Explore Pula on your own

Unforgettable Venice from Pula with transfer

Built on more than 100 islands, Venice is famed for its network of dusky-blue canals, lined with elaborate architecture and criss-crossed by beautiful stone bridges. And this day trip from Istria to Venice sees you crossing the Adriatic Sea by boat for a chance to explore with free time in this romantic Italian city.You'll arrive in style into San Basilio pier, right in the heart of Venice, to begin your discovery of 'La Serenissima.' As you wander through this fabled place, there's plenty of time to spot some of the city's highlights. Don't miss the legendary St Mark's Square – a piazza dominated by the beautiful Byzantine basilica of St Mark and its belfry.Maybe take a gondola ride, find as many bridges as you can and dip in and out of classic eateries – there's loads to do here. You'll make your own way to the port to leave Venice in the early evening and return to Croatia having seen one of Italy's top cities.

Ancient Istria Tour from Rovinj including Pula and Lunch

At the crossroads between Latin and Slavic Europe, Istria offers up the best of both worlds. It packs a lot into its small territory, so this tour shows off the best bits – rustic villages, Roman ruins, Byzantine basilicas and a taste of its world-class food scene. You'll visit Pula, Gržini and Poreč, enjoying scenic landscapes between stops. Karla, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll get to see a side of Istria that most visitors miss when you visit Gržini village for a homemade lunch. You'll taste maneštra – a traditional Istrian country dish – and drink malvazija, the ‘queen' of Istrian wines, in a farm-to-table restaurant.'Kick off the day in Pula, spread around a bay in the south of the peninsula. This storied town is home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, but that's just the tip of the iceberg – Pula boasts a wealth of ancient relics. Must-sees include the Temple of Augustus and the triumphal arch, while there are also Byzantine and baroque churches as well as a Habsburg fortress.Next, we'll head inland to the hamlet of Gržini for a traditional Istrian lunch, washed down with local wine, before returning to the coast to explore Poreč. Set on a compact headland, we'll walk the old Roman streets of Decumanus and Cardo Maximus up to the most important monument in town – the Euphrasian basilica, one of the most beautifully preserved monuments of early Byzantine art in the Mediterranean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

LED kayak night tour

As the sun goes down, your kayak becomes a glowing window into Pula's coastline. In a clear, LED-lit kayak, you'll paddle along as the sky changes colour from golden skies into starlight, spotting jellyfish, sea urchins and quiet night life you'd never see during the day. Guided by local experts, you'll join a small, friendly group and enjoy a tour that includes professional photos and videos to capture the magic.

Half-day see-through kayak tour from Histria Beach

There's something special about gliding over water you can actually see through. And, on this see-through kayak tour, you'll experience it for yourself. Starting at Histria Beach, you'll paddle towards Verudela Canyon, spotting marine life and coral reefs drifting by under your feet. With experienced guides, this two-hour tour is easy for beginners, welcoming for families and perfect for anyone who wants to check out Pula's marine side without getting drenched.

Unforgettable Venice from Rovinj

Built on more than 100 islands, Venice is famed for its network of dusky-blue canals, lined with elaborate architecture and criss-crossed by beautiful stone bridges. And this day trip from Istria to Venice sees you crossing the Adriatic Sea by boat for a chance to explore with free time in this romantic Italian city.You'll arrive in style into San Basilio pier, right in the heart of Venice, to begin your discovery of 'La Serenissima.' As you wander through this fabled place, there's plenty of time to spot some of the city's highlights. Don't miss the legendary St Mark's Square – a piazza dominated by the beautiful Byzantine basilica of St Mark and its belfry.Maybe take a gondola ride, find as many bridges as you can and dip in and out of classic eateries – there's loads to do here. You'll make your own way to the port to leave Venice in the early evening and return to Croatia having seen one of Italy's top cities.

Unforgettable Venice from Umag with transfer

Built on more than 100 islands, Venice is famed for its network of dusky-blue canals, lined with elaborate architecture and criss-crossed by beautiful stone bridges. And this day trip from Istria to Venice sees you crossing the Adriatic Sea by boat for a chance to explore with free time in this romantic Italian city.You'll arrive in style into San Basilio pier, right in the heart of Venice, to begin your discovery of 'La Serenissima.' As you wander through this fabled place, there's plenty of time to spot some of the city's highlights. Don't miss the legendary St Mark's Square – a piazza dominated by the beautiful Byzantine basilica of St Mark and its belfry.Maybe take a gondola ride, find as many bridges as you can and dip in and out of classic eateries – there's loads to do here. You'll make your own way to the port to leave Venice in the early evening and return to Croatia having seen one of Italy's top cities.

Unforgettable Venice from Porec

Built on more than 100 islands, Venice is famed for its network of dusky-blue canals, lined with elaborate architecture and criss-crossed by beautiful stone bridges. And this day trip from Istria to Venice sees you crossing the Adriatic Sea by boat for a chance to explore with free time in this romantic Italian city.You'll arrive in style into San Basilio pier, right in the heart of Venice, to begin your discovery of 'La Serenissima.' As you wander through this fabled place, there's plenty of time to spot some of the city's highlights. Don't miss the legendary St Mark's Square – a piazza dominated by the beautiful Byzantine basilica of St Mark and its belfry.Maybe take a gondola ride, find as many bridges as you can and dip in and out of classic eateries – there's loads to do here. You'll make your own way to the port to leave Venice in the early evening and return to Croatia having seen one of Italy's top cities.

Explore Pula on your own

Pula's romantic atmosphere is palpable. Walking through the ancient cobblestone streets makes it impossible not to be captivated by the beauty of Pula's rich cultural heritage. The Augustus Templum stands tall, a testament to the city's illustrious past, while the Twin Gates are a testament to the town's past glory. Music drifts through the air, inviting visitors to come and join in the fun on open-air terraces where you can soak up the warm Mediterranean climate and a glass of fine Istrian wine. But it's the iconic Roman amphitheatre Arena that truly takes the cake. Built over 2,000 years ago, this magnificent structure is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient engineers.Today, it remains a beloved symbol of the city, drawing visitors from all over the world to marvel at its grandeur and splendour. Whether you choose to explore Pula's rich history and culture or tuck into its delicious cuisine and lively nightlife, this city is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

Brijuni National Park 6-hour boating and swimming tour

Discover the National Park of Brijuni, embark on a 2-hour cruise along the 14 islands and enjoy a 4-hour swimming break in the magical fishing town Fažana.

Istrian hilltop villages tour with local speciality tasting

Legend has it that in the Mirna valley lived giants who each built a hilltop hamlet. And this tour takes you to two of them. Istria's green hills are a place of mythical beauty, and nowhere more so than in the fairytale villages of Grožnjan and Oprtalj. Ivana, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Grožnjan was suffering from depopulation in the middle of the 20th century, so artists and musicians were encouraged to come and use its empty houses as studios. Today, there are about 40 ateliers and a popular summer music festival. Adding to the cultural mix, both villages have strong Italian communities.'Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through Istria's hills to Grožnjan – the artists' colony straddling a ridge. Wander its cluster of lanes lined with handsome stone-built homes, looking out for ancient churches and palaces. If you like arty souvenirs, the many galleries and shops are a great place to browse for handmade gifts such as jewellery, prints, textiles and fine art.Next, it's time to take a break with a tasting of local Istrian delicacies, along with wine and olive oil at a typical tavern. Rounding off the day is a visit to peaceful Oprtalj. With a long history stretching back to Roman times, there's a clutch of historic buildings to admire, including the Venetian loggia and the 16th-century St George's church, located at the top of the hill overlooking the town. When you arrive at Oprtalj, your guide will show you around steep stone alleys boasting countryside views.