Walking Tour of Split Old Town and Craft Beer Tasting

Exploring the historic heart of Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is a captivating journey through time. The walking tour of Split’s Old Town immerses visitors in the impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage centered around Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour navigates the palace’s intricate network of narrow medieval streets, uncovering fascinating stories from Split’s past. But the adventure doesn’t end there – the evening concludes with a craft beer tasting, where unique local brews offer a delightful taste of the city’s vibrant modern culinary scene. This immersive experience promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone seeking to uncover the multifaceted essence of Split.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, a well-preserved 4th-century Roman landmark, and gain insights from a knowledgeable local guide.
• Discover the rich history of Split’s old town, from its Roman origins to its vibrant Venetian-era architecture and thriving marketplace.
• Enjoy a tasting experience at a local microbrewery, showcasing the city’s craft beer culture and the brewing process behind unique beer flavors.
• Engage with the tour guide, who provides engaging perspectives on Split’s cultural heritage and enhances the overall experience.
• Prepare for an evening adventure by meeting at the SPLIT sign behind the tourist bus terminal and enjoying the lively atmosphere of Split’s old town.

Exploring Diocletian’s Palace

This walking tour begins by exploring the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed Roman-era landmark that dominates the heart of Split’s old town.

Built in the 4th century AD as the retirement home for the Roman emperor Diocletian, this sprawling complex features a unique blend of architectural styles, from the grand peristyle courtyard to the intricately decorated substructures.

Visitors will marvel at the palace’s well-preserved features, including the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the Vestibule, and the remarkably intact northern and southern gates.

As the guide shares the captivating history of this ancient site, participants gain a deeper appreciation for Split’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire.

History of Split’s Old Town

Split’s old town has a captivating history that dates back to the 4th century AD when the Roman emperor Diocletian constructed his retirement palace here.

Over the centuries, the town evolved around the palace, which served as the administrative and religious center. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Split experienced a period of decline but later flourished under Venetian rule in the 15th century.

The old town’s narrow alleyways, medieval architecture, and bustling marketplace reflect its rich history and diverse cultural influences.

Today, Split’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its historic charm.

Highlights of the Walking Tour

The guided walking tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Split’s historic old town, immersing them in the city’s rich Roman heritage.

The tour explores the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, a remarkably well-preserved 4th-century Roman imperial residence. Participants will marvel at the palace’s intricate architecture, including the impressive remnants of the emperor’s chambers and the imposing Peristyle courtyard.

The tour also highlights the charming narrow streets and bustling markets that have thrived within the palace walls for centuries. Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable local guide provides fascinating insights into Split’s storied past, bringing its ancient stones to life.

After the walking tour, participants savor the flavors of Croatia’s burgeoning craft beer scene at a nearby microbrewery.

Discovering Craft Beer Culture

Discovering Croatia’s burgeoning craft beer culture is a highlight of this tour. Visitors will visit a local microbrewery known for its innovative craft beers. Here, they’ll learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of unique flavors:

• Hoppy IPAs with citrusy notes
• Smooth, malty lagers
• Bold, roasty stouts
• Refreshing wheat beers with hints of coriander and orange
• Fruity sours that offer a tangy, refreshing experience

The tasting allows travelers to enjoy Split’s vibrant beer scene and appreciate the skill and creativity of the local brewers.

It’s a perfect complement to the exploration of Diocletian’s ancient palace, offering a modern twist on the city’s rich history and culture.

Meeting the Local Tour Guide

Visitors on the Walking Tour of Split Old Town and Craft Beer Tasting are greeted by Darijo, the tour’s licensed local guide.

Darijo’s extensive knowledge of Diocletian’s Palace and Split’s history shines through as he leads the small group through the UNESCO-listed Roman-era landmark. He points out the palace’s intricate architectural details and shares insights into the daily life of its inhabitants centuries ago.

Darijo’s passion for his city is evident as he engages the group, answering questions and providing context that brings the tour to life.

With Darijo as their guide, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Split.

Preparing for the Evening Adventure

As the evening draws near, participants gather at the designated meeting point next to the SPLIT sign, behind the tourist bus terminal. The small group, limited to 8 individuals, eagerly awaits the start of their walking tour of Split’s old town and craft beer tasting adventure.

• Everyone is provided with a name tag to help foster a sense of camaraderie among the group.

• The professional, licensed local tour guide arrives promptly, greeting the participants with a warm smile and a wealth of knowledge about the city’s history and culture.

• After a brief introduction, the group sets off, ready to explore the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and discover the unique flavors of Croatia’s craft beer scene.

• The guide shares fascinating stories and insights, bringing the city’s rich heritage to life as they navigate the charming streets.

• With anticipation building, the group looks forward to indulging in the local craft beers at the end of the tour.

Taste the Brews at Craft Pub

After exploring the historic Diocletian’s Palace, the group makes their way to the craft pub, Pivnica Prostor, located on Ul. kralja Zvonimira 32 in Split. The pub is known for its selection of locally-brewed craft beers, offering a unique tasting experience. The guide leads the group through a sampling of the pub’s signature offerings, highlighting the distinct flavors and brewing techniques.

Beer	Alcohol Content
Lager	5%
IPA	6.5%
Stout	7%
Wheat Beer	5.2%

The group enjoys learning about the local beer culture and comparing the different styles, providing a perfect conclusion to the evening’s exploration of Split’s rich history and vibrant culinary scene.

Making the Most of Your Visit

To make the most of the walking tour and craft beer tasting, visitors can arrive at the designated meeting point, the SPLIT sign behind the tourist bus terminal, a few minutes before the 6:00 PM start time. This will ensure they don’t miss any of the sights and experiences the tour has to offer.

During the tour, participants can look forward to:

• Exploring the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, a remarkable Roman-era landmark
• Sampling a variety of local craft beers at a renowned microbrewery
• Engaging with the knowledgeable, licensed tour guide to learn about Split’s history and culture
• Taking advantage of the small group size (limited to 8) for a more personalized experience
• Enjoying the evening ambiance and lively atmosphere of Split’s old town.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour guide doesn’t specify a dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and casual attire are recommended. Participants should dress appropriately for the evening weather and be prepared to explore the historic old town on foot.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes the beers and other drinks, so participants should not plan to bring their own. The tour guide will provide all the necessary refreshments.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour. The tour overview and details do not mention any restrictions on taking photos. Participants are free to capture the sights and experiences of the walking tour and craft beer tasting.

What Happens in Case of Bad Weather?

In case of bad weather, the tour operator provides alternatives, such as moving the outdoor activities indoors or rescheduling the tour. They’ll work with participants to ensure the experience is enjoyable regardless of the weather conditions.

Can I Join the Tour With a Large Group?

While the tour has a small group size limit, larger groups can still join. However, it’s recommended to contact the tour operator in advance to make arrangements and ensure availability for the desired date.

Recap

Enjoy Split’s captivating past and vibrant present on this walking tour and craft beer tasting experience. Uncover the rich history of Diocletian’s Palace, then savor unique local brews that reflect Split’s thriving beer scene. This immersive adventure offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and culinary delight, leaving you with lasting memories of Croatia’s enchanting Adriatic gem.