
Have you ever seen a place as depicted in movies and wondered if it was real? Let us take you to the real place or to the one you didn’t know it was…
Our Reality vs Fiction Cinematic Trips
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Medici (2016-2019)
The acclaimed series The Medici (2016–2019) brings Renaissance Florence to life with its opulent palaces and grand piazzas. But did you know the series wasn't filmed in Florence itself? Instead, the show takes viewers to the stunning hill towns of Pienza, Montepulciano, and Volterra, which stand in for iconic Florentine landmarks.
The Palazzo Medici Riccardi, home to the powerful Medici family, is beautifully reimagined as a palazzo in Pienza; Florence's Palazzo della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio), the heart of civic life, is actually portrayed by the imposing Palazzo dei Priori in Volterra; and the winding streets and piazzas of Montepulciano provide the dramatic backdrops for many of the show's most memorable scenes.
While these locations might not be in Florence, both them and Florence itself are steeped in history and brimming with Renaissance charm. Walking through them, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the world of The Medici! Ley us help you plan a trip to these towns, and experience the magic of Renaissance Italy, both on screen and in person.
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The Crown (2016-2024)
The Crown (2016–2024) offers a lavish portrayal of the British monarchy, brought to life through stunning locations that stand in for some of the most famous royal residences and landmarks.
Wilton House in Wiltshire doubles as the interiors of Buckingham Palace, with its grand rooms capturing the elegance of royal life; Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire takes on the role of Windsor Castle, offering majestic settings for scenes of royal family life; Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire stands in for Westminster Abbey, providing the backdrop for key moments like royal weddings and coronations; and Scotland’s Ardverikie Estate, with its striking landscapes, represents Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s summer retreat. The series also features iconic London locations like Lancaster House, which stands in for various state events, and Goldsmiths’ Hall, used as the setting for the investiture of Prince Charles.
These real-world locations invite fans to step into the grandeur and intrigue of the royal family’s story. Let us help you explore the regal world of The Crown firsthand.
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The Tudors (2007-2010)
The Tudors (2007–2010) brought the dramatic reign of Henry VIII to life, with its lush costumes and grand palaces. But while the series is set in England, much of its stunning backdrop was filmed in Ireland, where historic castles and stately homes stood in for iconic Tudor landmarks.
Hampton Court Palace, famously associated with Henry VIII and his six wives, is beautifully represented by Kilruddery House in County Wicklow, an elegant 17th-century estate that captures the grandeur of the Tudor court; the imposing Tower of London, a key location in Tudor history, is portrayed by Dublin Castle, whose medieval and Gothic features provided the perfect setting; and the breathtaking Powerscourt Estate, also in County Wicklow, features in some exterior scenes, adding an extra layer of magnificence to the show.
Ireland's historic landmarks perfectly convey the splendor and intrigue of Tudor England, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in both history and cinematic magic. Let us help you plan a visit to these locations, both real and stand-ins and walk in the footsteps of kings, queens, and courtiers from one of TV’s most iconic historical dramas.
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Midnight in Paris (2011)
Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris (2011) is a love letter to the City of Light, blending nostalgia, romance, and fantasy as it takes viewers on a magical journey through Paris. The film showcases iconic landmarks and hidden gems that capture the city’s timeless allure.
The opening montage features stunning shots of Montmartre, Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and the Eiffel Tower, setting the stage for Paris’s beauty; Shakespeare and Company, the famous English-language bookstore, is where Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) strolls in search of inspiration; Pont Alexandre III, one of Paris’s most ornate bridges, provides a breathtaking setting for reflective moments; Gil’s time-traveling adventures begin at Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, where he waits for the magical car that whisks him to the 1920s; Musée Rodin, with its gorgeous gardens, features in a memorable scene as Gil and his fiancée tour the city; and the Palace of Versailles, located just outside Paris, makes an opulent cameo during the film’s exploration of the city’s artistic past.
These enchanting locations invite fans to experience Paris through the eyes of dreamers, artists, and romantics. Let us help you plan your visit and discover the magic of Midnight in Paris!
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Outlander (2014-2024)
The epic series Outlander (2014–2024) takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through time, with its dramatic landscapes and historic locations bringing the story to life. Filmed primarily in Scotland, the series showcases real-world sites that stand in for its fictional settings.
Doune Castle becomes Castle Leoch, the seat of Clan MacKenzie, and one of the show’s most iconic locations; Blackness Castle serves as the foreboding Fort William, where pivotal and harrowing moments unfold; and the picturesque village of Culross transforms into Cranesmuir, while Falkland stands in for 1940s Inverness in the series’ opening scenes. Scotland’s rugged beauty is on full display in locations like Glen Coe, Kinloch Rannoch, and the Highland Folk Museum, adding to the show’s timeless allure.
Fans can also visit key sites from later seasons, such as Wilton House in England, which doubles as the grand homes of Paris and America, or Midhope Castle, better known as Lallybroch—Jamie Fraser’s family home. Let us help you plan an unforgettable journey to these stunning locations and experience the magic, romance, and history of Outlander for yourself.
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A Discovery of Witches (2018-2022)
The enchanting series A Discovery of Witches (2018–2022) weaves magic, history, and romance, brought to life through stunning locations across the UK and Europe. Some are the real-world settings from Deborah Harkness’s books, while others serve as captivating stand-ins.
Oxford, the heart of academic and magical discovery, is prominently featured, with real locations like the Bodleian Library and New College serving as key backdrops for Diana Bishop’s journey; the fictional Sept-Tours, home of the de Clermont family, comes to life through Bad Wolf Studios and exterior shots of Castell Coch in Wales; while other European locations include Venice, which represents the Congregation’s mysterious meetings, with its canals and palaces adding to the series’ allure.
These real and imagined places capture the mystique and magic of the story, allowing fans to follow in the footsteps of witches, vampires, and daemons. Let us help you plan your visit to these spellbinding locations and step into the world of A Discovery of Witches!
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Roman Holiday (1953)
The timeless classic Roman Holiday (1953), starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, captures the charm and romance of Rome, taking viewers on a delightful journey through the Eternal City’s most iconic landmarks.
The Spanish Steps play a central role as Princess Ann savors her newfound freedom with a gelato in hand; the bustling Piazza Venezia and the grandeur of the Victor Emmanuel II Monument set the stage for the princess’s Roman adventure; the enchanting Trevi Fountain and its surrounding streets are featured as part of the couple’s whirlwind day; one of the film’s most memorable scenes takes place at the Mouth of Truth (La Bocca della Verità), where an ancient marble mask adds a touch of playful suspense; and the romantic Tiber River and the Sant’Angelo Bridge provide breathtaking backdrops for their Vespa ride through the city.
These iconic locations invite fans of the film to retrace the steps of Hepburn and Peck, experiencing Rome’s beauty, history, and romance firsthand. Let us help you plan your journey to relive the magic of Roman Holiday and create unforgettable memories in the Eternal City.
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The Sound of Music (1965)
The beloved classic The Sound of Music (1965) brings the story of the von Trapp family to life against the breathtaking backdrop of Salzburg, Austria, and its surrounding landscapes. These stunning locations have become iconic in their own right, drawing fans from around the world.
The Mirabell Gardens and Mirabell Palace set the scene for the joyous “Do-Re-Mi” sequence, with its beautiful fountains, steps, and flower beds; the majestic Hohenwerfen Castle, seen in the distance, adds to the Alpine charm of the movie’s sweeping views; Nonnberg Abbey, the real-life convent where Maria lived as a postulant, plays a key role in the story and is featured in the film; the romantic Leopoldskron Palace, with its serene lake, served as the exterior for the von Trapp family home; and Mondsee Cathedral, located in a charming village near Salzburg, provided the setting for Maria and Captain von Trapp’s wedding scene. The surrounding Salzkammergut region also provided picturesque landscapes, including the opening shots of Maria singing “The Sound of Music” among the hills.
These real-life locations invite fans to step into the world of Maria and the von Trapps, combining history, music, and stunning scenery. Let us help you plan your visit and create your own magical moments in Salzburg!
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Inferno (2016)
The film adaptation of Dan Brown’s Inferno (2016) takes viewers on a thrilling journey through some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks, blending art, history, and mystery. These real-world locations provide the perfect backdrop for Robert Langdon’s race to solve the clues hidden in Dante’s masterpiece.
Florence, the heart of the story, features prominently, with stunning scenes filmed at the Palazzo Vecchio, the Boboli Gardens, and the Ponte Vecchio, bringing the city’s Renaissance heritage to life; in Venice, the St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace provide atmospheric settings for key moments in the film; and the climax takes place in Istanbul, with dramatic scenes unfolding in the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, adding an exotic layer to the adventure.
These breathtaking locations not only ground the film in historical intrigue but also invite visitors to step into the world of Langdon’s quest. Let us help you plan a journey to these unforgettable places and follow the Clues of Inferno to experience the history, culture, and suspense for yourself.
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Angels & Demons (2009)
Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons (2009) takes viewers on a suspenseful journey through the heart of Vatican intrigue, with stunning real-world locations playing a central role in the film's thrilling narrative.
In Rome, iconic landmarks like St. Peter’s Square, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona serve as dramatic backdrops for Robert Langdon’s quest to uncover the Illuminati’s secrets; the Castel Sant’Angelo, with its rich history and secret passageways, plays a pivotal role as Langdon races against time, as does the Passeto; and the churches of Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria della Vittoria, along with the majestic Sistine Chapel (recreated for the film), add layers of authenticity and artistry to the story.
These historic and cinematic locations invite fans to immerse themselves in a tale of mystery, religion, and art. Let us help you plan your own journey through Rome and the Vatican to retrace Langdon’s steps and experience the grandeur of Angels & Demons in person.
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Hannibal (2001)
Hannibal (2001), the thrilling sequel to The Silence of the Lambs, brings its chilling story to the stunning streets of Florence, Italy. The city’s historic beauty serves as a hauntingly perfect backdrop for Hannibal Lecter’s refined but sinister world.
The iconic Piazza della Signoria plays a pivotal role, with scenes shot at the Loggia dei Lanzi, where Hannibal meets Inspector Pazzi amidst Florence’s Renaissance splendor; the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s historic town hall, becomes the setting for tense moments, including Pazzi’s ill-fated pursuit of Lecter; Lecter’s Florentine apartment is depicted in a building near the Ponte Vecchio, offering views of the Arno River that contrast with the film’s dark undertones; and the mesmerizing concert in the gardens of the Santa Croce Church, adds an eerie elegance to the unfolding drama.
These locations invite visitors to explore Florence’s rich history and breathtaking landmarks while retracing the steps of one of cinema’s most chilling characters. Let us help you plan your visit and immerse yourself in the art, architecture, and atmosphere that made Florence a central character in Hannibal.
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Emily in Paris (2020-2024)
The hit series Emily in Paris (2020-2024) transports viewers to the heart of Paris, blending modern chic with timeless charm. From quaint streets to iconic landmarks, the show brings Emily’s vibrant Parisian life to screens while showcasing stunning real-life locations.
Place de l'Estrapade in the Latin Quarter is where Emily’s apartment and local café are located, offering a quintessentially Parisian backdrop for her daily adventures; the elegant Pont Alexandre III, with its ornate design, sets the stage for fashion shoots and romantic strolls; Jardin du Palais Royal, with its picturesque arcades and striped columns, is where Emily enjoys moments of reflection and chic encounters; the bustling Place Vendôme and Galeries Lafayette embody the glamour of Paris’s fashion scene and luxurious lifestyle; and the Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, iconic literary cafés, appear as meeting spots, adding a classic Parisian touch.
These enchanting locations let fans step into Emily’s world, combining modern flair with Paris’s timeless beauty. Let us help you plan your visit and experience the magic, fashion, and joie de vivre of Emily in Paris!