Are you a fan of the famous TV series Game of Thrones, looking to visit some of the most spectacular GoT filming locations, but not sure where to start?
In this article, we are highlighting some of the best Game of Thrones tours in Iceland, Ireland, Croatia, Malta, and Spain.
Update: This post was originally published when Game of Thrones was extremely popular and there were lots of amazing GOT tours to choose from. At the moment of the last update, some of the best tours were still available, but quite a few tours at several locations have been discontinued. Nevertheless, we did our best to select the very best Game of Thrones tours that are available, with a short explanation of what you can expect. Take a look!
TIP: Before we continue to the best Game of Thrones tours for each destination, I would like to quickly tell you why you should consider joining an organized tour when visiting the Game of Thrones filming locations. Read on!
Why you should visit Game of Thrones filming locations with a tour
If you are like us, you value individual travel above anything else. However, there are certain experiences that you simply cannot have on your own. Game of Thrones tours are like that.
While you could do your own research about where Game of Thrones is filmed and visit most of the Game of Thrones filming locations on your own, specialized GoT tours usually offer a much more unique experience.
Some Game of Thrones tours will have actors who appeared on the HBO TV series or people who met the cast and the crew as your guides. They usually share some insider stories and behind-the-scenes gossip. As a minimum, tour guides are usually big Game of Thrones fans extremely well familiar with the series and all the scenes filmed at the specific location.
Furthermore, exploring the Game of Thrones filming locations with local tour guides has many other advantages:
- Expert local guides with excellent insider knowledge of the location.
- GoT tour guides will not only tell you the history of the places you visit but also about the specific scenes filmed there, share insider stories and anecdotes.
- Taking a tour allows you to see a lot in a short time without doing any prior research.
- Quality Game of Thrones tours not only cover the key filming locations but make sure to also bring you to some other amazing places nearby. That way you also get to see some stunning gems that you would have probably missed when focusing your research solely on the Game of Thrones filming locations.
Below you can find a selection of authentic Game of Thrones tours in some of the best-known filming locations in Europe. Read on!
Here are some of the best GOT tours in Europe:
Game of Thrones Tour Iceland
I think it’s safe to say that Game of Thrones had a big impact on Iceland’s tourism industry. Ever since Iceland was featured in the second season of the popular TV series, the number of tourists grew faster than ever before. In fact, it nearly doubled in the 4 years after Iceland’s first appearance in the Game of Thrones… So it’s probably not a coincidence…
While I strongly believe that Iceland is always worth a trip and there is much more to Iceland than what you see in this TV series, true Game of Thrones fans will, of course, be glad to hear that there is a special Game of Thrones tour in Iceland. At the moment, there is only one (private) tour that is focused entirely on visiting some of the famous Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland.
Not only will you see some spectacular sceneries, but you’ll also hear stories about the making of the movie, the famous scenes that were filmed there, and get the chance to meet Icelandic horses that were featured in the Game of Thrones as Westeros garrons.
This Game of Thrones Iceland tour starts in Reykjavik and runs in all seasons, making it a perfect day trip for all the GoT fans visiting Iceland.
TIP: If you are planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to check our Iceland travel guide as well. It features practical tips, travel itineraries, and lots of travel inspiration for this unique country.
Game of Thrones Tour Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the destinations that has the biggest number of Game of Thrones filming locations. So it will come as no surprise that this highly-rated Game of Thrones tour from Dublin takes an entire day. But what a day it is!
The tour is no longer called ‘Game of Thrones tour’, but the itinerary remains the same as before. You will see many of the most amazing scenic locations featured in the series, like the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Glens of Antrim, and of course the famous Giant’s Causeway. Giant’s Causeway is not a GoT filming location, but no tour of Northern Ireland would be complete without a stop here! In addition, the tour also stops in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
Just like all the other Game of Thrones tours in this selection, this tour is run by local guides whose insider knowledge and storytelling make it an unforgettable experience. However, since the interest in GOT tours has decreased, this tour is no longer specifically focused on the series.
This full-day Ireland Game of Thrones tour starts in Dublin and runs the whole year round. It’s a great way to see some of the most spectacular scenery and the highlights of Northern Ireland for everyone, not just Game of Thrones fans. So if you are traveling to Dublin and have a day to spare, I definitely recommend this as one of the absolute best day trips in Ireland.
TIP: If you are visiting Northern Ireland and are looking for the Game of Thrones tour from Belfast, check out this most popular GOT filming locations tour from Belfast.
Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour in Croatia
Croatia has quite a few Game of Thrones filming locations. The first and the most popular is definitely Dubrovnik.
As King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, Dubrovnik has been the setting of countless Game of Thrones scenes ever since season 2. It’s, therefore, one of the must-see filming locations for any GOT fan.
This Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik is perfect for all first-time visitors because it gives you a short introduction to the Old Town of Dubrovnik as well. And just in case you are wondering, Dubrovnik Old Town has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List long before it was made famous by the Game of Thrones TV series.
This Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik takes just 2 hours and brings you to all the filming locations in the Old Town and also to the Fort of St. Lawrence, just outside the walled city. It’s an absolute must for all Game of Thrones fans.
Here you can find more details, check availability, and book your Dubrovnik GOT tour.
Game of Thrones Tours in Split, Croatia
Split is somewhat less popular among international visitors than Dubrovnik, but pretty much everyone I know who visited Croatia, says that they prefer Split over Dubrovnik. We recently visited Croatia and I have to say that both Split and Dubrovnik are worth a visit. And they are completely different to even try to compare.
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and is full of history – a perfect filming location featured in several different seasons of the Game of Thrones.
If you find yourself in Split and have a few hours to spare, then a Game of Thrones walking tour through the Old Town of Split must be on your radar! Fans will recognize the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace, which was used as Daenerys Targaryen’s throne room in Meereen. The tour covers Golden gate, Vestibul, and of course all the cellars, corridors, and streets that you’ll recognize from your favorite TV series.
There are many different Game of Thrones tours in Split. Most of them are rather short and just focus on the filming locations in the Old Town. If you are looking for a short tour covering the highlights, then this 1,5-hour GOT tour in Spilt is probably the best you’ll find price/quality-wise. If, however, you are looking for a more special experience, take a look at the tour highlighted further.
What sets this tour apart is that in addition to Game of Thrones filming locations in Split Old Town it also takes you to the mountainside fortress of Klis, just outside the city. Medieval Klis Fortress previously only known to locals became a popular tourist destination after it was used as the city of Meereen in season 4 of Game of Thrones.
It also visits Žrnovnica, the place of the famous bathing scene of Missandei, Danaerys’s trusted maid and interpreter. In addition, this tour also includes a Game of Thrones-style dinner on location.
This Game of Thrones tour in Split takes about 6 hours and runs between April and October. Check it out!
Here you can find more details, check availability, and book this unique GOT tour in Split.
Game of Thrones Tour in Malta
Malta was one of the original Game of Thrones filming locations. A big part of season 1 was filmed here, so if you’re nostalgic about the good old days of Game of Thrones, Malta is the place to be.
Some of the best GoT filming locations in Malta are the 17th-century Fort Ricasoli, San Anton Palace, and also Saint Dominic’s Priory – all of which you’ll recognize as the Red Keep. But probably the most impressive is Mdina.
Mdina is a fortified medieval town and Malta’s original capital. Perched high on the hill on top of the island, this walled city with a labyrinth of narrow streets and King’s Landing-style alleys is a must-see place for all Game of Thrones fans.
This full-day Malta Game of Thrones tour covers all the significant filming locations. In addition, it’s a great way to see some of the best historic spots on the island. This GoT tour is a must for all die-hard fans of Game of Thrones.
Here you can find more details, check availability, and book your Game of Thrones tour in Malta. However, at the moment of writing, it only runs once a week. Alternatively, you can book a private customizable tour in Malta and ask them to bring you to all the GOT filming locations.
Game of Thrones Tour in Girona Spain
There are many Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain, scattered all over the country. So unless you have a couple of weeks in Spain, it would be tough to see them all.
In this selection, we feature a Game of Thrones tour in Girona and also one in Seville, in Southern Spain – see further below.
Girona is a beautiful medieval town just a 1.5hr drive from Barcelona and you can visit Girona as a day trip. It was one of the Game of Thrones filming locations in season 6 that immediately put Girona on the radar of many international visitors.
For true Game of Thrones fans, I recommend this highly-rated small-group GOT tour in Girona. Guides introduce you to the popular characters and the key filming locations. They also show pictures from the film set in Girona, making it easy to recognize the places you’ve seen on TV. This Game of Thrones tour is also your unique opportunity to explore Girona and soak up its great atmosphere with an insider.
TIP: If you are looking for a Game of Thrones tour from Barcelona, you could just take a train to Girona and join the tour mentioned above – it’s really the best GOT tour. In addition, there is also an organized GOT tour from Barcelona. But from what I see based on customer reviews, it’s more a tour of Girona than a Game of Thrones tour.
TIP: If you are looking for a great day trip from Barcelona, you may want to visit Montserrat Monastery. Here you can read our Montserrat tour review.
Game of Thrones Tour in Seville, Spain
Royal Alcazar of Seville is said to be one of those Game of Thrones filming locations that looks even more beautiful and special in reality than it does in the film. And that probably says it all… So if you find yourself in southern Spain, don’t miss the chance to see the Kingdom of Dorne in real life!
This Moorish palace dates back to 913, but has been rebuilt, renovated, and updated several times. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and worth a visit on its own. It is also the oldest European royal palace in Europe that is still used today (the upper chambers of the Alcazar are used by the Spanish royal family).
Royal Alcazar of Seville might not look very impressive from the outside, but once you step inside, you find one of the most spectacular Game of Thrones filming locations, almost too beautiful to be true. Not to be missed!
Here you can find more details, check availability, and book your Game of Thrones tour in Seville, Spain – the primary filming location for the kingdom of Dorne.
READ ALSO: How to Spend One Day in Seville
So, this is our hand-picked selection of some of the very best Game of Thrones tours available in Europe at the moment. If you are a Game of Thrones fan dreaming about seeing some of the most famous GoT filming locations, now you know that there are excellent options in a variety of destinations where this popular series was filmed.
If your travels bring you to Reykjavik, Dublin, Dubrovnik, Split, Barcelona, Seville, or Malta, don’t miss the unique opportunity and join one of these authentic Game of Thrones tours!
More inspiration for traveling to some of the GOT-filming destinations:
- Croatia: Croatia Itinerary including Split and Dubrovnik.
- Spain: Best Things to Do in Barcelona & Barcelona in 2 Days & 1 Day in Barcelona.
- Iceland: Best Places to See in Iceland.
READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe & How to Plan a Trip to Europe
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Beth
Friday 6th of March 2020
It doesn't appear that KKDay has the GOT Ireland tours any longer, fyi. I did a search on the site after I clicked on the link and it didn't turn up any results.
Jurga
Friday 6th of March 2020
This is strange. Thank you so much for letting me know, Beth. I'll investigate this. In the meantime, you can find a small selection of GOT tours in Ireland here.
Tim Scheybeler
Wednesday 12th of February 2020
We will be in Barcelona in 3 weeks from now and would love to take the tour of Girona's G.O.T sites if that is possible. I am guessing that they run every day. Do you have any contact numbers that we could use to get in contact with these people and actually set up the needed exchange of info and money for tickets etc.
Jurga
Monday 17th of February 2020
Hi Tim, you can just book the tours online and you'll get all the information - place and time where to be, etc. There is no need to call anyone or set up anything. We have a tour linked to in the article. Alternatively, here is one more Girona GOT tour from Barcelona. It only runs a few times a week though, but maybe you can find a day that suits you. Otherwise, here is a Girona GOT tour that runs daily. However, this one starts in Girona, so you first have to take a train to get there (shouldn't be too difficult). Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip! PS If you are looking for more tips for Barcelona, we have quite a few articles on the blog - check out here - Barcelona.