Split: Diocletian's Palace VR Walking Tour with Headset

Diocletian’s Palace VR and Guided Walking Tour in Split

This immersive 80-minute tour in Split combines two fully animated VR films with a guided walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace and its underground chambers, ideal for history enthusiasts and tech-savvy visitors.

Tour Highlights

• Two fully animated VR films totaling approximately 6 minutes, recreating Split in 305 AD
• Experience Roman soldiers and Emperor Diocletian in 360-degree VR scenes
• 80-minute guided walk through Split’s Old Town, underground chambers, and palace ruins
• Licensed local guide narrates 1,700 years of history on foot
• Meta Quest 3 VR headsets fitted by the guide, compatible with prescription glasses

Tour Description

Your journey begins at the Golden Gate, the northern entrance to Diocletian’s Palace. Your licensed guide introduces Emperor Diocletian, a former Roman emperor who retired to this palace after abdication.

Wearing the Meta Quest 3 headset, you enter the first VR film where the Golden Gate appears as it looked in 305 AD with towering marble walls, Egyptian granite columns, and Roman soldiers in full armor. You stand inside a 360-degree cinematic moment, viewing the ancient stones beneath your feet.

After removing the headset, the guide leads you through the medieval streets of Split’s Old Town. Discover how a Roman military fortress evolved into a living city, passing courtyards where ancient Roman walls meet Renaissance and modern architecture. Your guide highlights Latin inscriptions, Roman building techniques, and traces of daily life spanning seventeen centuries. The walk ends at the Peristyle, the palace’s grand ceremonial center.

Put the headset back on for the second VR film. The Peristyle transforms back to its Roman splendor with marble columns, the Protiron entrance, Egyptian sphinxes, and citizens dressed in Roman attire. Emperor Diocletian addresses the crowd as they chant “AVE DIOCLETIANE” all around you.

The tour continues past the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, originally Diocletian’s mausoleum and now one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in continuous use. Descend into the palace’s underground chambers, among the best preserved Roman interiors, then finish at the Riva waterfront.

The two VR films offer cinematic highlights of your walking tour. Each headset is personally fitted by the guide, and you stand safely in one spot during VR scenes while using a simple handheld controller. No technical experience is required, and headsets accommodate prescription glasses.

What’s Included

• Meta Quest 3 VR headset for two VR scenes
• Licensed English-speaking guide for the entire tour
• Historically accurate 3D reconstruction of the Golden Gate in 305 AD
• Full VR reconstruction of the Peristyle with Emperor Diocletian, Empress Prisca, and Roman soldiers
• Guided walking tour through Diocletian’s Palace and Split’s UNESCO Old Town
• Entry and guided tour of the palace underground chambers
• Personal headset fitting before each VR scene
• Handheld controller to interact with VR scenes while standing safely
• Headsets compatible with prescription glasses
• Expert storytelling covering 1,700 years of Roman and Split history
• Visit to Cathedral of Saint Domnius
• Local recommendations from your guide at tour end

What’s Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Important Information

• No prior technical experience required to use VR headsets
• Headsets work over prescription glasses
• During VR scenes you remain in one spot, exploring with a handheld controller explained by your guide
• Mixed reality technology allows you to see your real surroundings throughout the VR scenes
• Please inform your guide of any visual, hearing, or mobility conditions before the tour
• The tour may be rescheduled or refunded in case of rain, as VR headsets cannot be used outdoors in wet conditions

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunglasses. Morning or late afternoon tours offer cooler temperatures and softer light for exploring Split’s streets.