PHOTO: Piz Gloria, where Bond battled Blofeld in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (Photo via Flickr/Paul Stephenson)
The exploits of 007, however misogynistic and at times unrealistic, are incredibly irresistible and without a doubt legendary. He's not only going on important missions, fighting bad dudes and having romantic trysts, but also doing so while traveling the world. Who wouldn't want to see the Pyramids of Egypt ("The Spy Who Loved Me"), explore the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul ("From Russia With Love"), glide along the Venetian canals ("Casino Royale") or even pilot a car-turned-submarine in the waters of Sardinia, all expenses paid?
You may not be able to convince your company to send you on exciting missions around the world with an Aston Martin to boot. But you can still fancy yourself a posh spy by visiting some (or all) of these awesome spots where the movies were filmed.
Himeji Castle, Japan
There may be something inappropriate about that scene in "You Only Live Twice" where Bond gets a makeover to look like he's Japanese in order to blend in. But it's hard to deny Japan's appeal, especially when you find yourself in the beautiful Himeji Castle, which served as a ninja training camp in the fifth installment.
Nestled on a hilltop in the city of Himeji less than two hours from Osaka, this egret-white perfection is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most important castles. Himeji Castle boasts several keeps, curved walls and sweeping views of its grounds as well as the city. Because it is such a popular landmark however, it is recommended that you check the congestion forecast before your visit.
Hotel Cala di Volpe, Italy
"The Spy Who Loved Me" takes us from the sand dunes of Giza in Egypt to the blue-green waters of Sardinia in Italy. But since Egypt is not the safest place to travel at the moment, you're better off in Italy. Stay at Hotel Cala di Volpe, where Roger Moore's Bond stays with Russia's Agent X after they escape from Stromberg's henchmen in a submarine car.
The lovely and quintessentially Mediterranean resort, tucked into the Emerald Coast, boasts Sardinian architecture, sea view rooms and suites, and outdoor saltwater pools. You may not be able to stay in Bond's room, as it's actually a piano bar, but the Penthouse Suite might just be an even better alternative, with its rooftop terrace that boasts a private pool and an outdoor dining area.
Karlovy Vary and Loket, Czech Republic
Prague may be better suited for a spy-type adventure, but that doesn't mean you should pass up on the opportunity to visit Czech Republic's idyllic small towns. After all, the small towns of Loket and Karlovy Vary were the setting for Bond's Montenegro exploits in "Casino Royale." Not only did Grandhotel Pupp serve as his hotel in Montenegro, but the town square in Loket also provided a lovely substitute for a town in the sovereign state some 1,300 miles away.
Grandhotel Pupp is certainly worth staying in or just visiting to admire its old world grandeur. Across the river is Kaiserbad Spa, which served as the exterior for the casino in the film. It's empty now and only used for events and exhibits, but its façade is there for visitors to photograph. Remember to visit Loket, which is a treasure trove of historic buildings including the 12th century stone castle.
Villa Balbianello, Italy
Remember that awe-inspiring panorama of an Italian villa by Lake Como in "Casino Royale" that looked too good to be true? You'll be happy to know that the place exists! Serving as a lakeside hospital where Bond recovered from a particularly "ballsy" encounter with Le Chiffre, Villa Balbianello in Lenno might just be the most famous villa in the world.
Other than Casino Royale, it's been featured in other films as well including "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones." The villa, which boasts terraced gardens and ornate rooms, is open for private tours, which may be arranged with a local tour guide.
Piz Gloria, Switzerland
"On Her Majesty's Secret Service," arguably the most heartbreakingly romantic installment yet, takes us to the shores and countryside of Portugal. It is, however, its scenes on the peaks of Switzerland that impresses the most. In the movie, 007 takes off in a helicopter to the top of Schilthorn Mountain where his nemesis, Blofeld, runs an "allergy research center." That clinic, in actuality, is the revolving restaurant of Piz Gloria.
Set at 9,744 feet and accessible only by cable car, Piz Gloria is a famous revolving restaurant in Murren, Switzerland that offers patrons a 360-degree view of its more than 200 neighboring peaks. It's open to the public-so long as you make a reservation to guarantee a table-and even offers a James Bond Brunch. The viewing platform, which served as the helipad in the movie, is also open to guests.
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