Foundations of Empire

Trace the footsteps of emperors and ancient settlers as you journey through the historic layers of Split and the evocative ruins of Salona — two sites that shaped the cultural heart of Dalmatia.

Your experience begins in Split, a city where modern life flows through Roman stone. At its center stands Diocletian’s Palace, the chosen retreat of the Roman emperor who redefined the region’s legacy. This sprawling complex — a living UNESCO site — reveals 1,700 years of uninterrupted history, where bustling cafés, artisan shops, and vibrant markets thrive within ancient walls.

From the pulse of Split, you’ll venture to Salona, once a flourishing capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Though time has weathered its structures, the soul of the city endures. Walk among the remnants of temples, basilicas, fortifications, and a once-grand amphitheater, and imagine the grandeur of a metropolis that rivaled some of Rome’s greatest provincial cities. Scattered across the site are poignant relics of early Christian martyrs, adding spiritual depth to the archaeological majesty.