Exclusive 007-inspired travel experience brings James Bond to life
Chateau de Chantilly
Sixty years ago today, the British film industry was shaken and stirred by the premiere of Dr. No.
That 5 October 1962 debut, screened five times in a day at the former London Pavilion at Piccadilly Circus, catapulted the world’s most famous spy James Bond – played by Sean Connery – on a celluloid adventure that continues to this day.
To mark this movie milestone, Black Tomato – the official travel partner to EON Productions, makers of the James Bond empire – have announced a range of exclusive 007-inspired private travel experiences.
Beginning with a multi-country European itinerary, this inaugural adventure is set in the continent which has played host to myriad Bond film locations over the years. Working in close collaboration with the James Bond team, including some of their most longstanding location scouts, the debut trip will pay homage to 007’s inimitable style and excellence, enveloping many memorable scenes.
This immersive adventure with only 60 limited edition bookable private trips will be available for purchase later this year. Full details of the itinerary, which will allow travellers to follow in Bond’s footsteps, will be announced in March 2023.
Starting in London as the home of Bond, the experience will span arts and culture, action and adventure, with uncompromising luxury throughout. Expect cars, yachts, helicopters and iconic train journeys to feature throughout, together with high octane, enthralling adventures and experiences.
Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, said: “We’re incredibly honoured to be working with the James Bond team in this first-of-its-kind travel partnership. To work with arguably the biggest film franchise of all time is a huge privilege.”
In response, Ali James, location manager on 2015’s Spectre, added: “Having had the privilege of scouting international locations on Spectre I know first-hand how destinations play a pivotal role in the James Bond films. It’s been a pleasure to see Black Tomato’s vision for transporting travellers into the world of 007.”
It’s not filming locations that fans seek. Guests at the breath-taking Caribbean resort named GoldenEye can stay at the beachfront bungalow where Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels.
Anniversary celebrations have already taken place, including a charity auction at Christie’s in September of Bond memorabilia, which fetched more than £6million. Last night, Dame Shirley Bassey headlined the Sound of 007 concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, wowing audiences with her performances of Diamonds Are Forever and Goldfinger. Other performers included Lulu and Garbage, performing their hits The Man with the Golden Gun and The World Is Not Enough respectively, while legendary composer Hans Zimmer accompanied the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and David Arnold to perform No Time To Die.
For those who couldn’t rocket in on one of Q’s legendary jet packs, an exclusive recording of The Sound of 007: LIVE from the Royal Albert Hall will be available shortly on Amazon Prime. Also dropping today is Mat Whitecross’s new documentary, The Sound of 007, which reveals the history of the Bond music, from the genesis of 1962’s Dr No with its iconic theme, through to Billie Eilish’s Academy Award-winning song for 2021’s No Time To Die.