Introduction to Split Tour with Diocletian’s Palace

Your essential primer on Croatia's Split
From US$315 privately
Book a Tour
Tour Details
Duration
2 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Diocletian’s Palace
  • Split Old Town
Photos & Highlights
  • Get acquainted with Split's main sites, history, and neighborhoods
  • Led by an expert in history
Select a date
Tour Description
From Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the charming backstreets of its Old Town, the history of Split is etched into every stone. In the company of a local historian, we'll cover Split's main sites on our introductory 2-hour Split tour. 

Sites Visited 

  • Diocletian’s Palace (including its substructures)
  • Optional entry to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and Mausoleum (pay on-site)
  • Split’s Promenade

Included

  • 2-hour with a local PhD or MA-level guide

Itinerary Detail 

With your historian, we start at the awe-inspiring Diocletian’s Palace in the center of Split. The complex was built in the 4th century AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s retirement; the sprawling complex is truly impressive. We start in front of the south wall of Diocletian's Palace, where your expert guide will explain how the Palace was built while tracing its ongoing significance for Split. We will discover the Palace’s hidden basements before reaching the central Peristyle square. After taking in the grandiosity of the square, we visit Diocletian's mausoleum located in the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which today stands as one of the oldest continually used cathedral’s in the world.

Joining your PhD or MA-level guide, we then head to the Golden Gate on the north side of the Palace, leaving behind Diocletian’s legacy and entering Split’s Old Town. Through snaking cobbled-stone streets and squares, we explore Split’s distinctive architectural styles drawing from the Gothic and Renaissance eras, just to name a few. We end along the promenade overlooking the Adriatic coast, with your expert historian weaving together everything we’ve learned about this enchanting and important city. 

To continue your explorations of the city with Context, we recommend our Introduction to Dubrovnik: Through the Ages.

FAQ 

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
We meet near the main Riva promenade. Your route may differ according to your guide. Your confirmation email will include the exact meeting point details and a map.

What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, we can adjust the content to be more appropriate for younger learners. 

Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
Yes, this tour is accessible for clients with mobility issues. For people with mobility issues or that are in a wheelchair, there is an alternative itinerary that allows them to still see everything.
Where You'll Start
(4.97) 26 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

We're big fans of Context and my private tour of Split was no exception. Ante, short for Anthony, has lived in Split for a very long time and is very knowledgeable. I'm glad I did a private tour because I had a million questions about the history from the time of Yugoslavia on so it was well worth it. We had been planning a tour of Dubrovnik until my husband landed in the hospital with a foot injury so I appreciated the flexibility on the part of Context.
Ajlin was wonderful, interesting and funny. Great intro to Split and Croatia
The group loved Ajlin. She was not only informative, but was super funny as well. A true show woman! She may not be the right expert for every group, but she definitely read her audience well and was perfect for this group! Would definitely recommend for those who like their history with a side of humor.