Bus from PULA to Dresden

Pula may not be the largest city of Croatia, but it takes the 8^th spot when it comes to size and is the largest city of Istria with population counting 57, 460 citizens and more. What makes Pula distinctive among other Croatian cities is its tradition of winemaking, fishing, shipbuilding, and booming tourism. In addition, it has also been Istria's administrative centre since ancient Roman times. While to an unobserving eye Pula may seem like a usual workday city, wealthy Roman architecture makes Pula stand out not just in Croatia, but worldwide. The star of the show is the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, smack in the heart of the city, which dominates the streetscape and doubles as a venue for summer concerts and festivals.

Amphitheatre: Pula’s most famous and imposing sight situated in the heart of the city is this 1st-century oval amphitheatre, which lies above the harbour northeast of the old town. This mesmerizing construction, made completely out of local limestone, is called the Arena by locals and tourists alike. Throughout history it was used for hosting gladiatorial contests. With the capacity to accommodate around 20,000 spectators. Nowadays, Arena represents Istria's popular tourist attraction, but it is also the place of mass entertainment events, such as concerts and competitions.

Lightning Giants: A sight not to be missed while visiting Pula is its star evening attraction, a lighting display at the city's 19th-century Uljanik shipyard, regarded as  one of the world's oldest working docks. Renowned lighting designer Dean Skira has lit up the shipyard's iconic cranes in 16,000 different colour shades, which bring them to life four times every evening on the specified hour and last for 15 minutes.

Temple of the Augustus: While this temple is the only visible remnant from the Roman era on the Forum, it was regarded as Pula’s central meeting place from antiquity through the Middle Ages, and it has still preserved this function today. The temple, whose building process took a lot of time to finish, from 2 BC to AD 14, is open to public throughout the year,  now housing a small museum of Roman sculpture with the occasional temporary show.

Zerostrasse: This underground system of tunnels was built before and during WWI to shelter the city's population and serve as storage for ammunition. Now tourists can walk through several of its sections, which all lead to the middle, where a photo exhibition shows early aviation in Pula. 

Triumphal Arch of Sergii: While it cannot bear the title of the oldest Roman monument, this triumphal arch that was built in honor of the powerful Sergii family’s participation in the pivotal Battle of Actium in France. It dates to about 30 BC and despite its great age. The arch has preserved its shape till today.. When it was built the arch was a city gate leading up from the naval port. Carved into the stone are friezes depicting cupids and garlands, and just beneath this you can still spot a relief of a horse-drawn battle chariot.

Kastel, a Venetian fortress overlooking Pula, dates from the 1600s. The powerful-looking walls which leave every visitor speechless were designed in a star configuration, which was a state-of-the-art design in order to repel artillery after the arrival of gunpowder. Kastel was created with the purpose to serve as Venetians’ main stronghold, defending Pula’s harbour as well as the entire upper Adriatic.

Situated inside the Austro-Hungarian fortress Verudela, Pula’s Aquarium is regarded as the largest in Croatia. The aquarium is a useful option for rainy days or the hottest afternoons in summer, as well as a magnificent place for those traveling with children. Blending neatly with the fort’s stone architecture, tanks with freshwater and marine species native to Croatia and the Adriatic, together with tropical displays, a turtle rescue centre (the only one to be found in Croatia) and an entire room devoted to sea horses, are an unforgettable sight. The centerpiece of the attraction is the shark tank, which is found in the former atrium of the fortress.

Historical attractions aside, Pula is a busy commercial city on the sea that has managed to retain a friendly small-town appeal. It is conveniently located and with a short bus ride, a series of beaches can be reached at the resorts that occupy the Verudela Peninsula to the south. Further south along the indented shoreline, the Premantura Peninsula hides a spectacular nature park, the protected cape of Kamenjak.

 

DRESDEN

The city of Dresden is the state capital of the Free State of Saxony and, with its population of over 500,000, is one of the medium-sized German cities. The history of the settlements dates back to the Stone Age, the city was founded in 1206. Today, Dresden is both the cultural and economic center of Saxony. The city has become famous through the Dresden Christstollen, which enjoys a great popularity during the Christmas season.

Dresden is famous for its sightseeing spots that attract a great number of tourists every year:

 The Dresden Frauenkirche (The Church of Our Lady): The Dresden Frauenkirche is the symbol of the Saxon state capital and was built within 17 years and completed in 1743. In the Second World War the impressive church was almost completely destroyed by a huge fire. After the reconstruction, which lasted from 1994 to 2005, it now shines again in its new splendor and is a popular excursion destination of Dresden. Especially from the air-balloon over Saxony, the Frauenkirche looks particularly beautiful!

Dresden Residence Castle: The Dresden Residence Castle is one of the historical buildings of the city whose history dates back to the 14th century. Visitors can visit the Green Vault and the New  Green Vault, where valuable art treasures are exhibited.

Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr: The Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr is one of the largest museums of the German military and was opened in 1877. Here, visitors can learn everything about German military history from its beginnings to modern days. Well-known exhibit is the Brandtaucher (Fire Diver), the first German submarine which Dreiller Wilhelm Bauer developed and built in 1850.

Ufa Crystal Palace: The Ufa Crystal Palace is a Cinema center in the city center, which has an extraordinary architectural design with a glass exterior facade. It is located in the Prague street and was opened in March 1998. The Cinema center has 8 cinemas with 2,700 seats for relaxation.

The Blue Miracle: The Blue Miracle is the Loschwitz Bridge and one of the most famous bridge structures in Dresden. The bridge was built in 1893 and connects the noble districts of Blasewitz and Loschwitz with a length of 280 meters.

The Transparent Factory: itis the production facility for Volkswagen's top-class car VW Phaeton. The publicly accessible Autowerk at the Großen Garten is home to the hotel and was opened in 2002. There is a restaurant and a bar for the culinary delights.

The Neue Kugelhaus is located directly at Dresden's main railway station and is an attractive shopping center in the form of a glass ball. There are over 30 shops on 4 floors, which offer a special shopping experience.

The Semper Opera House: The Semper Opera is the court and state opera of the Saxony, whose history dates back to the year 1841. Regular concerts and operettas are held there, including performances by well-known artists such as Richard Wagner.