Essential Split Walking Tour Discover History and Culture
- 1–2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
My tour gives first-time visitors an engaging, easy-to-follow introduction to Split's history, culture, and daily life. We visit key landmarks like the Peristyle, Jupiter’s Temple, Mausoleum, Cellars, Riva, and more. But this isn’t a boring history lesson; it’s a relaxed experience giving you real insights into Split’s past and present. As a guide originally from Bosnia who lived across the former Yugoslavia and the US, I offer a unique perspective. I connect Split's story to the wider Balkans and the world. I love diving deep, so ask me anything! We can talk all day. :) Want to know why we fight all the time in the Balkans? Let me tell you! Want to know why people in Split love Napoleon, but in Dubrovnik they wish you didn't ask? Or why Croatia is "selfishly" taking all the coastline? Maybe you want to learn different architectural styles? We’ll spot centuries of styles standing in one single spot. My small-group tours guarantee meaningful conversations. Great for history lovers!
Inclusions
What's included
- Free access to KUKUVIA Audio Guide to explore other locations on your own
- Licensed tour guide
- Curated list of recommendations and discount offers
- Group Photo
What's not
- Gratuities
Itinerary
The grand, northern main entrance to Diocletian's Palace, originally reserved exclusively for the Emperor and his family. Admire the formidable Roman architecture and imagine the grandeur of entering the palace in the 4th century.
An imposing and iconic statue of a 10th-century Croatian bishop crafted by famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Don't forget to rub the statue's gleaming bronze big toe—local legend dictates that doing so brings good luck and guarantees your return to Split!
The historic heart of Split just outside the palace walls. This lively, sun-drenched plaza is surrounded by beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, including the city's old Town Hall.
The western entrance to the palace, notable for being the only gate that remained open through the Middle Ages. Look up as you pass through to see the beautiful medieval clock tower featuring a unique 24-hour dial.
Translating to "Let Me Pass," this quirky, historic alleyway holds the title of one of the narrowest streets in the world. Enjoy the fun challenge of squeezing through a path where only one person can fit at a time!
An incredibly well-preserved ancient Roman temple dedicated to the king of the gods. At the entrance, you will be greeted by a striking, headless black granite sphinx that Diocletian brought all the way from Egypt. Note: Exterior visit only.
The breathtaking monumental courtyard at the center of the palace. Surrounded by elegant Roman arches and authentic Egyptian columns, this was the central gathering place where Diocletian would present himself to his subjects.
Originally built as the lavish final resting place for Emperor Diocletian, this stunning octagonal structure was later converted into a church. It now stands proudly as one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world still using its original structure. Note: Exterior visit only.
Step into the grand, circular foyer that once served as the formal entrance to the Emperor's private apartments. Look up at the impressive open dome (oculus), which boasts spectacular acoustics and offers a picture-perfect view of the sky.
The ruins of the ancient Roman dining room. Picture the extravagant feasts that took place here, where the Emperor and his elite guests would recline on couches and enjoy lavish banquets.
Explore the vast, eerie underground labyrinth that mirrored and supported the Emperor's private quarters above. Fans of Game of Thrones will immediately recognize these vaulted cellars as the dungeon where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons! Note: Exterior visit only.
The southern, sea-facing entrance to the palace. In ancient times, the sea reached right up to the palace walls, allowing the Emperor to use this gate to step directly from his basements onto a waiting ship.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- At the bottom of the stairs between Golden Gates and the staute of bishop Gregory of Nin. Look for the guide holding BLACK umbrella with KUKUVIA logo
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 15 travellers
- Operated by
- Jelena
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Split
- Its from-price is 83% below the median of the 1250 experiences we list in Split.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Split
Split is a busy Dalmatian port built within and around a Roman emperor's palace, with ferries to some of Croatia's loveliest islands.
Diocletian's Palace, built around the turn of the fourth century as the emperor's retirement home, is the old town itself: its walls, cellars and courtyards hold homes, shops and cafés. The Peristyle, the colonnaded heart, leads to the Cathedral of St Domnius, once the emperor's mausoleum, and its bell tower gives views over the rooftops.
Top-ranked sights in Split: Budikovac Island (Veliki Budikovac), Blue Lagoon Croatia (Krknjasi Bay), Peristyle Square (Peristil).
Special offers in Split
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
