Fantasy Travel Specialist | LOTR, Vampires & more

Hobbiton in New Zealand

Ever dreamed of stepping into the pages of your favorite fantasy story? That's exactly what I help travelers do. I'm Rocky Dimico, owner of Flights and Fables, where I turn fan obsessions into real-world adventures. My journey started like many fantasy lovers, lost in the worlds of Tolkien and Rowling, convinced that places like Middle-earth and Hogwarts had to exist somewhere. Turns out, I wasn't entirely wrong. When Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy revealed New Zealand as the living, breathing Middle-earth, I knew I had to see it for myself. That first trip changed everything. Standing in Hobbiton's green hills, trekking across the volcanic landscapes of Mount Doom, and witnessing the mountains of the Misty Mountains wasn't just sightseeing, it was stepping into a world I'd loved since childhood. That revelation became my mission.I founded Flights and Fables to help fellow dreamers and story-lovers experience the places that inspired (or portrayed) their favorite tales. I'm a Certified Travel Advisor and New Zealand Advanced Specialist with 63 countries visited and over 10 years living overseas. But more importantly, I'm a fantasy nerd who genuinely gets why you want to visit these destinations.

What I Specialize In:

Lord of the Rings & New Zealand: I've personally visited every major LOTR filming location in New Zealand and can design comprehensive Middle-earth experiences, from Hobbiton to Mount Doom, from Rivendell to Edoras. Whether you want a 10-day LOTR-focused pilgrimage or a three-week New Zealand adventure combining filming locations with the country's stunning natural beauty, I create itineraries that capture the magic.

Vampire Tourism & Dark/Gothic Travel: I design vampire tourism experiences throughout Romania and Transylvania including Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Poenari Fortress (Vlad the Impaler's actual stronghold), medieval Sighi?oara, and the folklore museums of the Carpathian Mountains. I also specialize in broader dark tourism across Europe's most haunted and mysterious destinations.

Harry Potter Experiences: The Harry Potter Studio Tour in London? I've been twice. I create custom Harry Potter itineraries throughout Scotland and the UK, from filming locations to the inspirations behind Hogwarts.

European Castles & Fairytales: With extensive experience across 15+ European countries, I specialize in medieval castles, Gothic architecture, and fairytale fortresses. From Neuschwanstein in Germany to Scottish Highland strongholds, to Romanian vampire castles, I design immersive castle tours that bring history and legend to life.

Game of Thrones Locations: I create specialized itineraries visiting Game of Thrones filming locations across Croatia, Ireland, Iceland, and beyond, walking the same streets as the Lannisters in Dubrovnik, exploring the dramatic landscapes of the North, and experiencing the real-world locations behind Westeros.

Viking Heritage & Norse Mythology: Pure magic exists in Scandinavia's Viking heritage. I design immersive experiences exploring Viking ship museums, UNESCO heritage sites, ancient burial grounds, and the legendary Norse sagas brought to life across Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Denmark.

Japan: Anime, Samurai & Culture: Having traveled extensively throughout Japan, I create bespoke experiences blending anime culture, samurai history, Shinto traditions, and the mythological landscapes that inspired Studio Ghibli films. From Tokyo's Akihabara to Kyoto's ancient temples, I design authentic cultural immersion for fantasy enthusiasts.

European River Cruises: I'm certified with Viking River Cruises, Avalon and AMAWaterways, specializing in European river cruises that incorporate castle visits, medieval towns, Christmas markets, and cultural experiences along the Danube, Rhine, and other legendary waterways.

Here's what I believe: Every great story deserves to be lived, not just read. Whether you're a devoted Tolkien fan, a Harry Potter enthusiast, a mythology buff, or someone who simply wants to add wonder to their travels, I'll craft an itinerary that makes you feel like the protagonist of your own epic adventure.

Ready to turn the page on ordinary travel? Let's write your next chapter together. I operate on a professional fee-based structure because planning these specialized fantasy experiences requires expertise, insider knowledge, and genuine passion. You're not getting a cookie-cutter package tour, you're getting a custom adventure designed specifically for your fantasy bucket list.Whether you're planning a solo pilgrimage to Middle-earth, a romantic Gothic getaway for two, or a group adventure with your D&D crew to explore European castles, I bring 63 countries of experience, specialized certifications, and most importantly, the understanding that comes from being a fellow fantasy traveler who's already made these journeys. Let's make your fantasy travel dreams reality.