Experience the enchanting Croatian mainland! Explore historic cities like Zagreb and Osijek, marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Kopacki Rit and Plitvice National Park, and discover hidden gems like Ilok and Djakovo. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this stunning region as you visit Vukovar and Lonjsko Polje. Join us for an unforgettable 8-day, 7-night adventure that will leave you captivated by the wonders of Croatia’s mainland.
ZAGREB – OSIJEK – KOPACKI RIT – ILOK – VUKOVAR – DJAKOVO – LONJSKO POLJE – PLITVICE – ZAGREB
8 days | 7 nights
Day 1: Zagreb – Osijek (280 km)
Arrival in Zagreb. Meet the tour guide and depart for Osijek, the largest town in Slavonia, the eastern region of Croatia.
Check-in at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel or one of the local restaurants (we recommend dinner in the ethno village of Karanac). Overnight stay.
Day 2: Baranja (100 km)
After breakfast, head towards the Baranja region, specifically the Nature Park “Kopacki Rit,” a globally significant marsh reserve at the mouth of the Drava River into the Danube.
A part of Kopacki Rit is designated as a special zoological reserve.
The best way to experience the beauty and nature of Kopacki Rit is through small boat tours that take you through the Special Zoological Reserve.
After the sightseeing, have lunch at a local restaurant (which offers culinary specialties of Baranja cuisine such as fish stew with homemade noodles and spit-roasted carp).
After lunch, continue to Tikves. This castle is located inside the Park and was built by the Hapsburgs in the second half of the 19th century.
Today, the castle serves as the European Centre for Environment, focusing on the protection, research, and monitoring of nature and the environment, as well as bioecological education.
Proceed to the famous wine cellars of Suza and Zmajevac.
These unique wine cellars, known as “gators,” were first built in the 17th century. They are dug into the hill slopes and resemble tunnels. The temperature inside is always constant, making them ideal for wine storage. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour and an opportunity to sample snacks and wine.
Dinner and overnight stay in Osijek.
Day 3: Ilok Wine Cellars (170 km)
After breakfast, depart for Ilok, a beautiful small town located in the easternmost part of Croatia, on the slopes of Fruska Gora Hill, above the Danube River.
Ilok has a rich history with interesting cultural contrasts within its medieval town, one of the largest urban and fortification complexes in Northern Croatia and the Danube basin. However, Ilok is primarily known as the Danube kingdom of wine. A must-see place in Ilok is the Odescalchi Castle.
The castle is an impressive building constructed on the foundations of King Nikola Ilocki’s 15th-century castle.
After lunch, visit the most famous wine cellars, the attractive Old Cellars of Ilok (Stari ilocki podrumi), located in the medieval town center. These cellars were built by the Princes Odescalchi in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Ilok is particularly renowned for its traminac and silvanac wines, which were served at the English Court during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Dinner and overnight stay in Osijek.
Day 4: Osijek – Vukovar (90 km)
After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour of Osijek, the administrative and economic center of Eastern Croatia, situated on the right bank of the Drava River. It is the country’s fourth-largest city.
Continue to Vukovar, the largest river port in Croatia, located at the confluence of the Vuka River and the Danube. Vukovar suffered heavy damage during the Croatian War of Independence, with little historical interest remaining. Today, Vukovar is considered a symbol of Croatian resistance. Visit Vucedol, an archaeological site located just 5 km away from Vukovar. It is one of the most significant sites from the Eneolithic period.
Dinner and overnight stay in Osijek.
Day 5: Djakovo – Lonjsko Polje – Plitvice (410 km)
After breakfast, depart for Djakovo, a town situated on the Djakovo plateau in the central and most beautiful part of Slavonia.
The most important landmark in Djakovo is St. Peter’s Neo-Gothic brick cathedral, a masterpiece by Bolle.
The town is also famous for its Lipizzaner training stables, which are located in town. The tradition of horse breeding in Djakovo dates back to 1506 when the contemporary bishop had a stable with 90 horses of Arabian origin.
After lunch, continue to the Nature Park Lonjsko Polje.
Nature Park Lonjsko Polje is a large (506 sq km) section of the floodplain located between the Sava River and the Moslavacka Gora Mountain. This area of Croatia is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is a natural habitat for some rare bird species and is well-known for its white stork population.
The park also features villages with preserved traditional characteristics and wooden houses typical of the Posavina region, some of which are over 200 years old.
Dinner and overnight stay in Plitvice.
Day 6: Plitvice Lakes – Zagreb (140 km)
After breakfast, visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the most famous Croatian national park, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
Sixteen interconnected lakes with 92 waterfalls and cascades are surrounded by lush forests and mountains. In addition to the lakes and forests, the park is adorned with caves, springs, flower meadows, and is home to various animal species, including brown bears.
After the park tour, continue to Zagreb. Dinner and overnight stay in Zagreb.
Day 7: Zagreb
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital of Croatia, including the Upper Town and Down Town. The Upper Town is Zagreb’s historical center, which includes the Church of St. Mark with its famous multicolored roof, the Parliament building, the Stone Gate, and the Cathedral. Down Town is the business and cultural center of Zagreb, with its main square of Ban Josip Jelacic, the Croatian National Theatre, and the University.
Dinner and overnight stay in Zagreb.
Day 8: Goodbye Croatia
After breakfast, transfer to Zagreb airport.
