Why you need to visit the real-life locations in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
<p>40 years after the first Star Wars episode was released in 1977, the latest instalment S<em>tar Wars: The Last Jedi</em> is set for release in cinemas on December 14.</p>
<p>Luckily for fans of the classic saga, you don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to experience the worlds our favourite characters travel to.</p>
<p>CGI has played an integral role in bringing the otherworldly landscapes to life, but the filmmakers of the saga have also found awe-inspiring locations to bring the Star Wars universe to us.</p>
<p>Visit these locations for a trip that will promise you an adventure that is out of this world.</p>
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<p><strong>1. Dubrovnik, Croatia</strong> </p>
<p><em>Planet from Star Wars: The Last Jedi <em><span>– </span></em>Canto Bight </em></p>
<p>Dubrovnik has captured the hearts of many visitors with its beauty and medieval appearance. Dubrovnik has already featured in <em>Game of Thrones</em> and <em>Robin Hood: Origins</em> and now, it will be introduced as Canto Bight in <em>Star Wars: The Last Jedi</em>. Canto Bight is a “casino planet” in the latest episode of the saga and writer/director Rian Johnson described it as a “playground for rich a**holes”. Using the Dubrovnik city walls and a strong fort located in the North wall called Minceta Tower, Dubrovnik is transformed into a world where creatures come to escape the galactic struggle.</p>
<p><em>What you can do there:</em></p>
<p><strong>- Visit the ancient city walls:</strong> The historical city walls of Dubrovnik date back to the 13<sup>th</sup> century with a series of towers being added in the 15<sup>th</sup> century to protect the city against the Turks. The iconic walls are best explored by completing a full-circuit 2km walk.</p>
<p><strong>- Explore the pristine waters:</strong> The crystal blue waters are not just there to be admired. You can either explore the stunning coast on a kayak tour or by enjoying a boat trip.</p>
<p><strong>- Cable car ride up Mount Srd:</strong> Get a bird’s eye view of Dubrovnik without the hard work of climbing a mountain. The ride up the mountain is particularly remarkable at sunset when the sky is painted with pink and orange.</p>
<p><strong>- Enjoy the rare European flat oyster:</strong> Mali Ston bay is home to the European flat oyster and only a select number of households are allowed to cultivate this rare oyster.</p>
<p><strong>- Visit the local wineries:</strong> If you need something to wash down all the delectable food you will be eating, be sure to visit one (or a few) of the local wineries.</p>
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<p><strong>2. Ireland: Skellig Island and the Ring of Kerry</strong></p>
<p><em>Planet from Star Wars: The Last Jedi <em><span>– </span></em>Ahch-To</em></p>
<p>The Skellig islands, 12km off the coast of southwest Ireland, are not only full of history but have some of the most wonderous views you will ever get to see. Skellig Michael was used as one of the locations to portray the planet of Ahch-To. In search of the first Jedi temple, Luke Skywalker disappeared to this planet after his Jedi students were killed by his nephew Kylo Ren. For the travellers who are brave enough, the Skelligs are a challenging destination to get to with access to the islands depending entirely on weather conditions. Luckily, Star Wars fans can also experience the world of Ahch-To by visiting the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.</p>
<p><em>What you can do there:</em></p>
<p><strong>- Take a boat trip to the Skellig islands:</strong> Depending on your fitness levels and weather conditions, you can either choose to explore the islands on land or from the boat.</p>
<p><strong>- Visit the ancient monastery:</strong> Skellig Michael is home to an ancient monastery that was built by monks when they settled on the uninhabited island in 588AD.</p>
<p><strong>- Take a drive around the Ring of Kerry:</strong> The Ring of Kerry traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. This route is the perfect way to stumble across enchanting villages, ancient monuments and unimaginable landscapes.</p>
<p><strong>- Experience the culture:</strong> From traditional pubs to historic castles, the Irish culture is one best experienced through exploring the towns and chatting with the friendly locals.</p>
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<p><strong>3. Bolivia: Salt flats</strong></p>
<p><em>Planet from Star Wars: The Last Jedi <em><span>– </span></em>Crait</em></p>
<p>Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is thought to be one of the most remarkable views in all of South America, if not the world. Bolivia’s salt flat is the largest in the world and now the mesmerising sight has been transformed into the Star Wars planet of Crait. Crait is a small mineral planet that is a haven for Leia’s Resistance, and in the spectacular trailer it is revealed that the planet is covered in a layer of white salt over its red-coloured soil.</p>
<p><em>What you can do there:</em></p>
<p><strong>- Book a tour of the salt flats</strong>: Tour the salt flats in a Landcruiser with a driver and professional guide.</p>
<p><strong>-</strong> <strong>Visit the original Salt Hotel:</strong> This hotel is full of incredible history and during your visit there are also plenty of remarkable photo opportunities. The hotel also makes a great lunch spot.</p>
<p><strong>- Visit Andean lagoons:</strong> Visiting this spectacular lagoon will give you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hang out with hundreds of flamingos.</p>
<p><strong>-</strong> <strong>Visit fish island:</strong> Don’t let the name fool you, fish island does not have any fish but instead is a dramatic sight of hundreds of giant cacti surrounded by the salt flat.</p>
<p>Have you been lucky enough to visit any of these locations? Tell us about your experience in the comment below.</p>
<p><em>See Star Wars: The Last Jedi in cinemas from December 14. <a href="http://movies.disney.com.au/star-wars-the-last-jedi" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Book tickets now</span></strong></a>. </em></p>
