Welcome To Split: Private 2-hour Introductory Walking Tour

Split is a vibrant and picturesque city on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast with a long and fascinating history. Its most striking feature is undoubtedly Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed complex that is much more than a monument. It forms the backbone of the city’s Old Town, which developed within and around the palace, and remains inhabited to this day, with residents living in homes carefully integrated into historic structures. Our introductory walking tour is a great way to see Split’s remarkable Old Town in the company of a local expert guide, giving you a feel for the city’s past and vibrant present.

On this 2-hour private tour, you will:

• Explore Split’s extraordinary Old Town;
• Enjoy the undivided attention of your local guide, well-versed in Croatian history and culture;
• Embark on a carefully curated route around the city's most important sites;
• Find out about the different cultures that have shaped Split, from the Illyrians to the Greeks, the Romans, Venetians and Slavic peoples;
• Visit key parts of Diocletian’s palace and learn about the Roman emperor who gave it its name;
• See Saint Domnius Cathedral and discover how it was transformed from the pagan emperor’s Mausoleum to a significant Christian place of worship;
• Pass by the Cambi Palace and admire the Gothic and Renaissance details;
• Observe remarkable examples of Roman urban planning along Cardo Street;
• Stop outside the impressive Temple of Jupiter;
• Make your way through Trg Braće Radić and discover the story behind the Radic brothers and their impact on Croatia’s political and social development;
• Stroll along the majestic Riva promenade, Split’s cherished waterfront walkway.

Step into the living history of Split on this captivating private walking tour, designed especially for curious travellers seeking an express introduction to Croatia’s most enchanting coastal city. Beginning at the iconic Split sign by the harbour, you’ll meet your friendly and knowledgeable local guide, an expert storyteller with a passion for bringing the past to life. Together, you’ll enter the heart of the city through the Brass Gate, stepping directly into the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace, a 1,700-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site that isn’t just preserved, but lived in. As you navigate its narrow stone alleyways and hidden courtyards, your guide will reveal how this once-imperial retirement palace evolved into the vibrant city centre it is today, woven into the daily lives of locals over centuries.

You will walk along Cardo Street, a striking remnant of Roman urban planning. After passing through the ornate Golden Gate, you can stop for a photo with the towering statue of Gregory of Nin, said to bring luck if you rub his toe.  You’ll then venture into the lesser-known Get neighbourhood, where palace guards and servants once lived, and hear how it also served as Split’s Jewish Quarter for hundreds of years. You will also pass by the elegant Cambi Palace, admiring the mix of Gothic and Renaissance on its facade.

You will meander through the historic Pjaca (People’s Square), home to the Old Town Hall, the beloved Stari poštanski sandučić (Old Postal Box), and the elaborate City Clock. Passing through the Iron Gate, you will pause at the Temple of Jupiter, where your guide can explain the religious shifts that shaped Split’s transformation from a distinctly pagan enclave under Diocletian to a Christian stronghold.

Your journey continues through Trg Braće Radić, where stories of Croatian resilience come to life, before ending at the beautiful Riva Promenade, where you can enjoy its lively atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Throughout the tour, your guide will tailor the experience to your interests, be it ancient architecture, religious history, local traditions, or contemporary Croatian life. This walking tour offers a robust introduction to Split, perfect for first-time visitors who want to understand not just what to see, but why it matters.