Castles & Chateaus Of Croatia
| Duration: | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Routing: | Zagreb – Samobor – Varaždin – Trakošćan – Varaždin – Đakovo – Osijek – Našice – Zagreb |
Day 1: Zagreb
On arrival at Zagreb airport you will be met and transferred to your chosen accommodation. After check in the rest of the day is at leisure for you to discover this wonderful city.
Day 2: Zagreb
This morning join your guide for a sightseeing tour of Zagreb including the Lower and Upper town, see the tiled roof of St Marks Church, Lotrščak Tower, Visit Zagreb Cathedral. Afterwards you can spend time relaxing in one of Zagreb’s many parks, people watch whilst having a coffee, or soak up more of the Croatian culture by visiting one of the many museums.
Day 3: Zagreb – Samobor – Varaždin
After breakfast collect your rent a car and continue your journey to Samobor, only 20kms west of the capital this beautiful little town is set in a wooded valley with the ruins of a medieval castle hidden on its slopes above the town. The town’s narrow streets and covered bridges are perfect for a stroll. Before you leave you must try one of Samobor’s famous Kremsnita, cake of custard and flaky pastry. Your journey continues with a short stop at Kumrovec and the unique Ethno-Museum comprising of original village dwellings from the 19th century. Your final visit of the day is to Veliki Tabor Castle near the village of Desinić. During your visit you will learn about the legend of Veronica of Desinić, a young village girl who fell in love with the count and owner of the Castle’s son. Tonight’s accommodation is in Varaždin the first Croatian capital.
Approximate driving time: 2.00-2.30hrs
Day 4: Varaždin – Trakošćan – Varaždin
This morning leave for a visit to Trakošćan Castle. This 13th century castle is the most celebrated of Croatian castles. The castle is now an ethnological museum and your visit will include the living quaters, bedrooms, kitchens and armoury shop. Take some time to stroll around the beautiful gardens and lake before moving on to Maruševec. There has been a castle on this site since the 12th century however today’s building and shape dates from the 19th. Once again the gardens of the castle are worth taking in before returning to Varaždin to visit Stari grad and the castle in the very heart of this picturesque city.
Approximate driving time: 1.30-2.00hrs
Day 5: Varaždin – Đakovo – Osijek
This morning after breakfast we journey into Slavonia region of Croatia. Rediscover the old Europe in this region rich in tradition, hidden charms and centuries old treasures. Your first stop is in the town of Đakovo and a visit to St Peter’s cathedral. You may also wish to visit the Lipizzaner stud farm at Ivandvor where the famous white horses have been bred
since 1506. If you are visiting in July you will experience the Dakovacki Vezovi folklore festival – featuring the costumes, songs and dances of this region. Continue onto Osijek the regions largest city and the gourmet capital of Croatia, a settlement growing through centuries on the bank of Drava river ever since the Roman times. For dinner this evening
perhaps try some of the famous Kulen sausages, wild boar stew (Čobanac), freshwater-fish soup (Fish-paprikaš) or other delicacies of the amazing local cuisine.
Approximate driving time: 3.00-3.30hrs
Day 6: Osijek – Našice – Zagreb
This morning after breakfast leave Osijek for Našice to visit the neo-classical manor house and musuem. Continue onwards to Zagreb via Virovitica and the Pejačević castle; the Baroque-style park next to the castle, arranged at the end of the 18th, is a horticultural monument. Continue on to Zagreb for your overnight.
Approximate driving time: 3.00-3.30hrs
Day 7: Zagreb
This morning after breakfast you will travel to Zagreb airport where you will leave your car before continuing your onward travel.
Services Included:
• Arrival Transfer Airport – Hotel at start of the self-drive
• 6 nights accommodation in selected or similar hotels
Zagreb: Hotel International**** (3 nights)
Varaždin: Hotel Turist*** (2 nights)
Osijek: Hotel Osijek**** (1 night)
• Service charges & hotel taxes
• Breakfast daily
• Private guided tour of Zagreb on Day 2 (3 hour duration)
• Hertz Rent a Car – Ford Focus or similar Group C vehicle (5 days) Day 3 – Day 7
• Vehicle delivery to hotel on Day 3
• Vehicle unlimited mileage, CDW, TP & tax
Services Excluded (paid direct):
• Entrance fees to Kumrovec Etno Museum, Veliki Tabor Castle, Trakošćan Castle, Maruševec Castle and Grounds, Našice Neo-Classical manor House
• Fuel & additional vehicle insurances & excess
• Parking on route (excludes Zagreb, Varaždin & Osijek)
| Self Drive Package per person NZ$ | Twin Share |
| 01 Jan – 31 May | 1,295 |
| 01 Jun – 30 Sep | 1,360 |
Note: Based on minimum of 2 people
Upgrade vehicle options available – enquire when booking
All prices are subject to amendment any time
