Located on the Istrian Peninsula, Pula has always been prized for its strategic position on the coast. It was developed with a natural harbour during Augustus\u2019 reign, and the Venetians and the Austro-Hungarian Empires later made use of this defensive spot. As a result, Pula is filled with inspiring Roman ruins and beautiful old buildings – perfect for a few days of Eurail sightseeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the lover of antiquity, lose yourself in Arena, one of the most complete amphitheatres in the world and the venue for tournaments in the medieval ages, before moving on to the town\u2019s Augustan ruins: the Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Augustus. The former is carved with garlands and a horse-drawn chariot to celebrate the Sergii family\u2019s involvement in the Battle of Actium; the latter is well-preserved after this pagan temple was converted into a church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other things to see include the Venetian fortress of Kastel, which is one of the venues for the Pula International Film Festival. Kastel\u2019s impressive walls were designed in a star shape to effectively repel heavy artillery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the break-up of Yugoslavia in 1991 and the end of the ensuing power struggles, Dubrovnik became one of the Mediterranean\u2019s most popular destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Controlled by the Republic of Rasgusa from the 14th-19th century, the city was a naval powerhouse. Go to the Maritime Museum, set in St. John\u2019s Fortress, to learn about the city\u2019s merchants, its astonishing naval wealth and one of the world\u2019s largest fleets in the 16th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any trip to Dubrovnik would be wasted without walking around the old city walls: a stroll along the battlements offers the visitor commanding views out to sea and won\u2019t take too long, as they are just over one mile in length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finish off your day with a swim on the island of Lokrum, a nature reserve just 600 metres off the coast. You can get there by catching a boat from Dubrovnik\u2019s old port anytime from April to October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plitvice National Park was included on the UNESCO World Heritage register in 1979 and with good reason: its sixteen terraced lakes, in their distinctive colours, are a marvel to behold, connected by waterfalls and surrounded by a carpet of forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can explore the park\u2019s phenomenal natural beauty through its 36km of walkways or by boat. There are seven different routes exploring the lake system and four walking trails, leaving you lots of choice to get close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reaching Kor\u010dula, the supposed birthplace of renowned explorer Marco Polo and the sixth largest Croatian island, requires a short ferry ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If windsurfing isn\u2019t your thing, rent a bike instead and gently pedal around this charming island. Heading southeast from Korcula Town, you won\u2019t be challenged by any hills and you\u2019ll see the picturesque Lumbarda vineyard; if, on the other hand, you want a test, the path up to the fishing village of Racisce is the one for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korcula Old Town has often been compared to Dubrovnik, with its red-roofed Venetian buildings and medieval walls. Following a look at the Gothic-Renaissance St Mark\u2019s Cathedral, have a well-earned break in a local restaurant with a glass of the region\u2019s famed white wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just up the coast from Pula, the small town of Rovinj is arguably Istria\u2019s most glamorous, packed with good restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Of the latter, the pick of the bunch is the Rovinj Heritage Museum with its fine collection of Italian art dating from the 1400s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to hawk for some souvenirs or picnic food, then head to the fruit-and-vegetable market of Trg Valdibora. Here, you\u2019ll be tempted to buy honey, lavender oil, local wines, grappa or, possibly a painting or two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the quirkier things you can do during your stay is to dive at the site of the Baron Guatsch shipwreck. The Baron Guatsch was a Habsburg ship that was destroyed by an Austro-Hungarian mine at the beginning of World War I and sunk to a depth of thirty five meters. Alternatively, you can remain above water and go on a leisurely fishing trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/eurailplanner.com\/uploads\/post\/5b51cfe8189eb.jpg\")
Dubrovnik<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plitvice National Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Kor\u010dula<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rovinj<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n