Admit it. Every now and then, in between your case-file juggling and your backroom debriefs, you think about Anna, wonder about the Lannisters or wish you could pull an Underwood-like move. The characters from some of the most popular shows on television at the moment are the newly legitimized soap operas of our times. People who might never admit to a Young and the Restless addiction, share the exploits of the Winter King or the backroom dealings of the staff at Downton with relish. Why not take it a step further on your next vacation?
> England (Downton Abbey) – A special four-day tour from Keytours Vacations (departing July 16 and August 20 only) will show you London along with the ins and outs of Highclere Castle. Short on time? Adding a day to your London vacation will be plenty of time for a tour of Bampton – the setting for many of Downton Abbey’s village scenes including the village pub and Mrs. Crawley’s house – and the public rooms at Highclere Castle. www.keytours.com
> Northern Ireland (Game of Thrones) – Fans of the HBO show will love exploring the on-screen locations of Northern Ireland. From the Dothraki grasslands of Shillanavogy Valley to the King’s Road that leads past the Dark Hedges, you’ll happily point out scenes of beheadings and betrayals. More of the series has been shot here than anywhere else in the world. Follow the three-day itinerary through the heart of the Seven Kingdoms put together by the Irish tourism board to relive favourite moments. www.ireland.com
> Baltimore, Maryland (House of Cards) – Though set in the high-drama political world of Washington, D.C., most of the popular Netflix show is actually filmed in neighbouring Baltimore. Explore scene-stealing buildings including the Washington Herald (actually the Baltimore Sun) and the Underwood home at 1609 Park Ave. in Bolton Hill. You can tour the Baltimore Museum of Art, where Frank and Zoe meet, and dine at Werner’s, a downtown diner that hosts some of the shows most sinister liaisons. The one disappointment will be if you’re looking for Freddy’s BBQ. The most drool-worthy restaurant in the show is fictitious.
Heather Greenwood Davis is a lawyer and freelance writer. Reach her at www.globetrottingmama.com.