From Dubrovnik: Split Day Trip and City Tour with Transfers

If you’re exploring Croatia and want to see more than just Dubrovnik’s gorgeous city walls, a day trip to Split might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the reviews and details paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect. It’s a full day of sightseeing, scenic driving, and history—perfect for those who love uncovering ancient sites without the hassle of planning every detail.

What really stands out is the chance to walk through Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most well-preserved Roman complexes in the world, and to enjoy a relaxing drive along the Adriatic coast. Plus, the trip includes some free time to explore the bustling city market or sit by the Riva promenade. On the flip side, keep in mind that this is a long day—if you prefer slow-paced exploration or traveling with young kids, it might feel a bit rushed.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Split in one day—history lovers, scenery seekers, or anyone who appreciates a good story behind the landmarks. If you’re looking to avoid group tours or prefer private experiences, this might not be the best fit. For most others, especially those craving an overview of Dalmatia’s largest city, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation helps make the long day manageable.
• Knowledgeable guides share engaging insights into Split’s history and architecture.
• Flexible options for free time allow a bit of personal exploration.
• Beautiful coastal scenery is a highlight en route, including the Peljeac Bridge.
• Entry fees are not included, so budget accordingly.
• Good value for money considering the sights and transportation included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Split Day Trip

The Journey Begins: Hotel Pickup and Transfer

Most travelers will appreciate the hotel pickup and drop-off included in the price, removing the stress of navigating to a meeting point. The tour starts early, with a comfortable bus that’s usually air-conditioned—reviewers mention that the bus is both comfortable and cool, which is a real relief given the long drive. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for a more personalized experience.

The Drive Along the Adriatic Coast

The drive from Dubrovnik to Split isn’t just transportation; it’s part of the experience. You’ll pass over the Peljeac Bridge, a modern marvel connecting different parts of Croatia’s coast, and traverse the scenic Neretva River Delta. Expect to see stunning views of the coastline, cliffs, and small villages dotting the landscape. Several reviews mention the journey as a highlight, with comments about the “beautiful views from the bus” and the “relaxing” nature of the drive.

Multiple reviews praise the leisurely pace and the fact that the driver maintains a steady, smooth ride—important if you’re sensitive to bumpy or stressful trips. It’s a good time to sit back, camera in hand, and take in the scenery.

Arrival and Guided Tour of Split’s Old Town

Once in Split, a local guide takes over to show you around the Diocletian’s Palace—a vast Roman complex built in the 4th century. The guide’s knowledge is often highlighted as a real asset, with comments like “the guide was very knowledgeable and attentive.” Expect to stroll through narrow streets, visit basement galleries, and stand in the Peristyle Square, where the St. Domnius Cathedral (originally a temple) sits as the oldest surviving Christian cathedral.

The Temple of Jupiter and the ancient city gates, including the Golden and Silver Gates, add to the feeling of walking through history. Most reviews note that the palace is remarkably well-preserved, and walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time. Some mention the size of the complex, giving a sense of how grand and influential Roman architecture was.

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Free Time and Local Exploration

After the guided tour, you get some free time to explore at your own pace. This is a nice touch, as it allows for personal photos, grabbing a snack, or browsing the city market. The Riva promenade is a popular spot to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by, and many reviews say they appreciated having this leisurely time.

Return Journey: Heading Back to Dubrovnik

As the day winds down, the group reassembles for the trip back. Reviews consistently mention that the return is smooth and on schedule, avoiding the typical traffic rush. The bus is comfortable enough to make the long drive back more bearable, and some travelers express gratitude for the scenic views on the way.

The Value of This Tour

Priced at around $112 per person, the tour offers solid value considering the transportation, guide, and entrance to key sites. Since entrance fees are not included, you might want to budget extra if you plan to visit additional attractions or buy souvenirs. The reviews suggest that the guides do a good job of balancing information with free time, making the whole experience feel well-rounded.

Many travelers highlight the quality of the guides, with comments like “Daniella was very knowledgeable” and “Ivana was interesting and told us just enough.” The guides’ ability to share engaging stories while keeping the group safe and comfortable is a key part of why this tour gets such positive feedback.

Who Would Love This?

If you enjoy history, scenic drives, and exploring new cities, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate a good mix of guided insight and free time. It’s also a great choice if you’re short on time but still want to see Split’s most famous sights.

Potential Downsides

The main consideration is the length of the day—it’s quite a long trip, with some reviewers mentioning it’s a “long day.” If you’re not a fan of long bus rides or have difficulty sitting for extended periods, this might be a challenge. Also, since entrance fees are extra, the overall cost could go up if you decide to visit more sites or buy souvenirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included in this tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase something during your free time in Split.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking in Split, a camera to capture the sights, and perhaps a light jacket if the weather is cooler.

Can I customize my free time in Split?
Since you have some free time after the guided tour, you can explore at your own pace, visit the city market, or relax on the Riva.

How long is the drive from Dubrovnik to Split?
The drive includes passing over the Peljeac Bridge and through scenic landscapes, with most reviews describing it as a comfortable and scenic journey.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included, so you’ll need to budget extra if you want to visit specific sites inside the palace or other attractions.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour’s pace and history focus make it generally suitable for travelers with older children or teens interested in history and architecture.

What is the group size?
While not specified, reviews suggest the group is manageable, likely around the size of a typical guided tour—small enough for personal interaction but large enough to feel social.

How late does the tour return?
It returns to Dubrovnik in the late afternoon or early evening, making for a full but manageable day.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic coastal drives, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to walk through 1700-year-old streets makes it a fulfilling experience.

Would I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially in high season. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility if plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Split day trip from Dubrovnik offers a well-balanced mix of history, scenery, and local culture. It’s a solid option for travelers wanting a guided experience without the hassle of planning transportation and logistics themselves. The price, coupled with the positive reviews about guides and the scenic drive, makes it a worthwhile addition to your Croatian itinerary.

While it’s a full day—sometimes long for those with limited energy—the opportunity to walk through Roman ruins and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Split is hard to beat. If you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply want to see more of Dalmatia’s coastal charm, this tour is likely to satisfy.

In the end, it’s about what you’re after: a comfortable, guided overview of Split that leaves you with lasting impressions of Croatia’s ancient past and stunning scenery. We’d say this tour is best for curious travelers who enjoy guided insights and scenic coastal views—and are prepared for a full day of exploring.

You can check availability for your dates here: