60 YEARS OF BOND, JAMES BOND!

As the 60th anniversary of the first James Bond Film approaches we take time to reflect on all the wonderful destinations that these much-loved films were created in. From the sights of San Francisco to Istanbul’s bustling Grand Bazaar, when the James Bond team step outside Pinewood Studios they make sure they pick some of the most incredible destinations around the world to visit.

Here are our 007 James Bond filming locations that are perfect destinations for the solo traveller to explore and share in the wonder with likeminded travellers.

PUGLIA, ITALY

In Daniel Craig’s last outing as the iconic secret agent– No Time To Die, the fascinating city of Matera is the backdrop for one of the franchise’s most dramatic chase sequences. It’s easy to understand why, as Matera is well-known for its Sassi dwellings carved into the hillside, offering lots of small winding roads and doorways to disappear through at each turn. On a singles holiday to southern Italy, you too can visit this UNESCO-listed town, considered to be among the earliest human settlements. While many of these unique houses remain uninhabitable today, much work has been done to regenerate the area to become one of the most picturesque destinations in the area, and there is no better way to explore than on a walking tour!

HIMEJI CASTLE, JAPAN

Sean Connery had the joy of travelling to Japan, a country of considerable contrasts, where traditional tea ceremonies meet high technology. In the film You Only Live Twice, Japan’s most important cultural building, Himeji Castle was turned into Tiger Tanaka’s ninja training school. Nowadays it is perhaps better known as the largest castle in Japan and the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the country. On a solos holiday to Japan, you’ll see this incredible hillside complex along with many other magnificent sights the country has to offer.

IGUACU FALLS, ARGENTINA & BRAZIL

In Moonraker, Roger Moore’s Bond is chased along the Iguacu River by villain Jaws and we see the incredible Iguacu Falls in the background. The Iguacu River forms the border between Argentina and Brazil and on a solo tour to South America, you have the opportunity to visit the magnificent falls from both countries. The Devil’s Throat is possibly the most iconic of all the falls as water thunders over the edge, but the whole of the park offers solo travellers one wow moment after another.

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, USA

A View to A Kill sees Ian Fleming’s character experiencing many of San Francisco’s famous sights – the renowned cable cars, Fisherman’s Wharf, winding Lombard Street and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco is a must visit on singles tours to West USA. The Golden Gate Bridge has become a major sight in the USA and is recognised the world over, with its iconic International Orange colour – which is said to take more than 10,000 gallons of paint a year. It’s well worth taking a trip over the bridge (by coach, bike or foot) to visit the park which provides wonderful views across the bay.

SCHONBRUNN PALACE, AUSTRIA

The Schonbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s main tourist attractions and featured in The Living Daylights. Timothy Dalton’s Bond is seen riding through the palace gardens, and to say they are stunning is an understatement. On a solo tour to Vienna you’ll see many of the sights of the city including the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace. Why not spend some free time and follow in the footsteps of our favourite MI6 agent and wander through the sculpted gardens, where you see the Neptune Fountain and visit the Gloriette to discover panoramic views of the city.

TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

Sometimes even a secret agent likes to indulge in a spot of sightseeing and in Octopussy, we see Roger Moore take a flight past one of India’s most iconic sights whilst tailing enemy Kamal Khan and his Fabergé eggs. The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the modern world and is a must visit on a solo tour to India. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of his love for his wife, this magnificent mausoleum can only be described as breath-taking. Its marble white walls are inlaid with semi-precious stones and appear to change colour as the sun shines upon it. 

THE GRAND BAZAAR, TURKEY

Daniel Craig visited Turkey during the opening scenes of 2012’s Skyfall. Many prominent scenes were filmed in Istanbul, noticeably the spice market and the Grand Bazaar, where Bond chases Patrice across the rooftops. When taking a solo tour to Turkey make sure you venture inside the bazaar but perhaps on the purpose built lanes rather than the roof tops..! It’s one of the largest covered markets in the world and with more than 4,000 shops selling an array of wonderful wares, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir and practice your bartering skills too.