Split is a city where history lives in every stone and street corner. It’s a place that has been shaping its identity for nearly 2,000 years, and the best way to get a real sense of its past is through a carefully curated tour. Whether you’re interested in exploring the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, sampling Dalmatian delicacies, or walking through ancient streets, Split offers options that cater to all interests. We’ve rounded up the top five tours, from private guided walks to full-day island excursions, to help you decide which experience suits your style.
Among our favorites is the Private History Split Walking Tour in English for its personalized touch, perfect for history lovers who want a detailed and relaxed exploration. Then, for those who enjoy combining culture with culinary delights, the Private Split: History, Local Bites, Wine & Seafood Extravaganza offers a tasty, immersive experience. For a deeper dive into both history and cuisine, the Gastro and History Jewels Experience in Split provides flavorful stops at some of the city’s highlights, while the Emperor’s Walking Tour for History Lovers is a concise but comprehensive stroll through Roman and medieval landmarks. For a full-day adventure, the trip to Brač combines history, food, and beach relaxation, making it perfect for those wanting a broader taste of the area.
1. Private History Split Walking Tour in English
For around $65.94 per person, the Private History Split Walking Tour offers a personalized and intimate way to explore the city’s most famous landmark—the Diocletian’s Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the core of Split’s history, and this tour emphasizes its construction, key features, and stories behind the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s retirement palace. The guide takes you through the Peristyle, showing the grand central square where almost everything begins, and the Vestibulum, where you might even hear traditional Dalmatian singing, adding a local flavor.
What sets this tour apart is its private format, allowing you to ask questions and focus on your specific interests. The guide also leads you through the substructures, revealing insights into the ancient construction techniques and their possible functions over the centuries. Highlights include the Golden Gate with its statue of Gregory of Nin, a key figure in Croatian history and language, and a walk along the Riva Harbor to see a bronze model of the palace.
Guests consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and the tour’s flexibility. One reviewer noted, “This was a perfect way to understand Split’s history at my own pace.” The tour’s value is evident in its detailed content and the chance to explore Diocletian’s Palace without feeling rushed. It’s best suited for history enthusiasts who enjoy a private, in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, private introduction to Split’s most famous historical site, ideal for travelers who want personal attention and a deeper understanding of Roman and medieval architecture.
2. Private Split: History, Local Bites, Wine & Seafood Extravaganza
At number 2 on our list, the Private Split: History, Local Bites, Wine & Seafood Extravaganza combines a cultural walkthrough with a flavorful feast, all in about three hours. For $185.84 per person, this tour offers an immersive experience that’s perfect for food lovers who want a taste of Split’s culinary traditions alongside its history. Starting at the Green Market, you’ll sample local cheese, prosciutto, and the famous soparnik, a Dalmatian savory pie.
From there, the group enters Diocletian’s Palace through the Silver Gate, exploring its narrow streets, hidden corners, and historic squares. The guide will take you through the cellars of the palace and give insights into their original purposes. A highlight is walking along Pusti me da prodjem, a street famous for fresh seafood, where you’ll try sea stew paired with local wine. The tour ends with a visit to a renowned restaurant within the palace walls, where you sample seafood dishes and learn about local gastronomy.
Reviews mention how much they appreciated the seamless blend of history and food, with one noting: “Ivan was an amazing guide who made history and cuisine come alive.” This tour is best for those who want a relaxed pace, enjoy small group interactions, and love tasting local flavors while learning about Split’s past.
Bottom Line: Excellent for foodies and history fans alike, this tour offers a personal, flavorful look into Split’s local culture and history, with a focus on top-notch culinary stops.
3. Gastro and History Jewels Experience in Split
The Gastro and History Jewels Experience is a three-hour private walk priced at $179.84 per person — solid value considering the quality of insights and tastings included. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to combine historical sites with authentic Dalmatian cuisine. Starting with visits to Diocletian’s Palace and the Temple of Jupiter, your guide will point out architectural details often missed by the casual observer.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on local delicacies, such as soparnik and wines, as you move through the city’s historic streets. You also get to enjoy a traditional meal at a family-run household, offering real insight into local food customs. The guide’s attention to detail enhances the experience, making every stop a chance to learn about history and culture simultaneously.
Guests consistently rate this tour highly for its friendly guides and memorable tastings. One reviewer shared, “Ted kept us interested with fun facts and delicious food. It was a perfect combination of history and cuisine.” It’s best suited for travelers who want a leisurely pace, with enough time to savor both stories and flavors.
Bottom Line: This tour excels at giving you a taste of Split’s culinary traditions alongside its architectural highlights, perfect for food- and history-curious visitors.
4. SPLIT: Emperor’s Walking Tour for History Lovers
The Emperor’s Walking Tour for History Lovers offers a straightforward yet rich 2-hour exploration of Roman and medieval architecture in Split. Priced at $189 per group (up to 15 people), this tour is designed for those who want a focused and efficient overview of the city’s most significant landmarks. Starting at the Bronze Gate, the guide takes you through Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town, sharing stories about Roman Emperor Diocletian and how his palace became the foundation of modern Split.
This tour emphasizes well-preserved architecture and provides a clear narrative of the city’s evolution over 1700 years. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a concise, guided walk without the need for extensive tastings or additional activities. One review highlights how the guide’s storytelling made the history come alive, emphasizing the importance of using a licensed local guide for a meaningful experience.
While it’s a shorter tour, the depth of historical insight and the focus on Roman and medieval architecture make it highly valuable for history enthusiasts. It’s best suited for visitors with limited time or those who want a quick, engaging overview of Split’s ancient past.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a compact, history-focused tour with an emphasis on Roman and medieval sites, led by a knowledgeable local guide.
5. Split: Discover Brač in a Day: History, Food & Zlatni Rat
For travelers who want to combine history, local culture, and beach relaxation, the full-day trip to Brač Island is hard to beat. At $307 per person, this 10-hour excursion includes a ferry ride, visits to historic villages like Pučišća, a tour of the Stone Masonry School, and a gourmet meal at a local household. The highlight for many is relaxing at Zlatni Rat, one of Croatia’s most iconic beaches with golden sands and clear waters.
The itinerary features visits to old villages, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see craftsmanship in action at the stone masonry school. The tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending history, local artisan culture, and leisure, making it ideal for travelers who want an all-in-one day outside Split. Guests rave about the scenic ferry ride and the opportunity to explore historic Pucisca, known for its traditional stone work.
The tour’s strength is its variety—history, food, and beach—delivering a comprehensive experience. Its main drawback is the length, so it’s best for those comfortable with a full day of travel and activity.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for travelers who want a full taste of Brač’s history, craftsmanship, and stunning beaches in one day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Split Tour
When choosing the best historical tour in Split, consider your interests, time, and budget. If you prefer an intimate, private experience with a deep dive into Diocletian’s Palace, the Private History Split Walking Tour offers a personalized approach. For those who love combining culinary surprises with history, the History, Local Bites, Wine & Seafood tour is a flavorful option.
History buffs seeking a quick but rich overview might enjoy the Emperor’s Walking Tour, while foodies looking to indulge in Dalmatian cuisine with a historical backdrop should consider the Gastro and History Jewels Experience. For a full-day adventure outside the city, the trip to Brač combines history, craftsmanship, and beach relaxation.
Booking early is advisable, especially for the more popular private tours and full-day trips, to secure your preferred date and time. Also, think about your physical comfort—some tours involve walking on uneven streets or a full day’s activity—so choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Split offers a rich selection of historical tours that cater to different interests and schedules. For a deep, personalized dive into Diocletian’s Palace, the Private History Split Walking Tour is hard to beat. If you want a lively combination of local flavors and historical insights, the local bites and seafood tour is a top pick. For a quick yet comprehensive history lesson, the Emperor’s Walking Tour is perfect.
And for those with extra time, a day exploring Brač balances history, craftsmanship, and stunning beaches. Whichever you choose, booking ahead will ensure your spot on these popular experiences. Dive into Split’s past — it’s a city that invites curiosity and offers plenty to discover.