Virgin Voyages' guide to Split
SPLIT
High-Key Vibes in a Low-Key City
Along the eastern shore of the glistening Adriatic Sea lies a small peninsula that’s home to Croatia’s second largest city – Split. The first thing you’ll see when approaching this breathtaking Dalmatian capital coastal city is its pristine beaches, who’s white sand seemingly glows in the sun.

Loaded with opportunities to immerse yourself in the loaded history of Split, from stepping inside the Diocletian’s Palace (one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments and a UNESCO world heritage site), to a variety of grand museums, and endless adventures waiting to be had in the sprawling natural world that surrounds the city, Split’s magic awaits you no matter your journey. Find yourself canoeing the Cetina River, going on an ATV safari, hiking through breathtaking views that span all the way to Bosnia and Herzegovina, or eating and drinking your way through the dozens of bars and restaurants that call this magical city home.
With so much culture busting at the seams of this eclectic city, no matter how you ~split~ your time, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time. (We promise that will be the only split pun, we just couldn’t resist.)
Choose your Split Adventure
Vis Island & Blue Cave Boat Tour
A hidden gem of local fishermen during the 1800s, the Blue Cave and Vis Island is one of the most breathtaking and jaw-dropping (yes, both) places in the world. While approximately an hour and forty-five minute speedboat ride from Split, this natural wonder is worth every second spent speeding across the glistening Adriatic Sea. Once you arrive, guides will take sailors on small wooden boats into the magical blue cave – a glowing cobalt oasis that you have to see to believe.

Split Hinterland ATV Safari
Discover the majestic inland of Dalmatian Hinterland on an exciting half-day ATV tour. Rove along the Croatian countryside with a knowledgeable local guide who will explain the sights and sounds of the local flora and fauna along the sprawling trails. With gear rental, round-trip transfers and included lunch the only thing you’ll have to worry about is taking in the view – and driving the ATV of course.

Krka National Park & Waterfalls
Take a picturesque self-guided tour through one of the most beautiful national parks in the entire world. Home to the iconic Krka river and its corresponding waterfalls, Krka National Park is an idealistic place to hike at a leisurely pace while taking photos, to swim in natural pools, watering holes and underneath cascading waterfalls, and to have lunch while surrounded by the unique beauty of Croatia before heading back to the city center.

We have even more in our curated catalog.


Diocletian Palace & Olive Oil Tasting
Split
-
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
It’s time to step back in time as you head out to Split’s Diocletian Palace — dating back to the Roman Empire. See the excavated halls and incredible fortress surroundings of this architectural marvel before seeing the St. Duke cathedral — considered to be one of the world’s oldest. During your walking tour of incredible landmarks, your day features a stop in an olive bar. Here you’ll get to sample different blends that are paired with local delicacies to really taste the traditions of Croatia.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Old Town is built on and around the spectacular entry of the Diocletian Palace
- Tour the Ethnographical Museum containing a medieval house and imperial rooms with a valuable collection of clothes, dresses, and gowns
- The St. Duje cathedral (built on the remains of an ancient shrine) is considered to be among the oldest in the world
- Walk to the Uje Oil Bar — the first Croatian olive oil bar dedicated to Mediterranean food based on olive oil blends
- Approximately 15-minute walk to and from the ship
- Approximately 2-hour walking tour
- Includes olive oil tasting, light snacks, and a glass of local wine
- This tour does not include entrance to museums
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing
- Sailors should expect to walk over cobblestones, uneven pavement, and/or narrow streets
- Sailors must be able to navigate steps throughout this Shore Thing
- Restrooms are available at the tasting venue
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria










If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


Croatian Cooking Class
Split
-
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Dalmatian cuisine is traditional, harmonious and refreshing. Today, experience a number of tastes, textures and styles from a local chef who will help you transform ingredients into a culinary work of art — your lunch. Head to a local market that offers everything from oils, spices, vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and fish, then head into the kitchen to get cooking. Everyone will help prepare different dishes, before coming together to dine on the delectable finished masterpiece.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Head to a market to gather fresh ingredients with a local chef
- Dalmatian cuisine is a true reflection (and a perfect blend) of Croatia’s traditional recipes with a modern twist
- With your ingredients, help prepare a Croatian-style meal, followed by feasting with your culinary crew
- Wine, supplies and ingredients are included — all you need to bring is a good appetite and a smile
- Sailors should advise of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance of the experience
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing
- You will be walking for a combination of 2-hours between the port, market, then to the cooking class
- Lunch and local wine is included
- Meal will include a meat or fish option
- Cooking class is by ACMER (Association of Chefs from Mediterranean and European Regions)
- Please keep in mind that all beverages must be checked in at security, and that bringing food on board is not allowed, except when in sealed packages
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible









If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


White Water Rafting on the Cetina River
Split
-
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Into Croatia’s hinterland, you’ll be driven to the starting point in a remote village to meet your guide. After going over safety details, you’ll get outfitted with a helmet, life vest, and neoprene outerwear. Now it’s time to grab a paddle and hit the river waves where you’ll head down rapids, and into remote areas of jewel-toned waters that are surrounded by breathtaking mountains. After approximately 3-hours of rafting and swimming, you’ll have time for lunch, then be driven back to Split.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- You’ll head over small sets of falls, surrounded by incredible plunging mountains, cliffs, and jewel-toned changing water colors
- There will be some stops along the way for swimming
- With temperatures ranging from 57º- 62ºF / 14º- 17ºC, the river features changing colors from its freshwater flowing deep below the surface
- Approximately 1.5-hours of driving from Split and your starting point
- Approximately 1-hour drive back to Split
- Approximately 3-hours of rafting with swim stops along the way
- Sailors should wear a swimsuit and bring a towel should they wish to go swimming
- No previous experience is required
- Water temperatures are between 57º-62ºF / 14º-17ºC
- The white water grade is 2-3 (scale is 1-6)
- Swim stops are contingent on river conditions
- Sailors should know how to swim
- All Sailors will be provided a life-jacket, a helmet, neoprene pants and shirt that are to be worn during your Shore Thing
- This Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria














If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.


Boat Ride to Trogir & Ciovo Island
Split
-
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Take in the incredible scenery on your way to the island of Trogir. Sequestered between the mainland and the island of Ciovo, Trogir is unique in that it was planned in the shape of a hexagon, and many of the buildings and streets have remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. You’ll get a walking tour to some of Trogir’s landmarks, before taking a boat ride over to Ciovo Island. Here you’ll get a chance to feel the Adriatic’s gem-toned waters and explore the secluded bay.
Energy Level
Duration
Type

Highlights
- Take in the amazing views of Croatia's coast from the sea
- Swim in the gorgeous Adriatic Sea
- There will be free time to explore independently in Trogir
- Trogir’s city planning is considered unusual for a typical Roman city as it is laid out in an octagonal shape
- Ride along the coast of Ciovo Island, whose secluded bay is where you'll get to swim and explore the shore
- Approximately 1-hour walking tour of Trogir with 30 minutes of free time
- Approximately 2-hours of swimming time
- Sailors should wear a swimsuit and bring a towel should they wish to go swimming
- Price is per Sailor
- Includes light bites
- Sailors must be able to step in and out of a boat; several steps are required
- There are 3 separate boat rides
- Up to 10 Sailors per boat
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- This tour is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors should know how to swim
- Restrooms are available at Marina Baotic; Sailors should bring local currency should they require a fee to use the restrooms
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria

















If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Bring your reading glasses!
Morpurgo, the third oldest bookstore in the world, calls Split home. The older two are located in Paris and Lisbon.
Split is one of the most exciting places in the entire world. Whether you choose to spend your time here on the hiking adventure of a lifetime, swimming through natural watering holes, buzzing rural trails on an ATV, relaxing on one of Split’s many flawless white sand beaches or experiencing the local culture through food and drink – or creating your own journey with a perfect mix of everything – Split is certainly about to become one of your favorite vacation destinations.
Set Sail the Virgin Way
Set sail the Virgin way and find a new approach to cruise vacations. Select a cruise itinerary and let's sail.
Behind the velvet rope and into your inbox
Oops, something went wrong. Please try again or visit our Contact Us page. You can also:
- Check you've typed your email address correctly.
- Make sure you've checked the signup box.
Success!
You've successfully signed up for our email list... You're in for some treats.