Chill Private Walking Tour of Diocletian's Palace

Split , Croatia

Chill Private Walking Tour of Diocletian's Palace

Active

(35 reviews)

1h - 2h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

I’m Mili, a lifelong resident of Split and your tour guide. Join me as we explore Diocletian's Palace, delving into its origins, evolution over the centuries, and its deep connection to the city of Split. We’ll visit the palace’s surviving sections, which have stood for 17 centuries, and discover how other parts have been seamlessly integrated into the modern city built around it.

My tour is designed to present all the essential information in a clear and engaging way, with a touch of light humor to enhance the experience. If you're curious and want to dive deeper, I'll gladly provide additional insights—questions are always welcome!

If you're looking to learn about the palace and the city in a fun, casual atmosphere, this tour is perfect for you!

Available options

Chill Private Walking Tour of Diocletian's Palace

What's included

Experienced and passionate guide, who'll make the tour a fun experience.

Comparisons of some locations We visit with 3D reconstructions from how they were 17 centuries ago.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will start at the Peristyle of the Palace, learning about the history of Diocletian and how this palace came to be.

We'll go through the free part of the substructures, and learn more of the palace's architecture and history. Optionally, should you decide to see more, you can buy the tickets for the museum part of the substructures and we'll go through the rest of them, which will add some 20 or so minutes to the tour.

Stop 3

The Cathedral of Saint Domnius is one of the best preserved Roman structures, built as part of Diocletian's Palace. As such, we'll learn of it's history as well.
And should you have a ticket for the cathedral, we'll go inside as well, to see how a Roman tomb was converted into a christian cathedral, adding 10 more minutes to the tour.

Stop 4

Another fantastically preserved Roman structure is the Temple of Jupiter, their chief deity. It too has been repurposed by the church, and so still remains in good condition. Should you have a ticket to visit the small interior, we will do so, otherwise we'll learn all the important information outside.

The south eastern corner of the palace has been mostly destroyed, but due to the way it had been constructed, an accurate partial reconstruction was made, where we'll get an impression of how Diocletian might have lived here.

The Papalić alleyway has a few interesting facts that we will learn as we're heading through the north half of the palace.

Stop 7

On the square outside the palace we'll learn of an important period of Croatian history, while also seeing how the palace has been integrated into newer buildings, and still exists in that state today.

Nearing the end of the tour, we'll see the northern gate of the palace, also called the Golden Gate. There we'll learn more of the palace's fortifications, and how they were changed between their construction and the present day.

Stop 9

Last stop of the tour is outside the northern gate of the palace, where we'll consolidate what we've learned of the roman construction. Dominating this space is a bronze statue of an important bishop from Croatian history, and as we learn of him, we'll wrap up the history of Croatia so far.

What's not included

Fees for interiors of some of the locations, as mentioned in Tour Details. They're all optional.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

35 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

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

Meeting point

Just outside the large east gate of Diocletian's Palace, by the bazaar, look for a tall man with a hat and a folder.

About Split

Split is a stunning coastal city in Croatia, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking Adriatic Sea views. The city is home to the impressive Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers a blend of ancient Roman architecture and modern Mediterranean charm.

Top Attractions

Diocletian's Palace

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive Roman palaces in the world. Built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, it's a must-visit for history buffs.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours Free to enter, some areas require a ticket (around 50 HRK)

Riva Promenade

A lively waterfront promenade that stretches along the Adriatic Sea. It's a great place to enjoy the sea breeze, people-watch, and sample local ice cream.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Marjan Hill

A forested park offering stunning views of Split and the surrounding islands. It's perfect for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Nature/Scenic 2-4 hours Free

Bacvice Beach

A popular sandy beach known for its shallow waters and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to relax, swim, and enjoy local seafood.

Beach Half-day Free, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent

Split City Museum

Housed in the historic Papalić Palace, this museum offers a fascinating look at the history and culture of Split through various exhibits and artifacts.

Museum 1-2 hours Free, donations welcome

Must-Try Local Dishes

Black Risotto (Crni Rižot)

A traditional Dalmatian dish made with cuttlefish, giving it a distinctive black color.

Main course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Peka

A slow-cooked dish made with meat (lamb, veal, or octopus) and vegetables, cooked under a bell-like lid with hot coals.

Main course Can be made with meat or seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Brodet

A traditional fish stew made with various types of fish, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Main course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Rozata

A traditional Dalmatian dessert similar to crème caramel, flavored with rose liqueur.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, not suitable for vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking on Marjan Hill Sailing to nearby islands Scuba diving in the Adriatic Sea Sunbathing at Bacvice Beach Enjoying a leisurely stroll along Riva Promenade Relaxing at a local spa Exploring Diocletian's Palace Visiting local museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak season offers the best weather for beach activities and outdoor exploration. However, it is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Croatian
Widely spoken: English, Italian, German
English: Moderately spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Croatian Kuna (HRK)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Split is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Split Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Split Railway Station

By bus

Split Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and covers most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Camme, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Varoš Bačvice Meje

Day trips

Hvar Island

60 km from Split • Full day

A picturesque island known for its stunning beaches, lavender fields, and historic sites. Hvar is a popular destination for sailing, swimming, and exploring.

Brač Island

30 km from Split • Full day

A beautiful island known for its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and scenic hiking trails. Brač is a great destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Krka National Park

80 km from Split • Full day

A stunning national park known for its waterfalls, lakes, and lush greenery. Krka is a great destination for hiking, swimming, and nature lovers.

Festivals

Split Summer Festival • July to September Split Music Festival • July to August Split International Film Festival • June to July

Pro tips

Visit Diocletian's Palace early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Try local seafood dishes, especially Black Risotto and Peka, for an authentic taste of Dalmatian cuisine.
Explore the city on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and enjoy the scenic views.
Take a day trip to nearby islands like Hvar or Brač for stunning beaches and outdoor activities.
Enjoy the sunset from Marjan Hill for a breathtaking view of the city and the Adriatic Sea.