Pula Arena

Visit the ancient amphitheater of Pula, where the inhabitants of the city once gathered to be entertained by gladiators and animal hunts. Beat the crowds and explore this magnificent ancient site with your pre-paid entrance ticket. See an amphitheater that has become the symbol of Pula one of the most popular and beautiful venues in Croatia for events, like concerts, festivals, and even recreation of gladiatorial tournaments in the summer months.  Get access to the permanent exhibition entitled "Istrian Olive and Viticulture in Antiquity" located in the underground area used by the gladiators during their tournaments.  See reproductions of tools and equipment for oil and wine production, such as mills, presses, and sedimentation tanks, as well as amphorae, which were used as packaging for oil and wine transportation.

Discover the most important historical highlights of Pula on a walking tour with a local guide. Visit the Cathedral, the Roman Forum, Augustus Temple, and City Hall. Begin your tour in front of the Pula Arena, and get a brief and informative overview from your guide. Next, continue on to the Pula Castle, built by the Venetians in the 17th century. Learn about its fascinating history and previous inhabitants. From there continue on to the Cathedral, and then to the Roman Forum, including the Augustus Temple and City Hall. See Roman mosaics along the way and visit the Arch of Sergii. Explore the Pula Market, established in the early 1900s, and then head to the ancient Gate of Hercules. Learn insider information as your guide regales you with in-depth knowledge about the history, architecture, culture, and rich heritage of Pula.

Be collected at your accommodation in Zagreb and drive for approximately three hours to Pula. This is the biggest city and the center of the Istrian peninsula. The city was founded by an ancient tribe in the 10th century B.C. and it was well known by Greek travelers and sailors so is mentioned in many Greek myths. In the 1st century, the Romans made the city strong and today the vivid remains of this era can be explored. Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world and will take you back in time as you imagine gladiators battles. Other examples of Roman architecture to discover are the Temple of Augustus and the gates to the city including the Arch of the Sergii and the gate of Hercules.  Continue your journey for 45 minutes to Rovinj. This city was also founded by the Istrian tribes. It was built on a small island close to the mainland and in the 18th was connected to it. It was ruled for five centuries by Venice so both the Italian and Croatian languages are spoken in the city. During this period of occupation, walls were built around the city and the remains are standing still today. Rovinj is a real gem and adored because with every step you take you are compelled to take another photograph. Travel another 45 minutes to Porec. The Old Town is almost 2000 years old and is most famous for the Euphrasian Basilica, from 1997. It is on the UNESCO world heritage list and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istria. Notice the roman influence and architecture in the city as you walk through the main streets, still preserved in their original form.

Situated near the base of the Istrian peninsula, Pula is the largest city in Istria. Its most famous attraction, the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, is one of the most famous sights in the whole of Croatia. Pula, like the rest of the region, it is known for its mild climate, smooth sea, beautiful beaches, and unspoiled nature. Throughout your tour you will come across numerous monuments of Roman architecture: the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi from the 1st century B.C., Hercules’ Gate and Twin Gates, the Temple of Augustus, and the Arena and Small Roman Theatre in the town center. Historical attractions aside, Pula is a busy commercial city on the sea that has managed to retain a friendly small-town appeal. Although marred with residential and holiday developments, the coast is dotted with fragrant pine groves, seaside cafes and a clutch of good restaurants. The main town square offers you the chance to relax in a unique atmosphere, with the square having managed to retain its role as the meeting place since the Augustan Age. Situated on the west coast of Istria, Rovinj is one of the most popular and most developed tourist resorts in Croatia. The old town is built on the island, which was only connected with the mainland in the 18th century. Known as one of the most picturesque and romantic towns on the Mediterranean, over the last few decades Rovinj attracts a large number of tourists, most of them faithfully returning year after year. Rovinj manages to combine its rich tradition with modern times in a very interesting way. As it is also an active fishing port, you can experience the atmosphere of a small fishing village. On the other hand, the town has been developing exquisite gastronomy and offers a high standard of tourist services in general. The city at the foot of the Church of St. Euphemia is the favorite gathering place of artists from around the world. Walking down its streets, you will bump into many art galleries and studios.

My name is Marina, I've been working as a licensed tour guide in Istria for over 15 years and am specialized in guiding german-speaking guests. Experience Pula's highlights in a personalized way through a individualized city tour. We can focus on any topic that may be of interest to you – the local lifestyle, culture, nature or food, whatever it may be, I'm sure we'll have something to talk about. We'll meet up in front of my city's main attaction, an undeniable gem on the mediterranean sea – Pula's roman Amphitheatre. You'll find out what it was built and used for, which goes way beyond the gladiator games. The path will naturally lead us to other antique parts of the city. Besides the Amphitheatre, Pula can proudly count three roman city gates that are still standing up to this day. The Twin, Hercules and Sergii gates – the beautifully preserved details will allow me to reveal the story behind them. As a foodie and passionate cook when it comes to local cuisine, the tour wouldn't be complete without taking you to the Pula farmer's market. It's the place where locals buy and sell products that are native to Istrian soil. While we're already talking about trade, our next point will lead us to the Forum square. It was the roman version of our beloved farmer's market, but not only that – as the heart of every roman city, this is where you will see remains of the August temple and admire our venetian city hall which is also the perfect opportunity to explain why there is a goat on our regional flag. The tour ends with my favourite view of the city – a little higher up, as we visit the city castello. Even if you're not a romantic just joining me for the beautiful view, we're standing by a location of big military importance throughout history. With its pristine loaction it was used by the romans, venetians, austrians and many more in order to protect the city.