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While stepping into the world of Game of Thrones might seem perilous—given the high chances of meeting a grim fate—fans of the series or George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books can still enjoy safer, real-world adventures inspired by the show.
1., 2., 3., and 4. BRAAVOS, THE SEPT OF BAELOR, DORNE, AND THE FIGHTING PITS OF MEEREEN
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark gazes out at Braavos / Image courtesy HBO
Travel agency Zicasso provides a range of Game of Thrones-inspired tours, featuring a 12-day journey through Spain that highlights season six filming spots. Among the destinations is Girona, known as Braavos in the series, where Arya Stark undergoes her training at the House of Black and White.
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The itinerary also includes a visit to the Alcazaba of Almería, a historic Spanish fortress that serves as the backdrop for Dorne’s dramatic events in season six. Fans of Daenerys Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, will appreciate day 10’s stop at Osuna’s Plaza de Toros, a bullring transformed into the iconic Fighting Pits of Meereen. Note: Dragon rides are not included.
5. THE AZURE WINDOW
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Fans of Daenerys can also explore the Azure Window in Gozo, an island just a short ferry ride from Malta. This stunning natural limestone arch, a favorite spot for scuba divers, was the unnamed setting in season one where Daenerys and Khal Drogo (RIP) exchanged vows. Unfortunately, Dany is unlikely to return, as the artificial sand used during filming severely harmed the surrounding ecosystem.
6. HORN HILL
Another highlight of Zicasso’s season six tour is St. Florentina’s castle in southern Catalonia, also known as Castell de Santa Florentina or Horn Hill, the ancestral home of the Tarly family. Game of Thrones fans recently met Randyll Tarly, Samwell’s harsh father, during a tense family encounter in the season six episode “Blood of My Blood.” Visitors can also book guided tours directly through the castle’s official website.
7. THE GREAT SEPT OF BAELOR
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For fans drawn to King’s Landing, Fort Manoel in Gżira, Malta, served as the stand-in for the Sept of Baelor in season one’s penultimate episode, “Baelor.” This is the infamous location where Ned Stark met his tragic end. Pour one out for honorable Ned.
8. VAES DOTHRAK
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Vaes Dothrak, the only city of the Dothraki, derives its striking atmosphere from the Morne Mountains in Northern Ireland, which loom in the background. The season one scenes set in Vaes Dothrak were filmed at Sandy Brae, a picturesque area within the region.
9. AND 10. KING’S LANDING AND QARTH
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Another Zicasso tour
takes enthusiasts on a journey through Croatia’s Game of Thrones filming spots, dedicating a day and a half to Dubrovnik, the historic city that served as the exterior of King’s Landing in seasons two through five. The city’s iconic walls were featured in season two’s Battle of the Blackwater, where Joffrey’s army clashed with Stannis Baratheon’s forces. Lokrum Island, another key location, hosted pivotal scenes like Cersei’s confrontation with Petyr Baelish in the season two premiere (“Power is power”) and doubled as the exotic city of Qarth.
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Tyrell enthusiasts can explore the Trsteno Arboretum, which transforms into King’s Landing’s lush gardens, a favorite spot for Lady Olenna, the Queen of Thorns, to assert her influence.
11. BELVEDERE ATRIUM
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In reality, the Belvedere Atrium is located within the Belvedere Hotel in Dubrovnik, a structure that suffered destruction during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991. In the world of Game of Thrones, this site became the dramatic setting for Tyrion Lannister’s trial, culminating in the brutal duel between Oberyn Martell and Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane. If you’ve managed to recover from that heart-wrenching moment, consider adding it to your travel itinerary.
12. WINTERFELL
Game of Thrones Tours
provides tours to filming locations in Belfast and Dublin, including the Castle Ward Estate. This estate’s castle and stableyard serve as the real-world Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark (now House Bolton). Nearby, you’ll find Robb Stark’s Riverlands camp and one of the towers representing Walder Frey’s castle, known as the “Twins.”
13. FIST OF THE FIRST MEN
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For those who prefer colder settings, Iceland offers several iconic filming locations north of the Wall. The Svínafellsjökull glacier doubles as both the Frostfang Mountains and the Fist of the First Men, where the Night’s Watch clashed with the White Walkers in season three. A more serene option is Grjótagjá, a natural hot spring featured in the season three episode “Kissed by Fire,” where Jon and Ygritte shared an intimate moment.
