Go Beyond the Wall with these epic 'Game of Thrones' travel destinations
It may be coming to an end, but the travel possibilities are just beginning.
Now that Game of Thrones has come to a close, fans can take the opportunity to step away from the binge-watching and head to the very places where GOT was filmed. Many tour companies are getting in on the "game" with tours of individual or multiple countries. Here are three tours to inspire your wanderlust.
The world of Westeros lives on through CIE Tours International, with tour stops ranging from the rolling hills of Winterfell in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to the icy chill from Beyond the Wall in Iceland. Travelers can explore the gorgeous scenery that has served as the shows backdrop for eight seasons. For fans who want an uninterrupted Westeros adventure, custom group tours are also available to craft private itineraries with help from native insight. Sites available for custom groups include a trip down “the Kings Road” at the Dark Hedges and a tour of Castle Ward, which is home to House Stark at Winterfell.
Here are a few itineraries on offer:
• Northern Welcome: Travelers start at the Glens of Antrim – known as “The Dothraki Sea” on the show – where fans can practice speaking Dothraki while looking out at the photogenic Causeway Coast. Fans will also recognize the site for the fatal scene where Ned Stark beheads the traitor from the Nights Watch. Other tour highlights include a trip to the natural wonder of The Giant’s Causeway; Belfast, with its Victorian architecture and Titanic Belfast; and a stop in Dublin, which includes a visit to the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland’s national necropolis.
• Jewels of Ireland: This aptly named tour takes guests on a 14-day adventure that spans the country. Travelers can learn to “pay the iron price” at Ballintoy – site of the fictional Iron Islands, which is home to House Greyjoy. More photogenic destinations follow, including The Dingle Peninsula’s Slea Head Drive; the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet from the Atlantic; and Slieve League—Europe’s highest sea cliffs.
• Taste of Iceland: Located just 45 minutes from the culture and attractions in Reykjavik, travelers will venture through Thingvellir National Park – known as the impregnable Eyrie, one of the sites featured on Arya Stark’s journey with The Hound. Next, life Beyond the Wall begins in Skaftafell National Park. The area’s wintery landscape will immediately be recognized as home to the Night’s Watch, Wildlings and the dreaded White Walkers.
Zicasso
Zicasso is already anticipating a Westeros withdrawal and is prepared to soothe your nostalgia with The Ultimate Game of Thrones Series Finale Tour, a 15-day journey to Croatia, Spain and Morocco with an option to extend the trip into Iceland and Ireland. The private tour blends several storylines throughout Croatia, Spain and Morocco, featuring visits to on-site filming locations and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The 14-night tour includes accommodations, 11 private tours including all entrance fees with personal guides, all private transfers including to and from airport. International airfare is not included.
Highlights of the tour include evenings spent at accommodations where the cast and crew stayed, while learning about the secretive nature of the series during the filming; a scenic hot air balloon ride for a director’s view from Season 3 that takes you up to 2,500 feet above the Moroccan landscape; the gardens of Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Alcazar of Seville, depicted in the series as the set of Sunspear, the intriguing capital of Dorne; Step into the largest of Meereen’s fighting pits when touring Osuna, Spain and its bullring where Daenerys and Jorah Mormont reunite during an epic battle in Season 5; among many others.
Scott Dunn
Luxury tour company Scott Dunn's GOT-inspired adventure includes Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia. The tour can be customized to the traveler, but highlights may include a tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town which is featured in many scenes of the hit show. Dubrovnik’s walls are featured in many Game of Thrones scenes like Cersei’s power walks to Tyrion’s moments by the Narrow Sea. Guests can continue their Game of Thrones journey in Trestno, which also doubles as The Red Keep.
In Split, the range of different architecture styles making it the perfect location for Meereen in Game of Thrones. Afterwards, guests will continue their adventure traveling to Klis, a fortress where Game of Thrones was filmed. Klis served as the City of Meereen when Daenerys freed the slaves.
(Editor's note: This piece was originally published on April 17, 2019.)
