Themed Trips: itineraries inspired by films, books and series

In recent years, the concept of themed trips has become one of the most popular forms of tourism, offering fans of films, books and series the opportunity to experience their favorite stories in real locations.

Through these personalized itineraries, it is possible to visit iconic settings and recreate the experiences lived by the characters, transforming a simple trip into an immersive journey.

In addition to captivating fans, themed trips bring economic benefits to destinations, strengthening tourism in regions that would often not be explored by conventional tourists.

What are themed trips?

Thematic trips are scripts created around a specific work of fiction, be it cinematographic, literary or television.

These itineraries transport travelers to places that inspired authors and filmmakers, or where famous scenes were filmed.

The experience allows tourists to fully immerse themselves in the fictional universes they love so much, connecting fantasy with reality.

Many destinations, such as New Zealand — which has become synonymous with The Lord of the Rings —, invested heavily in promoting this type of tourism.

According to data from the New Zealand Tourism Board, the country received a 50% increase in visitor numbers following the release of Peter Jackson's film franchise, with many tourists traveling solely to explore Middle-earth.

Main themed travel itineraries

Below, we explore a variety of destinations around the world, inspired by different works of literature, cinema and TV series.

These themed tours attract tourists looking for a deeper connection with their favorite stories.

1. Scotland – The Outlander

Scotland is the perfect setting for fans of the series Outlander, based on the books by Diana Gabaldon.

The country boasts stunning landscapes, medieval castles and historic villages, which have become the essence of the production.

Places such as Doune Castle (which serves as the setting for the fictional Castle Leoch) and the Craigh na Dun stones, where the protagonist Claire takes her journey through time, are some of the most visited tourist attractions by fans.

The series has inspired tourism in Scotland, with a significant increase in visitor numbers since its debut in 2014. According to the Visit Scotland, fans of the series represent 8% of total tourism in the country.

2. New Zealand – The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit

The trilogies The Lord of the Rings It is The Hobbit popularized New Zealand's stunning landscapes as Middle-earth, making the country one of the most sought-after destinations for fantasy fans.

Places such as Hobbiton (in Matamata), Ruapehu Mountain (Mordor) and the Pelennor battlefields near Twizel are visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Themed tourism in New Zealand is one of the country's economic pillars, accounting for approximately 18% of all international visits.

For travelers, this is a chance to walk the same paths as Frodo, Gandalf and company.

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3. London – Harry Potter

The saga Harry Potter left an indelible mark on London, which continues to attract fans of the young wizard looking for a magical experience.

Visitors can explore Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station, visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour to see film sets, and stroll streets such as Diagon Alley, recreated in Leadenhall Market.

London and its surrounding areas are one of the main destinations for literary and film tourism. According to the Visit Britain, the Harry Potter franchise generates over £100 million in tourism revenue annually.

4. Northern Ireland – Game of Thrones

With its epic settings and dense plots, game of Thrones has turned Northern Ireland into an essential destination for fans of the series.

Places such as Dark Hedges, which represented the road to King's Landing, and Ballintoy Harbour, which served as a port for the Iron Islands, are among the most visited.

Additionally, fans can explore Ward Castle, which was used as Winterfell in early seasons.

The success of game of Thrones generated a significant impact on the region's economy.

It is estimated that since the series began, the number of tourists has grown by around 120%, with more than 350,000 visitors per year interested in exploring the filming locations.

5. Croatia – Game of Thrones and Star Wars

Dubrovnik, Croatia, became world famous as the capital of Westeros, King's Landing, in game of Thrones.

Furthermore, the city served as a setting for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Sightseeing tours offer the opportunity to relive iconic scenes from both productions, exploring the city's architectural and historical details.

Dubrovnik's popularity as a tourist destination has seen a substantial increase in recent years, especially following the success of game of Thrones.

In 2019, more than 1.27 million tourists visited the city, driven by interest in the series' filming locations.

6. Prague – Mission Impossible and The Three Musketeers

Prague, with its charming architecture, has been chosen as a location for countless films and series, making it a perfect city for fiction lovers.

In the capital of the Czech Republic, scenes from films such as Mission Impossible It is The Three Musketeers came to life in historic locations such as Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.

In addition to action films, Prague is the setting for several literary works.

Fans of author Franz Kafka can also explore the city to better understand the environments that influenced his writings, including The Process.

7. Paris – The Da Vinci Code and Emily in Paris

Paris, the city of light, is famous for its connection with cinema and literature.

One of the most popular routes among tourists is inspired by The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown, which combines history, mystery and architecture.

Visiting the Louvre Museum and the Church of Saint-Sulpice is a way to explore the settings of the work.

Furthermore, the series Emily in Paris, recently launched by Netflix, attracted new tourists to the French capital, interested in following in the footsteps of the young marketing executive through iconic neighborhoods such as Montmartre and the Jardin du Luxembourg.

8. Tuscany, Italy – Under the Tuscan Sun and Letters to Juliet

A Tuscany, with its vineyards and enchanting landscapes, is the ideal destination for those looking for romantic itineraries inspired by films such as Under the Tuscan Sun It is Letters to Juliet.

Travelers can explore charming villages, sample local cuisine and, of course, enjoy the landscapes that served as the backdrop for these love stories.

Studies show that tourism in Tuscany grew by 7% after the launch of Letters to Juliet It is Under the Tuscan Sun, with an influx of visitors eager to relive the romances from the films.

Literature as a Source of Inspiration

Although cinema and TV series dominate the entertainment scene, themed trips, books continue to be a rich source of inspiration for those wishing to explore literary destinations. Some of the most iconic routes include:

• Oxford, England – The Chronicles of Narnia: The city of Oxford, where CS Lewis taught, served as inspiration for many aspects of The Chronicles of Narnia. Visitors can explore historic colleges and gardens that evoke the kingdom of Narnia.
• St. Petersburg, Russia – Crime and Punishment: Fans of Crime and Punishment, by Dostoevsky, you can stroll through the streets of Saint Petersburg and visit the places that served as the setting for the dense narrative of the Russian classic.

Economic and Cultural Impact of Thematic Travel

Themed tourism has generated significant economic benefits for destinations chosen as locations for major productions.

According to the British Film Institute, tourism related to films and series generates more than £1.8 billion in the UK annually.

Cities that were previously little explored by conventional tourists have seen a sharp increase in the number of visitors.

Work	Location	Economic Impact
Harry Potter	London, England	£100 million per year
game of Thrones	Northern Ireland	350 thousand tourists annually
The Lord of the Rings	New Zealand	18% of annual tourists

Final Considerations

To the themed trips are much more than a passing trend.

They offer fans the opportunity to experience their favorite stories in an immersive way, transforming destinations into true portals to fictional worlds.

At the same time, these trips contribute to the economic and cultural growth of the regions, strengthening global tourism.

Whether you're exploring the magical world of Harry Potter in London or hiking the fields of Hobbiton in New Zealand, themed trips offer a unique and unforgettable way to travel.