Following in The Footsteps of James Bond to Famous 007 Filming Locations
There’s no denying that throughout half a century of James Bond films, when it comes to breathtaking and exotic locales nobody does it better. From the world’s highest peaks in Switzerland to the majestic pyramids at Giza and the deepest parts of the Pacific Ocean, Bond has seen it all. Watching the films, one gets a feeling of wanderlust, dreaming of what it would be like to be the famous spy at those exotic locations. Well, dream no more. Let us take you on a journey to some of the famous locations that you can visit anytime.
Let’s start off in the Swiss Alps with Goldfinger, the film that first introduced the ubiquitous Aston Martin DB5, which Bond drives on the scenic Furka Pass. Today, you can rent a car and drive the winding road yourself. However, be cautioned as it sits at an elevation of 2,431m and is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Still climbing, you will arrive at Piz Gloria in the Swiss Alps, featured in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, where Blofeld’s “allergy clinic” is located, according to Travel Pulse. It sits majestically atop the Schilthorn Mountain peak. Today, it is the famous Restaurant Piz Gloria where you can enjoy a hefty James Bond breakfast buffet.
From snowy peaks to desert dunes, the iconic filming locations of the Pyramids at Giza, Luxor, and the Temple Complex of Karnak were featured in 007’s adventures in Egypt as seen in the The Spy Who Loved Me. Now, you can take a train from Cairo to Giza and Luxor to visit these now iconic Bond locations, and learn more about Egyptian culture.
The James Bond films in the 60s and 70s were some of the first to inspire the post-war generation to travel. Nowadays, the allure of travel that Bond presented has be copied and amplified by modern media for the following generations. Many different platforms have also capitalised on the business of providing travel inspiration, and the locations shown in Bond have gone on to become bucket list destinations because of this. bwin Casino features games based on Egyptian locations and lore such as Pyramid the Quest of Immortality, Ancient Egypt and Crown of Egypt. Like the The Spy Who Loved Me, these games highlight the mystic symbolism of the pyramids and Egyptian culture. Despite the differences in the delivery, the same themes and images are still portrayed, showing how Egypt’s allure never changes.
The sands of Egypt give way to the brilliant waters of Phang Nga Bay at Phuket, Thailand where Scaramanga’s island hideout, the 66-foot-tall islet of Ko Tapu from The Man with The Golden Gun is situated. You can make the trek by bus from Phuket Town and brave the boat trip, but be warned, unlike 44 years ago when the film was made, today the island is overrun with tourists hungry to see “James Bond Island.” Still at sea level, the majestic Lake Palace at Udaipur in India was the scene of Octopussy’s lair in Octopussy. You can visit the site and indulge in some Bond luxury as it has now been transformed into a five-star hotel. It provides visitors the same royal treatment that the Maharaja of Udaipur received back when the palace was built.
We’ll end underwater in Nassau and Paradise Island in the Bahamas. This is where Bond and Domino’s underwater tryst and underwater battle from Thunderball were filmed. Nassau was also featured in Casino Royale where Daniel Craig famously followed in the footsteps of Sean Connery. He stayed at the One&Only Ocean Club, where there’s a three-to-one staff to guest ratio. You can do the same and visit the luxurious island, which is home to expensive hotels, resorts and fine dining. So, get out there. Remember, “you only live twice Mr. Bond!”
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