SPLIT REGION AND THE ISLANDS

The story of Split is already 17 centuries old, dating to the time the Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his Palace the great Roman city Salona. During these 1700 years the Palace slowly turned into a city, which to this day lures with its rich tradition, glorious history and beauty of its natural and cultural heritage.  Diocletian Palace and the entire historical core of Split have been on the World Heritage UNESCO list ever since 1979. All historical layers from the old Rome, middle ages till today are still visible and alive in this structure. A walk through the ancient city takes you through time, along the great examples of ancient architecture like Peristyle, the middle aged Romanesque Church and Gothic Palace, Renaissance portals of the noblemen’s houses, Baroque facades and modern architecture superbly merged in the rich heritage. Such stratification is mirrored in everyday life of Split. Local inhabitants sit in the same cafes, restaurants, shop in the same stores as tourists, giving them the impression that, by arriving to Split, they became a part of the city and its rhythm.The vegetable market and the fish market represent the centre of each family’s life in Split, just as the entire social life of this city of 200 thousand reflects on the Riva (waterfront), where every guest should endeavour to have his coffee alongside noisy, temperamental folk of Split. 

Things to do in Split and surrounding

Diocletian Palace

Diocletian Palace is one of the best preserved monuments of the Roman architecture in the world. The Emperor’s Palace was built as a combination of a luxury villa – summer house and a Roman military camp (castrum). Over the centuries the Palace inhabitants, and later also the citizens of Split adapted parts of the palace for their own requirements, thus the inside buildings as well as the exterior walls significantly changed the original appearance, but the outlines of the Imperial Palace are still very visible. The Diocletian Palace Substructures represent one of the best preserved ancient complexes of their kind in the world, and hence are in many ways responsible for the reason the historical core of Split was in 1979 included on the UNESCO’S World Heritage list. In the Roman times, their function was to elevate the Emperor’s chambers on the floor above, but they were also the storage area for the Palace. Being structurally a faithful replica of the chambers above, they enable a faithful reconstruction of the way the Emperor’s chambers looked like. The central hall, representing the main communication line between the Riva and the Peristyle, is a place to buy valuable souvenirs, and the rest of the Substructures is open for sightseeing as one of the greatest attractions of Split, frequently, besides Peristyle, a synonym for Diocletian Palace.

Hedona´s tip: Don´t miss Vestibule and Peristyle (Peristil), Temple of Jupiter or the Cathedral. Ask us to quote you the most exciting sightseing tour with the coolest guide.

 Trogir Trogir is a harmonious stone town located on a small island situated between the Croatian mainland and the island of Čiovo. The historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period and it was embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period. The small, narrow streets and small village squares, numerous restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and galleries, along with numerous cultural and music events give this town a special Mediterranean atmosphere.
Hedona´s tip: Contact us to organize a special sightseing program just for you.

Traditional Dalmatian villages – the heart of Dalmatian hinterland

 Ethno villages reflect Dalmatian folk culture, gastronomy  and  traditions. These villages are usually  few centuries old, built in tune with the natural laws and adapted to the land in order to live with and out of it. And this is exactly what they offer, a back-to-nature ambience enriched with cultural tradition and unique gastronomy. Typical villages and country estates are a perfect place to relax in peace and quiet, surrounded by a pure nature.

Hedona´s tip: Experience old peasant farms or stone houses, enjoy a glass of wine in their vineyards or relax in the shade after a typical home made lunch. Contact us to make an offer.

 Moreska – Sword Dance on the Island Korcula Performed only by males from Korčula town families, the mock battle dance with each soldier holding two swords is traditionally performed on July 29 (St. Theodore’s Day) and weekly during the summer tourist season. Documentation shows that the Moreška sword dance has been performed in Korčula since at least the 17th century, but the dance may be older, since double swords were part of known sword technique in the 16th century. Dramatic dialog sets the context for two armies to battle for the “bula” (a lovely young female), who was abducted by the Moro (Arab) King. Clashing swords in seven battles end with the bula being freed from her chains and returned to her beloved Osman (Turkish) King..
Hedona´s tip: It is an impressive historic performance worth seing. Don´t miss it !

Private sightseing with professional guide

Let our private guide take you through the history of the city and  show you its soul . This city is famous for  its historic venues, Mediterranean gastronomy, great wines and  impressively beautiful women. You will shortly see why its inhabitants proudly call it „The  most beautiful city in the world“. You could visit the famous Diocletian Palace, have coffee on the most popular waterfront boulevard called Riva or take a walk on the Marjan Hill. The route of the sightseeing can be completely customized  to your interests.

Hedona´s tip: Do not skip charming restaurants and wine bars in the city centre

 Hvar The city of Hvar is a unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich cultural and historical heritage and modern tourist present. It is situated in picturesque nature, facing the southern, side of the world that has given it all Mediterranean attraction and cheerfulness; facing sea, that gave it splendid and repeatable history, Hvar is an inexhaustible treasury of the scenery, atmosphere and adventure. Its name derives from the Greek name for island and town, that stood where today Stari Grad stands – PHAROS. Hvar gained glory and power during middle ages being an important port within the Venetian, naval empire. Today, it is centre of island’s tourism and one of the favourite destinations in Dalmatian riviera – a town of smiling and courteous people, mostly dedicated to tourism.
Hedona´s tip: Contact us to make an offer for most interesting places and activites on the island like Island Jeep Safari, Lavender Field Visit, Biking, Kayaking, Scuba diving, snorkeling…

 Brac

The island of Brač is the highest and third largest island in the Adriatic Sea. The island was named after a deer – brenthos in Illyrian, a cult animal of Illyrian tribes who inhabited the island. Greeks called it Elaphusa and Bretanide which derives from the world elaphos – deer. Findings in local cave are the evidence of the presence of deer on Brac in the prehistoric period. Zlatni rat, Vidova gora, Blaca desert, deep inlets, olive-groves, vineyards, pine wood along the crystal clear sea are images that numerous visitors bring home from the island of Brac. The island is well known for its quality stone used to build many palaces. It is the island with the only stone mason school in Croatia..

Hedona´s tip: Best way to get to know the islands and the local people is to visit their green markets, coffe bars and small fisherman ports.

 Korčula Korčula enchants the senses with its timeless beauty and casts an everlasting spell of wonder on those who tread upon its ancient stone. There is a saying that no island has more legends or monuments than Korcula. Beautiful island was allegedly named after the heroine of Greek mythology Kerkyra, who came to live on the island on decision of the sea god Poseidon. Korcula was also the home of Marco Polo, famous merchant traveller and world explorer.
Hedona´s tip: Walk around the peninsula, take a glass of indigenous white wine called Posip or just relax by the seaside.

 The story of Marco Polo The famous Venetian merchant and traveller was born in 1254, explored the world on a grand scale and became famous for his record of a journey through China. It is certain that the Polo – Depolo family originated in the town of Korčula. Marco traveled through many countries on the Far East and met many people and cultures. Three years after returned to Italy, he was captured, taken to Genova and thrown into prison. Adventures from his travel he recounted to his “roommate” in prison. Today, the book about his travels is known as “Il millione” and it is one of most translated books. Get to know Marco Polo´s life path in the famous museum in Korcula..
Hedona´s tip: Don´t miss to visit his house and the museum.