Pula Shore Excursions
Below is a small sample of the shore excursions available to you in Pula, Croatia.
Contact Susan Bluhm for details or specialty tours.
A Stroll through Pula
On the southernmost part of the Istrian Peninsula, according to local legend, Jason and Medea founded the town of Polai—the source of life. Later the Romans changed it into a divine town "for the pleasure of the rich." Today it is simply known as Pula. Your guide will offer some interesting insights into the 3,000-year-old history of what is one of the oldest towns in Europe. Nowawdays, this busy city is best known for its many surviving ancient Roman ruins, the most famous and best preserved of which is the magnificent 1st-century Roman amphitheatre. Known locally as the Arena, this is the sixth-largest amphitheatre in the world. The amphitheatre is still used today for summer film festivals. Continue your walking tour with visits to other notable and well-preserved ancient Roman structures including the Sergius Archand, the temple to the god Apollo, built in honor of the 1st-century Roman emperor Caesar Augustus. Don’t miss the Roman city gates and walls, and a Byzantine chapel nearby, before you return to the ship.
Brijuni National Park
Travel by coach from Pula to the port of Fazana. In Fazana you will step aboard a boat that will take you across the sea to the Brijuni archipelago—a National Park consisting of two main islands and 12 smaller islets. The rich archaeological findings suggest that the islands have been continuously inhabited from the second century BC until the present day. In 1893, Austrian industrialist Paul Kupelwieser bought the islands and turned them into a resort destination—including hotels, entertainment facilities, a stud farm and various sports grounds, including an 18-hole golf course. The Brijuni Islands are famous for their green flora and all year round pleasant climate, as well as the rare harmony that exists between the natural and man-made elements. In 1978, a safari park was founded on the northern edge of Veliki Brijun. Various exotic animals and birds live here in a large enclosed space, while pheasants and peacocks run wild. Step ashore for some sightseeing on the main island; then you will return to Pula via Fazana.
Pula, Rovinj & Folklore
Istria is the stuff of romance—a mystical beauty perfectly bedecked with medieval hilltop towns and coastal towns that lend authenticity to the term "breathtaking." Everywhere in Istria are the flavors of wine, herbs, wildflowers and the delicious, flavorsome traditional homemade foods that make for an unforgettable taste experience. You’ll begin by exploring Rovijn, whose Old Town marches relentlessly up one side of a bulbous outcropping and descends precipitously to the protected and picturesque harbor on the other. Next you’ll head inland to the pretty town of Sveti Petar u Sumi. It is surrounded by a hilly landscape and wooded valleys, and this fortified hilltop village is fully laden with its share of history. Ancient city walls, an early-Renaissance Benedictine monastery and a wealth of Baroque buildings illustrate the passage of time through the architectural medium. In addition to its cultural heritage, Sveti Petar u Sumi offers the chance to indulge in a taste of Croatia at a rural estate nearby. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch of perfectly balanced flavors, as you are entertained with local folklore and music. This afternoon, on the southernmost part of the Istrian Peninsula, you will find Pula—a charming city in its own right but undoubtedly best known for its many surviving ancient Roman buildings. The most famous of these is the first-century amphitheatre—it is the sixth largest of its kind in the world and is so well preserved, it would be easy to think the Romans were here just yesterday.
Seaside Resort of Porec & Wine Tasting
By international standards, Poreč is a wonderful cultural and historical jewel. Today’s town plan dates from the Roman times, when the city was laid out the city in 50 BC. Following the typical Roman planning model, Poreč has two main intersecting streets—Cardo and Decumanus—and even today these are the backbone of the Old Town. Your walking tour will include the Episcopal complex of the Euphrasian Basilica (6th century)—the most valuable monument in Poreč. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Marafor—the oldest part of the town—you will see two Roman temples, the House of Two Saints, the Istrian Parliament Building, and the Leoni and Zuccato Palaces. You will have some free time to explore this charming little town on your own. Next, set out on a scenic drive through the Istria hinterland to the village of Sveti Lovrec. Your destination is the wine cellar of the Matosevic family—well-known Croatian wine producers. Sample some of their finest wines accompanied by some homemade cheese and Istrian pršut (prosciutto). This half-day excursion is a lovely way to spend the day in Istria.
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