When you think Star Wars, you think of a galaxy far, far away. In reality, the planets from the movies are filmed right here on Earth.

To celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Cheapflights.com.au has put together a travel itinerary devoted to visiting the memorable sites from the movie franchise. You could step into Queen Amidala's Palace, walk in the footsteps of the Ewoks or even have a sleepover at Luke Skywalker's house. With that in mind, here are nine awesome 'intergalactic' travel destinations.

1. Naboo: Queen Amidala's Palace – Naples, Italy

Some of the most incredible interior scenes in the saga take place in The Reggia di Caserta, one of the largest 18th century buildings on the planet. With stunning gardens and a majestic interior, the palace is well worth a visit.

2. Hoth – Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Finse, Norway 

Norway was an obvious choice for the remote, icy planet of Hoth. The site featured one of the series' most epic battle scenes. Although not quite as intergalactic as the planet of Hoth, the snowbound landscapes do offer some breathtaking views and a pretty impressive 16 kilometre ice sheet.

3. Alderaan – Grindelwald, Switzerland

Planet Alderaan, home to Princess Leia, occupies a special place in the Star Wars mythology. The beautiful mountain range of Grindelwald is an amazing place to visit, especially in winter. Grindelwald is a Swiss ski resort that sits high in the Alps, 1000m above sea level - it's a stunning place to ski, hike or relax in an alpine hut.

4. Kashyyyk: The Wookiee homeland – Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
The famous limestone peaks of Phang Nga Bay in Southern Thailand served as the Wookiee kingdom of Kashyyyk. The luscious greens and endless blue water make the perfect setting for a planet that only has one season. You'll recognise this location in the aerial battle that went down in Revenge of the Sith.

5. Naboo – Lake Como, Italy

In Attack of the Clones, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala go into hiding at a jaw-droppingly beautiful location in the planet of Naboo. In real life this lakeside retreat on Italy's Lake Como is a popular choice for a destination wedding. You'll be sure to recognise the balcony where Anakin and Padme kissed.

6. Tatooine – Death Valley, California 

Although a large portion of Tatooine scenes were filmed in Tunisia, George Lucas and the unit team grabbed some extra shots in Death Valley. Remember the scene when Obi-Wan Kenobi meets Luke Skywalker, C-3PO and R2-D2 for the first time? Yep, that's here. 

7. Yavin – Tikal, Guatemala

"We are approaching the planet Yavin...". Featured in Episode IV, Star Wars fans will know the Guatemalan site of Tikal better as Yavin. In real life, the towers at the Massassi Outpost belong to the Ancient Mayan Civilisation of Tikal, in the film they are the main base for the Rebellion and were almost destroyed by the first Death Star. 

8. Endor – Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California

The home of the furry Ewoks was filmed among California's giant redwoods. The forest offers over 32 kilometres of hiking and nature trails, which will leave you with the feeling that you just stepped onto the moon of Endor. The two locations still accessible to the public are the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, a fantastic woodland adventure for the intrepid Star Wars fan.

9. Jakku – Abu Dhabi, UAE

If you've watched the trailer for the new film, you'll see snippets of a sandy landscape on the planet Jakku. Director J.J. Abrams chose the sands of the United Arab Emirates to recreate this Tatooine-like desert planet. We can't wait to see more.

For more travel inspiration or to book your next holiday or flights, visit Cheapflights.com.au. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Edwina Brook / History Will Be Kind/ edwina.brook@historywillbekind.com.au / 0422 292 878 

CHEAPFLIGHTS – www.cheapflights.com.au

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