Walking Tour of Split

It’s a short but scenic trip by zodiac along the coastal islands to the mainland city of Split, where you’ll meet your local guide. You’ll begin your exploration at the Mestrovic Gallery, the hillside villa built by one of Croatia’s most acclaimed artists of the 20th century as a summer residence for his family, an atelier and a place to exhibit his work. The artist-architect’s work is displayed both inside and in the surrounding Mediterranean-style gardens that he also designed. The top of the property offers incredible views of the Old Town and the sea. Then it is on to the Old Town, at whose core are the palace and fortifications built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. The site was abandoned after the empire collapsed and slowly taken over by people from the surrounding countryside. Inside the walls is a fascinating maze of narrow streets and lanes where you’ll find converted Roman temples, early churches, Gothic chapels, and other structures that today house galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and bars. The guided walk starts at the bottom, in the well-preserved cellars of the palace, which present a window on life here 1,700 years ago. You’ll also visit the Ethnographical Museum, housed in imperial apartments and medieval buildings that are connected to the original structure. As you stroll, your guide, a native of Split with deep family roots here, will highlight the unique aspects of her native city’s cultural and historic heritage, while sharing personal perspective. Following the guided portion of the tour, enjoy free time to explore on your own, browse in the shops or stop in a café for a drink and to enjoy the Old Town’s lively ambience before the return boat trip to Hvar.