Pittoreskes Kroatien - Pula und Dubrovnik

About the destination: Effortlessly marrying the attractions of beach and sun with centuries of history and culture, Pula is an excellent holiday choice. Once the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s chief naval base, Pula is an engaging combination of working port and brash Riviera town that has managed to retain a friendly small-town appeal. The highlight of the city is definitely the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. It is the sixth largest amphitheatre in the world and was constructed in the first century BC. The amphitheatre itself is spectacular and it present the perfect backdrop for plenty of pictures. The Forum is the main square in the centre of the city, where the Temple of Augustus and the Town Hall are located, in addition to some of Pula's more famous cafés. The Forum is the perfect place to start or to end exploring Pula or for the first morning coffee or for the last drink in the hot summer nights. The Triumphal arch of Sergii is another reminder of the Roman settlement. This majestic arch was built in 27 BC to commemorate 3 members of the Sergii family who held important official duties in Pula. Walking along the short and narrow streets of the old town is a good opportunity to see the succession of styles and exterior influences in the city. There's a lot to see in Pula. It's not all about Roman remains and historic monuments. Pula today is a lively busy city that smoothly combines past and present.

About the destination: George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “the pearl of the Adriatic, a paradise on earth”, and, indeed, it may be one of the most beautiful cities you’ll ever see. Largely built and long inhabited by Venetians, Dubrovnik possesses a stately charm and striking architectural unity that draw thousands of visitors every summer. Founded in 7th century, Dubrovnik stood amid a great forest of oak trees, from which it took its name. Take a walk atop the old city walls for vistas of the old town and the surrounding coast. Just before exiting the old town through the western gate, turn right to visit the Franciscan Monastery and peaceful cloisters. Just inside the entrance is the oldest European pharmacy, founded in 1371. In the northern corner of the old city is the Dominican Cloister and Museum, with a polyptych by Titian. The impressive Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary stands in the centre of Poljana Marin Držić and its treasury can be visited; look for the work by Raphael. Dubrovnik has warm, crystalline waters; don’t just admire it from a distance and take a dive. The intrepid can dive and sunbathe along the rocks or swim around the walls of the city while others gawk above. Dubrovnik’s impressive battlements gleam in the early morning light, but by early afternoon, the sea’s clear blue waters beckon you away from the city and its tourist din. If you can stand the crunch, you, too, may find a piece of heaven.