Small-Group Essential Walking Tour of Split for First-Time Visitors
History, architecture, hidden gems—and a fun, interactive walk led by a professional guide and storyteller
Small-Group Essential Tour of Split is designed to give first-time visitors an engaging and easy-to-follow introduction to the city's history, culture, and daily life. We visit key landmarks, including the Golden Gate, Peristyle, Jupiter’s Temple, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the famous Riva promenade and many other important sights in Split Old Town.
Save up to 30% that you would pay for a private tour and enjoy a private tour–like experience in a small group of up to 15 curious travelers. Ask questions, share stories, and connect with like-minded explorers while discovering Split’s timeless charm.
What to Expect
This isn’t just a history lesson, it’s a relaxed, immersive experience where guests get real insights into Split’s past and present. As a guide originally from Bosnia who has lived in Split for years, I offer a broader regional perspective, connecting Split’s history to the wider Balkans. My small-group tours allow for meaningful conversations, and after the tour, I provide personalized recommendations on where to eat, what to see, and local experiences to try. This tour is perfect for travelers who want an informative but laid-back introduction to Split, whether solo, with friends, or as a family.
What Makes This City So Unique
Walk through the living heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Diocletian’s Palace. More than ancient ruins, it’s a city within a city, where locals still live, work, and sip coffee among 1,700-year-old stone walls.
From Roman engineering genius to Gothic arches and Renaissance facades, Split is a stunning timeline carved in stone. Every alley tells a story—and on this tour, you’ll hear them all come to life.
Greek settlers, Indigenous Illirian tribes, Roman emperors, Venetian nobles, Austro-Hungarian officers, and even Napoleon’s men and Ottoman's traders —Split has been shaped by them all. Their influence is woven into everything: architecture, language, food, and soul.
This isn’t just a historical site—it’s a city that breathes. Learn how locals argue over Hajduk, sing Klapa songs, and see how modern life blends seamlessly with ancient walls.
Want to explore deeper after the tour? I’ll share handpicked tips, quiet spots, museums, and hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks—plus discounts to some of the best restaurants in Split accessible only to my guests.
Jelena
Hello, I'm Jelena, professional tour guide in Split and founder of kukuvia.com, essential guide to Split.
I'm so happy you're here. My love for Split runs deep, and I'm thrilled to have the chance to share it with you. While my professional background is in Web Design and Digital Marketing, my true passion lies in uncovering the stories of this remarkable city. I've lived in many places around Balkans, like Zagreb, Zadar, Belgrade and in my small hometown in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so I can give you broader perspecitve of the Balkans, past and present. I love learning history and sharing it with curious travelers like yourself. Looking forward to meeting you!
Sincerely,
Your tour guide Jelena
What Some of My Guests Are Saying
Jane
Our group of 4 took the Diocletian’s Palace Essential Tour with Jelena, and it was great! Jelena’s English was excellent and she was great at sharing historical, cultural and other information. The pace was great, and she spoke clearly and loudly enough that everyone could hear well. We saw a lot in just a little less than 1 1/2 hours. I highly recommend this tour!
Morgan
So Jelena took us on a tour of the old town in Split. And we had an absolutely amazing experience. As an Irish person, it’s somewhat embarrassing to say, but her English was better than mine. And the only thing that was better than her English was her knowledge on the history of Split. We didn’t have a question she couldn’t answer in detail. Very charming and a great sense of humour, we had a really great time. We are delighted to recommend her and hope some of you experience the Old Town being guided by her. Thanks again for a fantastic day and all the best in your future endeavours. Kindest regards, Morgan
Gillian, Nigel and four legged friend Meg
Brilliant tour by Jelena. It exceeded expectations, was both informative and fun. A definite “must do” for anyone visiting Split to gain an understanding of this amazing city and its rich heritage. Jelena was welcoming, managed to blend both ancient and up to date historical events with ease. Thank you Jelena for a thoughtful and thoroughly enjoyable tour.
Steven & Paula
We searched for a tour on a whim ad we were coming into our and stumbled on this tour and our guide, Jelena. We were impressed with her right away, as she was very engaging and knowledgeable. Great communication before the tour as well. We were happier with this tour than any excusing offered through the ship! Would definitely book again, especially with Jelena. Thanks so much, it was a great tour! Our whole group of 8 agrees!
Frances
We joined the tour with Jelena. She was very knowledgeable and clear with her explanations, with lots of fun facts along the way. She commenced with an overview to provide the history behind what we were about to see. We moved around the old town stopping at various points of interest. She spoke quickly and didn’t waste time - it was perfectly paced. We finished the tour after about 1.5 hours at a scale model of the town where Jelena showed us where we had been recapped the main points. A very professional guide. I would highly recommend.