Private Split: Visit Diocletian Palace & Taste Food at the Market

Discover the historic heart of Split with this private 2-hour tour that combines history, culture, and culinary delights. For $118.69 per person, the tour offers an engaging introduction to the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the lively green market where local foods are sampled. Led by a friendly local guide, this tour emphasizes personalized attention and authentic experiences, making it ideal for travelers seeking a concise yet rich overview of Split’s oldest neighborhoods.

Notably, the tour is carbon neutral and operated by a B Corp certified company, reflecting a commitment to responsible travel. While the tour’s duration is just 2 hours, reviews consistently praise its informative guides, delicious food tastings, and flexibility—though some might wish for more time at each stop. It’s perfect for visitors wanting a lively, taste-focused walk through Split’s historic streets, especially those curious about Game of Thrones filming locations or local Dalmatian cuisine.

Key Points

• Private 2-hour experience blending history and culinary sampling
• Visit Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with free entry
• Taste local foods at the green market, including prosciutto, cheese, octopus salad, and wines
• Led by knowledgeable, archaeologist-guided local experts
• The tour is carbon neutral and operated by a B Corp company
• Suitable for most travelers, including children under 6 at no extra charge

Starting Point at Split’s Riva Promenade

The tour begins at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23, right along Split’s Riva, the city’s main promenade. Meeting here at 9:00 am, travelers are greeted by a friendly local guide who provides an overview of what’s ahead. The Riva promenade, with its lively cafes and sea views, sets an inviting tone for the walk.

This location offers easy access and the flexibility to explore further after the tour, as guides typically offer recommendations for continued sightseeing or relaxing at a nearby café. The tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable, making it suitable for most visitors.

Exploring the UNESCO-Listed Diocletian’s Palace

The first major stop is Diocletian’s Palace, a sprawling complex built over 1700 years ago by the Roman emperor Diocletian. It serves as the foundation of Split’s old town, with many of its structures still standing and integrated into the city’s daily life.

Tourists walk through the main entrance, the Golden Gates, and check out the private section of the Palace and the Vestibule. The guide shares stories about Diocletian and how the palace evolved from a Roman imperial residence into a bustling medieval and modern neighborhood. This site also features Game of Thrones filming locations, adding a pop culture layer to the visit.

While the admission to the Palace itself is free, exploring the main square within the walls—Peristil—offers a vivid sense of the ancient ambiance. The area is lively, with shops, cafes, and street performers, blending history with current city life.

The Vibrant Green Market and Local Food Tastings

A key highlight of this experience is the green market, known locally as Peskaraija. Here, vendors sell fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, olive oil, and local specialties. Visitors get the chance to meet vendors and learn how local ingredients are selected and prepared.

The guided tasting includes Dalmatian snacks, which may feature prosciutto (prut), sheep’s milk cheese, octopus salad, anchovies, and olives. These foods showcase authentic Croatian flavors and food traditions. Plus, locally made wines complement the tasting, adding to the relaxed, social atmosphere.

Throughout the market visit, the guide shares stories about Split’s culinary heritage and explains how the local ingredients are used. This part of the tour emphasizes that the way to a Dalmatian’s heart is through the stomach, making it both an educational and delicious experience.

From the Palace to Peskarija: The Walk Through Old Town Streets

The tour’s route weaves through narrow streets and lively squares within the Palace walls, giving visitors a sense of local life over the centuries. Strolling past **boutiques, cafes, and historic buildings, the guide highlights how the city has retained its charm amid modern tourism.

This walk allows travelers to see the blending of antique, medieval, and contemporary architecture. While exploring, the guide shares insights into Split’s past, including the seventh-century transformation of the palace from ruins into a thriving part of the city.

The walk concludes back at Riva, providing a natural endpoint where visitors can sit at a café, enjoy a coffee, or continue exploring based on their interests. The tour’s pacing is praised for being comfortable and engaging, though some reviews suggest adding more time at individual sites could be beneficial.

Insights from a Knowledgeable Archaeologist Guide

The tour is led by guides with archaeological expertise, many of whom previously worked on site excavations or restoration projects. This background enriches the storytelling, as they can vividly explain the historical context and architectural details of the sites.

Multiple reviews highlight the impressive knowledge and friendly manner of guides like Maja and Linda, who share detailed stories about Split’s history and Game of Thrones filming locations. Their fluency in English and passion for local history make the experience both educational and approachable.

This personalized guidance ensures that visitors receive authentic insights rather than just surface-level facts, making it ideal for history buffs or curious travelers.

Food and Wine Tasting at a Local Restaurant

After exploring the market and old town, the tour typically concludes with a traditional Dalmatian snack at a local restaurant. The meal features octopus salad, homemade bread, and local wines, which often surprises guests with its generous size—sometimes enough for a full meal.

The lunch is appreciated as a delicious sample of Croatian cuisine and a perfect way to wrap up the tour. The wait for the meal can be a bit longer, but reviews suggest that the quality and authenticity make it well worth the wait.

Guides often share stories about Croatian food traditions during this part, enhancing the tasting experience with cultural context. Afterward, visitors are encouraged to sit at a café or continue exploring at their own pace.

Tour Pacing, Group Size, and Personalization

This private tour is designed for small groups or individual bookings, with a maximum of 12 travelers. The personalized attention allows guides to tailor their explanations and answer questions comfortably.

The pacing is generally rated as well-balanced, providing enough time to appreciate each site without feeling rushed. Some reviews mention the value of having a guide with archaeological background, which adds depth to the experience.

The flexibility of a private experience means travelers can focus more on their specific interests, whether that’s Game of Thrones filming sites, local cuisine, or historical architecture.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Duration, and Accessibility

The tour starts at 9:00 am at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23. The duration is approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable option for those with limited time. The walks are mostly on paved streets, suitable for most mobility levels, though walking shoes are recommended.

Being a private tour, it offers the benefits of flexibility and customization. The tour caters to most travelers, including families with children under 6, who can join at no extra cost. The company operates a carbon-neutral service, aligning with environmentally conscious travelers.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This private Split tour offers a great introduction to the city’s ancient sites and local flavors all within a compact 2-hour window. The knowledgeable guides, many with archaeological backgrounds, provide engaging stories that bring the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace to life.

The inclusion of food tastings at the green market and a traditional Dalmatian snack makes it especially appealing for those who enjoy culinary experiences. The small group or private format ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

While some might want more time at each site, the value for money and insightful guidance make this tour a solid choice for first-time visitors seeking an efficient yet rundown of Split’s rich history and local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $118.69 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23 in Split at 9:00 am.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 6 can join for free.

What sites are visited during the tour?
The tour covers Diocletian’s Palace, the main square Peristil, and the green market.

Are there food tastings included?
Yes, guests sample local foods such as prosciutto, cheese, octopus salad, and enjoy local wines.

What makes this tour eco-friendly?
It is carbon neutral and operated by a B Corp certified company.

Can I customize the experience?
Being a private tour, it naturally offers personalization based on your interests.

What about entrance fees?
Entrance to Diocletian’s Palace is free, but additional sites like the cathedral or museums are not included.

How do guides enhance the experience?
Guides with archaeological backgrounds share detailed stories and historical context, enriching your understanding.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; the tour is mostly on paved streets.

Is the tour available year-round?
While not explicitly stated, the booking confirmation details suggest flexibility, with options to cancel free up to 24 hours in advance.