Walking tour of Split old town and craft beer tasting

Discover Split’s Historic and Modern Charm in a Small-Group Tour

This walking tour of Split old town and craft beer tasting provides an engaging mix of history and local flavor. Priced at $29.97 per person, it lasts approximately 2 hours and is perfect for those who want a compact, yet rich experience. The tour departs from Split sign in the city center at 6:00 pm and includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace along with a stop at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar for a tasting session.

What sets this tour apart is its small group size of just 8 participants, ensuring a more personal experience. The guide, a local professional, takes you through renowned historic sites and then introduces you to Splits’ craft beer scene. While the tour is compact, it offers a thorough exploration of the city’s ancient roots and contemporary culture, making it suitable for those who appreciate both history and good beer.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $29.97 for an engaging 2-hour experience
• Small group size limited to 8 travelers for a personalized touch
• Guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit to a local microbrewery with a craft beer tasting session
• Start point at Split sign and ending at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar
• Tour includes expert local guide who shares insights about the city’s history and beer culture

Meeting at the Split Sign and Starting the Tour

The tour kicks off at Split sign in the city center, a convenient landmark near public transportation. At 6:00 pm, you meet your licensed, local guide who is well-versed in Split’s history and modern attractions. The small group size ensures plenty of room for questions and personalized attention.

This initial gathering sets the tone for an intimate, engaging experience. The guide immediately begins sharing the history of Split’s Riva Harbor and its transformation from an ancient waterfront to the lively social hub it is today. This quick start offers a perfect introduction to the city’s ongoing relationship with its past and present.

Exploring Riva Harbor: Split’s Social Heart

The first stop is Riva Harbor, where the tour highlights how this promenade evolved from being part of Diocletian’s Palace to the bustling hub for locals and visitors alike. The guide explains its importance as the “living room” of Split, a place where people gather, socialize, and enjoy the sea views.

This area’s charm lies in its blend of historical significance and contemporary vibrancy. It’s a 10-minute walk from the meeting point, and no admission fee is required. Here, visitors get a sense of the city’s lively atmosphere while soaking up views of the Dalmatian coast.

Inside Diocletian’s Palace: The Vaulted Substructures

A central highlight of the tour is a walk through the vaulted substructures of Diocletian’s Palace, often described as the best-preserved late antiquity vaulted complex worldwide. The guide leads you through the Palace’s cellars, where the architecture’s strength and elegance become apparent.

The 19-century architect Robert Adam once admired this site, and its impressive construction offers a vivid picture of Roman engineering. This stop takes approximately 15 minutes, and while there’s no entry fee, the insights into ancient construction techniques make it a must-see segment.

The Peristyle: Walking Through an Ancient Roman Square

Next, the Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace stands out as a breathtaking open-air court surrounded by columns. The guide recounts how emperors and citizens once gathered here, participating in imperial adoration. The 15-minute visit offers a close-up experience of Roman architecture and the lively atmosphere that still resonates in the space.

The Peristyle’s grandeur appeals to history enthusiasts and photo lovers alike, offering a glimpse into ancient ceremonial life. The structure is free to explore, and the guide’s commentary adds layers of context to its enduring beauty.

Hidden Architectural Treasures: Vestibulum and Triklinij

A short walk from the Peristyle reveals the Vestibulum, a circular, open-ceiling building that served as a gateway to Diocletian’s residential quarters. Its amazing acoustics and look captivate visitors, serving as a perfect example of Roman lobby design. This stop is about 10 minutes long and free to enter.

Close by, you’ll visit the Triklinij, the remains of an emperor’s dining room, offering insights into ancient Roman dining customs. The guide discusses Roman dining habits, the purpose of vomitoria, and other curiosities during this concise 10-minute stop. The mosaic of history and architecture continues to unfold at these sites.

The Golden Gate and the Main Entrance of the Palace

The Golden Gate marks the main entry point to Diocletian’s Palace, originally built as a military camp. The guide explains its strategic and symbolic significance, emphasizing its well-preserved structure. Visitors explore the back of the gate and the best-preserved sections of the Roman fortifications during a 10-minute visit.

This site combines impressive archaeology with history, giving a sense of the defensive and ceremonial functions of the ancient city’s walls. The entrance’s grandeur and historical importance make it a fitting highlight of the Old Town tour.

Encountering Gregory of Nin: The Iconic Statue

Next, the tour stops at the Grgur Ninski Statue, a popular photo spot. The guide shares stories about Gregory of Nin, a bishop who fought for the Croatian language and church reforms. The statue is a favorite for its artistic quality, created by Ivan Metrovi, one of the world’s top sculptors.

Spending about 5 minutes here, visitors appreciate the statue’s cultural significance while capturing memorable photos. This stop adds a personal and local flavor to the old town exploration.

Pjaca and Fruit Square: Exploring Split’s Main Squares

The Pjaca, or People’s Square, has changed names over centuries but remains the city’s central gathering place. Its vibrant architecture and lively atmosphere are highlights during the 10-minute visit. The guide shares stories of historical events and the diverse buildings that surround it.

Just a short walk away is Fruit’s Square (Trg Brace Radic), renowned for its baroque architecture. The guide explains how Venetian rule once protected Split from Ottoman threats, and the square’s architecture embodies that era. Its 10-minute stop offers cultural insights and lovely photo opportunities.

Craft Beer Tasting at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar

The final segment of the tour takes you to Leopolds Craft Beer Bar, one of Split’s top craft beer destinations. The bar brews its own beers in-house, making it a boundary-pushing spot for local microbrews. The tasting lasts about 30 minutes, though drinks are not included in the tour price.

The guide introduces you to Croatia’s craft beer scene, explaining what makes these brews special. Guests have praised the guide’s knowledge and conversational style, making this a relaxed and enjoyable finish to the sightseeing. The bar’s modern atmosphere complements the historic journey with a taste of contemporary Split.

Practical Details and Logistics

This tour begins at Split sign at 6:00 pm and ends at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar on Dosud ul 5. The mobile ticket makes check-in easy, and the small group size of 8 guarantees a more personalized experience. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with basic mobility, as it involves walking on flat surfaces in the Old Town.

The tour is operated by Private Tourist Guide Croatia, with contact at +385917685203 and email [email protected]. The experience is bookable 34 days in advance on average, and free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours prior.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This small-group walking tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and craft beer lovers alike. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate a personalized guide and want a concise but enriching overview of Split’s ancient and contemporary culture. It suits those who prefer a manageable pace with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos.

While the tour does not include drinks, the craft beer tasting at Leopolds adds a fun, local flavor. It’s a great choice for visitors looking for a combination of sightseeing and tasting without a long excursion or complex logistics.

Final Thoughts on the Split Old Town and Craft Beer Tour

This 2-hour tour provides a solid introduction to Split’s history, with a focus on Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most important Roman sites in the world. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for personal attention and engaging storytelling from the knowledgeable guide.

The craft beer tasting offers a contemporary twist, making this tour appealing for those interested in local culture and beverages. The price point of $29.97 makes it an accessible way to enjoy both history and modern Split in a short time.

This tour is well-suited for travelers eager to combine history, architecture, and craft beer into a memorable evening. It’s a practical choice for those wanting a personalized experience without the crowds, and it delivers a well-rounded snapshot of Split’s past and present.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes a professional, licensed guide and sightseeing of Diocletian’s Palace. Beers and drinks at Leopolds are not included.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, starting at 6:00 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Split sign and ends at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar on Dosud ul 5.

Is the tour suitable for all physical abilities?
Yes, the walking involves mostly flat surfaces in the old town, making it accessible for most participants.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is usually booked 34 days in advance and can be canceled free of charge if done 24 hours prior.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted.

What about the craft beer tasting?
The 30-minute session at Leopolds offers insights into Croatian craft beer, with the guide explaining what makes local brews unique.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
While drinks are not included in the tour, non-alcoholic options may be available at the bar, but the tasting itself involves beer.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour is a walk starting in the city center; no additional transport is necessary.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of historic sites with an authentic craft beer experience and small group size makes it a distinctive way to enjoy Split after sunset.