For Split cruise guests there are two ways to do the classic shore excursion to Split old town and medieval Trogir: a private tour for up to 8 people at €310 for the whole group, or a small-group tour at €72 per person. Same cities, same guide calibre, same on-time-return guarantee. The decision is almost entirely about group size and price per head.
The price math, in plain numbers
The tipping point is three to four travellers. Below that, small-group is cheaper. From four up, private is cheaper per head and throws in a private vehicle.
| Travellers | Small-group total | Private total | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 adult | €72 | €310 | Small group |
| 2 adults | €144 | €310 | Small group |
| 3 adults | €216 | €310 | Small group (just) |
| 4 adults | €288 | €310 | Essentially tied — private wins on value |
| Family of 5 (3 adults + 2 kids) | €288+ (kid rates vary) | €310 | Private |
| 6 adults | €432 | €310 | Private |
| 8 adults (max private) | €576 | €310 | Private by far |
What you get with small-group
- A shared minibus with up to 14 guests total (most departures run 8–12)
- A fixed itinerary — Split walk, drive to Trogir, Trogir walk, brief free time, drop-off near the cruise terminal
- Licensed local guide handling the full route
- Drop-off 5 minutes on foot from the Split cruise terminal
What you get with private
- A private air-conditioned vehicle — you and your group, nobody else
- Dedicated driver-guide who answers to your group only
- Flexible itinerary — add a lunch stop, slow the pace, skip a site, photograph for longer, take the scenic detour through Kaštela Bay
- Dockside pickup right at the terminal exit with a personal name sign
- Guaranteed on-time return with padding for your ship's all-aboard
Who private is best for
- Families of four or more — the price math works in your favour and the kid-pace flexibility is worth real money
- Anyone with mobility preferences — you control the walking intensity and the breaks
- Photographers, history enthusiasts, or anyone who wants extra time at one site
- Groups of friends who want their own social bubble without strangers
- Anyone who gets anxious about missing the ship — direct driver, direct schedule, zero coordination with a larger group
Who small-group is best for
- Solo cruisers — €72 pp is hard to beat and you get some company along the way
- Couples on a careful cruise budget — €144 for two vs €310 for the whole van
- Travellers who enjoy meeting other cruise guests
- Anyone who is happy to follow a fixed pace and prefers to save money over extra flexibility
What is identical between the two
- Same two cities — Split with Diocletian's Palace and medieval Trogir
- Same licensed local guides
- Same on-time-return guarantee
- Same air-conditioned transport
- Same cancellation terms through Bokun (free cancellation up to 24h before for most products)
A quick decision rule
- One or two of you? Book small-group. No contest on price.
- Three of you? Still slightly cheaper small-group, but the private offers more comfort for €94 extra — decide on preference.
- Four or more, or you want full flexibility? Book private. It is genuinely the better product for you.
Frequently asked
Is the private tour actually worth double the small-group price?
For two adults it usually isn't — the small group comes to €144 vs the private €310. For a family of four or five, the private is cheaper per person (€310 ÷ 4 = €77.50) AND you get the flexibility. The tipping point is three to four people.
How big is the small group, really?
Capped at 14 people, most departures run with 8–12. The vehicle is a comfortable minibus. You'll get to know the other guests a little, but the guide still gives personal attention.
Can I change the itinerary on a private tour?
Yes. That's the main reason people book private. Extra time at Diocletian's basement, skip a cathedral entry, add a lunch stop, slower pace for older travellers — your guide adjusts in real time.
Do both tours have the same on-time-return guarantee?
Identical. Both use the same ship schedule tracking and the same drivers who have run this route for a decade. The guarantee is not a feature of private tours only.
Are small groups ever cancelled for low participation?
Very rarely in peak season (May–September). In shoulder months, if only two people are booked a few days before departure, you may be offered a discounted upgrade to private rather than cancellation. In ten years we have never cancelled on a guest.