Dubrovnik: Epic Game of Thrones Tour + Lokrum & Saver Option

Dubrovnik makes a convincing King’s Landing because the real city already has the walls, stone steps, sea views, and fortified harbor that the series needed. This tour connects those familiar screen scenes with the actual places around the Old Town, from Blackwater Bay to Cersei’s Walk of Shame.

I like the way the guides use scene photos to show how Dubrovnik was altered with CGI. I also like the choice of three versions: a brisk 90-minute route, a two-hour tour with Fort Lovrjenac, or a longer outing that adds Lokrum Island and the official Iron Throne.

The main drawback is cost clarity. The advertised price is $25, but Fort Lovrjenac costs €15 and the Lokrum option adds €30 for the ferry and island admission for adults. The fort involves about 180 steps, so this is not an easy outing for everyone.

Key points at a glance

• Walk through Cersei’s Walk of Shame: The Jesuit Stairs provide one of the tour’s most recognizable Game of Thrones settings.
• Compare fiction with reality: Guides use production images to explain CGI, set changes, and how familiar scenes looked before filming tricks.
• Choose your level of commitment: The Super Saver covers the key spots in 90 minutes, while the Signature adds Fort Lovrjenac.
• Reach Qarth on Lokrum Island: The three-hour option includes a ferry ride, island admission, and a photo on the official Iron Throne.
• Expect strong local storytelling: Guides including Davor, Bogdan, Alex, Ivo, Darko, Doris, and Ivan are praised for mixing show details with Dubrovnik’s past.
• Plan for stairs and extra tickets: The fort is reached by roughly 180 steps, and the add-on fees can change the value calculation.

Why Dubrovnik works so well as King’s Landing

The clever part of this experience is that you are not being led through a movie set. You are walking through Dubrovnik, a real walled city, while learning how the production turned its streets and fortifications into King’s Landing.

That gives the tour two layers. If you know the series well, you can match locations to major scenes. If you have never watched an episode, the city still gives you an enjoyable introduction to its harbor, gates, stairs, and stone lanes.

The guides bring the screen version to life with behind-the-scenes details and printed images. At a filming spot, you can see the real view in front of you and compare it with the finished scene. This is especially useful in Dubrovnik, where CGI changed the skyline, added crowds, or extended the sense of scale.

The tone also seems to matter. Guides such as Bogdan, often called Bob, are praised for using humor, quizzes, and a folder of production photos. Davor is noted for mixing Game of Thrones stories with conversations about Croatia, the Balkans, travel, and everyday life. Alex, Ivo, Darko, Doris, and several other guides are also singled out for making the walk lively rather than delivering a dry list of locations.

Starting at Pile and Dubrovnik’s west harbor

The meeting point is easy to spot: look for a guide holding a purple balloon in front of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board at Brsalje 5, beside the Pile bus stop.

Pile is the practical gateway to the Old Town. If you are staying in Lapad, Babin Kuk, or Gruž, city buses stop nearby. Lines 4 and 6 serve Lapad and Babin Kuk, while buses 1A and 1B connect Gruž with Pile. A taxi or Uber can also drop you at the bus stop.

From the tourist board, the route heads toward Dubrovnik’s west harbor. This is a good opening because the harbor gives you a sense of how Dubrovnik meets the sea. You get views of the fortifications and an immediate connection to the naval and battle scenes used in the show.

The walk then continues toward Lovrijenac. Even if you choose the Super Saver option and do not enter the fortress, the approach provides scenic views and a useful look at the defensive setting that helped Dubrovnik become King’s Landing on screen.

Fort Lovrjenac and the Red Keep

The Signature Tour and Lokrum Bestseller include a visit to Fort Lovrjenac, the setting used for the Red Keep. This is the point where the tour becomes more than a quick Old Town stroll.

Inside the fort, you can picture the setting for royal plots, political confrontations, and the Purple Wedding. The location is dramatic because it sits above the sea, separated from the Old Town by steep rock and open views. It makes the Red Keep feel like a true stronghold rather than a computer-generated palace.

There is an additional €15 entrance fee. You do not pay it if you hold a valid Dubrovnik Pass or a City Wall ticket, and children under seven enter free. This makes the Signature option a better deal for anyone already planning to walk the city walls.

The catch is the climb. The fort requires about 180 steps, and the general information for the activity warns that it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, back problems, or wheelchair users. The shorter Super Saver is described as wheelchair accessible, but the broader activity notice says wheelchair users are not suitable for the experience. If accessibility affects your decision, confirm the exact route and option before booking.

Pile Gate, Stradun, and the city behind the fantasy

After the harbor and fort area, the route returns through Pile Gate and into the Old Town. Pile Gate is one of Dubrovnik’s most recognizable entrances, and it helps explain how the production used the city’s existing walls and gateways to create the capital of Westeros.

From there, you walk along Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street. This is not just a passage between filming locations. It is the heart of the Old Town, and the guide uses the walk to point out important landmarks and explain parts of Dubrovnik’s past.

I like this balance. A Game of Thrones tour can become thin if it only points at walls and says which character stood where. Here, the fantasy setting is tied to the real city. You learn why the streets look the way they do and how Dubrovnik’s position and fortifications shaped its identity.

The Super Saver option is designed for people with limited time. In 90 minutes, you see the essential filming locations without extra entry charges. It is the most sensible choice if you have a cruise stop, a tight sightseeing schedule, or only a passing interest in the series.

The Jesuit Stairs and the Walk of Shame

The Jesuit Stairs are one of the tour’s strongest stops. Their broad stone steps were used for Cersei’s Walk of Shame, and fans can quickly recognize the setting even when the real street is less crowded and less theatrical than it appeared on screen.

This is a good place for a photo and for the guide’s production explanation. You learn how the sequence was staged and how the finished version differs from what is actually around you.

The steps also show one of Dubrovnik’s practical realities: this city is built vertically. Even apart from Fort Lovrjenac, the Old Town route includes uneven stone streets and stairs. Wear sturdy shoes, especially in summer when heat can make even a short climb feel longer.

The tour also covers the House of the Undying, the King’s Landing riots, Blackwater Bay, and the Battle of King’s Landing. The exact order can vary, but the route connects several major scenes rather than focusing on one famous staircase.

What each tour option is really worth

The three versions are easy to compare once you separate the guide’s walking time from the extra admissions.

The 1.5-hour Super Saver

At $25, this is the cleanest value. There are no extra costs, and you still see:

• Cersei’s Walk of Shame
• Blackwater Bay
• The King’s Landing riots
• The House of the Undying
• The Battle of King’s Landing

You also receive a guided introduction to major Dubrovnik landmarks. I would choose this if you want the Game of Thrones connection without giving up much of your day.

It is also the better option if you want to avoid the fort’s 180 steps or if you are visiting during the cooler months when Lokrum is not part of the available program.

The two-hour Signature Tour

This adds Fort Lovrjenac and the Red Keep, along with the Purple Wedding location. The €15 fort fee is reasonable if you are a serious fan, particularly when your Dubrovnik Pass or City Wall ticket covers it.

The Signature option gives you more context and better views, but it is less attractive if you are not interested in entering the fort or already have a full day of Old Town sightseeing. The extra time and stairs should be part of your decision.

The three-hour Lokrum Bestseller

This is the fullest version. After the Old Town and Fort Lovrjenac, you take a ferry to Lokrum, which played Qarth in the series.

The Lokrum cost is €30 for adults and €5 for children aged five to 17. That price includes the round-trip ferry and island admission. A three-day or seven-day Dubrovnik Pass can reduce the cost, though passes and tickets are valid for a single visit.

The tour includes a photo on the official Iron Throne, which is the clearest reason for fans to choose this option. But Lokrum is not only a television stop. You can stay after the guided portion to swim in the Adriatic, walk the island trails, see the Benedictine Monastery, eat lunch, or relax in the natural setting.

Some people choose Lokrum for the island itself rather than the show. That makes sense. The Game of Thrones material may be finished once you have seen Qarth and the throne, but the island gives you extra time outdoors. A small lagoon known as the Dead Sea, peacocks, and walking paths are among the features you might encounter there.

The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes and runs every 30 to 60 minutes. Strong winds can stop the boat, so keep your plans flexible. The Lokrum option is available from April through the end of October, not in late December or the rest of the winter season.

The ferry to Lokrum and the Qarth setting

The walk to the ferry follows the Old Town portion of the tour. Once on Lokrum, the setting changes quickly. The city’s hard stone streets give way to an island visit with paths, trees, open sea, and a slower pace.

At the Bay of Portoč, the guide covers the island’s role as Qarth. The Benedictine Monastery provides a photo stop and adds a second layer to the visit, since the island has its own religious and cultural story apart from the television series.

You should think of the Lokrum option as two activities joined together: a Game of Thrones tour and a short island outing. That is why it can be excellent value for a half-day, but less useful if you only want filming locations.

The €30 charge is not small after already paying for the tour. I would choose it if you have time to swim, walk, or eat lunch on Lokrum. If you only want the Iron Throne photo, the add-on may feel expensive.

Guide style and the value of local context

The strongest feature here is the guide rather than any single stop. The route itself is compact, and other companies can show similar locations. The difference comes from how the guide explains what happened on screen and what happened in the real city.

Davor is praised for his humor and direct behind-the-scenes stories. Bogdan combines production details with Dubrovnik’s past, jokes, quizzes, and visual comparisons. Alex is noted for answering questions, giving restaurant suggestions, and keeping the pace comfortable. Ivo, Darko, Doris, Ivan, Luca, and others are also described as friendly, funny, and well prepared.

That range of names matters because your exact experience depends on who leads your group. The consistent pattern is a mix of series knowledge, local information, and humor. You do not need to be a superfan to enjoy the walk. One person who had never watched the show found the tour interesting enough to start the series afterward.

The guides speak English and German. There is no hotel or cruise port pickup, so you need to reach Pile yourself.

Timing, comfort, and practical planning

The whole experience lasts from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on your choice. The Super Saver is easiest to fit into a busy day. Signature works well when you want the fort without committing to an island visit. Lokrum requires the most flexibility because ferry schedules and weather matter.

Meet at least a little early at the Tourist Board so you are not searching for the purple balloon at the last moment. From the Gruž cruise port, shuttle buses, taxis, and public buses reach Pile in about 15 to 20 minutes. If your ship docks at the Old Port, the meeting point is roughly a 10-minute walk away.

Since 2025, roads around the Old Town are restricted to vehicles with special permission. If you drive, the closest listed parking choice is the Best in Parking garage, with the turnoff before the red traffic light at the start of the restricted zone.

Bring water, wear shoes with a good grip, and leave room in your schedule if you choose Lokrum. Food and drinks are not included. Pets are not allowed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve without paying immediately. That helps if your plans depend on cruise timing or the weather.

Who should book this Dubrovnik tour?

I would book the Super Saver for a first visit to Dubrovnik when I wanted a short guided orientation with a strong television connection. It covers the best-known locations and adds real city context without surprise entry fees.

I would choose the Signature Tour if I had a City Wall ticket or Dubrovnik Pass and wanted to see the Red Keep inside Fort Lovrjenac. The fort is the most worthwhile upgrade for a committed fan who enjoys the political scenes and wants the extra views.

I would pick Lokrum only when I could spare most of a morning or afternoon. The Iron Throne photo is fun, but the island’s swimming, walking, monastery, and relaxed pace are what make the extra cost feel worthwhile.

You should skip this experience if you dislike stairs, need a fully step-free route, or have no interest in Game of Thrones and prefer a standard Dubrovnik history tour. Still, even nonfans can follow the city portion because the guides tie the show to Dubrovnik’s real landmarks.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a lively way to see Dubrovnik’s Old Town while learning how the city became King’s Landing. The $25 Super Saver is the safest buy, with the best balance of cost, time, and major locations.

Pay extra for Fort Lovrjenac when the Red Keep matters to you or your existing city tickets cover admission. Choose Lokrum when you want a fuller half-day with swimming, walking, and the official Iron Throne, not just another filming stop.

The practical formula is simple: Super Saver for value, Signature for serious fans, and Lokrum for fans who also want an island afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the Game of Thrones tour meet?

Meet in front of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board at Brsalje 5, next to the Pile bus stop. Look for someone holding a purple balloon.

How long does the tour last?

The Super Saver lasts about 90 minutes, the Signature option about two hours, and the Lokrum option about three hours.

What Game of Thrones locations are included?

All options include Cersei’s Walk of Shame, Blackwater Bay, the King’s Landing riots, the House of the Undying, and the Battle of King’s Landing. Signature also includes the Red Keep and Purple Wedding, while Lokrum adds Qarth and the official Iron Throne.

Is Fort Lovrjenac included in the price?

Fort Lovrjenac admission is an extra €15 for the Signature and Lokrum options. It is free with a valid City Wall ticket or Dubrovnik Pass, and children under seven enter free.

How much does the Lokrum option cost beyond the tour?

The Lokrum option requires a round-trip ferry ticket and island admission, costing €30 for adults and €5 for children aged five to 17. Discounts are available with three-day and seven-day Dubrovnik Passes.

Can I stay on Lokrum after the guided tour?

Yes. You can remain on Lokrum to swim, walk, hike, eat lunch, or relax. The ferry takes about 15 minutes and normally runs every 30 to 60 minutes.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The 1.5-hour Super Saver is described as wheelchair accessible, but the general activity information says the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The fort route also includes about 180 steps, so confirm the route before booking.