Review · CROATIA SHORE EXCURSIONS
Total Game of Thrones Shore Excursion
Dubrovnik turns television fantasy into a real day out. This private five-and-a-half-hour tour links the Red Keep at Fort Lovrijenac, the gardens of King’s Landing, the streets of the Old Town, and Qarth on Lokrum Island. I like the comfortable air-conditioned van and the freedom to shape the day around your interests. The main catch is that the $248.53 price does not cover three major entrance fees.
I also like the mix of screen locations and real Dubrovnik sights, especially the final climb to Mount Srđ for the city view. Guides such as Andrea and Mihaela have earned warm praise for being flexible and easy to understand. Plan carefully, though: this is not a full Dubrovnik city tour, and the pickup can be hard to spot if the vehicle and guide are not clearly marked.
Key points at a glance

- Trsteno Arboretum gives you King’s Landing gardens: Allow 45 minutes, with a separate €10 admission fee.
- Fort Lovrijenac played the Red Keep: You will connect the fortress with scenes such as Joffrey’s Name Day and the Purple Wedding.
- Lokrum includes the Iron Throne photo: A 10-minute boat ride takes you to the former setting for Qarth, with €30 admission charged separately.
- Mount Srđ supplies Dubrovnik’s big finale: Your ride reaches the summit, where you get free time for photographs and views.
- A private guide can adjust the walking: The route can be shortened around stairs or tailored to your interests.
- The tour may finish on Lokrum: Arrange your return plan, especially if you need to get back to a cruise ship on time.
A private Game of Thrones day in Dubrovnik

This tour is built for fans who want more than a quick photo at one famous fortress. In about 5 hours and 30 minutes, you move between gardens, fortifications, Old Town streets, an island, and a mountain lookout. That variety is the real appeal. You are not stuck walking the same narrow streets all day.
The private format matters. Your own group travels with a guide and professional driver, rather than following a large crowd. If stairs are a problem, or if one location interests you more than another, the guide can adjust the pace and route. One group chose not to visit some spots because of the stairs, and the guide changed the plan to suit them.
The tour costs $248.53 per person. That is a serious price, but it includes private transportation, a private guide, and a driver. It becomes easier to justify for a small group that wants door-to-door service and a custom route. It is less attractive if you only want a short Game of Thrones walk around the Old Town.
Budget separately for admission to Trsteno Arboretum, Lovrijenac Fortress, and Lokrum Island. The listed fees are €10, €15, and €30 per person, respectively. That adds €55 each before you buy anything to eat or drink. The tour does not include lunch or bottled water, so bring water and plan a meal around the schedule.
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Pickup from Dubrovnik or the cruise port

Pickup is offered from accommodation in Dubrovnik, and the tour information also describes round-trip transportation from the port. For accommodation outside the city, an extra charge may apply. If you are coming from a cruise ship, confirm the exact meeting point and vehicle details before the day begins.
This deserves attention. One group arrived early but spent 10 to 15 minutes searching because the van was not marked and there was no sign with its name. The guide and driver were at the meeting point, but they were not immediately easy to identify. I would ask for the guide’s name, a phone number, and a precise location near the port.
The air-conditioned van is a useful part of the experience. Dubrovnik’s sites are spread out, and the drive to Trsteno and Mount Srđ would be tiring if you had to arrange separate taxis. The van also gives you a cool break between outdoor stops.
The total timing is fairly tight, but workable:
- Trsteno Arboretum: 45 minutes
- Lovrijenac Fortress: 1 hour
- Old Town: 40 minutes
- Lokrum Island: 2 hours
- Mount Srđ: 45 minutes
The listed stop times add up to the advertised 5 hours and 30 minutes. Traffic, ferry timing, and walking speed can affect the day, so cruise passengers should leave a safety margin.
Trsteno Arboretum and the gardens of King’s Landing
The first stop is Trsteno Arboretum, used as the gardens of King’s Landing. You have about 45 minutes to see the filming areas and connect the real setting with the show.
This is a good opening stop because it begins away from the busiest parts of Dubrovnik. The gardens offer a change from stone walls and crowded lanes, and the filming connection gives you a clear purpose as you walk. Your guide can point out which parts appeared on screen instead of leaving you to guess.
The time is enough for a focused visit, not a long garden outing. If you like plants, old estates, or quiet views, you may want more than 45 minutes. If your priority is the show, the scheduled stop should work.
Admission is not included. The stated fee is €10 per person. Wear shoes suitable for walking, since the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and several stops involve uneven ground or steps.
Fort Lovrijenac, the Red Keep above the sea

Fort Lovrijenac is one of the most satisfying stops for fans because the fortress served as the Red Keep. You have one hour here, enough time to connect the setting with scenes including Joffrey’s Name Day and the Purple Wedding.
The fortress is also important without its television role. Its position outside the Old Town gives you a strong sense of Dubrovnik’s defensive setting, while the stone spaces make the show’s court scenes easier to picture. The guide adds value by explaining where scenes were filmed and how the real place differs from the fictional palace.
Admission is separate, listed at €15 per person. The fortress stop may involve stairs, and the whole tour is not designed for someone who needs a completely step-free route. Tell the guide early if you want to limit climbing. The private setup means the group can spend less time on difficult sections, though it cannot remove every physical challenge.
One useful point: the Old Town and Lovrijenac are not presented as one long guided city walk. The tour visits the fortress, then moves to the Old Town for selected filming locations. If you want a full historical tour of Dubrovnik, you will need more time on your own.
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Old Town streets and the Walk of Shame route

The Old Town portion lasts about 40 minutes. Your guide shows historical sights along the way to the location used for the Walk of Shame, along with streets connected to the riot scenes.
This is a short, focused introduction rather than an exhaustive tour. You get the fun of matching familiar scenes to real lanes, while also seeing some of Dubrovnik’s architecture. The guide’s storytelling is important here because the locations can look ordinary until you understand how the production used them.
Forty minutes goes quickly. You may stop for photos, but you will not have much time for shopping, a long coffee, or a relaxed exploration of side streets. If the Old Town is your main interest, consider treating this section as an orientation and returning later on your own.
That division worked well for one group that wanted more choice during a limited visit. After the organized portion, they continued around Dubrovnik independently. The tour gives you a framework, but it does not try to replace a full day in town.
Lokrum Island and the Qarth scenes

Lokrum is the largest part of the itinerary, with about two hours allotted. You take a 10-minute boat ride to the island, visit locations used as the city of Qarth, and get the signature photograph on the Iron Throne.
For many fans, this is the highlight. The boat ride changes the rhythm of the day, and the island setting feels separate from Dubrovnik’s stone streets. The Iron Throne photo gives you a simple, memorable souvenir without needing to stage your own scene.
The listed Lokrum admission is €30 per person, not included in the tour price. That is a substantial extra cost, so include it when comparing this experience with a walking tour. You should also bring money for food or drinks if you expect to spend much of the two-hour visit there, since lunch and bottled water are excluded.
Pay attention to the ending arrangement. One group finished on Lokrum, then made its own way back to the Old Town. That can be convenient if you want free time afterward, but it may require a separate boat, taxi, or walk depending on where you need to go. If you are returning to a ship, ask the operator how much time you should reserve for the journey back to the port.
Mount Srđ and Dubrovnik from above

The last stop takes you up Mount Srđ, where the tour promises the best view in town. You get about 45 minutes at the top, with time to explore and take photographs.
This is a smart final stop. After several locations tied to fictional scenes, you get a clear look at the real city, the walls, the coast, and the surrounding area. The view also helps you understand Dubrovnik’s layout after you have spent time inside the Old Town.
The drive saves effort. You do not have to arrange another ride up the mountain, and the vehicle keeps the stop efficient. The time is long enough for photos and a short look around, though not for a lengthy visit.
Mount Srđ is listed as included, unlike the three other paid attractions. That helps soften the overall cost. If your group has limited time, this stop is particularly useful because it gives you a strong Dubrovnik view without requiring a separate excursion.
Guides, flexibility, and group size

The tour is private, so only your group participates. That is the biggest practical advantage over a standard group excursion. You can ask questions without holding up strangers, skip a location that does not appeal to you, or slow down when you need a break.
Andrea guided one highly praised outing for a group of six adults, using a comfortable air-conditioned van and offering choices because the group had limited time. Mihaela was also praised for being flexible and easy to understand. Guide availability can change, but these examples show the kind of personal service the tour aims to provide.
The guide is not only there to point at filming spots. You can expect explanations about Dubrovnik as well as Game of Thrones. That combination keeps the day from becoming a string of television references with no sense of place.
Still, the experience depends on how well you communicate your priorities. Tell the guide if you want more filming detail, more local background, fewer stairs, extra photo time, or a faster pace. The tour can be customized, but the schedule cannot give every interest equal time.
Who will get the most from this tour?
I would choose this experience if you are a committed Game of Thrones fan, are visiting Dubrovnik for only a few hours, and want transport between scattered locations. It also fits families or small adult groups that value a private vehicle and do not want to manage several tickets and taxis.
It is a good match for cruise passengers, but only after confirming pickup and return timing. The total duration is fixed enough that a late start or slow return could cause stress. Ask about the Lokrum finish before booking if you need to return directly to the ship.
You may want another option if you dislike extra admission charges, want a complete Dubrovnik city tour, or prefer to spend the whole day walking. The tour covers selected Old Town sights, not every major attraction. It also requires moderate fitness, with some stairs and walking at the fort, gardens, island, and Old Town.
The listed rating is 4.8 from four reviews, a small sample but a strong one. The most praised elements are the guides’ flexibility, the clear explanations, the comfortable van, and the chance to tailor the route. The only practical complaint is the unclear pickup identification, which is easy to address before departure.
Should you book the Total Game of Thrones Shore Excursion?
Book it if you want a private, efficient route through Dubrovnik’s best-known filming locations, plus the Trsteno gardens, Lokrum’s Iron Throne, and the Mount Srđ view. The personal guide and private van make the $248.53 price more reasonable for a group that would otherwise arrange several rides.
Before paying, add the €55 in listed entrance fees per person, confirm the port meeting point, and ask whether the tour will finish on Lokrum. If you accept those extra costs and want screen locations more than a traditional city tour, this is a strong choice.
If your budget is tight, skip paid locations, or you have a full day to explore Dubrovnik on foot, you can get better value by touring independently. For a short visit with several adults who want comfort, flexibility, and a guide who can connect the show to the real city, this private outing makes good use of limited time.
FAQ
How long does the Total Game of Thrones Shore Excursion last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Is transportation included?
Yes. An air-conditioned vehicle, professional driver, and round-trip transportation from the port or accommodation in Dubrovnik are included. Pickup outside the city can cost extra.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Only your group participates, and the tour includes a private guide and driver.
Which Game of Thrones locations are included?
The route includes Trsteno Arboretum as the gardens of King’s Landing, Lovrijenac Fortress as the Red Keep, Old Town locations linked to the Walk of Shame and riot scenes, and Lokrum Island as Qarth.
Are entrance fees included?
No. The listed separate fees are €10 for Trsteno Arboretum, €15 for Lovrijenac Fortress, and €30 for Lokrum Island. Mount Srđ is listed with admission included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch and bottled water are not included.
Does the tour require a high level of fitness?
The stated requirement is moderate physical fitness. Some locations include stairs, and the route can be adjusted to reduce walking in some cases.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you can receive a different date or a full refund.
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