The New Cinematic Travel: How Movies and TV Are Redefining European Escapes
There’s something undeniably seductive about stepping into a scene from your favorite film or TV show. It’s not just about visiting a location; it’s about feeling the story come alive. Set-jetting—the art of traveling to places made famous by movies and series—has evolved from a niche trend to a full-blown cultural phenomenon. But what’s truly fascinating is how this trend is now intersecting with deeper, more immersive experiences. It’s no longer just about snapping a photo at a famous spot; it’s about living the narrative, whether that’s through volcanic wine tastings, invitation-only whisky rooms, or salamis aged by the moon.
Personally, I think this shift reflects a broader desire for authenticity in travel. We’re no longer satisfied with surface-level experiences. We want to connect—to the history, the culture, the people, and yes, the stories that make a place unique. And Europe, with its rich cinematic history and diverse landscapes, is the perfect canvas for this new kind of travel.
Sicily: Where Cinema Meets Terroir
Sicily’s cinematic allure is undeniable, thanks in large part to Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. But what many people don’t realize is how deeply the island’s identity has been shaped by its on-screen portrayals. Savoca and Forza d’Agro, the hillside villages that stood in for Corleone, still feel frozen in time. Bar Vitelli, with its vine-covered terrace, isn’t just a tourist trap—it’s a living relic of cinematic history.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how The White Lotus Season 2 reintroduced Sicily to a new generation, this time through the lens of luxury and wine culture. Etna’s volcanic soil produces wines unlike anything else in Europe, and staying at Monaci delle Terre Nere feels like stepping into a 17th-century monastery-turned-wine-estate. It’s not just about drinking wine; it’s about understanding the land, the history, and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
If you take a step back and think about it, Sicily’s appeal lies in its ability to blend the past and present seamlessly. It’s a place where you can sip granita at Bar Vitelli in the morning and dine at Anciovi, the poolside seafood restaurant at San Domenico Palace, by night. It’s a destination that rewards both the cinephile and the epicurean.
Venice: Art, Ambition, and the Biennale
Venice has always been a city of spectacle, but its role in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade cemented its status as a cinematic icon. The Grand Canal boat chase and Campo San Barnaba’s library scene are etched into the collective memory of film lovers. Yet, what’s truly remarkable about Venice is how it continues to reinvent itself as a cultural hub.
The Venice Biennale, returning in 2026, is more than just an art exhibition—it’s a statement. The Giardini pavilions and Arsenale are where the art world’s heavyweights flex their creative muscles, often tackling politically uncomfortable themes. But it’s the collateral exhibitions, tucked away in palazzos and deconsecrated churches, that offer the most exciting discoveries.
From my perspective, Venice’s allure lies in its ability to balance grandeur with intimacy. Staying at the St. Regis Venice simplifies the city’s logistical complexities, while dining at Airelles Venezia’s ABC Kitchen feels like a masterclass in modern Italian cuisine. It’s a city that demands you slow down, observe, and appreciate the layers of history and creativity that define it.
Slovenia: A Culinary Odyssey
Slovenia often flies under the radar, but Ljubljana is a city that punches well above its weight. Jaz by Ana Ros, the chef behind the three-Michelin-starred Hisa Franko, is a game-changer. Here, Ros sheds the constraints of fine dining and lets her creativity run wild. The menu changes daily, based on what’s fresh from the market and what inspires her that morning.
What this really suggests is that Slovenia is becoming a destination for those who value authenticity over pretense. The excursion to BioSing in the Ribnica Valley is a perfect example. David Lesar’s underground cellar, where salamis are aged according to lunar phases, feels like stepping into a time capsule. It’s a reminder that true craftsmanship is often found in the most unexpected places.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Slovenia manages to feel both familiar and utterly unique. It’s a country that invites you to explore, to savor, and to appreciate the slower pace of life.
Puglia: Agritourism’s Quiet Haven
Puglia has been on the radar for a while, but it’s managed to retain its charm despite the influx of visitors. No Time to Die’s action sequence in Gravina showcased the region’s dramatic landscapes, but it’s the quieter corners that truly captivate. Tenuta Negroamaro, a 10-suite estate near Gallipoli, is the epitome of agritourism done right. With interiors by Olga Ashby and a kitchen that sources from the estate, it’s a place where you can disconnect and immerse yourself in the rhythms of rural life.
What many people don’t realize is that Puglia’s appeal lies in its simplicity. It’s not about flashy attractions or crowded beaches; it’s about the red-soil gardens, the pine woods, and the slow pace of Salento. It’s a destination that encourages you to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of the everyday.
Amsterdam: Where Architecture Meets Art
Amsterdam’s Nine Streets canal houses were the perfect backdrop for Ocean’s Twelve, but the city’s architectural and artistic legacy runs far deeper. Rosewood Amsterdam, housed in the former Palace of Justice, is a masterclass in design and curation. With nearly 1,000 works of art across four themes, it’s a hotel that feels more like a museum.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Amsterdam manages to blend its historic charm with contemporary innovation. The Re-Masters theme, which pairs contemporary artists with Dutch Golden Age masters, is a brilliant example of this. It’s a city that respects its past while boldly embracing the future.
Belgrade: The Off-the-Beaten-Path Gem
Belgrade is a city that compresses centuries of history into a single sightline. Ralph Fiennes’ Coriolanus captured its spirit perfectly, from the Serbian parliament building to the medieval, Ottoman, and Socialist modernist architecture. The Bristol Belgrade, reopened in 2025 after a meticulous restoration, is a testament to the city’s glamour and resilience.
What makes Belgrade particularly fascinating is its ability to feel both familiar and exotic. It’s a city that rewards the curious traveler, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and nightlife. The Library at The Bristol, with its fireplace and books, is the perfect spot to reflect on the city’s complexities.
Scotland: Whisky, Castles, and Pop Culture
Scotland’s Highlands have long been a favorite of filmmakers, but Skyfall and The Traitors have brought a new wave of attention to the region. Ardross Castle, with its long corridors and Highland backdrop, has become one of the most recognizable locations in reality television.
But it’s the whisky that truly defines Scotland’s appeal. The Balvenie distillery in Dufftown is a pilgrimage site for whisky enthusiasts, offering a 30-year vertical tasting that’s both educational and intoxicating. In Edinburgh, the private room at Johnnie Walker Princes Street is the ultimate whisky experience—invitation-only, archive bottles, and conversations that feel like a journey through time.
This raises a deeper question: Why do we travel to these places? Is it the stories, the landscapes, or the promise of something extraordinary? I think it’s all of the above. Set-jetting isn’t just about visiting a location; it’s about experiencing it—fully, deeply, and authentically.
The Future of Cinematic Travel
As we look ahead, it’s clear that set-jetting is here to stay. But what’s exciting is how it’s evolving. It’s no longer just about the big-budget films or the Instagrammable spots; it’s about the stories, the craftsmanship, and the connections we make along the way.
In my opinion, the future of cinematic travel lies in its ability to inspire us to explore beyond the surface. Whether it’s Sicily’s volcanic wines, Slovenia’s lunar-aged salamis, or Scotland’s whisky distilleries, these destinations offer more than just a photo op—they offer an experience.
So, the next time you find yourself planning a trip, consider this: What story do you want to live? Because in the end, that’s what travel is all about—not just seeing the world, but feeling it.
