Hitting theatres this December, the highly anticipated film of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, based on the first of a trilogy of international best-selling novels by the late Swedish writer Stieg Larsson, is destined to inspire curious travelers who are ardent fans.  Members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) offer travelers insider access to discover the iconic settings of their favorite fictional works, from Harry Potter to Memoirs of a Geisha, including a firsthand look at the home of Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, with these winter tours to Stockholm.

• Stockholm (2012): Highlights of Abercrombie and Kent’s four-day guided sightseeing tour include Gamla Stan, the quaint old town set against the harbor, the Island of Djurgården, and the National Museum.  When travelers want to warm up, they can plan to stop at Mellqvist Kaffebar café, Blomkvist’s regular coffee stop, or Sodermalm, the trendy neighborhood where Blomkvist lived. Priced from $4,450 per person
• Stockholm Getaway: Experience Stockholm in the snow with go-today’s vacation package, which includes airfare, hotel accommodations for three nights, and daily breakfasts. While there, travelers can plan to stop by the Stockholm City Museum for a walking tour based on the Millennium trilogy. Pricing per person and dates vary

“Often inspiring travel, best-selling novels and award-winning films have the ability to capture the true character of a destination,” said Terry Dale, president of USTOA. “From full Harry Potter themed tours to regional vacations that allow visitors a glimpse into fictional life, USTOA member programs offer travelers the opportunity to experience celebrated settings all over the world and bring home a little Hollywood glamour, too.” 

Other film and novel inspired programs include:

Harry Potter
This series of seven fantasy novels written by J. K. Rowling has captivated audiences worldwide for more than a decade.  While the final blockbuster film was released in the theatres this summer, “Potterheads” can still get their fill of this wizardly world with:

• Mysteries & Muggles: Harry Potter’s United Kingdom tour by Explorica.  From Lacock Abbey, the setting for many classroom scenes in the movies, to The Elephant House, the restaurant where J.K. Rowling first started writing the Harry Potter series on a napkin, this tour includes round-trip airfare, daily breakfast and dinner, and a full time tour director.  Beyond the focus of Harry Potter scenes, the tour is filled with history and key highlights of the UK.  Pricing per person and dates vary
• Castles & Kilts: Trafalgar’s 11-day vacation takes families to London, Oxford, Lacock, Bath, Ruthin Castle, Liverpool, Tatton Park, the Lake District, Hadrian’s Wall and Edinburgh, highlighting key Harry Potter locations such as Platform 9 ¾ in Kings Cross Station.  Available April 4 through August 15, 2012, prices start at $2,599 per person.  Book by December 1, 2011 and save $500 per person on an air-inclusive package, plus young travelers (ages 5-17) save an additional 10% off.

Lord of the Rings
New Zealand’s mystical landscapes provided the ideal setting to bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved adventures to life, and fans can follow in Frodo’s footsteps with:

• New Zealand Self Drive: Lord of the Rings 14-day itinerary by Goway. Experience the breathtaking scenery, majestic vistas, and warm hospitality of New Zealand all while visiting the sites where the popular Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.  From the open pastures and rolling hills of the Waikato Region that made up The Shire to the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro World Heritage National Park used to portray Mordor, this tour includes a 14 day car rental, 13 nights of accommodations, and a Goway Co-Pilot book. Available year round, priced start at $1,224 per person. 
• Explorations the Aussie & Kiwi Experience: Collette Vacation’s 28-day tour takes visitors to Sydney, Fraser Island, The Sunlander Train, the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier Region, Napier, and Tongariro National Park, highlighting New Zealand sites where Middle Earth was created for the blockbuster film. An optional Safari of the Scenes excursion is offered. Available January 8, January 22, February 12, February 19, March 18, April 15, and April 22, 2012, prices start at $6,699 per person for land only.

Memoirs of a Geisha
Arthur Golden’s sensational novel has taught audiences about Japan’s rich cultural history. Step back in time with General Tours World Traveler’s From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps, an 11-day tour of Japan featuring sightseeing with a trip leader, accommodations, daily breakfasts, and on-tour transportation. A special July 15, 2012 departure coincides with Kyoto’s Gion Festival, a colorful celebration with 1,200-year-old traditions honoring the Geisha. Available March through October, 2012, prices start at $4,799 per person. Book by December 30, 2011 and save $500 per person off this published price when paying in full at the time of booking.

Evita