“Not Today” – Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour

Exploring the “Not Today” Game of Thrones and Split History Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Split and have a soft spot for Game of Thrones, or simply love uncovering stories behind historic sites, this private guided walking tour might just be your next highlight. It weaves together the magic of Westeros with the real-world charm of Croatia’s second-largest city.

What we really love about this experience is how personalized it feels—your own guide takes you through key filming spots while sharing fascinating historical tidbits about Split. Plus, the chance to actually sit on a throne from the series? Well, that’s a fun and memorable photo op.

One thing to keep in mind is that the admission fee for Diocletian’s Palace Substructures isn’t included in the ticket price, which adds a small extra cost. So, budget accordingly if you want to explore the underground chambers.

This tour suits Game of Thrones fans, history lovers, or anyone eager to see Split through a different lens. It’s perfect if you enjoy walking tours that mix storytelling with sightseeing, all with a local expert guiding the way.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: The private tour format means you get a dedicated guide, making the experience flexible and tailored.
• Game of Thrones Highlights: Walk through iconic filming locations and sit on the famous throne—great for fans.
• Historical Insights: Your guide shares engaging stories about the sites, including Roman-era structures and local landmarks.
• Cost Breakdown: The price is reasonable for a guided tour, but note that some sites like the Diocletian’s Palace Substructures have an additional entrance fee.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Starts in Split’s city center, making it easy to access.
• Duration Flexibility: The tour lasts roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, perfect if you want a quick but rundown.

A Deep Dive Into the Tour Experience

Walking tours in historic cities are often a hit or miss, but this one seems to hit the sweet spot for many travelers. The tour runs for about an hour and a half, though it can stretch slightly longer depending on your pace and questions.

Starting at Riva Harbor

Your journey kicks off at Riva Harbor, a lively spot that’s the heartbeat of Split. Here, your guide kicks things off with some stories about how Game of Thrones filmed in Croatia and specifically in Split. It’s a lively introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the walk. Expect stories about the series’ filming process and how some locations were transformed into the scenes where Daenerys and her dragons ruled.

Diocletian’s Palace and the Substructures

Next, you’ll step into the incredible underground chambers of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, the guide explains how these Roman ruins served as the backdrop for Meereen in the series. Walking through these shadowy, ancient corridors offers a real sense of history—though note, the admission fee for the substructures isn’t included and costs about 8 euros. We loved the way the guide combined the series’ fictional world with the real Roman past, making the locations feel even more alive.

The Vestibulum and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Moving up to the Vestibulum, you get a glimpse of what an ancient Roman imperial entrance looked like. It’s a small but impressive spot, free to visit, and it helps set the scene for the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace. Then, just nearby, is the Cathedral of Saint Domnius—originally Diocletian’s mausoleum—standing tall as a testament to the city’s layered history.

The Peristyle Square and Local Landmarks

The Peristyle is perhaps the most recognizable part of the palace, with its impressive columns and lively atmosphere. Your guide will share stories about its role in religious and political life during Roman times. It’s also a great spot for photos, especially with the guide’s insights making the history come alive.

Outside the Walls: City Museum, Statue, and Golden Gate

The tour then moves outside the palace walls, focusing on sites like the City Museum of Split, where scenes from the series were filmed outside rather than inside the building. The Statue of Grgur Ninski, crafted by Ivan Mestrovic, is another local landmark worth noting, and the Golden Gate marks the main entrance to the palace—both free to see and photograph.

The Game of Thrones Fan Shop

Finally, the tour wraps up at the Game of Thrones fan shop, which is a treasure trove for series enthusiasts. Here, you can browse memorabilia, making it a fun way to end the experience.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Impressions

What truly sets this tour apart is the knowledgeable guide—as Susan_W mentioned, Victoria was “an absolute pleasure” and highly informative. She managed to balance local history with the series’ filming stories, making the experience engaging for fans and history buffs alike. Another reviewer, Neha_D, praised the guide for a “perfect amalgam of both series and local history,” highlighting how the tour can satisfy multiple interests.

The fact that it’s a private guide means flexible pacing, personalized stories, and the chance to ask questions freely. Given the 5-star ratings from all reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this experience well worth it.

The Value of the Tour

While the tour price is just over 90 dollars per person, it’s quite reasonable considering the personalized attention and the insider knowledge. The extra cost for the Palace’s substructures is an added expense, but one many find worthwhile for the full experience. Plus, the chance to sit on a Game of Thrones throne is a fun, photo-worthy moment that’s included.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes—there’s quite a bit of walking over uneven surfaces.
• Bring some cash if you want to pay for the Palace’s underground chambers; card payments might not be available everywhere.
• The tour is suitable almost year-round during opening hours, from 8AM to 7PM, so plan accordingly.
• Since it’s a private tour, it works well for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a more intimate experience.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is especially good if you’re a Game of Thrones fan who wants to see the filming locations firsthand. It also suits those interested in Roman architecture and Split’s history, providing a good mix of both. If you prefer exhaustive museum visits or longer tours, this might feel a bit brief, but for a quick, engaging overview, it hits the mark.

Travelers looking for a fun, personalized walk with a knowledgeable guide will appreciate the flexibility and depth of stories shared. Families with older children who can handle a fair bit of walking and historical storytelling should find it suitable, but it’s not specifically designed as a family-centric tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on pace and questions.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it is a private experience with only your group participating, making it more flexible and personalized.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the admission fee for the Diocletian’s Palace Substructures (~8 euros) isn’t included and must be paid upon entering.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23 in Split and ends back at the same meeting point.

What age groups is this suitable for?
Most travelers can participate, though the tour involves walking and some stairs—so be prepared for that. It’s not explicitly family-focused but suitable for older children and teenagers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled later, the full amount isn’t refunded.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Split and want something that blends pop culture with local history, this tour offers a well-balanced experience. The chance to see iconic filming locations while learning about the city’s past makes it especially appealing for Game of Thrones fans and history buffs alike. The personalized guide and the opportunity for some fun photos make it worth considering, especially if you enjoy walking and storytelling.

While it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing tour of all of Split, it’s a perfect quick hit that adds a bit of fantasy to your trip. Just remember to budget for the extra site entry fee and wear comfortable shoes. This tour is best suited for those who appreciate engaging guides, want insider stories, and love a good series backdrop.

In the end, it’s a memorable way to connect with both the fictional world of Westeros and Split’s real-world marvels, all in a friendly, relaxed setting.