Sorry to break it to you, but sadly it’s not possible to book a two-week trip to the fictional land of Westeros. Parts of it might look appealing when you’re sat working your way through a Game of Thrones box set, but the Riverlands, Iron Islands and elsewhere don’t actually exist.
However, as the next best thing (and a much safer option away from any white walkers), taking a trip to the wonderful filming locations will more than suffice. While Northern Ireland is home to a lot of the filming, for a little extra luxury these are the places you should beheading off to visit.
King’s Landing in Croatia
Home of the Iron Throne itself and the location of many memorable scenes, from Cersei’s walk of shame to the Battle of the Blackwater, King’s Landing is a must whether you side with the Lannister, Stark or Targaryen family. Croatia is the real-life destination for luxury travellers wanting to lay down their claim for the Iron Throne.
Dubrovnik is the main destination, both in and outside of the Old Town. Fort Lovrijenac is where much of the Red Keep was filmed and offers outstanding views out to sea. Walk a long the Old Town walls and you can recreate various famous scenes, as well as come across where parts of the House of the Undying and more was filmed.
Go to Split and just outside the city sits the Fortress of Kliss (or the city of Meereen). While some of the streets in Split were used to film the slave rebellion scenes, and within the basement of Diocletian’s Palace you might be able to spot one of Daenerys’ dragons.
Dorne in Spain
Possibly the most luxurious location in all of Westeros (or at least one that looks like it would make a good holiday destination) is Dorne. The Real Alcázar in Seville is where the Water Gardens of Dorne were filmed. This royal palace dates back to 913 and due to its historical status filming is rarely allowed.
The gorgeous gardens and palace are barely unchanged in Game of Thrones, partly because they probably weren’t allowed to alter much and also that it’s so beautiful it didn’t need any work. If anything, the tiles and architecture are even more stunning in real life and the gardens are exquisite, especially on a sunny day, of which there are many in Seville.
North of the Wall in Iceland
If you’re more into the darker side of Game of Thrones and brave enough to head north of the wall, Iceland is the place to go. Rather than camping out in sub-zero temperatures though, experience the land of the white walkers in luxury.
Explore the gorge of Thingvellir, follow the wildlings’ trail and even take a peek into the cave where Jon Snow broke his oath with Ygritte. There’s also the chance to spot the Northern Lights if you’re lucky, along with the other breath-taking landscapes, geysers and waterfalls Iceland has to offer. At the end of the day(s) though, you can head back to the warmth and luxury of your hotel in Reykjavik.
Discover the land of Westeros in a classy and sophisticated manner with a trip to any or all of these three countries.
