Visit the 'Star Wars' saga's most iconic places at these 8 real-world locations
LOS ANGELES - As the “Star Wars” saga has played out over the last 42 years, many a fan has drifted into a daydream about what it would be like to inhabit and explore the galaxy far, far away where it all takes place.
While you definitely can't visit Tatooine, Jakku, or Hoth, their real-world counterparts are yours for the exploring.
Here are eight real-world locations where some of the “Star Wars” saga's most iconic scenes were filmed.
Tunisia
Known in the “Star Wars” universe as Tatooine, Tunisia features a handful of notable shooting locations. One of its cities, Tataouine, inspired the name of Luke Skywalker's home planet.
Book a stay at the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmatat-Al-Qadimal to live like Luke Skywalker. The hotel served as Luke's home, the Lars homestead, when viewers first meet him in “Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.”
Take a boat to the port city of Ajim on the island of Djerba for a look at the infamous cantina as well as Obi-Wan Kenobi's hut from “A New Hope.”
Want to slink through the desert like a Jawa? Venture on to Tozeur, the location where Tusken Raiders attack Luke, Jawas kidnap R2D2, and where Luke and Obi-Wan keep watch toward Mos Eisley.
In “The Phantom Menace,” Ksar Ouled Soltane created the backdrop of Anakin Skywalker's childhood home, the slave quarters in Mos Espa.
Death Valley National Park: California and Nevada, USA
Though a significant majority of the filming for Tatooine scenes in “A New Hope” took place in Tunisia, some scenes had to be shot after the fact. Instead of going all the way back to Tunisia, George Lucas filmed some pickup shots in Death Valley.
Head to the Twenty Mule Team Canyon in the park if you want to journey along the same path that C-3PO and R2D2 took to Jabba's Palace in “Return of the Jedi.”
Redwood National and State Parks: California, USA
If you found yourself wishing you could join the Ewoks of the Forest Moon of Endor as they commandeered speed bikes in “Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi,” then head to California's Redwood National and State Parks. Good luck finding a real-life speed bike, though.
Norway
One of the most epic battles of the entire “Star Wars” saga took place on the frozen planet, Hoth, which was filmed on one of Norway's largest glaciers, Hardangerjøkulen Glacier.
While you're there, pour one out for the tauntaun that Luke had to sacrifice after a wampa attack to stay warm. RIP.
Tikal, Guatemala
Do you dream of joining the Alliance's resistance fighters? Find your way to Tikal, Guatemala.
Tikal was once the greatest city of the ancient Mayan civilization, and the archaeological site that still stands today was used as the filming location for the planet Yavin 4 in “A New Hope,” where the Alliance had its headquarters.
Villa del Balbianello: Lake Como, Italy
This one's for the lovers.
The lavish, lakeside retreat where Anakin Skywalker and Princess Amidala go into hiding at the beginning of “Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones,” and which also serves as the location of the couple's wedding at the end of the film, can actually be rented out for real-world weddings.
Rub' al Khali Desert, United Arab Emirates
Totally obsessed with Rey after seeing “The Force Awakens”?
The Rub' al Khali Desert in the United Arab Emirates was the filming location for Jakku, the desolate, lawless, frontier planet where Rey grew up. It's the largest contiguous sand desert in the world, and it just might make you feel like a true intergalactic scavenger.
Skellig Island, Ireland
Let the Force guide you to Skellig Island in Ireland.
It's where in the very final minutes of “The Force Awakens,” Rey first finds Luke Skywalker after his self-imposed exile. More importantly, it is revealed to be the sacred island of Ahch-To, the site of the first Jedi Temple, in “The Last Jedi.”