Introduction to Split Tour with Diocletian’s Palace

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. 

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 cathedrals 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.

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.

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.

Yes, we can adjust the content to be more appropriate for younger learners. 

Yes, this tour is accessible for clients with mobility issues. For people with mobility issues or who are in a wheelchair, there is an alternative itinerary that allows them to still see everything.