Ancient roads through time - Two UNESCO treasures and Salona
Where Roman ruins hide in olive groves and medieval mansions rise from imperial walls - three extraordinary Croatian cities in one remarkable day.
Highlights
- Explore three different fascinating historical sites
- Diocletian’s Palace in depth
- Salona, the capital of the Roman Empire in Dalmatia
- Trogir, with its astonishing 13thC Cathedral of St. Lawrence
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!
Salona, which had 50,000 residents in the 4thC--90% un-excavated, still echoes its magic
Overview of your tour
The tumultuous history of Dalmatia unfolds through three remarkable sites, each telling its own extraordinary story. Salona, the capital of the Roman empire in Dalmatia with a population of 50,000 in the 4thC, also stands as one of the most important early Christian sites in the world. Its Basilica is framed with scattered sarcophagi and impressive ruins of once-magnificent edifices, 90% of which are still buried underground and emerge among olive groves, vineyards and orchards.
We'll see the remains of the city's extraordinary amphitheater, its ancient aqueduct-fed pipes and more all rising from its pastoral landscape. In Trogir, proclaimed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its remarkable ensemble of 13th-17thC architecture and unique urban continuity, this tiny island will captivate you from its astonishing 13thC cathedral and splendid Renaissance public buildings to opulent Baroque mansions.
The grand finale is Split's Old Town, the world's best preserved late Roman period complex, centered around the 1,700 year-old walled fortress Palace of Diocletian. Truly a living monument, we'll explore its warren of alleys filled with simple stone dwellings, glorious Rennaisance mansions, hole-in-the-wall bars and splendid waterfront cafes. A city where today's local Splitcani continue their daily rhythms among these ancient stones, keeping the music of city life alive
Your tour itinerary
Our full day journey begins in Split's Diocletian's Palace, where the substructure reveals the foundations of an empire. Above, the Mausoleum of the Roman Emperor, now transformed into the city's iconic Cathedral, stands alongside the Temple of Jupiter, each telling its part of the story. As we zig-zag through the maze of the Old Town, we see how history has become tightly interwoven with the features of everyday modern living.
A brief 15-minute drive brings us to sprawling Salona, where we'll spend 1.5 hours exploring its wonders. Here, the cemetery showcases its impressive Basilica, while a small museum dedicated to the father of Croatian architecture who helped restore Salona illuminates their significance. Another 20-minute ride delivers us to UNESCO Trogir, where 1.5 hours allows us to discover its astonishing Cathedral of St Lawrence, admire the Town Hall and Loggia, the Clock Tower, and pass through winding cobblestone streets to the South Gate to the waterfront and the 15thC Kamerlengo Fortress.
Throughout our journey, we can pause for coffee, local dessert specialties, drinks, or lunch whenever you wish, allowing time to absorb the centuries of history surrounding us.
On its own tiny island, Trogir will amaze you with spectacular art and design
Tour details
What's included
- Transfer from Split to Trogir and Salona and back to Split in a private vehicle with a professional driver.
- Petrol, road tolls, car insurance, bottled water
- All admissions in Split, Salona and Trogit (approx. 20e)
- Private Guide
- Private Transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
What's extra
- If there are more than 4 people, we will need to hire a van with driver, which is 250e extra.
- Lunch
Please note
We advise to wear non-slip comfortable walking shoes as all the streets are cobbled, so they are slippery especially in wet weather, in Salona we will be walking on grass and a dirt path.
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
- 200 eur per person – up to 4 people
- 150 eur per person – 5-6 people (plus 250 eur for private van with driver)
- 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.