OUR TOP
5
How many of us have wanted to walk straight into the pages of
our favorite book? While that might not be possible today,
you can travel to the destinations in which these treasures are
set. A visit to these places will give you the opportunity to
experience them for yourself, imagining what the lives of your
heroes and heroines might be like.
Here are Our Top 5 favorite classic literary works - and the
destinations that made them famous!
It's easy to see why this magical series about a young wizard
growing up and honing his craft whilst in the shadow of the
ever-present Lord Voldemort, the world's most powerful dark wizard,
is popular among children and adults alike. Throughout her
books, J.K Rowling weaves complex, intertwined narratives while
introducing us to what are now some of the world's most famous
villains and protagonists.
One of the most enduring experiences in the student's time at
their school of witchcraft and wizardry is a journey on the
Hogwarts's Express, and now muggles can follow in the footsteps of
Harry, Ron and Hermione with a trip aboard the Jacobite
Steam Train. Following a line that's often described as the
'greatest rail journey in the world', you'll cross the Glenfinnan
Viaduct and take in the scenic landscapes of Scotland's Western
Highland region.
Featured tour: Edinburgh, the
Highlands & Islands
Set amidst the opulence of Russian high society during the
second half of 19th century, Tolstoy's epic tale of love, betrayal
and morality comes to life as you walk the streets of Moscow and St
Petersburg, perhaps even taking the high-speed Sapsan Train
between the two cities much like the fated Anna herself.
You can even visit some of the attractions outlined in the book,
such as Moscow Zoo, Nevsky Prospekt and Peterhof Palace, often
referred to as the 'Russian Versailles' thanks to its beautiful
grounds filled with spectacular fountains and waterways.
Featured tour: Moscow & St
Petersburg
Inspired by the undulating hills around her childhood home of
Hawarth, writer Emily Brontë tells the story of Cathy and
Heathciff, wandering the wild moors of Yorkshire. It's hard not to
attribute some of her character's qualities to the novelist herself
as very little is known about the reclusive and mysterious Emily,
who only ever produced this one novel.
A born story-teller, she manages to describe the natural settings
of her turbulent revenge story in such great detail that visitors
today are still able to pick out topographical landmarks.While
you're in the area, you won't want to miss out on seeing the Brontë
Parsonage itself, the site where this literary family produced some
of the most renowned books in English literature.
Featured tour: Yorkshire &
Northumberland
Just like Sayuri, you too can soak up the sights of Japan's
sublime cherry blossoms in Kyoto, while also taking in other sights
from this novel about being a woman in a heavily male-dominated
culture. The Geisha Quarter of the city still exists, though it
mainly caters to tourists these days as opposed to businessmen
looking for an evening's entertainment, and there are still 260
Geisha living in Gion Corner alone, who you're sure to see out and
about in their authentic kimonos and face paint.
Travel to Kyoto on the Shinkansen, better known as the Bullet Trains,
and be sure to take in a traditional tea ceremony while you're
there, just as young Sayuri does.
Featured tour: Discovering Japan
Perhaps you're tempted to relive the constraints of Edwardian
society as you explore renaissance Florence, the opening setting of
E. M. Forster's much-lauded, A Room with a View. You can, however,
avoid the "peevish wrangling" however of Lucy Honeychurch and her
cousin Charlotte Bartlett by booking your trip in advance to ensure
you get your room with a view.
While you're in the Tuscan capital, enjoy the artistic ambience
exuded by architectural gems such as the Ponte Vecchio, Dante's
tomb, located in the heart of Santa Croce, and the ever romantic
yet distinctive Duomo. Pick your way through the medieval streets
on your way to an afternoon at the Uffizi or take a table at one of
the many pavement cafés and enjoy a typical Italian pastime of
coffee supping and people watching.
Featured tour: Highlights of Tuscany
