Really enjoyable overview of the history of split and the palace. Not just text book but stories as well.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Local expert born and raised in Split
- Licensed tourist guide, storyteller & certified history interpreter
- Recommendations regarding what to see & where to go; food, activities,...
Excludes
- All Fees and Taxes
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Diocletian's palace has 4 gates, one of them is placed on the Riva waterfront. The entrance to the palace is from the seaside. The gates are always open and are placed on the Southern wall of the palace. This is the line (non-visible) between parking area on Riva and pedestrian zone.
Return
- Our tour can end wherever you like. Let me know at the beginning of the tour what would you prefer and we can adjust the ending of the tour.
Itinerary
Let’s begin on the Riva — where life in Split really happens. People here don’t rush. They sit in the sun, drink coffee, talk, and watch the sea. Every corner has its own rhythm, its own group of regulars, its own story. From there, we’ll wander into the old town and Diocletian’s Palace. I’ll show you how locals still live among Roman walls, where laundry hangs between centuries and life continues in the same streets emperors once walked. We’ll stop for a bite, share a few stories that rarely make it into guidebooks, and see the city the way people here experience it — slowly, through taste, sound, and everyday moments
Leaving the waterfront, we’ll step below the city — into the basements of Diocletian’s Palace. Down here, time feels close. You can almost sense the hands that shaped these stones 1,700 years ago. Each wall holds a trace of life built into it — stories of work, trade, and quiet endurance. This is where the city began, and where its pulse still echoes.
Leaving small narrow streets we are now at Peristil, the open space of the imperial square. I will share intriguing stories that happened behind the city walls, stories about traditional and modern Split and our slow way of life (pomalo = take it easy, way of life).
Standing on the only square within the palace - Peristil, you can not miss seeing the beautiful and tall bell tower. Almost hidden behind it, protected, is the Cathedral of Split. One of the smallest and oldest cathedrals in the world.
Leaving the waterfront, we will enter the Substructures of the Palace and walk towards the Temple of Jupiter. The location was chosen to signify the divine connection between the emperor Diocletian and Jupiter. The Ancient Roman God of the sky and thunder & king of the Gods. During the Middle Ages, the Temple was converted into a baptistery dedicated to St. John the Baptist
On our way to see the temple of Jupiter, we will walk through a small street, placed between the ancient temple and medieval building - now a hotel. Local people believe this is the narrowest street in town. The local name is "The let me pass street".
When the ancient city walls could no longer contain life, Split began to grow westward. This area became known as the “new old town” — a place where northern and southern Europe meet in stone. Every street here shows a mix of influences, layered over time, yet still unmistakably Split.
The day is better if we add a bit of chocolate to it. Walking towards the end of our tour, we will stop at one of my favourite chocolate places- Nadalina. I will share some stories about food production, while we have samples of locally flavoured chocolate.
The Golden Gate (Latin: Porta Aurea) is one of the four main Roman gates into the Diocletian's Palace. The gate is on the road to the north, towards Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and Diocletian's birthplace. You will hear about the antique military strategy in the Palace and discover some hidden buildings nearby.
The northern wall of the Place, in front of the sculpture of Grgur Ninski, is where we will end our tour. Here, we are surrounded by the 4th-century antique wall, 20th-century art and modern life today. We will respect the local tradition here and make a wish. Thank you for walking with me and allowing me to share my love for my town with you.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
This tour was excellent! Mirjana was a delight and so full of knowledge about the history of Split and all things Diocletian. This wasn’t just a tour full of facts and figures, it was true storytelling which made the information so much more intriguing and relatable. Mirjana is professional, warm and friendly and offers a very personal approach to her tours. We can’t recommend her highly enough!
Oh my goodness! If you are lucky enough to find this tour and meet Mirjana you have hit the jackpot. Mirjana is a truly amazing storyteller and we loved every minute of our time with her. She tailored our tour to things we were interested in, including explaining my family history better than any of my actual family members ever did. Best experience in Split.
Our tour with Mirjana around the Palace and Old Town of Split was truly one of the highlights of our trip. She shared the history of this incredible city with such heart and depth that you didn’t just 'hear'the stories — you 'felt' them. Through her personal anecdotes she made the history of Split come alive as if it were our own. What makes this tour special is Mirjana is the way she connects everything — weaving together tales of humanity across time, cultures, and beliefs. In a world that can often feel divided, her gentle, truthful approach was both refreshing and deeply moving. She doesn’t shy away from the realities of the past, yet she delivers them with a sense of peace and understanding that stays with you. We came away with such a rich understanding of the people who lived, struggled, and thrived here under different rulers — and a real appreciation for the magic of Split itself. you MUST take this tour with Mirjana as soon as you arrive. It will completely transform your experience of the city. We’ve eaten in hidden local spots, met true Croatian merchants, and discovered parts of Split we never would have found without her. If you want to fall in love with Split — start your journey with Mirjana. Anouska
Excellent old city walking tour with Mirjana in Split. She explained the complicated history of this region of the world in easy to understand concepts. The way she told the story of the end of the Roman Empire was impressionable! She also explained local lives in Split now and took us to a jewelry shop and a chocolate shop.... letting us try the local chocolates. Afterwards she also sent her recommendations of what to do and where to eat! I'm glad I went with Mirjana as it gave me a deeper knowledge and understanding of Split 🙏
AMAZING tour! I have been on several tours around the world and this was the best tour guide I have ever had. There were 9 in our group ranging in age from 22-62 and we all agreed. It was informative and full of history but it felt as if she was telling a story- the story of Croatia and how this area came to be. Highly recommend!!!!!
I totally enjoyed this story telling walking tour with Mirjana in Split. She has deep knowledge about history of the city and great communication skills, friendly and gave us valuable information about this beautiful place. We love to come back
Mirjana is a great tour guide. She explained very clear the map before the tour starts; very knowledgeable, informative and fun. walked us through the entire trip with clear explanations about arch architecture to support the group well. Thank you. I appreciate Croatia more because of her
From the very start, Mirjana made our Split walking tour unforgettable. With quick wit and humor, she instantly created a group atmosphere. Her ability to connect people made the experience lively, engaging, and fun. Her storytelling was equally remarkable. As we explored Diocletian’s Palace and Split’s old streets, she brought centuries of history to life with vivid detail and anecdotes. She didn’t just describe landmarks—she told the human stories behind them, making history feel alive. What stood out most was how she placed Split within the broader context of Croatia and the fascinating Balkan history. She explained complex history clearly and with passion, always tying local details to the bigger picture. Questions were encouraged, and her thoughtful, often humorous responses added even more depth. By the end, it wasn’t only Split that left a lasting impression but Mirjana herself. Knowledgeable, funny, and inspiring—her tour is absolutely unmissable.
Mirjana's Diocletians Palace tour is not to be missed! It's not just another city guide tour full of historical facts and dates. Mirjana is a gifted storyteller and brings the palace to life with humour, fascinating observations, insider knowledge and an obvious passion for what she does and for the tourism of Split. Doing the tour in the evening added a whole new layer of magic. I'm only sorry we didn't do this tour the first time we visited Split a few years ago! I'd highly recommend for anyone looking for the ultimate introduction to the palace and the city.
We loved our tour with Mirjana. She was very knowledgeable, interesting and very responsive. Our time getting an intro to Split and its history was terrific.
One of the best walking tours I’ve been on by far! Mirjana showed extensive knowledge about the history of Split all while showing and immense about of respect for the locals living there today. She was kind and very easily approachable, I 10/10 recommend her for anyone wishing to learn about Split
Mirjana is an amazing guide! She is enthusiastic, nimble, knowledgeable, and fun! I especially love how she makes history come alive with analogies to contemporary times.
Mirjana was amazing and showed us Split from a local perspective. She was an amazing storyteller who wove local stories into the bigger historical moments in Split
We had a fantastic tour with Mirjana this morning, undoubtedly the best local guide we encountered on our 10-day trip along the Croatian islands and coastline. :) Mirjana doesn't just focus on history or overwhelm you with unnecessary dates and figures. Instead, she provides meaningful context to help you understand why the city looks the way it does and why its people are the way they are. She also shares local insights and recommendations for food, bars, viewpoints, and beaches. The highlight of this tour, as the name suggests, is storytelling, which beautifully captures the soul of Split and its people. Kudos to Mirjana! :)
Mirjana is an amazing guide and an inspiring storyteller. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her tour something really special and engaging for the whole family. We loved spending time with her learning about the history and culture of Split and I’m 100% sure you will too!
Wonderful tour through the old town of Split by Mirjana. With so many details and interesting stories about life in Split through the centuries, you see the place in a new light.
Phantastic tour in Split. It was so interesting walking around with Mirjana, who knows everything about this city. She guided the tour in a very interactive way, presented interesting details about architecture, history, local people and culture. All questions are welcome. Mirjana is very nice and friendly, and it was a pleasure to be part of her tour. I absolutely recommend Mirjana's guided tours!
It was absolutely fantastic. Usually I fall a sleep on the history lessons, but this was something different, lots of legends combined with the walk through the city! A bit of humor, a bit of sadness, everything just enough to wake up my feelings!
Our tour with Mirjana was truly exceptional. From the moment we began, it was clear that she wasn't just a guide—she was a storyteller, a cultural bridge, and a passionate historian. With boundless energy and genuine enthusiasm, she brought the city's history to life, weaving together past and present in a way that felt deeply relevant and profoundly human.
Mirjana is a real gem when it comes to touring around Split! She is knowledgeable, smart, charming and with great sense of humor. You get both, historical and insight in local way of living and perspective. We all loved her and if you're in Split - don't miss a tour with her! ❤️
A+ Mirjana’s perspective, knowledge and sensitivity of the subject and place captivated everyone in our group. Her unique ability to synthesize ancient history & culture with modern themes is beyond anything I have experienced. Her warmth, humor and kindness only add to her passion. She really wants you to have a personal and moving experience. I certainly did.
Superb walking tour. Mirjana has very good English and her accent is so easy to understand. She explains the history from a modern perspective so it really comes alive. She is so friendly and caring ensuring that we were in the shade whenever possible. I would thoroughly recommend! Thank you Mirjana 💕
We joined Mirjana's walking tour of Split on 8 May via Guruwalk, and it was one of the most memorable and heartwarming experiences of our trip. From the start, Mirjana was warm, responsive and welcoming — even over text. This meant so much to us, especially as we had found some of our interactions with locals to be a bit distant. Her openness and friendliness immediately made us feel comfortable and cared for. What made her tour truly special was that it wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill sightseeing experience filled with rehearsed lines or jokes. Mirjana brought genuine passion, deep knowledge and heartfelt storytelling. You could tell she loves Split — not just as a city, but as a living, evolving community. She shared not only historical facts, but also meaningful reflections on how Split’s culture and identity have been shaped through time. She connected the past with the present, and the personal with the collective, in a way that made everything feel alive. She also wove in her own values and principles, encouraging us to embrace cultures thoughtfully and respectfully. At the end of the tour, she gave us wonderful local recommendations (which we loved!) and practical tips on how we, as visitors, can support the local community without disrupting the balance of daily life. It was incredibly moving to see how deeply she cares for her home and its people. Mirjana even told us to reach out if we ever needed help or had questions — an offer that was so reassuring to hear as travelers. Our only regret? Not joining her tour on our first day in Split. It would have enriched our entire stay so much more. Thank you, Mirjana, for such a meaningful experience. You’re not just a guide — you’re an ambassador of your city’s soul.
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable of the history and culture of Split. Her tour was not only informative but also captivating. She was experienced at moving through the town and finding the best places. A wonderful experience. Would highly recommend her tour.
I've had a pleasure of working with Mirjana for years as a tour leader and having her on our trips visiting Split has been invaluable! While Split's busy streets can be overwhelming, having someone who knows all the hidden gems and shares stories only few locals know will make a big difference on how you percieve this gorgeuos city. Cannot recommend her enough!
Fascinating tour explaining the history of Split, Croatia, Europe and its rulers from Mirjana .The architecture and life within the walls of Split throughout the years. Our guide had fantastic knowledge and interpretation. Don't miss this incitful tour.
The tour guide, Mirjana, was lovely and very fun. Local and knows so much about Split. Would highly recommend this tour.
Very friendly, knowledgeable, fun tour! Mirjana was wonderful! I would highly recommend to anybody visiting Split. Lots of interesting hidden gems!
Mirjana was charming funny and knowledgeable. But so are a lot of tour guides. What marked this experience out was the thoughtful and personal nature of the time we were lucky enough to spend with her. The focus was on the relatively small numbers of Croatians who still live within the palace walls. What do they think of their own past, and the tourist influx, and how do they keep their sense of community amidst the turmoil of the thousands of noisy gawkers? Throw in a few surprising stops that only a true local would take you to and you have an outstanding two hours. Highly recommended.
Mirjana was an amazing guide. Taking us to local places that tourists don’t know about. She exudes love for her city and educating tourists. The crowds are large in Split but Mirjana created a more quiet intimate tour highlighting the real lives of the people in Split 13/10!
The tour with Mirjana was really great! She was smart, funny and had great knowledge about the different time epochs and the historical locations, would recommend her definitely!
Informative, fun, super well organised, lovely knowledgeable guide. Our group of 16 loved it ❤️❤️❤️Thankyou Mirjana 🙏🙏🙏
I can’t tell you enough how great Mirjana is. She is such a kind person, a sweetheart with a good soul! I always take my guests (I’m a tour guide myself) to her, and they love how good she explains everything while being so relaxed and kind. I can’t recommend her enough!!!
Mirjana was excellent! She brought a human element to history. She interacted with everyone in our group of 8, even the 9 year old! She has a great sense of humor and is an awesome story teller! Highly recommend!
Amazing tour! Mirjana showed us all of the best places and gave us lots of history on the people and the area. She ended the tour by bringing us to a locally made jewelry store that we would have never found on our own! Would recommend!
Mirjana is a really fantastic and very knowledgeable tour guide, she made the tour very enjoyable. I would highly recommend.
This was such a unique and fun experience. Mirjana did an amazing job and was lovely to adventure with. She gave insight into the history of Split. She even showed us a unique jewelry store where we got authentic, handcrafted Croatian jewelry. Would 10/10 recommend!
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Mirjana, she was absolutely excellent! We were a large group traveling with teenagers and adults and she catered the tour to engage all age groups! The information she shared about Croatian history was carried with us throughout our entire stay and helped to bring a historical city to life. It was a highlight of our trip to Split. I couldn't recommend her more highly.
I couldn't recommend Mirjana more! I brought a group of teenagers from my youth club on a tour and she even managed to keep their interest with her storytelling style, which is a true testimony to her skills. When she speaks, you know she is truly interested in the subject matter and loves her job. This was my second tour with her and I'm always looking forward to learning something new! I'm definitely planning on having more of our educational trips together.
Mirjana was AMAZING! She was so accommodating and was a joy to be around. She was incredibly knowledgeable about all things Split - both historical information and current cultural issues. We had a blast on the tour, and had a wonderful time sitting down for coffee with her as well!
Mirjana was an excellent tour guide she was so interesting with her information and had a great sense of humour! I would highly recommend her walking tour
Mirjana is amazing, she always delivers the best tours for our groups. She is so passionate and factual, and really gives us an insight into the history of Split and present day life. Thanks so much, rhyannon :)
Mirjana is the best! She talks with passion and a lot of knowledge! I definitely recommend her for every curious traveller.
Marjana is a very knowledgeable city guide with a great personality and sense of humour. She knows Split inside out and that also includes the locals. If you’d like a unique experience where you are able to learn more than just history, then this is the tour for you. Mariana’s keen eye for detail makes her an exceptional story teller (which she also does beautifully on her Instagram btw) and thus her tour engages in a way you feel transported to the times she is describing. I would highly recommend this city tour and can’t wait to come back to Split with friends to experience it all over again.
Such an amazing tour! Mirjana was knowledgeable, passionate, funny, and so engaging. Highly recommend to anybody!!!
Amazing incredible lovely. Loved our tour guide, wealth of knowledge and truly could tell she knew what she was talking about. Also loved the personal anecdotes.
Mirjana was a wonderful tour guide—very passionate about sharing her city with us. Beyond giving us an animated history of the palace, she helped to organize and attended a once in a lifetime activity for our group outside of the city (soparnik making on a family farm). She was such a delight and we were lucky to spend some extra time getting to know her. Thanks Mirjana!
Ana led our walk and was an excellent guide, very interesting and informative. She explained the history and the culture of the town as we walked along answering all our questions very clearly. She obviously loves her home and is proud of Split which clearly came over. Excellent 2 hours would highly recommend to help get a feel for the city.
Mirjana was absolutely fabulous, spoke perfect English, knew her history and told us everything we could have hoped to know, probably far to much to stay in the brain cells unfortunately!! Split old town is certainly worth a visit, we would definitely recommend the experience, especially with our tour guide…. She even treated us to the best coffee we have ever tasted :)
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email
