Dodge the usual tourist traps and pack your torch for a tour that delves into hidden secrets, investigates the alleyways, and dusts off haunted castles in some of the world’s most popular cities.

Student Flights has a list of Dark Destinations and Frightseeing tours to send shivers up your spine — just in time for Halloween.

Twilight Trail*: USA
Twilight fans can sink their teeth into a new tour that hunts for vampire hangouts in Oregon and Washington.

The Twilight Trail starts in Portland and takes fans to the spooky sights made famous by the first movie and novel series. Freakish highlights of the tour can include the town of Forks, St Helens, Nehalem State Park, Cannon Beach, Silver Falls State Park, Hood River, Mt St Helens, Mt Ranier National Park, Olympic National Park, Port Angeles and Seattle.

Ghosts and Gore: Edinburgh
Join the ‘deceased’ Mr Clapperton as he takes a light-hearted look at Edinburgh's dark past, telling tales of tortures, punishments, witchcraft and invasion as he leads you through the Old Town's atmospheric closes and courtyards. En route, there will be a demonstration of several authentic torture devices, and ghostly encounters in the form of the notorious Mad Monk of the Cowgate, Agnes Fynnie the terrifying witch, the regal Blue Gowned Beggar, the ghastly Foule Clenger (plague collector) and the fearsome Highlander.

Angels and Demons: Rome
Unravel Rome's secrets on the 'Angels and Demons' morning tour, inspired by the novel by Dan Brown. You'll take an incredible journey into the heart of the Eternal City to decode the secret messages of the Illuminati, one of the most influential secret societies in history. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 25 people on this small group walking tour, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Jack the Ripper : London
Lurk down dark narrow alleyways and witness the haunts of the world's first recognised serial killer, on a Jack the Ripper and Sinister London tour.

Tourists can arrange private tours to the notorious murder sites including Whitechapel in East London, as well as explore the traditional haunted pubs and hear the ghostly tales of Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street.

Harry Potter in the Cotswolds: United Kingdom
Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter on a mysterious journey that visits the magical film sights, medieval towns and eerie forests made famous in the film series. The three-day trip starts in London and takes travellers to the Cotswolds and Gloucester to dust off the magic of Hogwarts. Highlights include the famous the Roald Dahl Museum, Oxford University, Christ Church College, the Hogwarts Express steam train, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

Vampires in the Gothic City : San Francisco
Keep your crucifix handy as you follow Mina Harker on the San Francisco Vampire walking tour on the Gothic side of Nob Hill. Listen to her tell tales of the role vampires played throughout history and take you to Grace Cathedral, The Nob Hill Cafe, Huntington Park, The Pacific-Union Club, The Fairmont San Francisco, The Mark Hopkins Hotel and The Marines' Memorial Club. The tour is by night, although not as scary as expected, but comical and light-hearted.

Scandalous Sights: Sydney
Experience Sydney's dark side in a hearse with the Sydney Crimes and Passions Tour. Soak up the atmosphere on a walking tour of Sydney through the vibrant and famous Kings Cross, Australia's red light capital. Uncover Kings Cross speckled history of fame, fortunes, murders, drug-obsessions, mysteries, crimes and romances. If you're looking for a 'walk on the wild side' then this Kings Cross walking tour is for you

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