Split: Private Food & Wine Tour with Diocletian’s Palace

Summary

Split flavors, palace stories and local laughter over wine

You’ll walk Split’s ancient streets with a local guide who brings palace stories to life, taste prosciutto and cheeses at the market, sip Dalmatian wines over lunch in a quiet spot away from crowds, and try regional sweets along the way. It’s not just about food—it’s joining daily life inside those stone walls.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect from Split, honestly — I’d seen photos of Diocletian’s Palace but stepping inside with our guide, Ivana, felt nothing like a museum. There were old stone walls but also laundry flapping overhead and the smell of coffee drifting out of tiny windows. She pointed out a cat napping on a Roman column (“That one’s been here longer than most locals,” she joked) and I just felt… welcomed in, somehow. The way the city is still alive inside those ancient walls surprised me.

We wandered through the Green Market next — it was noisy in the best way. Sellers calling out prices, someone slicing cheese behind a little counter. Ivana handed us thin slices of Dalmatian prosciutto that tasted salty-sweet and almost buttery, then poured us a shot of rakija (which burned in my chest for a good minute). I tried to say “hvala” and probably butchered it; the cheese lady laughed anyway. There was this moment where I could smell fresh peaches mixing with cigarette smoke and just… real life everywhere.

After that we ducked into a bakery for burek — hot pastry wrapped around spinach (I went for that one), greasy in the best possible way. Then ćevapčići at another stop, which Ivana explained had roots in Ottoman times. She told us about hajduks eating them centuries ago; I half-listened because my mouth was full but it stuck with me later. We finished at this tucked-away restaurant where the noise faded and two glasses of local wine showed up with plates of mussels, risotto, octopus salad — honestly I still think about that view out the window while tasting white wine that smelled like wildflowers.

I liked how nothing felt rushed or staged — if you’re after some polished “foodie experience,” maybe look elsewhere? Here it was more like being shown around by someone who loves her city (and knows everyone). We even talked about vegetarian options for my partner after booking; they really did care about what we wanted to eat. So yeah, Split’s private food & wine tour isn’t just about food or history — it’s about feeling part of something old and very much alive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Split with food and wine tasting

• Discover Diocletian's Palace history
• Stroll through Green Market
• Stop for traditional sweets
• Try burek in medieval streets
• Sample regional Ćevapčići specialty
• Enjoy wine and food tasting

Top questions

Is this Split food & wine tour suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, dietary preferences including vegetarian can be accommodated—just mention your needs after booking.

How long does the private tour of Split last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours exploring on foot with multiple tasting stops.

Are drinks included on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll sample two different Dalmatian wines plus non-alcoholic drinks for younger guests.

Does the tour include entry to Diocletian's Palace?

The tour explores Diocletian's Palace as part of walking through Split Old Town—no separate entry ticket is needed since it’s an open area.

Can children join this private food & wine tour?

Yes, children are welcome; there are non-alcoholic drinks available for young guests.

Is the Split Old Town tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What foods will I taste during the tour?

You’ll try Dalmatian prosciutto, cheese, rakija, burek pastries, ćevapčići, traditional sweets, risotto, mussels and octopus salad.

Will my guide be local?

Yes—the guide is local and shares personal knowledge about Split's history and cuisine throughout the walk.

What’s included

Your day includes tastings of Dalmatian prosciutto, cheese and rakija at the market; sweet treats unique to Split; classic burek pastries; ćevapčići; plus a sit-down Dalmatinska Marenda lunch featuring specialties like risotto or octopus salad paired with two regional wines (or non-alcoholic drinks for kids). Dietary needs are discussed after booking so everything fits your preferences before you set off through Split Old Town together.