Walking tour of Split old town and craft beer tasting

Discovering Split: A Walk Through Time and Taste

When looking for an engaging way to explore Split, this combined walking tour of the Old Town and craft beer tasting offers a compelling blend of history, local culture, and modern craft brewing. Designed for travelers who enjoy authentic experiences, this tour invites you to wander through Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and then unwind at a lively microbrewery.

What I love about this experience is how it balances historical insight with the chance to experience Split’s contemporary scene. The tour’s intimate size—just eight participants—ensures plenty of personal attention and rich storytelling. Plus, the craft beer tasting adds a fun, flavorful twist that many visitors find memorable.

One possible consideration is the brief duration—at just two hours, it’s a quick deep dive, which is perfect if you’re short on time but might leave those wanting more history or beer options wanting a second round. This tour suits travelers who appreciate small-group tours, want a meaningful introduction to Split’s ancient sights, and love discovering local craft beers in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines historical sightseeing with modern craft beer tasting
• Expert Guide: Local, licensed, and knowledgeable about Split’s history and culture
• Small Group: Limited to 8 travelers for a more personal connection
• Authentic Sights: Focus on Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Value: Affordable at just under $30, offering a well-rounded experience
• Evening Atmosphere: Perfect for experiencing the Old Town’s lively, warm ambiance

This experience made our article of Split’s 5 Best Drinking Tours.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Initial Impressions

The tour begins at the Split sign near the waterfront, a natural and scenic place to meet your guide. From here, the walk takes you along Riva Harbor, the bustling heart of Split. It’s fascinating to see how this waterfront, once a Roman palace’s sea access, has transformed into the city’s beloved living room—a hub for locals and visitors alike.

William M, who gave the tour five stars, mentioned how the guide, Darijo, is particularly knowledgeable about Diocletian’s Palace. This initial segment is a perfect warm-up, setting the tone with historical context and some lively stories about how this waterfront evolved from imperial times to today.

Exploring Diocletian’s Palace

The core of the tour is the visit to Diocletian’s Palace—a sprawling complex that still functions as part of the city’s fabric. We loved the way the guide took us through the substructures or cellar areas, which are superbly preserved vaulted spaces. These underground passages are considered among the best-preserved late antiquity vaults in the world, providing a tangible connection to Roman engineering.

Moving to the Peristyle, the grand square surrounded by imposing columns, you feel transported back to the Roman Empire. Here, you can imagine the grandeur as the emperor was once celebrated, an experience amplified by the guide’s storytelling. According to reviews, the guide’s knowledge makes all the difference, with one visitor noting that Darijo “will answer all of your questions” and is quite conversive.

Next, the Vestibulum, a circular entrance hall with incredible acoustics, offers a sense of the palace’s grandeur and functionality. It’s a short hop from here to the Triklinij, a reconstructed Roman dining room, where you’ll learn about Roman dining customs—including why they visited the vomitorium so often.

The Mausoleum of Diocletian, which later became a cathedral, displays a beautiful bell tower on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast—another highlight of this deep dive into ancient architecture.

Hidden Gems and Unique Stops

Beyond the main sites, the tour includes fascinating tidbits like the small chocolate producer in Split that set a Guinness record for the biggest chocolate slab in the world. It’s these quirky details that make the experience memorable and showcase the city’s lively local culture.

A quick step into the Golden Gate reveals the original access point into the palace, emphasizing the military origins of the complex. Standing here, you can appreciate the scale and strategic importance of this entrance.

Not far from the palace, the statue of Gregory of Nin in front of the Pjaca square offers a perfect photo opportunity. This statue isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a symbol of Croatian cultural pride, and the guide will share stories about its significance.

The Vibrant Old Town

Wandering through Pjaca, the main square, you’ll see layers of architecture that tell stories of its turbulent past—Venetian, Ottoman, and Croatian influences all leaving their mark. Nearby, Fruit’s Square (Trg Brace Radic) showcases Croatia’s baroque architectural beauty and provides context on how Split defended itself historically.

The Craft Beer Tasting

The tour concludes at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar, one of Split’s top craft beer venues. Here, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute tasting session, sampling locally brewed beers made onsite. The guide provides insights into the craft beer scene, explaining how local breweries are pushing boundaries and creating unique flavors.

While drinks aren’t included in the tour price, many travelers find the tasting well worth the extra few euros. The bar’s lively atmosphere and innovative brews give a modern, local flavor to this old port town—a perfect end to your two-hour journey.

What Travelers Say

The reviews highlight the guide’s knowledgeable, engaging style and the stunning views of Split’s ancient architecture. William M, an enthusiastic traveler, appreciated how Darijo’s explanations made history come alive, and many others appreciated the personalized attention in this small-group setting.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

For just under thirty dollars, this experience packs in big sights and stories with a relaxed pace and expert guidance. The price reflects the depth of historical insight and the opportunity to taste some of Split’s best local craft beers. The small group size means you won’t be just another face in the crowd—your guide’s attention is focused and tailored, which is especially valuable in a city as layered as Split.

You’ll walk through ancient vaults, stand in Roman squares, and learn about the evolution of a city that’s been continuously inhabited for over 1700 years. The combination of history and modern culture offers a well-rounded snapshot of Split—one that’s both educational and fun.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs and culture seekers who enjoy storytelling and authentic sights. If you’re interested in craft beer, the ending tasting session is a highlight. It’s most suitable for those who favor small-group tours over large, impersonal excursions. Travelers with a limited schedule will appreciate the efficient two-hour format that packs a lot into a short time.

Note that this tour is most suited for travelers comfortable walking and standing for periods, with limited accessibility considerations noted.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a great short activity that fits well into a busy itinerary.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at the Split sign near the waterfront and concludes at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar, located on Dosud ul. 5.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the focus on history and beer tasting might appeal more to adults or older children interested in these topics.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is often booked 34 days in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a spot in this popular small-group setting.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, beers and other drinks are not included in the $29.97 price but can be purchased at the craft beer bar.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to access from different parts of Split.

Wrapping It Up: Who Should Sign Up?

This tour strikes a lovely balance between educational sightseeing and local flavor, making it perfect for travelers who want a meaningful introduction to Split’s history, architecture, and modern craft beer scene. Its small size and knowledgeable guide ensure a friendly, personalized experience that’s both fun and informative.

If you’re eager to see Diocletian’s Palace from a fresh perspective and enjoy discovering local breweries, this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate authentic stories, stunning sights, and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

For anyone wanting to combine cultural discovery with a casual tasting, this two-hour tour is a charming way to spend an evening in Split—leaving you with memorable stories and perhaps a new favorite local beer.