Introduction to Split - Split Tours

Tour Details

About the Tour

Duration: 2 hours
Location: Croatia

Photos & Highlights

Get acquainted with Split's main sites, history, and neighborhoods
Led by an expert in history
Diocletian’s Palace and Split Old Town

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

Tour Experts

Ante

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia to Croatian parents, Ante came to Croatia for a '1-year student exchange program' - 30 years, a wife and 5 children later, he has permanently settled in Split. A History and English graduate, part-time university lecturer and loads of other ventures are compiled into over 20 years of active tour guiding. Finding the balance for each guest is one of the most important things in hosting a successful tour along with adding personal touches. His language skills, love for cultural heritage, history, and fine wining and dining make time spent with Ante truly unique.

Vjeran

An economics graduate and native of Split, Vjeran is one of the most passionate guides. His knowledge of history, economics, sports, and social events are par to none. He is one of the best Game of Thrones guides and gives his guests insider information about the filming and locations. His tours are informative, personable and at an easy pace.

Vedran

An engineering graduate, history buff and over 25 years of tour guiding experience are just some of Vedran's attributes. If you plan to discover the long history, natural beauties, cultural tradition, Dalmatian habits, and delightful food in this region then he's your man. As he often says, Croatia is a small country with loads to offer and simply put is Full of Life.

View more experts

4 Reviews – (5.0)

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

Vjeran was a consummate pro in walking through the complicated history of Diocletian and his palace in Split. Top Drawer, as expected!

William

Apr. 19, 2023

My husband and I really enjoyed our time with Vjeran. He was so knowledgeable about the history of the Old City of Split. He gave us several suggestions of other sights to see after our tour which were fantastic. Highly recommend Vjeran!!

Denise

Sep. 18, 2022

Everything worked out fine Ante was a very knowledgeable and helpful guide.

Steve

Sep. 1, 2022