Dubrovnik: Karaka – Game of Thrones Cruise & Walking Tour

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones or simply love exploring beautiful coastal cities, this tour in Dubrovnik offers a unique blend of both. For a modest price of around $46 per person, you get to sail on a historic-looking ship used in the series, see key filming spots from the water, and stroll through the charming streets of Old Town with a knowledgeable guide. It’s a mix that provides a bit of everything—scenic views, behind-the-scenes trivia, and plenty of photo opportunities.

What we really love about this experience is how engaging the guides tend to be—there’s a genuine enthusiasm that makes the stories behind the filming come alive. Plus, the boat ride itself offers a relaxing vantage point of Dubrovnik’s spectacular coastline, which often gets overlooked when simply walking around the city. However, it’s worth noting that this tour can get crowded, especially during peak season, and involves some walking on uneven cobblestones, so it’s not ideal for visitors with mobility issues. This tour is perfect for Game of Thrones fans, first-time visitors wanting a rundown, or anyone interested in combining a scenic boat ride with a cultural walk.

This experience made our article of 12 Best Walking Tours In Dubrovnik (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Sail on the same ship used in the series and take memorable photos on the Iron Throne.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with interesting stories and behind-the-scenes details.
• Stunning coastal views: The cruise offers a new perspective on Dubrovnik’s coastline and old harbor.
• Value for money: Combining boat and walking tours at this price delivers a lot of entertainment and insight.
• Family-friendly: The non-alcoholic “Dragon Blood” cocktail and engaging guide make it suitable for families.
• Weather dependent: Bad weather may lead to rescheduling or cancellation, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour in Dubrovnik is a well-rounded package designed to appeal to fans of Game of Thrones and travelers eager to see the city from both land and sea. It starts with a departure from Port Gru, right across from Bistro Glorijet, where the Karaka ship is docked—an impressive replica vessel that immediately sets the scene for adventure. The experience kicks off with a scenic panoramic cruise around Dubrovnik’s coast, giving you striking views of the city walls, the old harbor, and neighboring islands.

The Boat Ride: Sailing into Kings Landing

We loved the way this boat ride elevates the whole experience. The Karaka ship, with its authentic masts and wooden finish, feels like stepping back in time. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy a “Game of Thrones” cocktail—the famous Dragon Blood—which can be non-alcoholic if you’re traveling with kids. Many reviews mention how the crew even plays the series’ theme music, adding to the immersion. As you glide past prominent sights like St. Dominic Street, Rector’s Palace, and Sponza Palace, your guide shares stories about how these locations feature in the show and real life.

The coastline views are often described as breathtaking and a different way to appreciate Dubrovnik’s beauty. Several reviewers noted how the sailing offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets, with some even describing it as “magical” especially around sunset. The water can be choppy at times, which is normal, but the crew is attentive, and the boat’s stability makes for a comfortable ride.

The Walking Tour: Exploring Kings Landing on Foot

Disembarking from the boat, the tour continues with a guided walk through the historic Old Town. Here, your guide takes you to the most iconic filming locations, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, facts about the characters, and the show’s filming secrets. We appreciated guides like Indira or Ana, who bring enthusiasm and a deep knowledge of both Game of Thrones and Dubrovnik’s history.

You’ll visit locations like The Walk of Shame, the Red Keep, and other filming spots, often with a photo-op on the Iron Throne at a souvenir shop in Old Town. Multiple reviews praise guides like Jelena and Andreja for their engaging storytelling and friendly manner, making the walking part both fun and informative. The narrow cobblestone streets, atmospheric alleys, and historic architecture really help you feel part of Westeros—if only for a little while.

Practical Aspects

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, blending the cruise (about an hour) with the walk (about 1-1.5 hours). It’s priced very reasonably considering the value—especially given the expert guidance, the boat ride, and the photo opportunities. The tour is suitable for most people, though it involves some walking on uneven surfaces and is not wheelchair accessible. Dress casually and comfortably, as you’ll be in light sports clothes and walking shoes.

WiFi on board is a bonus, allowing you to share your photos and stay connected during the cruise. The meeting point, across from Bistro Glorijet, is easy to find, and since the boat is docked right there, you can get on without any hassle.

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What People Love (and What They Caution About)

From reviews, it’s clear that guides make or break this experience. Many rave about the knowledgeable, humorous, and friendly guides—like Indira, who’s described as “amazing” and “so passionate.” The scenic boat ride garners high praise, especially for the views at sunset and the chance to see Dubrovnik from the water.

Participants also mention the good value for money — combining a boat cruise, a walking tour, and a photo with the Iron Throne at this price point feels like a steal. However, a few reviews note that the crowded Old Town can be overwhelming, especially during peak seasons, making it tricky to keep everyone together or get good photos. The tour’s reliance on weather means bad weather could lead to rescheduling or cancellations.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

Departure and Cruise

The tour begins at the Port Gru, where the Karaka replica ship is docked. Boarding feels like stepping into a fantasy—wooden decks, rigging, and theme music set the tone. The cruise around Dubrovnik’s coastline lasts around an hour, during which you can relax, sip the Dragon Blood cocktail, and take in the views. Several reviews mention how the sailing offers a different perspective of the city’s walls and the surrounding islands, which are especially stunning at sunset.

The sail is not just a scenic ride; it’s an immersive experience that sets the scene for Westeros. The crew’s warm hospitality and the theme music contribute to the overall enjoyment.

Walking Tour of Old Town

Disembarking, you’ll walk through the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, guided by a friendly expert. The guided walk lasts about 1-1.5 hours and takes you past popular filming locations like the Red Keep, The Walk of Shame staircase, and other recognizable spots. The guide shares interesting trivia about how some scenes were filmed, with many reviews highlighting guides who are passionate and entertaining.

You’ll also get to pose with the Iron Throne at a souvenir shop, creating a memorable photo. The guides often go beyond the series, sharing insights into Dubrovnik’s history and architecture, adding depth to the experience.

Final Moments

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, with plenty of options to explore the Old Town afterward. Some visitors choose to linger, shopping for official Game of Thrones souvenirs or wandering to other parts of the city. The overall experience leaves many with a sense of having seen Dubrovnik from multiple angles—by sea and on foot.

The Value Proposition

At $46, this tour offers great value, especially considering the combination of activities. You get an authentic ship experience, a guided exploration of the city’s key filming locations, and photo opportunities on the Iron Throne—all led by passionate guides. The small group feel and personalized attention are often praised, making it feel less like a big tour and more like a shared adventure.

That said, if you’re looking for a completely private or less crowded experience, you might want to consider smaller or more exclusive options. But for most visitors, especially Game of Thrones fans, this tour hits a sweet spot of affordability, fun, and education.

This experience is ideal for fans of Game of Thrones wanting to see Westeros’ famous locations in a fun, interactive way. It’s also perfect for first-time visitors eager to learn about Dubrovnik in an engaging manner. Families with children can enjoy the non-alcoholic drinks and lively guides, while those seeking a scenic boat cruise will appreciate the stunning coastline views.

If you’re a history buff interested in Dubrovnik’s architecture and stories, the walking tour provides plenty of context. However, if you have limited mobility or prefer less walking, this might not be the best fit due to cobblestone streets and the tour’s physical demands.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, combining the boat cruise and walking tour.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Port Gru, across from Bistro Glorijet, where the Karaka ship is docked.

Is there an age limit?
The tour is family-friendly, with non-alcoholic drinks available. However, the walking part requires some mobility, so it’s not suitable for everyone with mobility issues.

What should I wear?
Casual, lightweight sports clothes are recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are advised for the Old Town walk.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot without payment upfront. Full payment is due at the time of booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour may be rescheduled or canceled in poor weather conditions. Guests can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Is WiFi available on the boat?
Yes, WiFi is provided on board for sharing your scenic photos instantly.

Are there souvenirs available?
You can take photos with the Iron Throne at a souvenir shop, but official Game of Thrones souvenirs are not included.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and involves walking on cobblestones.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
The experience is designed for small groups to foster interaction, but it can accommodate larger groups depending on arrangements.

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and want to combine a scenic boat ride with a walk through the city’s iconic filming locations, this tour offers a memorable experience at a very reasonable price. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make a big difference, turning a sightseeing outing into a fun storytelling session. The boat ride on the Karaka, with its authentic appearance and relaxed atmosphere, makes it stand out—and the chance to see Dubrovnik from the water at sunset is truly special.

While it’s not a secret escape from crowds, it strikes a good balance of entertainment, education, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the series or just looking for a lively way to see Dubrovnik, this tour offers hearty value and plenty of fun.

In summary, this experience is best for Game of Thrones enthusiasts, families wanting a fun outing, or travelers who appreciate a mix of water and land exploration with friendly guides. It’s a well-priced, engaging, and picturesque way to deepen your Dubrovnik visit — and it will likely be one of your memorable highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: