Bus from PULA to FRANKFURT

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.

Frankfurt, the fifth largest city in Germany, has plenty to offer. A cosmopolitan city with historical and modern sights is waiting for you. The city is located southwest Germany in the most important economic area. Frankfurt is located at the northern end of the Upper Rhine Deep Plateau, one of the warmest regions in Germany.

If you want to visit Frankfurt, you should do the following:

Take a look at the city from the Main Tower - If you are coming to Frankfurt for the first time and want to orient yourself in the foreign city, than the Main Tower is the most highest place where you should start. The two observation platforms of the skyscraper make it possible to get an overview of all the districts and the surrounding area around Frankfurt.

Watch the colorful hustle and bustle at the Römerberg - The Römerberg as well as the city hall of Frankfurt, the Römer, are the most famous landmarks of the Mainmetropolis. Just because of the staircase-shaped three-peaked front of the Römer, countless tourists are flooding the historic town square. Located directly in the center of the old town, the Römerberg is the ideal starting point to start an exploration tour through Frankfurt.

Visit the Paulskirche in Frankfurt - German history comes to life in the Frankfurt's Paulskirche: on 18 May 1848 the first freely elected National Assembly met in the Paulskirche during the German Revolution. Today it represents  the foundation stone for democracy in Germany. Nowadays a permanent exhibition provides interesting information on the beginnings of democracy up to the development of German unity.

Relax in the exotic Palm garden - In order to escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours, a trip to the Palmengarten is an option. In the largest botanical garden in Germany everyone finds a quiet place. Surrounded by rare flowers and colorful plants, it is easy to come to rest and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.

Enjoy a delicious "Ebbelwoi" - This hessian national drink is, of course, also served in Frankfurt. If you want to taste the delicious specialty, you should make your way to Sachsenhausen. Many old restaurants and traditional cider vine stores are lined up in old Sachsenhausen. With cold "Ebbelwoi" Frankfurter usually order substantial amount of food, such as ribs with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.

Climb on the Goethe Tower (Goetheturm) - After climbing 196 staircases, you have reached the observation tower built entirely of wood. Next to the view of the famous Frankfurt skyline from a height of 43 meters, an adjacent forest playground attracts families with children to the Goethe Tower.

Discover Frankfurt from the water - With a boat trip on the River Main you can experience Frankfurt from its most beautiful side. In a relaxed atmosphere, the ships sail along historic landmarks and pass through secluded landscapes or urban architecture. Even if you have already walked the sights on foot, you discover the Mainmetropole from a completely new perspective on the water.

Frankfurt is versatile – with business, trade fairs, shopping on one side, and culture, cosiness and traditions on the other, Frankfurt offers something for everyone.