If you missed out on the chance to visit Auckland's Pop-Up Globe Theatre, here are a few must-see getaways to get your Shakespeare fix.
To celebrate 400 hundred years since William Shakespeare wrote his last play, the Pop-Up Globe Theatre in Auckland brought an authentic Shakespearean experience to Kiwis and tourists alike. While the Globe has come and gone, there are so many other opportunities worldwide to experience Shakespeare.
With the help of Booking.com, we've rounded up some incredible places to stay with something to suit all fans of the legendary bard - whether you want to discover where Shakespeare's poetic genius all began in Stratford-Upon-Avon or imagine yourself as a star-crossed lover at Juliet's balcony in Verona.
London, England - The Globe
The Globe should be on the bucket list of any Shakespeare fan. Visitors can enjoy all of his greatest works as well as unique exhibitions and educational talks. Throughout 2016, The Globe will be contributing to the Shakespeare 400 festival including staged readings, lectures and talks as well as full productions.
Just a short walk along the riverbank from the theatre is the famed Sea Containers building, the Mondrian London.
The Mondrian London is close to The Globe. Photo / Supplied
Decorated by award-winning designer, Tom Nixon, the hotel features a magnificent rooftop terrace with panoramic views across London towards The Globe and beyond.
Stratford-upon-Avon, England - The Twelfth Night
Journey back to where it all began in the beautiful English countryside of Stratford-upon-Avon. The White Swan Hotel itself is an historic building, and sits just around the corner from Shakespeare's childhood home.
The White Swan Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Photo / Supplied
Guests can spend their days exploring Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaway's cottage, his resting place at the Holy Trinity Church or catch a play at any of the three theatres run by the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company.
"O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" While Juliet Capulet may just have been a figment of Shakespeare's imagination, a 13th century house bearing the arms of the Cappelletti family in fair Verona hints at his inspiration.
Visitors can explore the interior of Juliet's House, as it is affectionately known, home to a wide collection of artefacts dedicated to Juliet and stand on the balcony to re-enact one of the greatest love scenes of all time. Many romantics also choose to take part in the ritual of touching the bronze statue of Juliet to enhance their own luck in love.
La Corte Di Giulietta overlooks Juliet's Balcony. Photo / Supplied
There's no better place to stay than La Corte Di Giulietta, truly unique and luxurious suites overlooking this legendary courtyard and statue. Guests will also have the privilege of enjoying this iconic place in total peace-and-quiet as access to the courtyard is reserved exclusively to suite guests each evening
Scotland, United Kingdom - Macbeth
Macbeth was one of Shakespeare's most iconic characters, yet few people know that he was in fact a real man - an 11th century king of Scotland who led a life filled with as much murder, treachery and drama as the tragic hero of Shakespeare's play.
With its breathtaking landscapes and truly historic sites, the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands is the ideal destination for those feeling inspired by the home of this renowned Scottish king and Shakespearean legend.
Kinloch Lodge Hotel and Restaurant. Photo / Supplied
Feel like king of your own castle with a stay at Kinloch Lodge Hotel and Restaurant - this former 17th century hunting lodge is located at the foot of Kinloch Hill on the shoreline of Loch Na Dal. A peaceful haven, it is the ideal place to enjoy a dram of whiskey, a taste of haggis and a night curled up by the fire re-reading Macbeth's tale of woe.
Venice, Italy - The Merchant of Venice
It can't be known for certain if Shakespeare ever visited Venice, but his passion for Italy was undoubtedly apparent with 13 of his plays based fully or partly in the country. Both The Merchant of Venice and Othello were based here and include mentions of the Rialto market and St. Mark's Square, as well as capturing local habits and references that indicate Shakespeare spent time in the floating city.
13 of Shakespeare's plays were based in Venice. Photo / Supplied
For those looking to explore Shakespeare's Venice, be sure to stay in the heart of the action at Aqua Palace, a beautiful design hotel in the Castello quarter.
One of Booking.com's most highly rated properties in Venice, the stylish rooms and suites exude Italian elegance reminiscent of the 1500s. Ideally located, Aqua Palace is just three minutes' walk from St Mark's Square, known as Piazza San Marco and a five-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge.
