Travel like 007

By Chris Mohney

updated 1:14 p.m. ET June 2, 2008

With 21 films already behind him, James Bond has visited more glamorous hot spots than you ever will. But it's sure fun trying to keep up. Here's a look at some of the Superspy's far-flung itineraries, plus details about the next movie and a slide show.

"Quantum of Solace" (release date: November 2008)
The Palio, Siena, Italy

The scene: Packing the narrow streets of Siena, crowds cheer Italy's most famous bareback horse race. Across the rooftops above them, James Bond (Daniel Craig) chases a villain.

The place: Last summer, cameras rolled to capture the scene as 10 horses representing Siena's wards thundered around the shell-shaped main plaza, Piazza del Campo. The afternoon event—which happens every year on July 2 and August 16—is called the palio, which means "banner," for the silk banner that's awarded to the winning horse. It's the most exciting 90 seconds in Italian sports, so be sure to stake out a spot in the plaza at least six hours in advance. ilpalio.org/palioenglish.htm, free.

"Goldfinger" (1964)
Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Fla.

The scene: Designed by architectural visionary Morris Lapidus and opened in 1954, the Fontainebleau takes center frame of the famous aerial shot that opens Goldfinger. Later, the dourly amused Bond (Sean Connery) catches the greedy Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe) cheating at cards by the hotel's pool.

The place: Sadly for fans, the hotel scenes were a ruse. To save money, the actors performed on a replica of the hotel's pool deck at Pinewood Studios in England. Fictional CIA agent Felix Leiter (Cec Linder) did, however, drop by the actual hotel in northern Miami Beach for some exterior and establishing shots. The Fontainebleau closed a couple of years ago for a $1 billion renovation and expansion, which will include a fresh look for its pool. It is set to reopen this fall. 800/548-8886, fontainebleau.com, from $239.

"The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974)
Ko Tapu, near Phuket, Thailand

The scene: Bond (Roger Moore) pilots his seaplane to an island to confront Francisco Scaramanga (Christopher Lee), an assassin who has kidnapped his bombshell du jour, Mary Goodnight (Britt Ekland). Bond is greeted on the beach by the diminutive, slightly sinister minion Nick Nack (Hervé Villechaize), who proffers a bottle of Dom Pérignon on a tray. From a hidden perch, Scaramanga removes the cork with a single well-placed shot, demonstrating his marksmanship—and his flair for the dramatic. Bond and the assassin adjourn for banter and gunplay.

The place: As Bond and Scaramanga duel, viewers see a pillar of rock spiking out of the water in the background. This is Ko Tapu, which lies in Phangnga, a bay off Thailand. On the beach where the fictional duel takes place, vendors today hawk trinkets and overpriced beer. Despite the commercialism, the beach still offers cinematic views of Ko Tapu, which has been nicknamed James Bond Island. Book a sightseeing trip there—along with a tour of the mangrove forests of Ao Phang-nga National Park—through a hotel concierge in Phuket. jamesbondisland.com, tours from $27.

"Dr. No" (1962)
Dunn's River Falls & Park, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The scene: When the incomparable Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) emerges from the waves—to the delight of Bond (Connery) and generations of men worldwide—she does so along the shores of Laughing Waters, a private Jamaican estate. Bond and Ryder then trek inland to pursue the mysterious Dr. No, breaking for a refreshing dip at Dunn's River Falls.

The place: Now receiving about 1 million visitors a year, Dunn's River Falls is a 640-foot tall waterfall on Jamaica's northern coast. It is three miles from the tourist haunts of Ocho Rios. Guides walk you up the rocks in a human chain, treading carefully for about an hour through the cascades. Splash around, and then take a rest on a nearby terrace—where you can dream of Ursula to your heart's content. 876/974-5944, dunnsriverfallsja.com, admission $15 for adults.

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