The gorgeous coastline … charming inland family-owned wineries … a fascinating political history … ancient architecture — the number of reasons to visit Croatia go on and on. But for fans of a little TV featuring some dragons, drama and more royal nonsense than a recent wedding in London, there are even more reasons to plan a visit. Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognize many filming locations in this unsung European gem.
Dubrovnik
Before HBO’s smash, the walls of the Old City and the overlook toward the Adriatic Sea and Fort Lovrijenac were undoubtedly some of the country’s most-photographed images. But today, the city that is King’s Landing and Blackwater Bay (where the scene were Myrcella Baratheon is shipped off to Dorne was filmed) boast even more visitors than ever before, angling for a good selfie while walking down Stradun (or the main street) for a fanboy or girl t-shirt. Grab a Dubrovnik Card and you’ll get access to walk the shorter or longer winding pathways over the city along the walls and you’ll also get complimentary admission to the ethnographic museum, monastery, public transportation and much more. If you’re angling to be more green, take an Uber over to Tresteno Arboretum (about nine miles away); the pathways here double as the Red Keep’s gardens.
Sibenik
Fans of Arya Stark and the Braavos storyline will instantly recognize Sibenik, and its coastline and cathedral. The Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its adjacent plaza with fun coffeeshops to watch passersby and locals with their dogs, was transformed into the Iron Bank in season five, the most powerful financial institution in the Free World. Get up close and personal with the 71 sculpted faces of men, women and dogs decorating this Gothic/Renaissance masterpiece, or take a tour inside and marvel at the vaulted baptismal fountain. Trek on up to St. John’s Fortress, which doubled as Meereen and its fighting pits (also in season five).
Split
Marvel at 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace in Split — also the catacombs where two of Daenarys’s dragons were chained and her throne room. It’s well worth a tour here, getting insight into the life of the emperor apartments and the astounding lack of time it took to build the 30,000-square-meter complex. Besides also doubling as the city of Meereen, narrow Papalićeva Street served as the setting of Meereen’s slave rebellion.
Read This Next
Some of Europe’s Best Day Cruises
Cruising
Apr 15, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Apr 25, 2024Discover 5 of the Best Hotels Near National Parks
If your family travel happens to take you to a national park, look no further than the list of hotels below.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Slideshow
Apr 25, 20247 Curaçao Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Curaçao with us.
Travel Tips
Apr 25, 2024Protect Family Trips with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Summer family travel is quickly approaching. Where is your family headed? A Forbes Travel Advisor study recently found the cost of travel for a family of four for a three-night stay with airfare averaged about $3,600. Protect your family travel spending with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, offering a variety of travel insurance packages tailored to all types of travel.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Destinations / Africa
Apr 24, 2024Enjoy an African Beach Safari with Jek Tours and Safaris
An African safari is a dream vacation for many. For family travelers, it is a great way to introduce the kids to a lifestyle in which people coexist compassionately with the world around them. Not everyone is looking for the same experience, so choosing the right safari for the family is an important decision when planning your vacation.
ShareThis