Top Five Harry Potter Fan Trips and Tours for 2007

The magic of Harry Potter continues far beyond the books, the merchandise, and even the Harry Potter themed treats you cook up in the kitchen. After the Harry Potter frenzy settles down in your neighborhood, it might be a good time to schedule a special vacation with a Harry Potter fan trip. HP Fan Trips coincide with the release parties, and this year's roundup offers the magic of travel in London, Oxford, and Scotland throughout July. Here are the top five Harry Potter fan trips as you plan your next vacation to London:

1. Off to London is a two-day affair taking you through the England/Scotland border, and along the same trails as the Harry Potter filmmakers. You'll be visiting Hogwarts School of Witchraft and Wizardry (the Gloucester Cathedral), as well as Oxford University where Hogwarts Library was filmed. The tour also makes a stop at Lacock in Bath, where many of the classroom scenes were shot at Lacock Abbey. Prices start at £390, which is about $600.

2. Lynott Tours conducts a widely popular London-based tour package, with six days of exploration and magic through Harry Potter film locations. You'll visit Oxford, Gloucester, and the medieval village of Lacock, and also be served a hearty breakfast each morning at some of England's best hotels. The company also offers a Self Drive tour of both north and south England if you prefer to do some independent exploring instead. Prices with airfare for this six-day excursion start at $2,295.

3. If you're already in London, be sure to take the London Taxi Tour for your Harry Potter education. Most tours are about 8 - 10 hours, and you'll be traveling in a classic London taxi to the key areas around London and Stonehenge. You'll also be making a few quick stops at centuries-old pubs, medieval houses, and enjoying lunch at Harry Potter's dinner table. Prices range from £410, about $600+ per taxi.

4. Take one of the London Country Tours for a guided trip through the famous scenes of the Harry Potter series. Top spots here include London Zoo, London's King Cross Station, Leadenhall Market, Austrailia House, Oxford, and Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. Most tours range from 7 to 9 hours, and price range from £195 to £245 per car; about $300 to $375.

5. Concierge Desk of London features a wide range of sightseeing tours and excursions throughout London, but the Harry Potter tour http://london-tour.conciergedesk.co.uk/private-guide-tour-harry-potter.htm is a top pick. It's a private guided tour through the most popular scenes and settings including Stonehenge, Warwick Castle, Gloucester Cathedral, and Goathland Station. Prices start at £185, about $300.

Tours and fantasy vacations take place every day in London, Edinburgh, and Scotland. From book release parties to extended stays to explore the Harry Potter adventures firsthand, a fan trip can be just what you need to bring many of the stories to life!