YOUR BEST PRIVATE TOUR - amazing Split and Diocletian's palace

4.9 (89 reviews) Split, Croatia
Duration1h 50m - 2h 10m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Croatia’s #1 rated Private Tour with 100% excellent guest reviews on TripAdvisor!

Step into 1,700 years of history on Split’s most acclaimed walking tour!

Join a top-rated local guide for a 2 to 2.5-hour private journey through the hidden corners of Emperor Diocletian’s 4th-century palace — one of Europe’s most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore underground cellars, Roman gates, medieval squares, and secret alleys as you uncover how this ancient palace evolved into the vibrant city of Split.

Hear captivating stories of emperors, warriors, and daily life that shaped the city across the centuries. This tour blends exclusive insights, stunning sights, and immersive storytelling for a deeper connection to Split’s rich past.

To sweeten the experience, you will also enjoy a tasting of locally crafted chocolates — a delicious pause in your cultural journey.

Book now and discover the real Split with a passionate local expert!

What's included

  • Custom-made program & tour organization
  • The company and services of a flexible top-level licensed tour guide
  • Entrance fees

What to expect

  1. Riva Harbor
    10m
    Please note, this is YOUR PRIVATE TOUR, so our whole itinerary is completely flexible, up to your preferences.

    Below please find our suggested itinerary / suggested sights:

    We are starting our tour at the Riva, the famous coastal promenade of Split - our city's living room!

    Your guide will introduce you to Croatia, Split and to our itinerary.
  2. 10m
    From the Riva promenade we will have a 10-minute introduction to one of the best preserved Roman monuments from the 4th century AD - an impressive palace built for the Roman emperor Diocletian.

    The palace initially served as Emperor's luxury retirement home, and later, in the 7th century, it was converted into the medieval city - the city of Split.

    We will enter the Palace through the Southern gate and explore its main parts in the following 90+ minutes.
  3. Diocletian Palace Substructures
    20m
    From the Riva promenade we will enter the Palace through the Bronze gate and visit the most incredibly preserved 1700-year old basements / Diocletian's palace substructures.

    Your will learn in the basements about the life of Diocletian: how he became emperor, how he ruled, about his years of glory and about his final abdication and "retirement".

    We will talk about the construction of his Palace, about its ingenious architectural concept and about the precious stone from the island Brac that was used to build the Palace.

    We will explain why the nearby Roman capital town Salona was so important for the development of the town of Split in the 7th century and how the invaders from the north destroyed Salona and "helped" to convert the Palace into the medieval town - Split.
  4. The Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace
    15m
    The central square of the Palace.

    It is surrounded by the most diverse architectural styles and monuments from the 3000-year old Egyptian, through ancient Roman period, different medieval styles (cathedral bell tower, noble palaces...), until the modern and contemporary ones...
  5. Vestibulum of Diocletian's Palace
    7m
    This is a beautiful circular building, which served as Diocletian's lounge - it was the entrance to the Emperor's private chambers.

    And sometimes we would have opportunity to enjoy amazing Dalmatian choirs - "Klape" - singing here!
  6. Eastern (Silver) Gate
    2m
    Easter Palace gate and the beginning of the main Decumanus street
  7. Nadalina cokolada
    7m · Admission ticket included
    A great local chocolate producer. We will treat you with a couple of sweet treats, with Mediterranean fruit / herbal flavors....

    *Unfortunately, closed on Sundays, when we'll have to skip this visit*
  8. Grgur Ninski Statue
    5m
    The biiiiiig statue of the famous Croatian archbishop from the 10th century - a work by the most famous Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic.
  9. Split Synagogue
    15m
    We will visit the 16th century-Medieval Jewish Ghetto.

    Also, if you are interested in visiting, there is a 3rd oldest operating synagogue in Europe here in Split...
  10. The Golden Gate
    5m
    The main entrance to the Palace.
    We will talk about the "people trap" Gate's concept, about the Roman streets Cardo and Decumanus, and about the road to Salona, the ancient Roman capital town.
  11. Narodni Trg
    8m
    The main square of the Medieval town Split.
    The City Hall building and many other beautiful palaces can be seen around this square.
  12. Fruit's Square (Trg Brace Radic)
    8m
    Vocni trg (Fruit's Square) is the second most important square of the medieval Split. It is the former market place.
    At the center of the square stands a statue of Marko Marulic, a prominent Croatian poet and humanist from the 15th century - the "Father of Croatian literature".
  13. Prokurative
    3m
    Prokurative Square in Split, Croatia, is a beautiful open space surrounded by neo-Renaissance buildings, often hosting cultural events and outdoor performances. With its elegant architecture and bustling atmosphere, it is often compared to St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy, known for its stunning palaces and historic landmarks.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

By the bronze model of the city at the City coastal promenade - Riva

The bronze model of the city at the City coastal promenade - Riva - is located 20 m / 70 ft towards the sea, from the Southern Palace gate / exit from the Diocletian's basements. 

Address: Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23

End point

By the bronze model of the city at the City coastal promenade - Riva

The bronze model of the city at the City coastal promenade - Riva - is located 20 m / 70 ft towards the sea, from the Southern Palace gate / exit from the Diocletian's basements. 

Address: Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23

Pickup details

Please note, this is a walking tour in the Split Old town, so your guide can pick you up at your hotel, but ONLY if you are staying in the Old town Split accommodation (not if your hotel is away from the Old town)

If you are coming by a cruise ship, we will pick you at the port, at the cruise ship dock exit gate.

If you are staying away from the Split city center / Old town, lets meet in the Old town meeting point please:

at the Model of the historical core of the city of Split, address is: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23, 21000, Split, Croatia

The precise location: By the bronze model of the city at the City coastal promenade - Riva - see the precise GPS location, below.
The bronze model of the city at the City coastal promenade - Riva - is located 20 m / 70 ft towards the sea, from the Southern Palace gate / exit from the Diocletian's basements. 
Address: Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult (children under 11 y/o tour free of charge)

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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4.9 (89)
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