Disney theme park’s Harry Potter attraction in Orlando has proven instantly popular with fans; yet, a quick hop “across the pond” to England and Scotland will lead travelers to some of the real-life set locations from the movies. 
 
PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 20, 2010 – A decade after the release of the first Harry Potter book, fans still can’t get enough of the famous Boy Wizard. The book series is already one of the most successful of all-time, with 400 million copies sold worldwide.  The film adaptation of the series isn’t doing too shabby, either, with one of the last movies in the series scheduled for the fall already driving fans wild with anticipation!

Disney theme park’s Harry Potter attraction in Orlando has proven instantly popular with fans; yet, a quick hop “across the pond” to England and Scotland will lead travelers to some of the real-life set locations from the movies. Centuries-old cathedrals, abbeys and castles are becoming increasingly popular tourist attractions for fans of the Harry Potter films who are hoping to discover the “real” world of the Boy Wizard.

In the U.K., Gloucester Cathedral is drawing a lot more visitors. You’ll probably recognize part of its interior as the setting for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Oxford University has always been a point of interest for travelers, but few had traveled there solely to see the library. That all changed when the Oxford Bodleian Library was transformed into Hogwarts’ Library in scenes from the movie.

Travel companies have also been arranging tours specifically around Harry Potter-related attractions. One of these companies is European Waterways, Europe's largest luxury hotel barge cruising company. The company offers a six-night family-themed cruise aboard its Scottish Highlander vessel which travels to some of the real-world settings familiar to fans of Harry Potter movies.

As part of their Harry Potter themed cruise, families take a ride on “The Scarborough Spa Express” steam train, better known to Harry Potter fans as the iconic Hogwarts Express. This historic train features the actual steam engine and some of the carriages that play prominent roles in the Harry Potter films.

At one point during the trip, the train glides across the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, a towering 21-arch, single-track structure built in 1901.  For the children, it is another unmistakable landmark made famous in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and other films in the series.  The ride itself has been recognized among the Top Railway Journeys in the World by many leading travel magazines.

“A family themed barging cruise on the Scottish Highlander is an unforgettable experience that brings families together in ways that no amusement park ever could,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways.  “Children enjoy the unique opportunity of entering the ‘real world’ of the famous Boy Wizard.”

But you don’t have to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy unforgettable experiences on this cruise. There are optional excursions and activities, including a cruise across the famed Loch Ness and along the Caledonian Canal, where guests can go searching for “Nessie”, the elusive Loch Ness monster that some say resides in the body of water.

Guests can also visit a 13th century Urquhart Castle, go trout fishing on the River Oich, enjoy an afternoon of go-kart racing, visit a local water park; and even embark on a walking tour of a 17th century living museum that features performers dressed in period costume engaged in work and leisure activities of the time. An on-board chef prepares gourmet meals that include traditional Scottish food such as venison, game, salmon and seafood, as well as fine wines and whiskies – for the grown-ups!

You can find more information on the Harry Potter themed-cruise and other European Waterways cruises online at www.gobarging.com.  The company frequently posts special discount offers that could save you thousands of dollars off their standard cruise rates – no magic wand required!

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Issued By  : Mario Almonte