Solo-ish Summer 2025 Days 56-57: Splitting in Split - a Grand Farewell in Croatia

Our time in Hvar came to a sleepy-eyed close as we boarded an early morning ferry bound for Split. Unlike the relaxed, half-empty ferry that brought us to the island, this one was a full house—backpacks tucked under seats, travelers clutching coffee cups, and every row filled with people making their way back to the mainland.

Once we docked in Split, taxis whisked us to our hotel where we dropped our bags and had a quick refresh before heading back into the city for a walking tour.

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is a vibrant mix of modern life layered on top of deep Roman roots. Our guide, who was both incredibly knowledgeable and infectiously enthusiastic, led us through the heart of it all—Diocletian’s Palace. Far more than a static historical site, the palace is a living, breathing part of the city, filled with shops, cafés, apartments, and local life. Built at the turn of the 4th century AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace served as his retirement residence. Its impressive walls, underground cellars, and peristyle courtyard still stand today, giving us a glimpse into the grandeur of Roman architecture. Standing beneath the towering columns and intricate carvings, it was easy to imagine toga-clad citizens strolling through the stone streets.

After our tour, a few of us stopped for lunch at Sette Sorelle, a cozy spot known for its pizza—and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Crisp crust, fresh toppings, and cold drinks hit the spot after a morning on our feet.

Following a much-needed two-hour break back at the hotel (and maybe a quick nap), I ventured out solo for one last exploration of Split. I found a charming wine bar tucked into a side street and did a small tasting flight of Croatian wines—plavac mali quickly became my favorite. I wandered the market booths lined up along the Riva promenade, browsed local crafts, and soaked in the warm Adriatic breeze as street musicians played in the background. I let myself get happily lost in the narrow alleys of the old town, each turn revealing another tiny courtyard or tucked-away shop.

Our final group dinner was bittersweet. The food, as always, was ok, but the real star of the night was the company. We laughed, recapped favorite moments, and shared stories from the past two weeks. After dinner, a few of us headed out for one last drink, wanting to stretch the evening just a little bit longer. As fate would have it, one of the members from our original group—who had ended their tour a few days earlier—just happened to be in Split and joined us for a final toast. It was a perfect full-circle moment for those able to be there.

Eventually, it was time to head back to the hotel for a few hours of sleep before morning departures. Over breakfast, we said our final goodbyes, hugged, and promised to share photos and keep in touch.

As I write this from the Split airport, waiting for my flight to Zagreb, I’m filled with gratitude. The group travel portion of my journey may be over, but I’ve got five more days of solo adventure ahead before I fly to Copenhagen for the Academy of Management conference. More stories to come—but for now, a quiet moment of reflection and a full heart.