Split - Croatia

Around 293 A.D. the first inhabitant of Split was the Roman emperor Diocletian who started to build his palace in this balmy bay off the Adriatic Sea. After his abdication he withdrew to his luxurious palace of approx. 323,000 square feet. After turbulent centuries passed, the palace was made into a town first populated by the citizens of the nearby Salona, who fled the Avars and Slavs.

The town expanded beyond the walls of the palace and its authorities kept changing…from Croatian kings in the 10th century A.D. to Hungarian and Venetian administrators…to French rulers and Austro-Hungarian monarchy. This colorful past left its stamp and traces are evident even today.

This mixture of historic layers brought some roughly assembled areas to the city which contributes to its originality today. It has that particular Mediterranean charm that is appealing.

The cellars of the Diocletian’s Palace, with huge perimeter walls and well preserved center represent the best preserved antique complex of this type. The architectural purpose of these walls was to raise the imperial residential area in the upper floor. Based on these sturdy foundations it is possible to reconstruct the appearance of the upper residential area and guess at their original purpose.

In the Middle Ages a part of it was inhabited, and in one of the halls wine and oil were manufactured. Further construction of the upper area turned it into the refuse pit for the houses above.

Today the subterranean area is accessible through the Porta Aenea, or through a staircase from Peristil. The cellars are actively in use today and art exhibitions and theatre plays are a regular occurrence.

Tours available:

Best of Split & its Countryside…The product of 17 centuries of building and the newer constructions of today mesh in this amazing city. Enjoy a scenic drive through town and stop at the Mestovic Gallery of a great Croation sculptor. Walking tour of the old town with a visit to the cellars of the Palace and the City Museum. Drive along the coast & on a mountain road to Omis, a small town on the estuary of the Cetina River. Enjoy lunch with some local wine and specialties of the area.
Charming Rivers and River Cruise…Scenic drive along the coast, via a mountain road, to the town of Omis, situated at the mouth of the Cetina River. Enjoy some free time in Omis before boarding river boats for a short scenic cruise along the Cetina River to Radman’s Mills for snacks and refreshments. From there you can walk into the forest or enjoy the view of the River next to this old mill. Walking tour of Split, which is built on and around the Roman Palace erected by the Emperor Diocletian. Visit the Diocletion Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cellars, the cathedral & the Golden and Silver Gates, among other areas.
Historic City Walking Tour…Visit the Cathedral of St. Duje, built on the remains of an ancient shrine, supposedly the oldest in the world. Visit the Temple of Jupiter and the City Museum, occupying a set of Middle Age buidlings in part of Diocletian’s Palace. Other sights, such as the golden Gate, the Silver Gate & Peristyle Square will be seen from the outside.
A Taste of Split…Walking tour of the city, visiting the Cathedral of St. Duje, built on the remains of an ancient shrine. Visit the Temple of Jupiter and the City Museum, occupying a set of Middle Age buildings in part of Diocletian’s Palace. Other sights, such as the golden Gate, the Silver Gate & Peristyle Square will be seen from the outside.
Scenic Dalmatia & Village Life…Walk the ancient streets of Trogir, situated on a small island sandwiched between the mainland and the larger island of Ciovo with a world famous 13th century portal, carved by a local artist. Drive inland, through interesting landscapes with rocky terrains, into an oasis of fertile, hospitable living, to the Primosten area & the picturesque village of Burni. Views include several village homes, some of which are hundreds of years old. Rest in the shade of surrounding trees, while your hosts, in national costume, serve local specialties and homemade wine while you enjoy local songs and music.
Sea Kayaking…Head to the charming town of Trogir, where professional guides will give a basic tour introduction, followed by your kayak adventure around this small town. You’ll have a unique opportunity to see the town of Trogir from the seaside.
Split Old Town & Trogir Medieval City…Walk the ancient streets of Trogir, situated on a small island . See magnificent buildings, such as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, and a world famous 13th century portal, carved by a local artist. Walking tour of the Old Town, with a visit through the well-preserved cellars and see the Cathedral of St. Duge. Other sights, such as the golden Gate, the Silver Gate & Peristyle Square will be seen from the outside.
Ancient Salona & Town of Trogir…Visit the ancient Roman ruis of Salona, with remains of temples, amphitheaters, early Christian churches, burial grounds and baths. Drive along the Rivers of the 7 Castles to the town of Trogir. Walk the ancient streets of Trogir, situated on an island. . See magnificent buildings, such as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, and a world famous 13th century portal, carved by a local artist.
Trogir Highlights & Pantari Old Mill…Walk the ancient streets of Trogir, situated on a small island. See magnificent buildings, such as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, and a world famous 13th century portal, carved by a local artist. After some free time, depart Trogir for Pantari Old Mill. Pantari is a protected wetland area with a spring, lake, river, sea lagoon & renovated Renaissance Water Mills. Taste typical specialties while a group of singers entertain you with local Dalmatian songs.
Canoeing on Cetina River…An approx.. 1 ½ hour ride brings you to the Cetina River, with 1st and 2nd degree rapids, as well as peaceful flat waters. These currents are ideal for the physically fit beginner. The area encompasses crystal-clear river water with a pleasant swimming temperature, untouched nature with up to 590 foot-high cliffs, cascades and lakes. Enjoy a picnic style lunch
Krka River National Park…Head through the Karat Sibernik region to the famous Krka River waterfalls. View the falls, the most attractive part of Krka Nation Park, with 17 natural cascades and the highest falls being near 151 feet. Above the falls there is a large plateau that offers spectacular views. The area is rich with endemic species of vegetation, birds and fish. Have a chance to visit the ethnological exhibition and old mill on your own.

We had chosen to take the “Charming Split Rivers and River Cruise Tour”. The drive along the coast, via a mountain road to the town of Omis was a mixture of seeing craggy, roughly massed hills and glimpses of the water through the trees. Up in the hills you could see the occasional Roman Tower standing as it had for centuries. They sure knew how to build as is evidenced all over Europe.

Prior to seeing the river boats that we would take up to Radman’s Mill, we saw the harbor in Omis where there were fishing boats as well as river boats and pleasure craft.

We arrived in the town of Omis, where we would board river boats to Radman’s Mill. These river boats were more like long row boats with outboard motors and a canvas canopy. Before we started on our journey up the river we had a half hour to wander through the town of Omis. Then we got started up the Cetina River, later we would return to Split.

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Split - Croatia

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