The Ultimate Guide To Unique Tours In Croatia

Discover Split

Walking and cultural tours in the 1700 years old gem of the Adriatic!


When: Year Round
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
From: Split

 
For more than 1700 years, the streets and alleyways of the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace have been continuously inhabited. Home to nobility, adventurers, gentry and common folk, everywhere you look you can still see and feel the centuries. From sphinxes that the Romans brought from Egypt to remarkably preserved Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque palaces, Diocletian’s Palace is a treasure. What makes the palace a unique piece of living history is not only its ancient marble-lined streets and alleyways, but the more than 3,000 people who live here; who buy their fish at the local market, take their kids to the Riva for a walk, and hang out their wash on 1,200 year-old balconies.

To really appreciate its extraordinary complexity, we begin with an overall orientation. The Palace itself was built between 298-305AD.and still is one of the finest examples of the architecture of the late Empire. With numerous unique landmarks in mind, we’ll start in the basement substructure. It is so remarkably preserved that it helped archeologists understand not only how the palatial buildings above were built and what they were used for. Next, the heart of the palace, the Peristyl is our stop along with incredible spaces within the former Emperor's quarters. From here we will wander through the four quarters of the palace, stopping to meet a local artist, have an espresso or two and learn the mystery and magic of what makes this palace one of UNESCO’s most celebrated World Heritage Site!

The program includes professional guide, tickets to the basements and to the bishop's treasury.



Secret Dalmatia exclusive!

Jewish Heritage Tour of Split with Robert Aronson

Robert Aronson, an American who lives in Split, fell in love with the city and its palace when he first discovered it five years ago. He is the creator the definitive Diocletian’s Palace Map, 60,000 copies of which are eagerly gobbled up by thankful tourists.

Jews have been part of Split since early Roman times .The synagogue here, created in the 16th century, is one of the oldest in Europe and has been in continuous use for more than 500 years. The Jewish Cemetery overlooking the city on Marjan hill dates back to 1573. Although the current congregation numbers only 100 or so, the place of Jews in the history of Split is profound: Jews like David Rodriga and Vid Morpurgo played important roles in history of Split.

Our private tour will begin with a walk through the 1700 year-old Diocletian Palace that will reveal the little-known Jewish aspects of what was first a pagan and then a Christian compound. Then we will enter the ghetto, via the Jewish Passage, to visit the Synagogue, where we will meet the leaders of the small congregation. Finally we will all walk to the Jewish Cemetery on Marjan where we will see fascinating tombstones, some with rare double carved “illuminated” Hebrew letters, of Split’s most celebrated Jews. The tour includes all fees, a beverage at the outdoor café overlooking Split in front of the cemetery, guides and a donation to the Split Synagogue. For those interested in an optional dinner at a wonderful local bistro that serves authentic Dalmatian food as well as traditional pasticada and other specialties, Robert will join the group. Diocletian’s Palace Tour with Robert Aronson is limited to small groups.

Please note: This tour consists of moderate walking activities and is not considered suitable for wheelchair guests. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.