Walking tour of Split old town and craft beer tasting

Discovering Split’s Charm: Old Town & Craft Beer Tasting Tour Review

This two-hour walking tour offers a well-balanced glimpse into Split’s ancient history and vibrant modern culture, making it an engaging choice for travelers eager to see the city’s key sights while also enjoying a taste of its craft beer scene. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the experience takes you through the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace—an architectural marvel—and culminates at a lively microbrewery renowned for its in-house brews.

One aspect we especially appreciate is the small group size, limited to just eight participants, which ensures plenty of personalized attention and opportunities to ask questions. However, since the tour is quite packed with sights and stories, some might find the pace a tad quick if they love lingering over every detail.

This tour suits history buffs, beer enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a local’s perspective on Split. Whether you’re visiting for a short stay or looking to enrich your understanding of the city’s layers, this experience offers great value for its modest price.

Key Points

• Authentic Blend: Combines historical sightseeing with modern craft beer tasting for a well-rounded experience.
• Expert Guide: Led by a local, knowledgeable guide who shares insights and stories beyond the guidebook.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 people, offering a more intimate and personalized tour.
• UNESCO Heritage: Tours include key parts of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Unique Beer Tasting: Visit a microbrewery that brews its own beers, perfect for craft beer fans.
• Practical & Affordable: At under $30, this tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the depth of sights and stories.

A Deep Dive into the Split Old Town & Craft Beer Tour

Starting Point: Riva Harbor – The Heart of Split

The tour kicks off at Split’s iconic Riva Harbor, where your guide introduces you to how this bustling waterfront evolved from being part of a grand Roman palace to a lively gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. This short, 10-minute stop is perfect for snapping photos of the vibrant promenade lined with cafes and boats, setting a relaxed tone for the evening.

Reviewers like William M appreciated the guide Darijo’s knowledge, mentioning how he was “quite conversive and answered all of your questions,” making the walk along the harbor both informative and fun. It’s a great way to get your bearings and understand the significance of the waterfront in Split’s daily life.

Exploring Diocletian’s Palace – A Journey Back in Time

Next, the tour ventures into the heart of Split—the Diocletian’s Palace. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this Roman-era fortress forms the core of the city. The tour hits several key areas: the Palace’s Cellars, the Peristyle Square, the Vestibulum, and the Triklinij (the emperor’s dining room).

Palace’s Cellars are considered the best-preserved vaulted complex of late antiquity worldwide. Here, you’ll see impressive arches and stonework that give a real sense of the grandeur of Roman architecture. It’s a visual feast and offers a tangible connection to the past.

The Peristyle Square is particularly striking—surrounded by columns and arches—where you can imagine ancient ceremonies or imperial processions. Reviewers have noted that standing in this square transports you back centuries, with William M calling it “breathtaking” and a highlight of the tour.

Just a few steps away, the Vestibulum and the Cryptoporticus reveal the palace’s functional aspects and serve as excellent examples of Roman engineering. The acoustics and look of the Vestibulum tend to fascinate visitors, as one reviewer pointed out that the circular form “amaze[s] you with its look and acoustics.”

The tour also takes in the Triklinij, the remnants of an emperor’s dining room, where you learn about Roman dining customs—including why vomitoria were part of their feasting culture. These details make the ancient history come alive.

A quick visit to the Mausoleum of Diocletian, now a cathedral, shows how a Roman tomb was transformed into a Christian site, blending history with ongoing cultural stories.

Hidden Gems & Architectural Highlights

Beyond the major sites, the guide reveals lesser-known treasures like the small piece of ancient antiquity hidden between houses—a reminder of how much history is tucked away in Split.

One fun fact from the reviews: a local chocolate producer in Split even made it into the tour’s stories, having set a Guinness World Record for the largest slab of chocolate. It’s these quirky details that add personality to the experience.

The Golden Gate & Public Squares

Next, you’ll visit the Golden Gate, the most preserved entrance to the palace, which was originally a military entry point. Standing here, you can appreciate the military and ceremonial functions of the city walls. The Pjaca Square (People’s Square), with its layered architecture, offers insights into Split’s turbulent history and lively present.

From here, your guide points out the Fruit’s Square (Trg Brace Radic)—noted for its baroque architecture—and shares stories about Split’s defenses against Ottoman invasions, adding context to how historical threats shaped the city’s architecture.

Ending the Day: Craft Beer Tasting at Leopolds

After around 90 minutes of exploring historic sites, the tour concludes at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar—a modern hotspot for craft beer lovers. Here, you’ll sample beers brewed on-site, experiencing the innovative side of Split’s cultural scene.

While drinks aren’t included in the tour price, reviewers mention that the beer selection is top-notch, and the staff’s enthusiasm makes it a fun, relaxed way to wind down. The brewery’s in-house brewing adds a fresh, local touch, and beer aficionados will appreciate learning about the craft process.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

With a ticket costing just under $30, this tour offers excellent value. You’re not just paying for sights—you’re paying for expert storytelling, personal interaction, and the chance to taste local beers. For history buffs and casual travelers alike, this combination creates a memorable and layered experience.

A standout is the small group size, which ensures your guide can give detailed answers and personalized insights. This intimacy, paired with the knowledge of your local guide, makes the experience more genuine and engaging.

Considerations

The pace is brisk, with lots of sites packed into a short timeframe. If you’re someone who loves to linger and absorb every detail, you might find it a little rushed. Also, be aware that the price doesn’t include drinks at the brewery, so budget for that if you want to sample more beers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts who want an overview of Diocletian’s Palace and Split’s layered past. It suits beer lovers eager to explore the local craft scene, especially those who enjoy tasting in authentic settings. The small group size makes it perfect for travelers seeking a more personalized and less touristy experience.

It’s also a great option for first-time visitors who want a guided introduction to Split’s key sights without feeling overwhelmed, but it could be less appealing for those looking for a lengthy or leisurely exploration.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed for most travelers, with most being able to participate. Service animals are also allowed.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, covering key sites in Split’s old town and concluding at the brewery.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Split sign on the central promenade and ends at Leopolds Craft Beer Bar.

What is included in the price?
A licensed, local guide and sightseeing of Diocletian’s Palace. Drinks are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is it easy to find the meeting point?
Yes, the meeting point is at the Split sign, which is centrally located and accessible via public transportation.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book around 34 days ahead, indicating high interest. Booking early guarantees your spot.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, and solo travelers often enjoy meeting new people.

Final Thoughts

This Walking tour of Split’s old town and craft beer tasting offers a well-balanced mix of history and modern culture. It taps into Split’s fascinating past with the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace while giving a taste of its lively contemporary scene through craft beer. The knowledgeable guide adds depth to the experience, making every site come alive with stories and insights.

For those wanting an affordable, intimate, and authentic introduction to Split, this tour hits the spot. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to learn, enjoy local flavors, and get a real feel for the city’s unique blend of old and new.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for more, this experience delivers a meaningful taste of Split that’s both fun and educational—an experience you’ll remember long after you leave the cobbled streets behind.