Like so many small European cities, you could skirt the issue and wander Rovinj on your own. But why would you come to a beautiful resort town full of history and learn nothing about it? Rovinj is a place where people have no preconceived ideas so your arrival into the hands of this guide will be a blessing. Every quality you look for in a guide will be found right here with this energetic and welcoming person. All this energy and intelligence will be transmitted to you and could easily make Rovinj your favorite of all your Croatian stops.

As you walk from the pier you will learn about the background and the history of this area. Due to multiple barbarian attacks and their general vulnerability, the people developed a densely packed organic urban architecture on the island and people found themselves literally living on top of each other. What resulted was a most interesting walled town that has a distinct look and feel.

Your walk to the old town takes you along the lovely breakwater and the marina. Pretty resorts, restaurants, and shops line the way but most interesting is the market area that sits at the foot of the incline into the old town. You can take a look at the stalls for unusual goods and local products or return after your tour.

The 'climb' is gentle but it is a series of old steep steps so be prepared. The steps quickly turn into uphill gentle paths and you will set the speed. Along the way listen to the history as you take in the views. Once at the top you will arrive at the Church of St. Euphemia dating from 1725. The enormous campanile is the biggest in Istria and a copy of the St. Mark's Square bell tower. Euphemia was a group of early Christians arrested in Chalcedon near Constantinople in AD 304 and they suffered terrible torture. The story is entertaining and makes for good listening as you make your way, after you visit the church, down the other side to the natural harbor and the main square.

After this tour you will have enough information to decide what sites you might want to revisit. When people ask you about Rovinj, you will actually understand where you were and how that fits into the world today.