Pula: Ancient Roman Secrets & Hidden Gems Walking Tour

We took in the Arena and walked the old town along the route described in the website with a guide named Miriam while on a Rick Steves Tour of the Adriatic. I am guessing a bit, but I believe this is the guide we used. I have already described our tour of the amphitheatre on that page, so I will begin in the Titov Park where there is a bronze relief map of Pula where our guide pointed out the route we would take and the more significant sites. She also explained more of the history of the town from pre-Roman, Roman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian and Tito periods. The tour then took us down Kandlerova ul to the Forum square and into Ul Sergijevaca until we reached the Arco del Sergei. From there we walked up Giardini and back to the amphitheatre where the bus was parked. The route takes you past an array of different architecture including of course Roman such as the Temple of Augustus in the Forum or Grad Pula. But there are also Venetian buildings with their typical balconies and carved lions, Austro-Hungarian buildings with baroque finishes, the more utilitarian buildings of Tito's time, and modern architecture built or renovated more recently following the war. The guide pointed out the hospital and a curious park in front of it dedicated to writers and artists (reflective of the art school next door), the Cathedral and bell tower, and routes up to the castle up narrow side streets. She pointed out Agrippina's house and stopped at the mosaic floor called the Punishment of Dirce which is tucked behind some shops. She pointed out good restaurants and cafes, stopped at the market (which was closed) and finally reached the Arco del Sergei which was built in Roman times by a wealthy family and has dedications to family members. For the short time we had available, the tour was enlightening and very enjoyable.

<p>I love history and have been on many Viatour Small-Group Walking Tours in different countries. Whilst our guide was very good and knowledgeable, this tour was so very simple that it would have been far cheaper to buy the guided headset for the Ampitheatre. The walk around the town is literally a circle - you could not get lost and, on a value for money basis, I do not think the price was warranted.</p>