Our Tour in Split…. We arrived in Split, Croatia at the end of our cruise to a heat wave which was spreading through Europe. The tour around the city whilst informative was in oppressive conditions as there was little breeze flowing through the narrow streets. The guided tour focussed on the Diocletian Palace section of the city and the guide provided the history back to Roman times.
Traditional Croatian singing in the Vestibul
Roman Columns around Cathedral St Duje
Following the tour, we left the group and wandered the ‘Old Town’ to find our apartment which turned out to be just around the corner. Part of our apartment is connected to the old walls of the Diocletian Palace very close to the most famous historical, cultural attractions and landmarks. We then met up with our cruise friends for a farewell drink followed by dinner at a restaurant in the ‘Old Town’. What is notable is that drinks and food in Split are cheaper than Dubrovnik. The Split locals are also more friendly and helpful.
Basement of Diocletian Palace. Classy gift shops and art dealers 
Ruins in the ‘Old Town’ adds to the character of Split
The Wrong Accommodation…. After breakfast next morning, we said farewell to our cruise friends and took a golf cart to our Split apartment to drop off the bags. The only problem was the driver took us to the wrong place. The receptionist at the Diocletian Wine Hotel then helped us transfer to our apartment about 3 minutes away and provided a guided tour along the way. He was so concerned and helpful by taking both our suitcases that a tip was appropriate even though he didn’t agree.
Our apartment with wine rack. Liz is being very disciplined
We Select Our Local Bar…. Our studio apartment is in the centre of the ‘Old Town’, a great location. We are surrounded by bars, restaurants and a night club. We immediately selected our local bar just around the corner and went for a drink. A beer is Kuna 17 (A$4.00), a bargain. In Dubrovnik, our most expensive beer was Kuna 48 (A$11.50) and yes, the same size 330 ml bottle. Restaurant prices also seem cheaper than Dubrovnik.
Bugatti Veyron. US$1.7 million
Supercars Everywhere…. The Onelife Car Rally was in town when we arrived and as we couldn’t get into our apartment till 1:00 PM we watched the cars depart Split heading for Montenegro. The rally was from Poland to Greece and there were millions of dollars of supercars on display with the most expensive being a Bugatti Veyron, a cool US$1.7 million, but plenty of Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s, McLarens, Porsches, Audi’s, Bentley’s, BMW’s and Mercedes. For some reason the drivers love revving their engines and creating unbelievable noise on the Riva Esplanade. After checking into our apartment, we were exhausted and spent the rest of the afternoon cooling down and relaxing before heading out for dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant.
McClaren P1. Only US$1.2 million
Exploring the Town…. Next morning after a sleep-in we ventured out to wander the town of Split. First to the outdoor markets, then into the Diocletian Palace, the Cathedral of St Duje, the Crypt, the impressive Vestibul with views over Split outside the walls and views within parts of the old wall where locals still live. This is a beautiful city and a contrast to Dubrovnik.
The locals market. Just out of the ‘Old Town’
Dubrovnik is pristine in condition and almost too perfect, but beautiful in its own right. Split is a more historical city, but to us seems to be more inviting with its ruins dating back to 4th century as well as its restored sections. To us it has character, with the history of this old town at every turn you take.
Split Harbour from the ‘Old Town’ wall
The Heat Wave Continues…. That night, after it had cooled down, we wandered the streets of Split. At every turn you were surprised by the uniqueness of this city. Newly restored sections alongside Roman ruins, narrow streets running in all directions, restaurants everywhere, classy shops and boutiques. Everyone in shops and restaurants is friendly and happy whereas in Dubrovnik they seemed a little jaded from tourists.
Display in one of the art shops
We selected an outdoor restaurant, had a nice dinner and on the way back came to the Peristil Square in the middle of the Dioclecian Palace where live entertainment was taking place. People dancing and singing and the local restaurant serving drinks, all at 11:00 PM at night.
Sections of the ‘Old Town’. Unrestored but full of character
Restaurants in the Diocletian Palace precinct 
Typical restaurant in narrow streets
Our Final Day…. A sleep-in this morning after another late night. Out to walk more of the ‘Old Town’ but oh boy, is it hot, 35oC at 11:00 AM. We walked the Riva Esplanade that overlooks Split Harbour then walked to the fish market.
Riva Esplanade overlooking Split Harbour
Completely different to the Tokyo Fish Market. This market seems to have the local fisherman just selling the fish they caught the day before.
Some stalls only had a few small fish whilst others had a reasonable stock of fish for sale. From there into a small local craft market and then into the new section of Split with the regular range of Main Street stores like Zara.
Split fish market, very small