Game of Thrones Travel Adventure

Key Takeaways

• Game of Thrones has inspired fans to travel to the show's stunning filming locations around the world
• Many of the most iconic settings, like King's Landing, Winterfell, and the Wall, can be visited in real life
• Croatia, Northern Ireland, Iceland, Spain, and Malta are some of the top countries for a Game of Thrones-themed trip
• Guided tours are available to take you to key spots, or you can plan a self-guided itinerary to explore on your own
• Immersing yourself in the real-world scenery is a great way to keep the magic of the show alive even after the final season

Introduction

Hey there, fellow Game of Thrones fans! Are you still reeling from the epic conclusion of our favorite fantasy series? Feeling a little lost without your weekly dose of dragons, battles, and plot twists? Well, fear not, because I've got the perfect solution to keep the magic alive - a Game of Thrones travel adventure!

That's right, you can actually visit many of the breathtaking real-world locations that brought the Seven Kingdoms to life on screen. From the sun-soaked shores of King's Landing to the icy wilderness beyond the Wall, these filming spots span multiple countries and offer a tantalizing taste of Westeros. So pack your bags, grab your map, and let's embark on the ultimate Game of Thrones-themed trip around the globe!

Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Real-Life King's Landing

First stop on our journey is the stunning city of Dubrovnik, perched on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. This ancient walled city provided the perfect backdrop for King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms and seat of the Iron Throne.

Stroll along the same cobblestone streets where Cersei made her infamous "walk of shame," gaze up at the soaring Red Keep (actually a medieval fortress called Lovrijenac), and climb the city walls for a breathtaking view of Blackwater Bay. You can even visit the lush Trsteno Arboretum, which served as the palace gardens where Olenna Tyrell and Varys plotted their schemes.

Local tour companies offer guided walks to the most iconic filming spots, complete with behind-the-scenes stories from the show. Or you can simply wander on your own and soak up the regal atmosphere. Just watch out for wildfire!

Northern Ireland: Winterfell and Beyond

Next, let's journey to Northern Ireland, where many of the show's most memorable locations come to life. The rugged coastline, ancient castles, and misty forests of this region were the perfect stand-in for the Stark homeland of Winterfell and the surrounding North.

Start your visit at Castle Ward, an 18th-century estate that served as the exterior of Winterfell in the pilot episode. You can even try your hand at archery in the same courtyard where a young Bran practiced his skills. Then head to the haunting Dark Hedges, a tunnel-like avenue of twisted beech trees that became the Kingsroad where Arya escaped King's Landing.

Other must-see spots include the Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre birthed her shadow assassin), Ballintoy Harbour (the Iron Islands), and Murlough Bay (the dramatic coastal route to Pyke). With so many locations concentrated in this compact area, Northern Ireland is a Game of Thrones fan's dream come true.

Iceland: Beyond the Wall

Ready to venture into the wild frozen lands beyond the Wall? Then it's time to head to Iceland, where Jon Snow and the Night's Watch braved the icy elements in their battles against the White Walkers.

Much of the country's otherworldly landscape, from glaciers and volcanoes to steaming hot springs, was used to create the unforgiving world north of the Wall. Explore the Mýrdalsjökull glacier near Vik, hike the rugged Höfðabrekkuheiði hiking area, and visit the ancient Grjótagjá cave and its thermal spring.

One of the most iconic locations is the Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue, which served as the forbidding icy wasteland where the Night King and his army marched. You can even take a guided tour onto the glacier itself to truly feel like a member of the Night's Watch. Just be sure to bundle up - winter is always coming in Iceland!

Spain: Dorne and the Free Cities

For a taste of the exotic southern reaches of Westeros and Essos, head to Spain, where many of the show's desert landscapes and ancient cities were brought to life.

The Water Gardens of Dorne, where Prince Oberyn and the Sand Snakes plotted their revenge, were filmed at the stunning Alcázar of Seville, a Moorish palace with lush gardens and intricate architecture. Nearby, the bullring in Osuna served as the fighting pit of Meereen where Daenerys and her dragons battled the Sons of the Harpy.

Further north, the medieval city of Girona became the Free City of Braavos, where Arya trained with the Faceless Men. Its narrow streets, stone walls, and ancient cathedral made the perfect stand-in for the mysterious assassins' headquarters.

And who could forget the Dragonpit, the crumbling amphitheater in King's Landing where the great houses gathered for the final showdown? You can visit the real-life ruins, called Italica, just outside Seville. Close your eyes and you can almost hear the roar of Drogon echoing off the ancient stones.

Malta: The Red Keep and Beyond

While Croatia's Dubrovnik may have stolen the show in later seasons, the island nation of Malta was the original filming location for King's Landing and the Red Keep in season one.

The ancient fortified city of Mdina became the winding streets and alleyways of the capital, while the cliffs of the Azure Window (sadly now collapsed) served as the backdrop for Daenerys and Khal Drogo's wedding. You can also visit St. Dominic's Convent, where Cersei confronted Ned Stark about his investigation into her secrets, and Fort Manoel, where the shocking execution of Ned took place.

Malta's stunning coastline and historic architecture provide a glimpse into the early days of the show, before it exploded into a global phenomenon. It's a must-visit spot for any die-hard fan looking to complete their Game of Thrones world tour.

A Feast for Fans: Game of Thrones Culinary Experiences

All that traveling and exploring is sure to work up an appetite! Luckily, many locations offer Game of Thrones-themed culinary experiences to satisfy your cravings.

In Dubrovnik, you can dine on a medieval feast fit for a king at the Karaka ship restaurant, featuring dishes inspired by the show like "Baratheon Venison" and "Lannister Roast Duck." In Northern Ireland, the Cuan Inn offers a "Game of Thrones Banquet" complete with costumes, music, and hearty fare served on trenchers (bread plates) just like in the Middle Ages.

For a truly immersive experience, head to the Game of Thrones-themed ice hotel in Lapland, Finland. Here you can sip on themed cocktails in carved ice glasses, sleep on a bed of ice surrounded by show-inspired sculptures, and even take a husky sled ride through the snowy wilderness like a true member of the Night's Watch.

Game of Thrones Tours and Experiences

Want to leave the planning to the experts? There are plenty of guided Game of Thrones tours available to help you make the most of your trip.

Many locations offer day tours that hit the highlights of the local filming spots, complete with behind-the-scenes stories and photo ops. For a more immersive experience, consider a multi-day tour that takes you to several countries and includes exclusive experiences like archery lessons, medieval banquets, and even meeting actors from the show.

Some top-rated tour options include:

• Game of Thrones Tours in Dubrovnik: Explore King's Landing with expert guides who worked on the show as extras and crew members.
• Game of Thrones Tour in Northern Ireland: Visit Winterfell, the Kingsroad, and more on a full-day tour from Belfast.
• Beyond the Wall: Game of Thrones Tour in Iceland: Venture into the icy wilderness on a guided tour of the show's most iconic locations.
• Game of Thrones Girona Small Group Tour: Discover the Free City of Braavos on a walking tour of this historic Spanish city.

Of course, you can also create your own self-guided tour by mapping out the key filming locations and planning your own itinerary. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time and respect any local guidelines or restrictions.

Cosplay and Fan Experiences

For the ultimate Game of Thrones fan experience, consider timing your visit to coincide with a themed event or convention. Many locations host special celebrations and gatherings where fans can dress up in costume, meet actors from the show, and immerse themselves in the world of Westeros.

Some notable events include:

• Con of Thrones: The premier convention for Game of Thrones fans, held annually in different cities around the world.
• Dubrovnik Winter Festival: A magical celebration held in the heart of King's Landing, complete with themed performances, costumes, and decorations.
• Winterfell Festival: Held at Castle Ward in Northern Ireland, this event lets fans step into the world of the Starks with archery demonstrations, falconry, and more.

Even if you can't make it to a special event, many filming locations offer opportunities to dress up in costume and live out your Game of Thrones fantasies. From donning a fur cloak at the Wall to posing on the Iron Throne itself, there are plenty of ways to feel like a true citizen of Westeros.

Conclusion

As you can see, a Game of Thrones-themed trip is the perfect way to keep the magic of the show alive long after the final credits have rolled. From the sun-drenched shores of Croatia to the icy wilderness of Iceland, the real-world locations that brought Westeros to life are waiting to be explored.

Whether you're a die-hard fan looking to visit every filming spot or just a casual viewer hoping to add a little extra excitement to your vacation, there's a Game of Thrones travel experience for you. So grab your map, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on the ultimate journey through the Seven Kingdoms.

Who knows - you might even discover a new favorite destination along the way. Just remember to watch out for dragons, White Walkers, and scheming Lannisters at every turn. Happy travels, and may the old gods and the new watch over you on your adventures!

Country	Top Filming Locations	Must-Do Experiences
Croatia	Dubrovnik (King's Landing), Trsteno Arboretum (Palace Gardens)	Walk the city walls, take a Game of Thrones tour
Northern Ireland	Castle Ward (Winterfell), Dark Hedges (Kingsroad), Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands)	Archery lessons at Winterfell, visit the Giant's Causeway
Iceland	Mýrdalsjökull glacier (Beyond the Wall), Grjótagjá cave (Jon & Ygritte's love nest)	Hike a glacier, soak in a hot spring
Spain	Alcázar of Seville (Water Gardens of Dorne), Girona (Braavos), Italica (Dragonpit)	Explore a Moorish palace, walk the streets of Braavos
Malta	Mdina (King's Landing), Azure Window (Daenerys & Drogo's wedding)	Wander the ancient streets, take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto

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