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Ancient Salona, Medieval Trogir and Diocletian's Palace
Split Shore Trips - Ancient Salona, Medieval Trogir and Diocletian's Palace
 



Private Split shore excursion to the Roman ruins of Salona, birthplace of Emperor Diocletian, followed by the UNESCO World Heritage old town of Trogir and Diocletian's Palace, one of the largest Roman buildings still in daily use. Interior visits to St. Lawrence Cathedral in Trogir and the Cathedral of St. Dominus inside the palace. Licensed English speaking guide, round trip from the Split cruise port. 8.5 hours.

8.5 hours (private)
private excursion
licensed guide
english speaking expert
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port or Hotel in Split
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private English Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Walking Tours and Free Time Included
  • Interior Visits- Ruins at Salona, St. Lawrence & St. Dominus Cathedrals, Diocletian's Palace
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
CSPLI-05


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $600 Per Person
3 People - $434 Per Person
4 People - $346 Per Person
5 People - $290 Per Person
6 People - $256 Per Person
7 People - $238 Per Person
8 People - $218 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Ancient Salona, Medieval Trogir and Diocletian's Palace

This full day tour explores the top sights in the region. You visit the ruins at Salona, the medieval town of Trogir, and Diocletian's Palace in Split. There is free time included for lunch and a little shopping or self exploration.

After meeting your private licensed guide you immediately depart for Salona. The preserved archaeological remains at Salona date from Roman, early Christian, and even early medieval periods. You will walk with your guide among remains of temples, amphitheaters, first century baths, early Christian churches, and burial grounds. Salona became the capital of Roman Dalmatia and reached its peak in the 4th century, with a population estimated between 40,000 and 60,000, during the era of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who was born near Salona and later built his retirement palace nearby. In the early 7th century Salona was destroyed by Avar and Slavic invasions, traditionally dated to around 614. The surviving inhabitants fled into Diocletian's Palace, where the life of a new town began, the life of today's Split.

After visiting Salona you drive to the charming medieval town of Trogir, located on a small islet between the mainland of Croatia and the island of Ciovo. It was originally a Greek colony, but the main core of the town was developed between the 13th and 15th centuries, surrounded by city walls. The historical center of Trogir is a unique monument of culture and is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

You will walk with your guide through its narrow streets, taking you back in history as you pass stone houses, churches, palaces, monasteries, and city walls. You stop at the main attraction of Trogir, St. Lawrence Cathedral. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the Romanesque portal created by the local artist Radovan. It is considered the cathedral's finest piece of architectural work and features lion figures on the sides and the figures of Adam and Eve above them.

After your walking tour you enjoy free time in the old town of Trogir before you return to Split. Upon arrival in Split you have the chance to enjoy lunch (meal not included) in a local restaurant.

After lunch you visit Diocletian's Palace, located in the heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace is one of the largest Roman buildings still in use today. You visit the well preserved cellars of the palace, which show the building's original floor plan and support the imperial residential areas above. You will be impressed by the peristyle, an inner colonnaded courtyard where official audiences took place.

You also visit one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, the Cathedral of St. Duje, Split's patron saint, which was originally the mausoleum of Diocletian. Today it is called the Cathedral of St. Dominus. Before ending the tour you see the former temple of Jupiter, now used as a baptistery.

Following your visit to the palace is free time to explore the maze of small streets nearby, filled with shops and cafes.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Split tours and Split shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Split tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

Please note
  • This tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs due to cobblestones, uneven surfaces, and walking distances at Salona, Trogir, and Diocletian's Palace. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port or Hotel in Split
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private English Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Walking Tours and Free Time Included
  • Interior Visits- Ruins at Salona, St. Lawrence & St. Dominus Cathedrals, Diocletian's Palace

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    15 Minutes
    Meet guide and drive to Salona
  • 2
    1 Hour and 15 Minutes
    Salona Walking Tour
  • 3
    30 Minutes
    Drive to Trogir
  • 4
    1 Hour
    Trogir Walking Tour
  • 5
    45 minutes
    Trogir Free Time
  • 6
    45 Minutes
    Drive to Split
  • 7
    1 Hour
    Free Time for Lunch
  • 8
    Visit Diocletian's Palace- 2 Hours

Resources

Split Tourist Board - Official Website . Official tourism site for Split, including Diocletian's Palace visitor information Official Website

Trogir Tourist Board - Official Website . Official tourism site for the UNESCO old town of Trogir Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Salona?
Salona, once the Roman capital of Dalmatia with a peak population of 40,000 to 60,000, was destroyed by Avar and Slavic invasions in the early 7th century, traditionally dated to around 614. Survivors fled into the nearby fortified palace of the retired Emperor Diocletian, and that settlement grew into modern Split.
Why is Trogir a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Its historic center, built between the 13th and 15th centuries on a small islet and enclosed by medieval walls, is recognized as an exceptionally well preserved example of a Romanesque-Gothic old town.
Is Diocletian's Palace still lived in today?
Yes, it is one of the largest Roman buildings still in daily use, with homes, shops, restaurants, and cafes built into and around the ancient structure inside the historic core of Split.
Is lunch included on this tour?
No, lunch is not included, but time is set aside in Split for you to eat at a local restaurant of your choice.

Also Available:

›Split and Trogir - Also available from this port — Split, Croatia shore excursion from Split cruise port - private guided visits to Diocletian's Palace in Split and the charming medieval town of Trogir, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a licensed English-speaking guide.
›Medieval Trogir - This private shore excursion visits the charming medieval village of Trogir which is like stepping back in time. A highlight is a visit St. Lawrence Cathedral. Free time is also provided to allow you to get great photos, pick up a souvenir or relax in a cafe. A licensed English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout.

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Meet guide and drive to Salona - 15 Minutes
  • Salona Walking Tour - 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
  • Drive to Trogir - 30 Minutes
  • Trogir Walking Tour - 1 Hour
  • Trogir Free Time - 45 minutes
  • Drive to Split - 45 Minutes
  • Free Time for Lunch - 1 Hour
  • Visit Diocletian's Palace- 2 Hours
  • Free time in Split - 45 Minutes
  • Return to pier - 15 Minutes

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 16 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Split Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Reviewer: Andrew H from West Milford, New Jersey  
I couldnt have asked for more. Guides and divers were ALL professional,  informative, and  personalites were a pleasure. Everything they told us was NOT read from a script, which made it more pleasurable. I will recommend you to our cruise friends on their next sailing.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Split Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Reviewer: Gerri A, Sea Dreams Travel from Saint Cloud, MN  
Thank you and I will use you again. I will also let my host agency know how great you are to work with.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Split Friday, March 27, 2026
Reviewer: Lynda H from Stuart, FL  
Our recent trip cruise to Croatia was excellent. All of your guides were really good and the vans were nice and clean.  They were all waiting for us as we got off the ship and got us back on time, We enjoyed our day! Thanks.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Split Saturday, August 9, 2025
Reviewer: Ben R  
The tours were great. The drivers were very informed and provided us with many tidbits of local information. I would recommend this to anyone.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Split Sunday, June 1, 2025
Reviewer: Donald S from Niles, IL  
Very enjoyable day....Anita was wonderful. I plan on posting a very positive review on Trip Advisor. Thank you!

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