5 incredible destinations for Shakespeare fans

Next week is the birthday of William Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers of all time. Whether you’re a fan of the Bard or you haven’t read Shakespeare since school, there is plenty of travel inspiration to be found in his plays and sonnets.

Here are 5 of our favourite places you can visit straight from the pages of his work. Whichever one you decide to visit, remember to buy your Travel Insurance as soon as you book your getaway.

Verona, Italy – Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is possibly the Bard’s most famous work, set in one of Italy’s finest cities. The first stop for most fans will be the famous balcony where the fictitious Juliet stood while her Romeo declared his love. Keep the culture flowing by taking in an opera at the open-air amphitheatre, which entertained 30,000 citizens during its heyday under the Romans.
Why not sample some local wine and enjoy the fantastic fresh cuisine? Then take a day trip to the beautiful Lake Garda, less than an hour from the city.

Athens, Greece – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The capital city of Greece may not be the first place you think of when it comes to Shakespeare, but it’s the setting for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This ancient city has plenty to offer visitors, such as seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Athenian Acropolis. The vast temple complex has drawn tourists to Athens since it was built in the 5th Century BC.

If you want to explore the ground walked by Titania and Oberon, check out the nearby Mount Parnitha national park. Stunning views and friendly locals make this a journey you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Helsingør, Denmark – Hamlet

Helsingør is a small town in Denmark, an hour from Copenhagen, but it is home to the impressive Kronborg Castle. The castle is the setting for one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Hamlet. Known in the play as Elsinore, they offer daily tours and productions of Hamlet are frequently performed there. In the summer a large festival takes place in the town, drawing in fans from all over the globe.

The Danish capital is also well worth exploring, with its cobbled streets and welcoming inhabitants. Fantastic food and a thriving local jazz scene make Copenhagen a unique destination.

Vienna, Austria – Measure for Measure

Home to the dark comedy Measure for Measure, Vienna is a stunning city to visit. The Austrian capital city is awash with culture and history. Breathtaking palaces dot the city, and plentiful museums and galleries offer various enjoyable experiences. Classical music is also hugely popular, so you should be able to find a performance to enjoy.

Alexandria, Egypt – Antony and Cleopatra

While we may associate Egypt with the pyramids of Cairo, the fantastic port city of Alexandria is well worth a visit. Home to the ancient ruins of the Pharos Lighthouse and the Great Library, the city is also the cultural capital of modern Egypt. Enjoy sun-soaked days on the Mediterranean Sea, then sample some fantastic local food in Egypt’s most vibrant restaurant scene.

Author notes

Written by Russell Wallace, Copywriter at AllClear
Edited by Nick Heady Communications Manager at AllClear