Have you ever wondered if the destinations you’ve only read about truly exist? Do the backdrops for some of your favorite stories have a real place in this world? Well, guess what? They do! With these literary destinations, the words come to life. People who love to travel, just like us, wrote some of the most fascinating books of our time – some fact, some fiction – but the inspiration is real.

C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Narni, Italy

Narni, Italy, was the inspiration for a much-loved series of children’s books. An unknown city in Italy, just north of Rome, became a tourist destination after the first book appeared. This ancient Roman hill town caught C.S. Lewis’ eye while perusing a map of Italy, and the location inspired him to name his fictional kingdom, Narnia. But in truth, the real-life village of Narni has always been wrapped in magical, medieval charm.

This unique town was a Roman Colony in 223 BC, which is more than apparent in the stoned walls and Romanesque Cathedral. The ancient Roman Bridge of Ponte D’Augusto, and the Abbey of San Cassiano along with the narrow well-trod cobblestone streets, have been inspiring artists, writers and world travelers for years. It’s not known whether C.S. Lewis ever visited Narni, but the name did inspire his magical world of Narnia.

J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: New Zealand

If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings by J.R. R. Tolkien, then you’re in a for a real treat in New Zealand. Here is where you’ll find “The Shire”, the habitat of the Hobbits. Of course, this is a movie set, built into the rolling hills of the Alexander sheep farm just a two-hour drive from Auckland in the heart of the Waikato region. There are a variety of tours available including a full movie set tour. While there, check out the Green Dragon Inn, celebrate international Hobbit day and learn more about the story filmed in this village. On location, there are over 44 permanently constructed Hobbit Holes to explore, including Bilbo Baggins’ home.

Hobbiton was rebuilt in 2011 to accommodate filming the “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” and “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.” You can also stay overnight at Hobbiton and immerse yourself in a full “Lord of The Rings” experience with an evening banquet. Thanks to the motion picture, this imaginative, literary wonderland has been brought to life and now fascinates visitors from around the world.

Cheryl Strayed’s Wild: The Pacific Crest Trail

Follow Cheryl Strayed’s epic adventure to self-discovery as the trail she hiked, and experienced, is most certainly real. Being a memoir of sorts, the places from the novel exist just like the experiences did. The Pacific Crest Trail is a long-distance hiking route that aligns with the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges.

“Wild,” was made into a major motion picture in 2014 with Reese Witherspoon in the lead role. A terrific performance that earned Witherspoon an Oscar nomination, the book was delicately and accurately portrayed in the film.

Embark on your adventure and hike the Pacific Crest Trail, but keep in mind this experience requires a lot of preparation. And just like Cheryl you, too, can have a journey into the wild.

Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables: Green Gables Farm, Prince Edward Island

Anne of Green Gables, written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is one of the most beloved literary works of all time. Green Gables Farm, the setting on which her book is based, was a real 19th-century working farm in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. It’s one of Canada’s most notable literary landmarks with tourists from around the world making the pilgrimage to visit. You can take a number of tours to experience the beauty of this iconic farm and even dress up like Anne for photographs. Vacation packages include overnight accommodations and day trips to museums and the surrounding beautiful countryside.

On the Prince Edward Island tourism website, an entire itinerary is presented for you to have the ultimate All Things Anne experience. Get a feel for what the author was trying to convey in her story by seeing first hand the landscape it came from.

Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

This classic 1831 Gothic Romance brought Paris’ stunning Notre Dame Cathedral to our attention. The story, set in 15th century Paris, takes place in and around the Notre Dame Cathedral and has become a Mecca for literary fans and movie buffs alike. The 1939 classic film version of the book starring Charles Laughton was a mega draw to the region, then, aided by Disney’s 1996 animated musical version catapulted the story into a even bigger success.

Notre Dame Cathedral has always been a big draw for tourists when visiting Paris and, as it turns out, it’s just how we always envisioned it. Events still take place at this iconic site, and it’s busy year-round. Visiting the cathedral and taking the tour is most certainly worth it. Admission is free, but deeper trips into the mystical building will cost a little extra.

Before you embark on your literary vacation, plot your adventures and hopefully, these real-life destinations will spark your imagination and give you some ideas to incorporate into your future travel plans. Peruse Lonely Planets Top 10 Literary Walking Tours From Around The World for further inspiration.

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