Exploring Split through the Lens of Game of Thrones: A Practical Review
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones and planning a trip to Croatia, a dedicated walking tour through Split’s historic heart offers a fun, insightful way to connect fantasy with real history. This particular tour, offered by ugaman Tours, promises to take you behind the scenes of the popular series, showcasing the locations where some of the most memorable scenes were shot. With its blend of cinematic history and local charm, it’s a choice that can bring your trip to life—if you’re willing to do a bit of walking and enjoy some storytelling along the way.
What I really like about this tour is the chance to see Diocletian’s Palace Cellars—entry is included, so you get to explore the atmospheric underground vaults that served as a filming location. Plus, the tour’s focus on key landmarks like the Golden Gate and historic Vestibul offers a tangible connection to both the series and the city’s ancient fabric. A possible drawback is the relatively short duration—about two hours—which means you’ll get a taste but not a deep dive into all things Split or Game of Thrones. Still, it’s a solid option for those with limited time wanting a taste of both history and fantasy.
This tour suits anyone who appreciates a bit of pop culture combined with historical context, especially if you’re a Game of Thrones enthusiast or a lover of Croatia’s charming cityscape. It’s also ideal for travelers who want an active but manageable activity that’s not overly taxing or costly.
Key Points
Authentic filming locations: The tour takes you through real sites used in the series, like Diocletian’s Palace, making fantasy feel much closer to reality.
Entry to Diocletian’s Cellars: Included in the price, giving you an atmospheric glimpse into the underground vaults—one of the most atmospheric filming spots.
Professional guide: Knowledgeable commentary ties the locations to both the series and Split’s history, enriching your experience.
Vibrant city atmosphere: You’ll stroll through lively squares and alleys filled with local cafes and shops, capturing the essence of Split.
Good value for the price: At $41.77, it offers a compact but memorable way to see iconic locations without breaking the bank.
Short duration: The two-hour timeframe makes it accessible but may leave some wanting more depth.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience
Starting Point at Obala Lazareta: The tour begins in the heart of Split’s Old Town, a bustling spot that immediately immerses you in the Mediterranean vibe. The meeting point is easily accessible near public transportation, making logistics straightforward.
Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace: As your first stop, this is the beating heart of the city—and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also a key series location, used as a backdrop for several scenes. The guide will point out where certain shots were filmed, helping you picture characters like Tyrion or Arya in the ancient surroundings.
Diocletian’s Palace Cellars: Included in your ticket, these underground vaults are captivating, with stone arches and dim lighting that echo the series’ dark, mysterious scenes. Many reviews highlight this as a highlight, describing the atmosphere as “hauntingly beautiful.” The vaults also serve as a reminder of the city’s Roman origins, making this stop a dual delight of history and Hollywood.
Golden Gate & Vestibul: Walking through these historic entrances, you’ll see where the series used the city walls and gateways to portray Westeros’ terrain. Your guide might share interesting tidbits about the real history of these spots, adding depth to your visit.
Hidden Alleys and Local Squares: The tour moves through narrow streets and lively squares, giving you a real sense of Split’s vibrant life. Keep your camera ready—these spots appear in episodes or behind-the-scenes footage, and they’re equally charming in person. Many find this part of the walk a perfect blend of fantasy and reality.
End of Tour: The tour wraps back at the starting point, leaving you free to explore more or grab a drink at a nearby café. The group size is capped at 20, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the pace is leisurely enough for photos and questions.
If you're drawn to exploring Split on foot, we've looked into these other walking experiences
The Value and Practicality of the Tour
For $41.77, you get access to key filming locations plus a guided commentary that contextualizes both the series scenes and the city’s history. The inclusion of the cellars and the guided tour elevate this experience beyond just wandering around and snapping photos. You’re getting expert insights, which can transform your understanding and appreciation of Split’s landmarks.
The two-hour duration fits well into a day of sightseeing, especially if you’re also interested in other activities—like exploring the nearby beaches, or visiting more historic sites. It’s a manageable length, though some reviews suggest that for fans eager to see more filming sites or explore local life, it might feel a bit brief.
Logistically, the tour is straightforward, starting at a central location and ending conveniently back at the same spot. The mobile ticket system means no paper hassle, and the flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind in case your plans change.
The group size of up to 20 keeps things intimate, allowing for questions and interaction, which many travelers appreciate. Plus, the tour is suitable for most travelers, as it involves some walking but nothing overly strenuous.
Authenticity and Experience: What Travelers Can Expect
While the focus is on Game of Thrones filming locations, the guide also shares historical anecdotes that bring the sites to life. From the Roman origins of Diocletian’s Palace to the strategic importance of the gates and alleys, you get a well-rounded picture of Split’s layers of history.
Many reviews mention the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guide as a highlight, helping to connect fantasy scenes with real-world architecture. The inclusion of entry tickets to the cellar vaults is a bonus, and many travelers find that exploring these underground chambers adds a mysterious dimension to the tour.
Expect to walk through charming alleys, admire vibrant street life, and pause for photos of landmarks that look just as they do on-screen. The tour’s pacing allows for plenty of photo opportunities and casual conversation.
However, keep in mind that food and drink are not included. While this isn’t a food tour, you might find nearby cafes perfect for a quick refreshment afterward.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is best suited for Game of Thrones fans who want to see filming locations with added context, as well as anyone interested in Split’s architecture and history. It’s a good choice if you prefer a short, guided experience rather than wandering on your own, and if you enjoy combining cultural sights with a bit of pop culture.
Travelers interested in photo opportunities will find plenty to capture, especially with the included entry to the atmospheric cellars. If you’re on a tight schedule or traveling with kids, the manageable two-hour length makes it a suitable option.
The Sum Up
For travelers seeking a cost-effective way to connect with both the series and Split’s historical charm, this tour offers a compact yet lively experience. The inclusion of key filming locations, expert guidance, and the atmospheric cellar visit delivers good value at just over forty dollars. It’s especially appealing if you’re a Game of Thrones enthusiast eager to see the iconic sites firsthand.
While it’s not an exhaustive tour, it offers enough depth and fun to satisfy fans and curious travelers alike. The vibrant city surroundings and the opportunity to walk through real-world locations that doubled as Westeros make it a memorable addition to any Split itinerary.
If you’re looking for a light, engaging activity that combines pop culture with local flavor, this walking tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of the series, a dash of history, and a lively walk through one of Croatia’s most charming cities.
FAQs
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick yet rundown of filming sites and key landmarks.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 3, in the heart of Split’s Old Town, with easy access via public transportation.
Is the entry to Diocletian’s Palace included?
Yes, your ticket covers access to the palace’s underground cellars, which are a highlight of the tour.
How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 20, ensuring a more personalized experience.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended since the tour involves some walking through uneven streets and potentially warm weather.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.
In summary, this Game of Thrones walking tour in Split offers a fun, reasonably priced way to see some of Croatia’s most famous filming locations while soaking in the lively Mediterranean atmosphere. It’s a great pick for fans and history buffs alike who want a manageable, guided walk that combines fantasy with authentic Croatian charm.
More Walking Tours in Split
- Split & Diocletian’s Palace Walking Tour
- Split: City Introduction and Highlights Walking Tour – Private
- History, Culture and Local Markets Walking Tour of Split
- Private Split Walking Tour, Mountain Quad And Wine Adventure
- Split: City Walk with Audio Guide in 7 Languages on your Phone
- Split Walking Tour Following the Steps of Emperor Diocletian
More Tours in Split
- Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Day Tour from Split
- From Split: Krka Waterfalls Tour with Boat Cruise & Swimming
- From Split: Blue Cave, Mamma Mia, Vis & Hvar 5-Island Tour
- Blue Cave & Blue Lagoon, Vis and Hvar Islands Group Tour from Split & Trogir
- Secret Marjan Park Hiking Tour in Split
- From Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
More Tour Reviews in Split
- Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Day Tour from Split
- From Split: Krka Waterfalls Tour with Boat Cruise & Swimming
- From Split: Catamaran Cruise to Bol, Golden Horn & Bra
- From Split: Blue Cave, Mamma Mia, Vis & Hvar 5-Island Tour
- From Split: All-Inclusive Horse Riding and Jeep Exploration
- All Inclusive Brac and Solta islands swimming cruise
More Split experiences we've covered
- From Split: Krka Waterfalls Tour with Boat Cruise & Swimming
- From Split: Catamaran Cruise to Bol, Golden Horn & Bra
- From Split: Blue Cave, Mamma Mia, Vis & Hvar 5-Island Tour
- From Split: All-Inclusive Horse Riding and Jeep Exploration
- All Inclusive Brac and Solta islands swimming cruise
- Blue Cave & Blue Lagoon, Vis and Hvar Islands Group Tour from Split & Trogir
- Secret Marjan Park Hiking Tour in Split
- From Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
- Hvar, Bra & Pakleni islands cruise with lunch & drinks from Split & Trogir
- Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik with side-trip to Ston
- Split & Diocletian’s Palace Walking Tour
- Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Small-Group Speedboat Tour