Following the July 11 blockbuster opening of feature film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and the highly anticipated July 21 release of JK Rowling's final book, Harry Potter fever has taken hold of his Scottish birthplace, Edinburgh. As fans line up at the box office and eagerly await the arrival of pre-ordered books, tours operators are selling out of trips to the enchanted land from which the tales of Hogwarts and Harry were inspired. To meet supply and demand, US tour operator Beyond Boundaries has developed a new "Book Seven" themed package for fans interested in making the magical journey possible without Floo powder or a Portkey.
From the coffee shops of Edinburgh, the world's first City of Literature, Authoress JK Rowling, penned the first of her Harry Potter books that would inspire readers worldwide for the better part of a decade. It is only fitting that in early 2007, she completed the final book from a suite at the Balmoral Hotel, in the heart of Edinburgh, signing one of the sculptures on display in the hotel to commemorate the momentous occasion. As Potter aficionados speculate on the final twists and turns of the series, visitors are flocking from near and far to see for themselves the enchanting destination that inspired Rowling's magical tales of witches and wizards, muggles and monsters.
Fans can experience the real life Diagon Alley and Hogwarts from the narrow cobbled alleyways off Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile to the fairytale- like Edinburgh Castle, perched on a volcanic rock over the city. For a taste of the Hogwarts Express, visitors can book a ticket on the picturesque Jacobite Steam Train running through the West Highlands and over the dramatic Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in some of the film's most dramatic shots of the train's journey from platform 9 3/4 to the famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. The epic Glencoe and other scenery of the North West Highlands have also been featured in the films.
To experience the sights, tastes and sounds that inspired Harry Potter first hand, US tour operator Beyond Boundaries is offering packages for all tastes and budgets starting with the Book Seven Package from $999 per person, for a four-night stay, land only (with upgrades available to four and five star accommodation). The package includes great added value such as: an exclusive VIP party at Waterstones Bookstore in the heart of Edinburgh, a Potter Gala Party at The Hub, a copy of book seven: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and a gift bag of additional Potter and Scotland memorabilia. On July 22, the day after the book release, an additional $100 buys visitors the rare opportunity to ride in the train carriages used in the film on a tour ending in the quaint seaside village of Mallaig, gateway to the Isle of Skye. For more information and to book Beyond Boundaries Harry Potter Fan Trips visit www.hpfantrips.com or call 800-487-1136.
For more information about vacationing in Scotland and Edinburgh's magical city sights visit www.cometoscotland.com.
