Day 1
We depart by bus from Zagreb to Karlovac. This historic city, known for its star-shaped Renaissance fort located at the confluence of four rivers, offers us the opportunity to explore its rich history. We will visit Karlovac and enjoy a boat ride along the Kupa River on a traditional grain merchant boat, experiencing how trade was once conducted. The day concludes with a visit to the first Croatian freshwater aquarium, “Aquatika,” where we will learn about various freshwater fish species. We then spend the evening in a hotel in Karlovac.
Day 2
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Plitvice Lakes, one of Croatia’s most famous natural attractions. Here, we will admire the beauty of crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls, and through a thematic tour, we will explore how to achieve balance between humans and nature. After the tour, accommodation is arranged at a hotel near the lakes, where we will enjoy dinner and relaxation.
Day 3
After breakfast, we head towards Barać Caves, where we will explore karst cavities and witness the magic of underground waters that shape this region. We will then continue to Petrova Gora, where we will visit the largest partisan hospital in Europe. Depending on the group’s interests, dinner and overnight accommodation will be arranged at either the Hunting Lodge Muljava, the eco-estate Bogata Šuma, or in Topusko.
Day 4
After breakfast, we travel to Topusko, where we will visit thermal springs dating back to ancient times. We will learn how medieval monks used these springs for bathing and healing. Additionally, we will visit the monks’ bathhouse church and a watermill in the Old Village of Topusko. We will participate in activities with volunteers from the “People for People” association, gaining insight into life without running water in the 21st century. The journey continues to Hrvatska Kostajnica, where we will spend the night with dinner.
Day 5
After breakfast, we head to Zrin and Zrinska Gora, where we will visit Zrin Fortress and St. Margaret’s Church. Zrin was a historically important site that played a key role in defending against the Ottoman invasion. We will also visit the eco-estate “Dvorska Košarica,” where we will learn about sustainable living and agriculture. Depending on the season and group interests, there is the option to descend the Una River. In the evening, we return to Hrvatska Kostajnica, where we will visit the Zrinski Water Fortress. Overnight accommodation and dinner will be in Kostajnica.
Day 6
After breakfast, we set off to Jasenovac, where we will visit the Memorial Museum dedicated to the victims of the Nazi concentration camp. We will explore the dark secrets of the camp on the Sava River. Afterward, the journey takes us to Lonjsko Polje, one of the largest natural retention areas in Europe. We will visit the Krapje Visitor Center, with an option for canoeing or cycling. The day concludes with accommodation in the ethno-village Stara Lonja, where we will enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7
After breakfast, we travel to Čigoč, a European village of storks, known for its large stork population. Here, we will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent birds. We will then board a ferry to cross the Sava River between Lukavac and Graduša. In the afternoon, we will visit the Džakula family farm in Sjeverovac, where we will learn more about milk production and its connection to water. In the evening, we will be accommodated in a hotel in Sisak, where we will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8
After breakfast, we will explore Sisak, a city that was once a Roman metropolis on the water. We will visit the Kaptol Fortress at the confluence of the Kupa and Sava Rivers and explore Roman archaeological sites. Finally, our journey concludes with a return to Zagreb in the late afternoon.
