Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Driving Tour

Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Driving Tour Review: A Scenic Ride Through Westeros

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, a visit to Dubrovnik isn’t complete without retracing the steps of your favorite characters. This 3-hour guided driving tour promises to take you through the city’s most recognizable filming sites, from Kings Landing to the Royal Gardens, all while offering an eye-popping view of Dubrovnik’s stunning landscape.

One of the best features? The tour includes entry fees for key sites, saving you both time and money, plus it’s a small-group experience that feels intimate rather than crowded. Still, it’s worth noting that this is a carefully planned, leisurely experience—if you’re expecting intense hiking or extensive walking, this might not be the tour for you.

This tour is perfect for Game of Thrones fans who want an easy, informative way to connect with the show’s scenery without the hassle of navigating on your own. If you value knowledgeable guides with a knack for storytelling and stunning viewpoints, you’ll find this trip quite rewarding.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation from Dubrovnik’s central points makes this a hassle-free experience.
• Small-group sizes allow for more personalized attention and easier interaction with your guide.
• Entry fees included mean no surprise costs at key locations, adding to the overall value.
• Insightful commentary by guides enhances your understanding of the filming locations and Croatian history.
• Flexible timing options suit different schedules, with both early and late afternoon departures available.
• Authentic sites like Trsteno Arboretum and Mount Srd offer more than just TV scenery—they provide genuine Croatian charm.

An In-Depth Look at the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Driving Tour

Starting Point: Pile Gate and Port Gruz

The tour begins at Pile Gate, the iconic entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Here, you’ll find the Amerling Fountain, famed for its statues of Aphrodite, Pan, and a ram, standing as a quiet relic just outside the bustling city walls. It’s a fitting starting point—symbolic of the blend between history and fantasy. From there, your guide, likely holding a Horizon sign, will escort you to the central Bus Station at Port Gruz, where the group gathers comfortably for the ride ahead.

What we love about these two starting points is the ease of door-to-door pickup and drop-off. No need to navigate complicated city streets or hunt down obscure meeting spots—your transportation is taken care of, leaving you free to focus on the scenery and stories.

Trsteno Arboretum: The Royal Gardens and a Fan Favorite

The highlight for many is the Trsteno Botanical Garden, a lush, peaceful enclave that was used as the Royal Gardens in the show. The guide will share fascinating details about how the garden’s scenes were shot, and you’ll learn that Jaime Lannister practiced his left hand here alongside Bronn—a fun tidbit for fans. The best part? The admission fee is included, which means you won’t have to worry about extra costs or tickets.

Reviewers mention that this stop offers “beautiful and quiet gardens,” making it a perfect break from the bustling city streets. With about 45 minutes here, you’ll have time to explore, snap photos, and soak in the Croatian greenery. Guides tend to be very knowledgeable, often sharing insights about Croatian flora and history, elevating this from a simple sightseeing stop to a genuinely informative experience.

Mount Srd and the Napoleon Garrison Ruins

Next, the tour takes you to Mount Srd, where you’ll stop briefly at the Bosanka village ruins—famous for scenes from season two. The panoramic views from Mount Srd are breathtaking, offering a sweeping vista of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the coastline.

Unlike the gondola ride, the tour’s visit to Mount Srd is by car, which saves time and effort. You can expect about 30 minutes here, giving you enough time to take photos and appreciate the strategic importance of this spot in the show and in history. The guide’s commentary helps connect the dots between the scenery and the storylines, making the views even more meaningful.

Dubrovnik Cable Car and King’s Road

While the gondola ride isn’t included, the group makes a brief stop at King’s Road—the famous street lined with shops and restaurants that served as a backdrop for many scenes. From the car, you’ll get a glimpse of this lively area, along with a visit to the top of Mt. Srdj, where stunning panoramic views await.

This segment lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to appreciate Dubrovnik from above and hear about its role as King’s Landing. It’s perfect for those who want a quick photo opportunity or a chance to imagine the royal court scene from above.

The Fight Scene at St. Jacob’s Beach

A surprising gem is St. Jacob’s Beach, home to the location where Mountain and Oberyn fought. The abandoned Hotel Belvedere nearby adds an atmospheric touch, making this stop a must for fans craving that authentic connection to the show’s action scenes. With about 15 minutes here, you can stroll along the coast and take in the rugged beauty that made these scenes memorable.

Drive-By of Dubrovnik Walls and Gates

The tour rounds off with a drive-by of the Bua Gate and the north side of the city walls, offering a quick visual of the fortress that protected Kings Landing. While not a stop, it’s a great way to wrap up the scenic experience and absorb the city’s impressive fortifications.

What’s Included and What Not

This tour offers excellent value for its price of just over $100 per person. The included features—professional guides, small-group size, air-conditioned transport, and entry to Trsteno Arboretum—mean you’re covered for a hassle-free experience.

However, it’s worth noting that food and drinks are not included, so plan for a snack or water if you think you’ll need it during the tour.

The guides are praised for their knowledge—many reviews mention guides sharing not only behind-the-scenes stories but also Croatian history and culture, enriching the experience beyond just the filming locations.

How It Feels to Take the Tour

From reviews, we gather that travelers find the guides to be very informative and personable, often going beyond the script to share fascinating facts about Croatian plants, history, and the filming process. One reviewer mentioned their guide was “very informative, not just about GOT but also Croatian history,” which adds an immersive layer to the sightseeing.

The small-group setting allows for a relaxed atmosphere where questions are encouraged. It’s a comfortable, unhurried way to see the key locations without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.

Timing and Practicalities

The start time of 2:30 pm suits travelers who want to spend the morning at leisure—perhaps exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town or relaxing at a café. The duration of about 3 hours makes it a perfect afternoon activity, especially if you’re planning evening plans afterward.

While the tour is generally accessible, travelers should have moderate physical fitness and wear comfortable shoes—some walking is involved, especially at the gardens and viewpoints.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This driving tour is a fantastic choice for Game of Thrones enthusiasts who want to see the filming locations without the hassle of trekking around or navigating on their own. It’s also ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, informative experience that combines scenic views with behind-the-scenes stories.

If you like smaller, intimate group experiences and prefer to avoid surprises with hidden costs, this tour’s included entry fees and small group size will appeal to you. Plus, the flexible departure times make it adaptable for different travel schedules.

The Sum Up

The Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Driving Tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience for fans and casual sightseers alike. It’s especially valuable for those who appreciate engaging guides and stunning vistas, along with the convenience of transportation and included site fees.

What sets this tour apart is the personal, behind-the-scenes storytelling that brings the locations to life, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. It’s an ideal way to connect with Dubrovnik’s role as King’s Landing without the physical effort or logistical headache.

The tour’s moderate price point, combined with its intimate group size and insider insights, makes it a great value—particularly for those with a passion for the show or a curiosity about Croatian history and scenery.

If you’re after a relaxed, engaging, and scenic way to explore Dubrovnik’s most famous filming sites, this tour won’t disappoint.

FAQs

Is transportation provided for the entire tour?
Yes, your guide will pick you up and drop you off from designated points in Port Gruz and Pile Gate, and transportation is in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan or minibus.

Are entry fees included?
Entry to Trsteno Botanical Garden is included, but other sites, like the War Museum on Mount Srd, are not part of this tour.

Can I join if I don’t have a lot of physical fitness?
Yes, the tour involves some moderate activity, but overall it’s quite accessible. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
The tour departs at 2:30 pm, perfect for afternoon sightseeing. You can choose early or late options based on your schedule.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 16 travelers, fostering a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the physical activity level is moderate, making it appropriate for families with kids who can walk comfortably.

In essence, this tour is a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, fascinating stories, and practical convenience—perfect for fans eager to see Dubrovnik’s iconic sites from a new perspective.