Sci‑Fi Pilgrimages: An Itinerary for Fans of 'Traveling to Mars' and European Comics

Start your sci‑fi pilgrimage without hours of scattered research

Planning a themed trip around a beloved graphic novel — like The Orangery’s breakout sci‑fi series Traveling to Mars — shouldn’t mean juggling fifty websites, uncertain opening hours, and last‑minute travel stress. This itinerary bundles the best of Turin and Europe’s comic hubs into a practical, day‑by‑day pilgrimage that connects museums, indie studios, cafes, and fan events tied to European graphic novel culture.

Why travel now: 2026 trends every fan should know

Two recent shifts make 2026 the ideal year for a comic pilgrimage:

• Transmedia IP growth: European studios like The Orangery — now represented by WME — are expanding graphic novels into exhibitions, AR experiences, and live events. That means more official shows, signings, and studio tours on the calendar this year.
• Fan travel goes experiential: Post‑2024 travel recovery matured into 2025–26’s “experiential booking” boom: travelers want curated, local experiences (studio visits, artist workshops, themed dinners) rather than only museum checklists.

Variety reported in January 2026 that "Transmedia IP Studio the Orangery... signs with WME," highlighting new push for multi‑platform events and wider international exposure.

Fast trip overview — 8 days, two countries, three comic hubs

This plan is built for fans of The Orangery’s universe who want depth over breadth. It focuses on Turin as your base for The Orangery connection, then moves to Brussels and Lucca (home of one of Europe’s largest comics festivals). Travel is optimized by high‑speed rail and short flights.

• Day 1–3: Turin — studio visits, Museo del Cinema tie‑ins, comic cafes
• Day 4–5: Brussels — Belgian Comic Strip Center and local galleries
• Day 6–8: Lucca — galleries, indie publishers, and festival‑style vibes (or time your trip for Lucca Comics & Games in October)

Before you go — practical planning & 2026 booking tips

Save hours and money with these actionable steps before departure.

1. Use a two‑tier booking approach

Book long‑lead items (flights, intercity trains, and any official studio tours or exhibition tickets tied to The Orangery) early — they sell out for special events. Hold day‑of items (cafes, smaller galleries, local workshops) flexible using apps that allow free cancellations. In 2026 many European museums now offer time‑slot tickets only; lock those in.

2. Tap transmedia event calendars

Follow The Orangery’s official channels and WME announcements for pop‑up exhibitions, AR experiences, and signing schedules. Also check festival sites for Angoulême, Lucca Comics & Games, and Brussels’ calendar — these list guest artists and studio showcases months in advance. For technical details on managing event schedules and booking windows, see resources on Calendar Data Ops.

3. Travel smart between hubs

• High‑speed rail connects Turin to Paris/Brussels efficiently — expect ~5.5–6 hours to Paris, then 1.5–2 hours to Brussels via high‑speed lines. Book rail passes or point‑to‑point tickets 2–8 weeks out.
• Turin ⇄ Lucca: trains via Milan or Pisa take 4–6 hours; flying is rarely faster once you factor airport time. If you travel light, check reviews of compact travel kits and packs like the NomadPack 35L for carry and commuter comfort.

Day‑by‑day itinerary: Themed stops, studio access, and fan experiences

Each day includes a morning, afternoon, and evening suggestion so you can adapt to opening hours and artist availability.

Day 1 — Arrive in Turin: Ground yourself in creative history

Morning: Settle into a centrally located hotel in San Salvario or Centro — both neighborhoods are walkable and full of independent bookstores and cafes.

Afternoon: Visit the Museo Nazionale del Cinema in the Mole Antonelliana. While not a comic museum, its sci‑fi film exhibits and archival displays make a great context for Traveling to Mars fan lore — think visual storytelling techniques and historic sci‑fi cinematography.

Evening: Head to a local comics bar or cafe for a gentle orientation — ask staff for nearby indie comic shops and upcoming signings.

Day 2 — The Orangery connection: studios, galleries, and exclusive content

Morning: Book a guided visit or an open studio day with The Orangery (or affiliated Turin collectives). In 2026 The Orangery’s expansion into exhibitions and artist‑fan activations means studio tours may include concept art displays, early‑print runs, and Q&A sessions.

Insider tip: email The Orangery in advance asking for a short portfolio review or signed print — many transmedia studios run small fan‑centric sessions. For how creators and shops are building small, curated pop‑ups and themed retail systems, see Designing Theme Systems for Micro‑Popups.

Afternoon: Visit a local gallery showing contemporary comic art — Turin has an active indie scene with rotating exhibits of graphic novel pages and original panels.

Evening: Dine at a themed pop‑up if available. In 2026, expect occasional immersive dinners tied to IP launches; they sell out fast. If you want low‑budget immersive event options, read about Low‑Budget Immersive Events.

Day 3 — Local artist circuit and hands‑on workshop

Morning: Attend a workshop (figure drawing, sci‑fi environment design, or inking techniques). Local art schools and independent artists offer half‑day sessions aimed at fans.

Afternoon: Meet with a comic book letterer or colorist — many accept short commissions on the spot. Bring a small sketchbook for trades and signatures.

Evening: Check social feeds for late‑night zine markets or artist meetups — these are great for limited‑edition prints and networking. For ideas on micro‑event programming and neighborhood pop‑ups that drive local engagement, consult Micro‑Event Economics.

Day 4 — Travel to Brussels: Belgian comics and architecture

Morning: Take an early high‑speed train to Brussels (via Paris or direct routes depending on schedules). Use this time to scan through your collected sketches and notes — many fans use the train ride for loose portfolio work or journaling.

Afternoon: Start at the Belgian Comic Strip Center to trace European bandes dessinées lineage — from Hergé’s Tintin to modern graphic novels. The museum context helps you see how European styles influenced The Orangery’s visual language.

Evening: Explore comic murals around the city — Brussels is famous for its comic wall trails. It’s an easy, off‑beat way to keep exploring if you’re tired from travel.

Day 5 — Brussels studios, small press, and collector finds

Morning: Visit independent publishers and small press shops. Brussels boasts editors and lettersmiths who collaborate across borders — you may find European editions or variant covers unavailable elsewhere.

Afternoon: Arrange a private viewing or commission with a local illustrator. Many artists in Brussels do short commissions for travelers (heads, badges, or small panels).

Evening: Attend a reading or panel if available. In 2026 there’s been an uptick in hybrid live/streamed events where artists both present in person and interact with global fans online. For guidance on hybrid media workflows and streaming logistics, see Multimodal Media Workflows for Remote Creative Teams.

Day 6 — Travel to Lucca: the festival spirit and indie publisher hub

Morning: Travel from Brussels to Lucca (likely via Milan or Florence); this is a travel day, so plan for 6–8 hours transit. Use travel time to organize trade lists and contact local artists for next‑day meetups.

Afternoon: Check into a guesthouse inside Lucca’s walls. The medieval town is a favorite during Lucca Comics & Games (October), but its year‑round scene includes galleries and small press stores.

Evening: Walk the historic center and identify possible venues for panels or pop‑ups. Smaller towns like Lucca are where many Italian indie creators live and collaborate. For weekend pop‑up logistics and converting event footfall into sales, review the Weekend Pop‑Up Playbook.

Day 7 — Lucca deep dive: publishers, signings, and themed exploration

Morning: Visit local bookstores and the independent press scene — look for offset prints, risograph zines, and early issues from European creators.

Afternoon: Arrange a studio visit with a local cartoonist or attend a small press meet — Lucca is an ideal place to buy original art directly from makers.

Evening: Enjoy a low‑key fan meetup, or create your own mini zine swap. Many fans on forums will meet in cafes for trades and signings. If you’re planning pop‑up display or lighting for a small venue, see tips on Showroom Impact: Lighting, Short‑Form Video & Pop‑Up Micro‑Events.

Day 8 — Wrap, reflect, and shop strategically

Morning: Revisit favorite shops for any last purchases. Consider framing a single original panel instead of a dozen small prints — fewer, higher‑quality mementos travel better.

Afternoon: Pack with protection — comic boards, archival sleeves, and a hard‑side portfolio will keep original pages safe. If you've commissioned originals, photograph and scan (with artist permission) to create backup digital files.

Evening: Celebrate with a themed dinner and plan a return pilgrimage — collect contact details for artists, publishers, and fellow fans.

Practical fan travel tips — what to pack, budget, and etiquette

Packing & protection

• Archival sleeves and comic boards: Protect originals during transit.
• Lightweight portfolio case: For signed pages and commissioned work.
• Portable scanner app + power bank: scan pages as a backup with artist consent.

Budget guide (mid‑range fan trip)

• Accommodation: 3–4 nights in Turin (mid‑range hotel or stylish B&B), 2 nights Brussels, 2 nights Lucca — estimate €100–€180/night depending on season.
• Transport: High‑speed trains and one regional connection — budget €150–€350.
• Workshops & studio visits: €20–€120 each depending on length and inclusions.
• Merch & originals: vary widely — set aside €100–€500 if collecting originals or limited prints.

Fan etiquette & tips for commissioning work

• Always ask first if an artist accepts commissions; respect lead times.
• Bring exact change or a card reader — many independent artists prefer cash but increasingly accept digital payments in 2026.
• Limit photo flash during signings; many creators prefer no flash on originals.

Advanced strategies for power fans and collectors

1. Plan around transmedia drops

With The Orangery becoming a higher‑profile transmedia studio in 2026, watch for timed drops (signed variant covers, AR postcards, or site‑specific installations). Get on mailing lists and RSVP early. For how shops and studios might gate limited inventory and manage collector access, see Token‑Gated Inventory Management and strategies around tokenized drops like Tokenized Holiday Calendars and Collector Drops.

2. Hybrid fan experiences

Bring a tablet or phone loaded with AR apps — many 2026 exhibitions layer audio‑visual content over original pages. Participate in hybrid events where in‑person attendees receive exclusive digital assets or NFTs as proof of attendance.

3. Use local networks for one‑off experiences

Local art schools, co‑ops, and independent galleries are goldmines for private studio time. Offer to trade a small commission or buy a print in exchange for a 30‑minute walk‑through — many artists are open to informal arrangements if approached respectfully. For playbooks on running effective micro‑retail and creator‑led pop‑ups, check Micro‑Experience Retail.

Safety, accessibility, and sustainability

Accessibility varies: many European museums now publish mobility guides online, and several galleries provide digital catalogs for visitors with sensory needs. For safety, keep digital copies of commissioned work and travel documents.

Travel sustainably: favor trains for intercity legs, support local creators directly, and choose accommodations that follow green practices. In 2026, more festivals and museums promote plastic‑free and carbon‑offset options — look for them when booking. If you prefer very short trips or micro‑stays as part of a slow‑travel plan for pop‑ups and creator meetups, see Micro‑Stays and Slow Travel Strategies for Retail Pop‑Ups and general advice on Why Microcations Still Win in 2026.

Local food & cafe picks (how to pair meals with creativity)

Rather than listing specific restaurants (menus change rapidly), look for these cafe types in each city:

• Book‑cafes with sketch tables and pin‑up boards — ideal for sketch swaps and portfolio reviews.
• Artist co‑ops offering light fare and evening gatherings — great for meeting creators.
• Themed pop‑ups around IP launches — keep an eye on The Orangery announcements for temporary experiences.

How to extend the trip or customize by interest

Want more sci‑fi focus? Add a stop in Paris for comic bookstores specializing in sci‑fi chapbooks or visit film‑museum exhibitions. Prefer small‑press deep dives? Add Angoulême for an alternate festival hub with editorial panels and market access.

Final takeaways — what to remember

• Book the big things early: studio tours, time‑slot museum tickets, and any AR/immersion experiences tied to The Orangery.
• Protect originals: sleeves, boards, and a light portfolio make all the difference for long‑term enjoyment and resale value.
• Mix official with indie: balance museum visits and transmedia events with small workshops and direct artist buys for the most authentic experience.
• Leverage 2026 trends: hybrid events, AR tie‑ins, and increased transmedia programming mean more unique, bookable experiences than ever before.

Actionable next steps

1. Check The Orangery and WME channels for 2026 event dates and exhibition releases.
2. Reserve Museo Nazionale del Cinema timeslot and any Turin studio visits at least 4–6 weeks out.
3. Book high‑speed rail tickets between hubs 2–8 weeks ahead to lock best fares.

Call to action

Ready to plan your sci‑fi pilgrimage? Download our printable itinerary, vendor contact list, and a packing checklist tailored for comic collectors — or contact our travel concierge to build a personalized trip that books studios, signings, and exclusive transmedia events on your behalf. Make 2026 the year you step into the worlds behind Traveling to Mars and the vibrant European comic scene.

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