were not only the same country but more or less the same locations. The beauty of New Zealand can be moulded to suit the script with its gorgeous landscapes all the while providing a sense of comfort and serenity. It emanates purity and seems completely unspoiled and untouched.
Jackson and his team scoured New Zealand for the most beautiful and diverse areas. The rolling hills of Matamata became Hobbiton, while the volcanic region of Mt. Ruapehu transformed into the fiery Mt. Doom where Sauron forged The Ring, and Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, was the setting for numerous scenes including the Eregion Hills, and the Pillars of Argonath.
This region holds many attractions for tourists and none of them better than being the homeland of fantasies and make-believe. To enjoy the magic of LOTR and Narnia, visit Tongariro National Park, Otago, Canterbury, Wairarapa and Waikato.
The Tongariro National Park encircles the volcanoes of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. The fact that the volcanoes are active doesn’t deter people from skiing down their slopes and hiking up to their craters. Precautionary measures like monitoring systems provide early warnings of eruptions. The park’s most celebrated activity is the ‘Tongariro Crossing’, a day trek that crosses the otherworldly landscape between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Steaming craters, old lava flows and thermal lakes make the walk an unforgettable experience.
The Otago Peninsula in Dunedin is a wonderful place to see wildlife—hike down across the sand dunes at Sandfly Bay to see the Sea Lions playing on the beach. And the Central Otago area produces award winning wines made from varieties such as the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Riesling grapes.
The Canterbury landscape is impossible to ignore. Big scenery is the order of the day—huge panoramas of the ocean ahead or mountains, blended with great sweeps of pastureland and vast swathes of sky.
Wairarapa is tucked away in the south-east corner of the North Island, at the foot of the rugged Tararua Range. Maori called the region ‘Land of Glistening Waters’. It promises a diverse experience for those who appreciate great wine, gourmet food, astonishing wildlife and natural beauty. Rolling vineyards, acres of apple orchards, fields of lavender, olive groves, heritage museums and quaint historic towns combine to make Wairarapa an appealing destination.
The Waikato region has two spectacular landscapes—one above ground, the other below. In both cases, nature has been generous. On the lush surface, the scenery is green to the extreme. Fertile soils, reliable rainfall and kind temperatures have created a pastoral heaven. Below the surface, miracles have been wrought with water and limestone. Vast cave systems, huge sink holes and underground streams provide huge scope for adventure.
New Zealand is the ultimate destination for adventure lovers.
The hills are alive with the sound of music in Austria. The all-time favourite, The Sound of Music, was shot in the town of Salzburg and used the frontage of the Leopoldskron Palace and the lake behind.
Salzburg possesses an indefinable allure being the birthplace of Mozart, he of the prodigious musical talent. Mozart’s birthplace and childhood home in the Getreidegasse is a must see for classical music aficionados.
Salzburg is justifiably proud of its most illustrious son. In fact, they are so puffed up about him that they hold not one but two annual music festivals in his honour. The larger and more renowned of the two is the Salzburger Festspiele held over five weeks in summer. Started in 1877 it has featured the cream of 19th and 20th century musicians and conductors. In 1936 the festival featured the Trapp Family Singers whose story was later dramatized as The Sound of Music.
The other music festival is closer at hand—the Salzburg Easter Festival which this year will be held over ten days from March 15-24. This year’s highlights include a performance of Wagner’s Die Walküre and six performances by the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.
Salzburg holds a quaint fairytale charm due in no small part to Julie Andrews’ character in the film, Maria. The places to see are exactly those showcased in the true-to-life musical, some of the most gorgeous locations in the region. This part of Austria is steeped in history—stories of star-crossed lovers, royal tales and a timeless feeling of being blessed in the abbey.
Abbey Church of St. Peter is a handsome church that was founded by St. Rupert and is the church of St. Peter’s Abbey and Benedictine Monastery. This is where Mozart’s famed Mass in C Minor premiered in 1783, with his wife, Constanze, singing the lead soprano role.
Mirabell Palace is certainly a place of great beauty and the palace gardens are equally delightful. The world-famous Mirabell Gardens were built along a north-south axis and oriented towards the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Salzburger Dom cathedral. The gardens are decorated with the statues of the Roman Gods in their entire splendour, as well as, a hedge maze. A small part of it runs along the backside of the castle bearing a fountain with a Pegasus statue at the centre. You can recognize it from the song Do-Re-Mi.
For all those who still believe they are sixteen going on seventeen, The Von Trapp gazebo, used for the song, once stood in the grounds of Leopoldskron Palace, but constant trespassing resulted in it being moved and reconstructed in the ornamental gardens of Hellbrunn Castle.
The backyards of Leopoldskron Palace, facing the lake can still be visited. The estate’s magical water-gate terrace, adorned with rearing horse sculptures and the site of so many memorable scenes in the movie, is a must see.
The beauty of Salzburg is of great appeal to art lovers and the perfect destination for honeymooners or those who value peace, tranquillity and privacy.
Dean Martin captured the essence of Rome in his soundtrack, An Evening in Roma, for the Lizzie McGuire movie. Rome has always been right there with the shimmering lights of Paris as the haven for lovers – young or old, it doesn’t matter. If you are single, the spirited Italians will sweep you off your feet. It began to gain popularity after Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s romantic liaison in Roman Holiday. The stunning art and architecture, the grandeur of life and the charming citizens; guarantee an unforgettable experience.
The only fault, perhaps, of Rome is that there is too much to see. There exists a wonderful blend of the old and the not so old, from the ancient Coliseum to the wealth and splendour of the Vatican City, the city has attracted some of the world’s finest artists, architects and engineers throughout the centuries. At times, it feels as though you are walking through a museum, only not as boring. The streets possess their own charm with roadside cafes skirting the sidewalks and musicians and artists at the corners and the piazzas.
The Fountain of Trevi is a sure stop for all visitors, and never loses its appeal. Apart from the exquisite detailing, the fountain also encourages the belief of granting wishes. Flip a single coin into the fountain to ensure a quick return to Rome, two coins for a brief romance in the city and three to marry a Roman. It is a living legend to prove the hordes that believe in fairytale endings.
All those who have watched Roman Holiday, will remember how they held their breath during the scene where Gregory Peck places his hand in the Mouth of Truth, hung in the Church of Santa Maria. This cracked marble disk, depicts the image of a river God and is believed that a liar would lose his hand if he placed it in the mouth of what is also known as the Bocca del Verita. Even though it doesn’t work anymore, the moment you take the test of truth, a shiver will creep up your spine.
The elegant Spanish Steps, are one of the best places in the Italian capital to enjoy the days and evenings, watching people pass by and observing lifestyles. They owe their name to the fact that they once linked the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. Facing the Spanish Steps is a shopper’s paradise where famous boutiques like Valentino, Bulgari, Gianni Versace, Cartier, Chanel and many others can be found.
Today, the Colosseum is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks and tourist attractions. Although it survives only as a ruin, it still rates as one of the finest examples of Roman architecture and engineering. Home to brutal battles between man and beast, it is an imposing building along with the most symbolic. Walking around this amphitheatre is fascinating as you try to imagine what it was like in all its glory and gore. You can almost hear the Roman multitudes roar their approval as they watched gladiators fight one another to death or the early Christians cast to the lions.
Finally, no visit to Rome is complete without seeing the Vatican City. It is a sight which deserves many pages and hard to cover in this limited space. A visit to the Vatican Museum is arguably the most inspiring experience in Rome. As you stroll through the rooms you will seldom close your mouth as each one is as jaw-dropping as the next; especially the Sistine Chapel.
So, those looking for a tryst, whether for romance or history, all roads lead to Rome.