City Tour Free Spirit Tour Split

The best 1.5-hour introduction to Split and Croatia, guided exclusively by certified guides with 500+ tour experience. Some 1700 years ago Roman emperor Diocletian decided to retire and build a massive palace on the Adriatic coast. Today, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the center of Split.

On our tour, you will explore the palace and beyond, see all the main sights, discover hidden gems known only to locals, and hear stories of past and present. The tour starts at the fountain in Josip Juraj Strossmayer Park where you will be introduced to Croatia and Split.

The monumental Gregory of Nin statue tells the story of Croatia's turbulent history and struggle for our own language and culture. Don't forget to rub his big toe! At the Golden Gate, you will learn of Diocletian, a peasant boy who became emperor, and his life project - the palace in Split. Both a military garrison and residential emperor quarters - the palace is preserved in its original size. The gates had a system to entrap enemy soldiers so they became easy targets for the defenders. Entering the palace travel into the past, walk the main streets - Cardo and Decumanus and learn of Roman architecture. Visit the staggering Peristyle Square and imagine the emperor coming out to greet the people. Hear stories of Diocletian reforms, the division of the Roman Empire, and prosecutions of Christians. The St. Domnius Cathedral used to be Diocletian's mausoleum and today it is dedicated to one of his victims.

Next, you will visit the emperor's apartment starting with the impressive Vestibule. In the Dining Hall, you will learn about Roman cuisine and how different it is from today. Diocletian's Cellars are perfectly preserved and even hosted some dragons in the Game of Thrones series. The Temple of Jupiter and the Sphinx guarding it symbolize historical changes, both in religion and culture. The medieval center of town was the People's Square where you will learn about the medieval way of living and what pigs have to do with it.

Next, you will meet the father of Croatian literature, who was known as a vagabond. The Venetian Republic ruled over Split and built massive fortifications to keep invaders out but did you know they were more afraid of an attack from within the walls? On the Riva promenade, you will admire the view of the sea and islands while learning what the French, neckties, sulfur, and Dalmatian dogs have to do with Split. Our guides will make sure to give you recommendations on local food and products, the best restaurants and bars, most beautiful beaches and islands, helping you plan the perfect vacation in Split and Croatia. Fall in love with Split in one tour.