Walking tour of Split old town and craft beer tasting

Walking Tour of Split Old Town and Craft Beer Tasting: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a way to really get under the skin of Split—beyond just snapping photos of the famous sights—you might want to check out this two-in-one tour. It promises to combine a walk through the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace with an evening of tasting local craft beers. From what we’ve seen, it’s a solid option for those who want a bit of history with their refreshment, and it’s designed to keep things personal and manageable, with small groups and a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

What really appeals is the blend of historical exploration and modern-day fun. We love that you get to walk through ancient Roman ruins, peering into underground cellars and grand Peristyle squares, then switch gears to visiting a microbrewery and sampling some of the best beers Split has to offer. Plus, the tour is priced reasonably at about $30, making it accessible for many travelers.

However, a potential consideration is that this tour lasts only about two hours, so if you’re keen on deep historical dives or a more extensive beer experience, it might feel a bit brief. Also, since drinks are not included, you’ll need to budget for that separately.

This tour is a great fit for travelers who enjoy a mix of history and local flavor, especially if you prefer a small-group setting where your questions get answered and the experience feels personal. It’s especially suited to those with a relaxed schedule who want to see the highlights without overloading their day.

Key Points

• Balanced blend of historical sights and craft beer tasting
• Small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures intimacy and personalized attention
• Expert guide who is knowledgeable about Split’s history and culture
• Affordable price provides good value considering the guided experience and beer tasting
• Conveniently timed for an evening activity, starting at 6:00 pm
• Limited duration makes it ideal for those with tight schedules or as a relaxed introduction to the city

Exploring Split’s Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace

Our journey begins in the heart of Split at Riva Harbor, a spot that locals cherish as their social hub and where travelers often start their exploration. Standing here, you’re immediately drawn into the vibe of this lively city. The guide explains how this waterfront evolved from the palace’s original port into the bustling promenade it is today—something you might not notice without insider tips.

From Riva, you’ll walk into the ancient ruins of Diocletian’s Palace. Walking through these ancient walls, it’s easy to imagine life here thousands of years ago. The palace, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian over 1700 years ago, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you’ll get a close-up look at its well-preserved vaulted cellars. These underground corridors alone are considered some of the best-preserved late antiquity vaults in the world, which is pretty remarkable for history buffs.

Your guide will point out details about how these structures were used and their significance. As one reviewer mentioned, Darijo, the guide, is quite knowledgeable, making the experience engaging and informative. The attention to detail helps bring the history to life, even for those who aren’t history nerds.

Next, the tour leads you to the Peristyle—an open-air square surrounded by magnificent columns. This was once the imperial heart of the palace, and standing here, you can almost feel the grandeur of Roman ceremonies or emperor adoration. The guide will share stories about these ancient rituals, making the site more relatable and vivid.

Just a short walk away is the Vestibulum, a circular building once serving as a kind of grand lobby to the imperial residence. Its acoustics and architecture leave many visitors impressed, and it offers a glimpse into Roman engineering brilliance.

From here, you’ll explore the Triklinij, the remnants of an emperor’s dining room. The tour explains what Roman dining customs might have looked like, including the curious popularity of vomitoria (not as gross as it sounds—they were exits, not what you might think). It’s a fascinating peek into Roman leisure.

Moving on, the group visits Diocletian’s Mausoleum—now a cathedral—and sees its elegant bell tower, which stands out as a notable feature on the Dalmatian coast. The guide shares details about how the mausoleum transitioned into a church, blending ancient and Christian history seamlessly.

Nearby, you’ll encounter the small but charming site of the Guinness World Record-winning chocolate slab by a local producer—lighthearted trivia that adds a modern twist to the ancient streets. It’s a fun tidbit that showcases Split’s local creativity.

The Golden Gate, with its sturdy arch and historical significance as a key city entrance, marks the next stop. It shows how the ancient city’s defenses were constructed, giving you a visual sense of its strategic importance.

A quick walk takes you to the statue of Gregory of Nin at Grgur Ninski, a favorite for photos and a symbol of Croatian identity. The guide explains why this statue is culturally significant, adding a personal touch to the tour.

Finally, Pjaca Square and Fruit’s Square, vibrant spots full of architecture and stories, round out the historical exploration. These lively squares reveal layers of history—Venetian influence, Ottoman threats, and local resilience—all set against a backdrop of cafes and street life.

Transition to Modern Sips at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar

After soaking in the ancient sights, it’s time for a more relaxed, modern experience. The tour concludes at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar, one of Split’s top craft beer destinations. Here, you’ll get to sample a selection of local brews brewed on-site, enjoying a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts nicely with the historic streets.

The brewery’s approach of brewing its own beers in-house means you’re tasting drinks crafted with care and innovation. The small group, often just a handful of people, makes the tasting session feel intimate and engaging. The guide may share insights about the brewing process and what makes Croatian craft beer unique—something many travelers appreciate.

While drinks are not included in the tour price, for $30 you get the benefit of guided sightseeing and a chance to taste some of the best local brews without having to hunt around. Many reviews highlight the guide’s friendly, conversational style, making the experience more enjoyable and informative. As one reviewer put it, Darijo is “quite conversive and will answer all of your questions,” which adds a personal touch to the evening.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience offers a compact yet comprehensive look at Split, combining history and local flavor in a manageable two-hour window. It’s ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time, especially those who prefer small group settings where the guide can focus on your interests. The price point reflects good value, considering the guided tours and beer tasting included.

The tour’s timing at 6:00 pm makes it perfect for an evening activity—after a day of sightseeing or as a relaxed way to start your evening plans. The small group limit (up to 8 travelers) ensures that everyone feels involved, and you won’t be lost in a crowd.

One of the standout aspects is the knowledgeable guide, William M, who praised Darijo’s understanding of Diocletian’s Palace and his engaging storytelling. This personal element elevates the experience from just a sightseeing walk to an enjoyable narrative that sticks with you.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you’re curious about Split’s history but don’t want a lengthy or overly intense tour, this 2-hour walk balances depth and efficiency. It’s excellent for those who enjoy a more intimate setting and appreciate good stories and local insights. Beer lovers will find the microbrewery stop a fun, refreshing addition, especially if you’re keen to sample Croatian craft beers.

While not specifically targeted at families, the relaxed pace and fascinating sights make it suitable for older kids or teenagers interested in history and casual tasting experiences. If your goal is to get a good feel for Split’s past and present in a short time, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour primarily focuses on historical sights and craft beer tasting, so it’s better suited for older teens or adults who enjoy history and beer. The activity duration is short, but the beer tasting part might not interest younger children.

What is included in the price?
Your guide’s expertise, sightseeing of Diocletian’s Palace, and the beer tasting session at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar. Drinks are not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to purchase beers separately.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but thorough introduction to Split’s old town and its modern craft beer scene.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Split sign on the Riva Harbor and ends at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar on Dosud ul. 5, near the city center.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to join if you’re staying nearby.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the tour involves a fair amount of strolling through historic streets and sites.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

In The Sum Up

This walking tour of Split offers a well-balanced mix of history and modern flavor, perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights without a long commitment. The small group setting, knowledgeable guide, and engaging stops make it more than just a sightseeing walk. It’s especially good if you’re interested in experiencing the city’s ancient architecture and enjoying some local craft beer in a relaxed setting.

While brief, the tour provides meaningful insights into Split’s past and present, making it a worthwhile addition to any itinerary. Whether you’re a history buff, a casual explorer, or a beer enthusiast, this experience offers a friendly, personal way to get to know Split—one step at a time.

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to pace yourself between the history and the brews—you’ll want to savor both!