Split walking tour - how an emperor's palace became a living city
Enjoy an authentic experience of how Emperor Diocletian's walled fortress/palace evolved into a living, breathing city
Highlights
- All of the major sites
- Admissions included! – the Cathedral and Jupiter’s Temple
- Experience both the ancient city and today’s modern Split
Every tour is private
and you choose the time!
Yes, we can customize this tour to fit your specific needs – like different time of the day to start, can we add a bike ride, etc. – Just ask!
Book your spot today
Quick and simple booking – Just pick the date and number of travelers, and fill in your info in the next step!
The amazing substructures of Diocletian's Palace - some Game of Thrones episodes were filmed here!
Overview of your tour
Step into a remarkable world where 1,700 years of history unfold within a living, breathing city. Split's Old Town stands as one of the world's most extraordinary examples of continuous urban evolution, where an imperial Roman residence transformed first into a medieval township and finally into today's vibrant modern city.
Here, history isn't confined to museum walls - it's woven into the very fabric of daily life. As you navigate the maze-like network of narrow alleys, you'll witness Roman and medieval structures seamlessly merged, creating an architectural timeline you can touch and feel.
What makes Split truly unique is its pulse of modern life amid ancient stones: locals hurrying to the farmers' market, animated discussions echoing through historic squares, and the relaxed atmosphere of coffee culture along the waterfront. Every corner of the Old Town tells a story of adaptation, where historic spaces have been ingeniously repurposed to serve today's community, creating an authentically vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere.
If you would like to stop en route for a coffee or another beverage, enjoy some of Split's legendary pastry, we're happy to do so. Whether it's a specialty coffee with oat milk. a robust espresso or some home-made lemonade, just let us know!
Your tour itinerary
This 3-hour walking tour follows a chronological path through Split's evolution, starting with the remarkable Diocletian's Palace. We begin in the Palace's substructure, which reveals fascinating insights into the original construction methods. Above ground, we'll visit the Emperor's Mausoleum, transformed into the oldest Cathedral on the planet still in daily use in its original location, and explore the Temple of Jupiter before reaching the main Roman square, Peristyle.
Our journey then continues into the medieval town that grew within and around the palace walls. You'll discover how generations of Split's citizens transformed an emperor's residence into a thriving medieval city as we explore the Golden Gate with its imposing Statue of Gregory of Nin. Wandering through the historic Jewish Ghetto, we'll see the third oldest Synagogue in Europe; the grand Pjaca square and characteristic Fruit square with its imposing Venetian tower to reveal how these ancient spaces have evolved into vibrant gathering places where locals still conduct their daily business among centuries-old stones.
Split's Cathedral, originally Diocletian's mausoleum, is the world's oldest in daily use in its original location!
Tour details
What's included
- Private Guide
- Admission to the Cathedral and Jupiters Temple (approx.10e)
What's extra
- Food, drinks, and snacks
Meeting location
Cruise terminal, the Split Tourist office on the Riva next to the Hotel Adriana, your hotel or apartment – please let us know!
Pricing
- 100e per person- up to 4 people
- 75e per person – 5-6 people
- If your group is larger than 6, please contact us for details
Great guides, Great reviews
Individually, our team has experience working as private guides for some of the most respected names in the travel industry, including Abercrombie & Kent, National Geographic Travel, Tours by Locals, Jon Baines Travel, numerous Virtuoso agencies and world-class cruise lines like Azamara, Windstar, Princess, Regent, Silver Sea and others.