Split is often referred to as “the most beautiful city in the world” by locals, and anyone who has the opportunity to wander through its Old Town or along the lovely Riva Promenade will soon see why. Croatia’s second city is a treasure trove of historic landmarks and eye-catching architecture shaped by a myriad of different cultures, imbuing it with a unique and vibrant spirit. Our private highlights tour is a great way to make the most of your time in Split, exploring the most interesting corners of the Old Town, including not only the spectacular Diocletian’s Palace, but also a special guided visit to the Cellars below.
On this 3-hour private tour, you will:
- Journey through the highlights of Split’s spectacular Old Town with a local expert guide;
- Visit the incredible Diocletian’s Palace, and find out how the modern city developed around a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
- Uncover the story of Diocletian, Rome’s only emperor to retire, and why he chose Split as the site of his seaside fortress-palace;
- See the impressive Imperial Apartments and learn what life was like for Split’s citizens during Roman times;
- Venture underground for an atmospheric guided visit to the Diocletian’s Palace Cellars (with tickets included);
- Navigate the labyrinthine passages and learn how they mirror the layout of the palace above;
- Find an iconic Game of Thrones filming location hidden within the walls of the cellars;
- Pass through the Peristyle, the central square of the palace, and find out why its acoustics are perfect for events and performances;
- Step inside Saint Domnius Cathedral, where your guide will reveal Roman and Pagan details interspersed with Christian and Baroque elements;
- Discover emblematic landmarks like the Cambi Palace, Cardo Street, the Gregory of Nin statue and the Old Town Hall;
- Stop by Republic Square, a 19th-century piazza, inspired by Venice’s St. Mark’s Square;
- Enter the Temple of Jupiter to admire a beautifully preserved Roman temple turned Christian baptistry;
- End with a scenic stroll along the Riva promenade, Split’s elegant esplanade along the Adriatic Sea.
Discover the remarkable story of Split on this in-depth private walking tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide who brings the city’s layered history to life. From ancient Roman foundations to modern-day Dalmatian culture, this experience offers a deep dive into the architecture, traditions, and personalities that have shaped Split over nearly two millennia.
Your journey begins at the iconic Split sign near the harbour before entering the Old Town through the Brass Gate, one of the original Roman entrances into Diocletian’s Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most impressive ancient structures still in use today, with many residents living within its walls. As you wind through its narrow passages, your guide will share the fascinating story of Emperor Diocletian, the only Roman emperor to retire, and reveal how his seaside palace gradually transformed into a thriving medieval and modern city.
You will then have the opportunity to descend into the palace cellars, a vast underground complex once used to support the imperial residence above. Their remarkably well-preserved layout essentially mirrors that of the emperor’s chambers and offers insight into Roman engineering and city planning. Fans of Game of Thrones may also recognise parts of this space since it was used to portray the dungeons of Mereen, where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons. Above ground, you’ll explore the majestic Peristyle Square, the spiritual heart of the palace, known for its grand columns and acoustics and still used regularly for concerts and other performances today.
Inside the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, originally Diocletian’s mausoleum, your guide will point out how imperial pagan motifs blend with Christian symbolism and Baroque refinements, telling the remarkable story of how the final resting place of a pagan emperor who persecuted Christians became a tribute to a saint who was martyred during the emperor’s reign. Then, as you move beyond the palace walls, you will follow the path of the ancient Cardo Street, which runs through the heart of the Old Town. Outside the Golden Gate, you can pay a visit to the imposing statue of Gregory of Nin, said to bring good luck to those who touch his polished toe, before taking some time to explore the Get neighbourhood, once an important hub for the Jewish community,
Back inside the city, your guide will lead you through Pjaca (People’s Square), where layers of Split’s urban development come alive in the Old Town Hall, the charming City Clock, and the curious Stari poštanski sandučić, a peculiar old post box that is a rare relic from the Napoleonic era. You will also have the chance to step inside the Temple of Jupiter, a remarkable example of Roman religious architecture later repurposed as a Christian baptistery. In Trg Braće Radić, you’ll hear stories of the Radic brothers and their role in shaping Croatian identity, before pausing in the graceful arcades of Republic Square, whose 19th-century design was inspired by Venice’s St. Mark’s Square.
Last but certainly not least, the tour concludes with a scenic walk along the lively Riva Promenade, a favourite gathering place for locals, framed by palm trees and the glittering Adriatic Sea. This engaging and thoughtfully curated tour offers a meaningful orientation to Split that can be tailored to your interests, whether you’re drawn to ancient civilisations, religious history, art, politics, or everyday life in Split today.
