Split Shore Excursion: Diocletian Palace Walking Tour
Split, Croatia
Rating: 
Trip Type: Ports of Call Tours
Duration: 90 minutes
When your cruise ship docks in Split Port, head back in time on a 1.5-hour walking tour of Diocletian Palace! Once an Imperial residence, the impressive palace complex grew to become a city within a city, resplendent with Romanesque churches, temples, squares and even its own cathedral. See the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace complex, including the cellars, Peristyle Square, the Temple of Jupiter and the beautiful Cathedral of St Duje.
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When your cruise ship docks in Split Port, head back in time on a 1.5-hour walking tour of Diocletian Palace! Once an Imperial residence, the impressive palace complex grew to become a city within a city, resplendent with Romanesque churches, temples, squares and even its own cathedral. See the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace complex, including the cellars, Peristyle Square, the Temple of Jupiter and the beautiful Cathedral of St Duje.
When your cruise ship docks in Split Port, take a stroll over to Diocletian's Palace and meet your guide by the palace cellars. Head inside with your small group and start discovering the delights of the incredible palatial ruins — Split’s UNESCO World Heritage site.
Originally built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace gradually became more like a city within a city, as more and more was added to it. As it stands today, the ruins comprise a mix of architectural styles, with influences harking back to the Roman Empire, as well as the Middle Ages, Gothic and baroque periods.
Start with a tour of the cellars to discover how life in the palace was organized during the Middle Ages while wandering through the labyrinth of tunnels. Come out of the cellars into Peristyle Square, at the heart of the palace complex. Walk around, seeing Roman ruins sitting side-by-side with bustling shops and coffee bars, and then pose for pictures outside the majestic Cathedral of St Duje — named after the city’s patron saint.
Nearby is the Temple of Jupiter, so wander over to it next, and admire its headless sphinx that guards the entrance – a feature imported from Egypt around the 5th century. Continue walking around the complex and see the gates that once served as entranceways to the palace itself; there are four in total, but the Silver Gate and Golden Gate are easily the most impressive.
Your tour finishes at Split Market, and your guide will happily give tips for the best stalls to visit. Explore at leisure, browsing the colorful shops for artisan jewelry and crafts work, or for souvenirs of Split’s unforgettable Diocletian's Palace.
Worry-Free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to Split Port for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Originally built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace gradually became more like a city within a city, as more and more was added to it. As it stands today, the ruins comprise a mix of architectural styles, with influences harking back to the Roman Empire, as well as the Middle Ages, Gothic and baroque periods.
Start with a tour of the cellars to discover how life in the palace was organized during the Middle Ages while wandering through the labyrinth of tunnels. Come out of the cellars into Peristyle Square, at the heart of the palace complex. Walk around, seeing Roman ruins sitting side-by-side with bustling shops and coffee bars, and then pose for pictures outside the majestic Cathedral of St Duje — named after the city’s patron saint.
Nearby is the Temple of Jupiter, so wander over to it next, and admire its headless sphinx that guards the entrance – a feature imported from Egypt around the 5th century. Continue walking around the complex and see the gates that once served as entranceways to the palace itself; there are four in total, but the Silver Gate and Golden Gate are easily the most impressive.
Your tour finishes at Split Market, and your guide will happily give tips for the best stalls to visit. Explore at leisure, browsing the colorful shops for artisan jewelry and crafts work, or for souvenirs of Split’s unforgettable Diocletian's Palace.
Worry-Free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to Split Port for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
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