Have Your Own Bond Moment With Rare Adventures Designed By Black Tomato X EON Productions

From high-speed boat chases to ascending some of the world’s most scenic mountains – when it comes to intrepid adventures, there’s nothing quite like the cinematic world of James Bond. Now, to mark the 60^th anniversary of the release of the first-ever OO7 film – Dr No – and what subsequently kicked off the start of a world-famous franchise – immersive travel experts, Black Tomato has collaborated with EON Productions (an affiliate of Danjaq and the UK-based production company that has made the James Bond films since 1962). The result is a series of authentic Bond-inspired experiences to give high-end travellers a taste of the spy’s high-octane lifestyle.

Adding a true level of expertise to the 35 experiences on offer, EON Productions has bought on board members of the 007 film production crew to bring iconic Bond moments to life. The collaboration between Black Tomato and EON Productions, which sees travellers touch down in a selection of European destinations, will also give explorers unprecedented access to Bond partners and offer a level of detail that has never before been possible.

Costing from $15,000 per person, the ultimate experience is dubbed ‘The Assignment,’ which consists of a hand-picked selection of curated Bond experiences – including learning about special effects and unique, privileged access – in five locations across Europe. The customisable itinerary can include, for example, a one-off, fine-dining evening, with a private glass blowing demonstration, at the Murano glass factory in Venice that was featured in Moonraker (1979); a high-speed boat chase down the River Thames in a Superhawk 34 – the same craft that saw Bond pursue Cigar Girl in The World Is Not Enough (1999) and rare access to the Champagne Bollinger Chateau and Estate. Found in the village of Ay, Champagne, guests are able to enjoy an ultra-rare, guided tasting of a La Grand Année vintage, as sipped by Bond in Casino Royale (2006).

Taking travellers to the South of France, meanwhile, is a sailing in a private yacht around the Cote d’Azur with actress Carole Ashby, who appeared in Octopussy (1983) and View To A Kill (1985). This is followed by a VIP behind-the-scenes tour and time at the tables at Casino de Monte-Carlo with Andreas Daniel, who consulted and played the part of the dealer in Casino Royale (2006).

In the Austrian mountains of the Ötztal Valley, meanwhile, a breath-taking ski odyssey awaits. Here, travellers will ascend, by snow groomer, long before the crowds, to experience this sublime landscape at their own pace – and on freshly groomed piste. From here, travellers will be taken to the summit of Gaislachkogl for a private, behind-the-scenes tour of 007 Elements – a dramatic exhibition profiling the high-tech world of Bond. This tour will be led by its curator and there is the option to be accompanied by Oscar-winning Chris Corbould OBE – the Bond special effects supervisor who has worked on 15 of the franchise’s films.

Travellers will also be able to customise their own itinerary, choosing from a variety of 007 Bond-inspired activities in the UK, France, Monaco, Italy and Austria. From learning stunt skills with Daniel Craig’s stunt double Lee Morrison to hearing more about the special effects across the 007 films from Oscar-winning special effects supervisor Chris Corbould OBE, wannabe Bond characters can take a deep dive into the world of the cinematic hero, with real-life Bond experts.

Ali James, location manager at Eon, says: “It is a joy to see 007’s travels come to life with such authenticity, having undergone a nostalgic trip into the archives. It’s been a labour of love not only working with Black Tomato to determine the locations and refine the experiences and locations, but also involving many of Eon’s iconic partners, and myriad people that have worked on the films – from producers to location scouts and front of screen talent. This creative collaboration allows us to get travellers into Bond’s world and offering truly extraordinary experiences, some of which are only accessible with these trips.”

As well as the behind-the-scenes access and off-limits activities to the public, travellers will also check into some of the world’s most lavish hotels, including The Corinthia Hotel in London, the Hôtel de Crillon, Paris, A Rosewood Hotel – where incidentally some scenes in A View to a Kill were filmed – and the Hotel Cipriani, Venice, A Belmond Hotel.

“The narratives of so many Bond films are enhanced by the distinct feel of iconic destinations,” says Tom Marchant, founder of Black Tomato. “So recreating these stories for a first-person travel experience has been a true delight. We’re thrilled to be at the forefront of creating something bespoke that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, so clients can experience real immersion into Bond’s world.”

It’s stirring, not shaky, stuff.

blacktomato.com/james-bond