Split Shore Excursions

Below is a small sample of the shore excursions available to you in Split, Croatia.
Contact Susan Bluhm for details or specialty tours.

Kayaking Trogir Coastline

Depart the pier by motor coach and enjoy a 60-minute, scenic drive along the Adriatic coastline on your way to the old watermill at Pantana, near the town of Trogir. Here, after a short safety briefing, your kayaking adventure begins. You will paddle along the River Pantana through the reed canals as far as the sand lagoon. From there, the sea route takes you to Trogir. Trogir is situated on a small island, completely surrounded by the sea, so a visit by kayak is an exciting way to view this most enchanting of towns. Trogir's unique architecture, decorative stonework, and the medieval character of Old Town have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After approximately two hours of paddling, refreshments will be served at the old mill before your drive back to Split.

Private Speed Boat to Hvar

Sit back and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Split Riviera to the island of Hvar. The sun pours down on Hvar all year round, making its limestone towns sparkle amid green hills, rugged terrain and a sea of clear, cobalt blue. Every spring, the island dons purple and the air fills with the heady smell of lavender, from which islanders make fragrant oil that seems to perfume the air the rest of the year. Hvar is the longest of all the Croatian islands and is home to three towns. The largest of these, also named Hvar, served as an important harbor for Venice's Adriatic fleet from the late 12th century through most of the 18th century. Hvar sports a thick-walled fortress overlooking the harbor and, in the very heart of the port, a large Arsenal. After a walking tour and some free time in Hvar town, you will continue by speedboat to the nearby Pakleni Islands, where you can enjoy swimming in the clear sea if you wish, or purchase lunch (at your own expense) in one of several charming seaside restaurants serving delicious Mediterranean specialties and Hvar island wines.

Rafting the Cetina River

For thousands of years the Cetina River has been shaping its spectacular canyon. Its crystal-clear waters, flowing between towering, sculpted stone walls, and with temperatures pleasant enough for swimming, offers you an unforgettable experience of Croatia's unspoiled natural beauty. Departing the pier, enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to Cikotina Lada, where you will be outfitted for rafting and receive a briefing before heading down the river. Calm sections of the river alternate with Class I, II, and III rapids during your approximately three-hour paddling adventure. At the end of the three-hour paddle down the Cetina River you will enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Split and the pier.

Split & Diocletian Palace

Today's Split is the product of 17 centuries of building, renovating and remodeling, so that the new of today meshes with the old almost imperceptibly. At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the Old Town of Split, built on the UNESCO World Heritage Site palace that the Roman Emperor, Diocletian, built at the turn of the 4th century. What began as an imperial residence and fortified camp is today an intriguing warren of narrow cobblestone streets, where pre-Romanesque churches live alongside Gothic chapels, history-filled museums abut galleries of contemporary art and delicious aromas waft from restaurants which compete with bustling cafés for the attention of passers-by. Your walking tour starts with a visit to the cellars of the palace, which are incredibly well preserved. The cellars offer a good view of how life in Doicletian’s Palace was organized. You will also visit the very interesting Cathedral of St Duje (Patron Saint of the city). It is built on the remains of an ancient shrine and is supposed to be the oldest in the world. You’ll see the charming Temple of Jupiter, the Golden Gate and the Silver Gate, and Peristyle Square. After this walk through Split's history, you may return to the pier or stay in town to explore further on your own.

Trogir Highlights

Enjoy a short drive by motor coach to the village of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With 2,300 years of tradition, the town's rich culture was created under the influence of Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. Trogir, with its concentration of palaces, churches, towers, and a fortress packed onto a small island, in every way deserves its nickname—the Stone Beauty. On your walking tour you will discover that the streets are narrow, cobblestone alleys that truly give a feel for how life might have been in medieval times. Visit the central attraction in Trogir—the 13th-century Cathedral of St Lawrence. This is probably the finest example of sacral architecture in Croatia. The unusual construction with three naves and three semi-circular apses dominates the whole town. The main portal, elaborately carved by the local master, Radovan, in the 13th century, is world famous. Other fine buildings you will see include the Town Hall with its great clock and its finely decorated loggia, and the Cipiko Palace. Then enjoy some free time on your own to explore the maze of picturesque streets, shop or enjoy a coffee, a Croatian passion, at a local café (at your own expense) before re-boarding your motor coach for the drive back to Split.

Private Car – Full Day

Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person), so only one person in the party need to order the vehicle.

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in the sights at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters.

Private touring is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for physically challenged guests.

Capacity: 2, 6 or up to 12 guests