The biggest winner from The Odyssey’s success (other than Christopher Nolan’s wallet)? The Mediterranean.
Having been shot on IMAX 70 mm, and with cinematography from Hoyte van Hoytema, it’s basically impossible to watch without immediately wanting to book a flight.
And if you’re feeling inspired after your cinema trip, and have some cash to splash, you might just want to take a look at this newly launched tour from experiential travel specialists Pelorus.
Rather than the 20 years it took Odysseus to make it home following the Trojan War, the 14-night journey takes you to a mix of ancient sites and filming locations across Türkiye and Italy.
Priced at £75,000 (€88,000) per person (based on four people travelling), it’s being billed as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
What the trip includes
Guided by a local author and historian, your journey begins in Türkiye with a private tour of the ancient city of Troy, followed by a visit to the Apollon Smintheion, where relief friezes depict the story of the Trojan War.
You’ll even get to see an exclusive performance of the fall of Troy among the ruins come nightfall.
A worthy introduction, you’ll then move onto Sicily where you’ll learn more about the ancient Greek gods with a stay in a hotel dedicated to Athena overlooking the Tempio di Giunone.
From there, you’ll travel to Selinunte, stopping off at the Necropolis of Sant’Angelo Muxaro where you’ll hear about the legends of Minos and Hades.
After boarding a private yacht, it’s time to visit the Egadi islands of Favignana and Levanzo, which were used as sets in the movie.
A short hop in a helicopter takes you to Messina, where you’ll find a fountain honouring the city’s founder, Orion. Off-shore, you’ll pass through the Strait of Messina, home to the sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis.
As the epic experience nears its end, you’ll spend time on Vulcano Island, home to thermal springs, the Venus Pools, the Grotta del Cavallo and Grotte dei Rossi, as well as Basiluzzo, a rock formation featured in The Odyssey.
Finally, the tour wraps up with a visit to Li Galli, said to be the home of the sirens.
Your tour includes private tours, thematic dining, and travel aboard a private yacht, and the entire experience can be tailored to your wants.
This isn’t the first time Pelorus has been inspired by the world of film and TV for its tours, and it has previously offered experiences related to The Traitors and Mission Impossible.
You can also book trips focused on wildlife, food and drink, skiing and adventure.