ARHEOLOGICAL TOUR

Zagreb-An Old City with a Young Soul

Zagreb is the Croatian capital, and largest city in Croatia by population. Historically, the city of Zagreb has grown from two neighboring settlements, Gradec and Kaptol, which form the core of todays Zagreb, its historical center. According to the legend, Zagreb got its name when an old ancient ban, tired and thirsty, makes the girl Manda to bring water from the spring. Ban said: "Mando, dear, zagrabi!“ (zagrabi – grabs) 

Zagreb is an administrative, economic, cultural, and scientific center of Croatia. By its position, Zagreb belongs to the cities of Central Europe. Zagreb is situated in continental central Croatia, on the southern slopes of Medvednica and on the banks of the Sava River. Its favorable geographic position in the southwestern corner of the Pannonian Basin, between Alpine, Dinaric, Adriatic and Pannonian regions, the cause is the fact that Zagreb is the transport hub between Central and Southeastern Europe and the Adriatic Sea. Due to its history and significance, Zagreb is rich in monuments and architecture. The center of Zagreb are considered historic district Upper Town and Kaptol, and Donji Grad, which has an exceptional diversity of architecture from Baroque to the present day. The center is surrounded on the north side with residential neighborhoods with higher levels of housing, and to the south of the former working-class neighborhoods that are experiencing strong reurbanisation. Appearance and arrangement, Zagreb is a typical Central European city.

Zagreb is the largest cultural center of the Croatia. The town has several institutions that traditionally have great prestige. In music, it is the Lisinski Concert Hall, in the world of theater, ballet and opera Croatian National Theatre, among libraries National and University Library. Among many quality museums and galleries, the cultural echo exhibitions maybe the most prominent Klović Palace. Zagreb also hosts several significant festivals, such as Animafest - World Festival of Animated Film, which takes place every even year, INmusic - one of the largest open-air festivals in Croatia, International Folklore Festival, theater festival Eurokaz, and Festival of contemporary dance. Zagreb has a film festival „Zagreb Film Festival“, and is particularly interesting ZagrebDox, documentary film festival.

From important exhibitions of recent visual expression, there is Zagreb Salon. From music festivals, there is Zagrebfest, one of the oldest events of Croatian pop music, avant-garde music festival then Music Biennale Zagreb every odd year and the Festival of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra. Since 1996, the streets of downtown Zagreb maintains Cest is dBest, an international multimedia festival of street performers. In the summer, there are also open-air concerts, mostly in the Upper Town (Summer in the Upper Town).

Zagreb Michelin Restaurants

This year Zagreb has received its first prestigious Michelin star, which was awarded to Noel Restaurant. Noel Restaurant has amazed by its superb modern European cuisine and the perfect harmony of delicious creative dishes with Croatian, French and Italian wines. 

13 Zagreb restaurants with the Michelin Plate label

Among the 50 restaurants in Croatia that carry the Michelin plate label for the top dishes made with fresh ingredients there are 13 Zagreb restaurants: Pod Zidom, Time, Boban, Dubravkin Put, Apetit, Takenoko, ManO, Zinfandel's, Le Bistro Esplanade, Bistro Apetit by Marin Rendic, Tekka, Mon Ami and Mundoaka which is unfortunately closed. 

The famous luxury Esplanade Hotel Zagreb takes two places on this list: Le Bistro Esplanade and Zinfandel's. Le Bistro Esplanade opened in 1986, modeled after small French restaurants. A blend of traditional cuisine and French chic, as well as pleasant ambience attract many local and world famous celebrities. 

Bib Gourmand Recommendations 

The Michelin Bib Gourmand label has been given to two Zagreb restaurants that stand out for their good quality and affordable menus: restaurants Agava and Tač. In the heart of Zagreb there is a classic Italian Agava restaurant whose large windows offer a magnificent view of Tkalciceva Street. Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist combined with a cozy atmosphere makes this restaurant one of the most desirable Croatian restaurants.  

A popular family Tač restaurant located at the top of the hill outside the center of Zagreb is known for its Mediterranean menu where you can find many Istrian specialties and simple fresh seasonal food.  

Top 10 reasons to visit Sibenik!

In the center of the Adriatic is located Sibenik that is the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic known for its cultural and historical sites and natural beauty. This city-museum is one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Croatia and we bring you 10 reasons why you should visit it.

1. Kornati National Park and Krka National Park
Krka National Park gained its status in 1985. This national park is adorned with the Krka River and its 7 travertine waterfalls, the Cikola River, rich flora and fauna, and cultural monuments – Visovac Monastery and Krka Monastery. The Kornati archipelago is the most indented island group in the Adriatic Sea and in 1980 it was declared a national park due to its interesting natural features. The most famous phenomenon of this park is the cliffs facing the open sea.

2. The Medieval Monastery Mediterranean Garden of St. Lawrence
This garden is the only medieval Mediterranean garden in Croatia and is decorated with boxwoods, roses, a collection of thyme and capers.

3. Four fortresses of Sibenik
The Fortresses of St. Michael, St. John, Vol. Nicholas and Fortress Barone used to be defensive buildings and nowadays are famous tourist attractions. On the stone hill stands the Fortress of St. Michael under whose walls has developed the oldest autochthonous Croatian town. Fortress Barone and St. Johns Fortress were built before the arrival of the Ottoman army during the Kandian War in the mid-17th century. St. Nicholas Fortress, an important Croatian maritime monument, was built in the middle of the 16th century at the entrance to the canal of Sv. Ante.

4. Promenade in the St. Anthony's Channel
Perfect for sightseeing with stunning panoramic views of the city, as well for recreational activities, is the promenade through the St. Anthony's Channel. The promenade connects two places - Panikovac Cove and St. Nicholas.

5. Old City Center
Feel the spirit of medieval Sibenik as you pass through its old city center, enriched with beautiful medieval buildings such as the Cathedral of St. James's, Prince's Palace, Bishop's Palace, Square of the Republic of Croatia, Civic and Small Loggia, Four Wells Square and many others.

6. The Cathedral of St. James - UNESCO World Heritage
One of the most beautiful Croatian buildings, the Cathedral of St. James was built of stone with no binder. During the centuries-old construction, the cathedral has changed 3 styles: Gothic, Gothic-Renaissance and Renaissance.

7. Sokolarski centar Dubrava
Dubrava Falconry Center In Dubrava located near Sibenik is the only falconry center in Croatia where you can see different species of birds of prey, take a course in medieval falconry and enjoy the wildlife.

8. Aquapark
In the family part of Amadria Park Sibenik is the first water theme park in Dalmatia - Aquapark, which covers an area of 8000 m2. Due to numerous sites such as the "lazy river", large barrels and kids zones guests of all ages can enjoy there.

9. Sandy beach at Amadria Park
This sandy beach repeatedly awarded as the most beautiful Adriatic beach is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sea.

10. Dalmatian Ethno Village
Moreover, you can visit the Dalmatian Ethno Village in the heart of Amadria Park, get to know Dalmatian traditions and amenities and taste the indigenous Dalmatian delicacies of the past. In the village you will have the opportunity to see the centuries-old mills, weaver, oil mill, to taste Sibenik's wines and numerous indigenous Dalmatian specialties.

Opatija – the pearl of the Adriatic

Opatija is the jewel of the Croatian Adriatic that is situated in the Kvarner Bay in an ideal location between the Adriatic Sea and Mountain Učka. Due to its location, mild climate and beautiful sea views from the famous Lungomare promenade, it is a desirable European destination from the very beginning of tourism development on the Adriatic.

What to see and to visit in Opatija?

1. Symbol of Opatija and Kvarner: „A girl with a seagull“
The graceful sculpture of „the Girl with the Seagull“ is located on a cliff that has an impressive view of the sea and the town, therefore it is a favorite location for taking pictures among visitors.

You can take pictures free of charge thanks to Photospot that is located next to „The girl with the seagull“ and to download it online as the card!

2. Lungomare promenade
In the small town Volosko begins the 12 km long coastal Lungomare promenade, which is ideal for long romantic walks overlooking the sea and the sunset, as well as exploring the beauties of the town and learning about its rich history and culture. While walking along this road you can see magnificent villas, monuments, beautiful pebble beaches and enjoy the fragrant coastal plants and to have rest in the shade of centuries-old oaks.

3. Croatian „Walk of fame“
Famous people who contributed to the promotion of Croatia in the world, have received their “star“ on the Croatian version of „Walk of fame“. Some of them: Dragutin Tadijanović, Miroslav Krleža, Rade Šerbedžija, Oliver Dragojević, Janica Kostelić, Dražen Petrović, Goran Ivanišević, Nikola Tesla and many others.

4. The Green Fairytale of Angiolina Park and St. Jakov Park
Opatija is also known as a "park town" whose park architecture is a blend of beautiful scenery and natural heritage. In the very center of Opatija there is the second oldest park and protected monument of park architecture - St. Jakov Park. Its creation is connected with the construction of the monastery (of Opatija) called St.Jakov that is the oldest building in Opatija after which the town of Opatija was named. In addition to the beautiful, numerous and exclusive plant species and green lawns there is also a baroque fountain with a sculpture of the Greek god Sun and Goddess of the Moon, as well as accentuated paths and stairs, the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion, the Croatian Museum of Tourism etc.

The historical importance of one of the most award-winning parks in Croatia - Angiolina Park began in 1844 year with the construction of a Villa Angiolina. This park is famous for its exotic plants from different parts of the world, laurel, the floral symbol of the town - camellias and the Music Pavilion.

5. Natural park Učka
For all those looking for an active vacation, there is a Mountain Učka with plenty of cycling and hiking trails. Except for recreation you can enjoy the biodiversity of Učka and visit the Vela Draga Canyon with its vantage point adorned with limestone columns and fossil-obscured rocks, as well as Lovranska Draga with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Nature Park leading by the Slap Promenade and numerous other places.

6. Croatian Museum of Tourism
In the Angiolina Park there is the permanent exhibition "Opatija - The Golden Beginning of Croatian Tourism" of the Croatian Museum of Tourism. In the museum you can find unique photographs, documents, drawings and postcards of Opatija – the items of the oldest Croatian tourist destination.

7. The first hotel on the Adriatic coast
In Opatija you can find different types of accommodation, from charming hotels on the seacoast to private apartments. Among the many hotels in Opatija, the Remisens Premium Hotel Kvarner is the first hotel on the Adriatic coast built in 1884 year. Its architecture exudes elegance and its terrace next to the Lungomare Promenade offers a perfect breathtaking sea view.

8. Top quality restaurants, taverns and cafes: tasting of delicious Opatija's cuisine
In many perfect restaurants and taverns you can try Mediterranean seafood dishes, delicios Mediterranean meals such as bitter wild asparagus and Kvarner shrimp. Opatija also has a special Kamelija cake made exclusively from Mediterranean foods so you can taste it in Opatija's hotels restaurants and cafes.

In addition to being the oldest and most popular tourist destination in Croatia, Opatija is also a major event hub when it comes to business tourism, thanks to the numerous conference halls of Opatija hotels. Opatija's congressional tradition has been lasting for over 120 years including about 500 congresses, seminars and other business events that take place every year. Also, Opatija is a well-known spa destination with numerous wellness and spa centers.

The rich tradition and history, the beauty of nature parks and beaches and the wide range of accommodation facilities, congress halls, restaurants and cafes are among the many reasons why tourists return to Opatija.

Enjoy the pearl of the Adriatic, its rich history and culture!

Dubrovnik - a popular film destination

Popularity of Dubrovnik greatly helped Hollywood movies filmed on its historical streets. The last such project was the series "Game of Thrones" that Dubrovnik lifted high on Hollywood sets. There is no doubt that this popular series has opened many doors for this small town on the Adriatic. Tourism and film industry go hand in hand to each other, so that the future of this city certainly can only further flourish. Fans of this popular series travel miles and miles to see and feel all the locations where their favorite series were filmed to experience the scene from a small screen.

Dubrovnik is a city in southern Croatia, administrative center of Dubrovnik-Neretva County and one of the most historic Croatian tourist destination. It is 25 km distant from the international airport of Dubrovnik, regularly connected with most of European cities, and the 90 km distant from the highway, which connects Croatia with Europe. In addition to a very good air and land connections, Dubrovnik boasts excellent maritime connection. Dubrovnik port is one of the most visited in the Mediterranean. It is the first point maritime route from east to west on entering in the Adriatic Sea, it is protected with islands and the Neretva valley is the fastest communication with the interior. Recent archaeological research found that a settlement on the site of the city existed in the 6th century, and probably before. Dubrovnik expanded with the arrival of the Croats after the ancient Epidaurus (today's Cavtat) in the 7th century.

Of the many manifestations of Dubrovnik, one should emphasize the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which was founded in 1949. The unique ambience of the closed and open stages of the Renaissance and Baroque city of Dubrovnik in the period from 10 July to 25 August held numerous music, drama and dance performances. The backbone of the festival are works of Marin Držić, Gundulić Ivan, Ivo Vojnovic, William Shakespeare, Carlo Goldoni, the Greek tragedians and others. The musical part of the program presents the best local composers, soloists and orchestras, and their foreign guests. Display even operas, particularly comic. Libertas Film Festival started in 2005 with the idea that the festival cultural offer should be expanded with the film offer. The festival takes place during the summer and on a repertory are films and documentary films from independent productions dedicated to the promotion of freedom in countries around the world. Movies rated best by the audience receives a special audience award.

The most famous and important monument, the starting and ending point of every tour of the city Pula - the Arena - the building where the gladiator fights. It was built in the first century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time with the greatest and most famous building of its kind - Coliseum in Rome. Arena is located outside the old city walls because of its size and geographical benefits, and to the city itself leads us to the road justified during Emperor Vespasian, after whom it was named - Via Flavia, which today is one of the city's major thoroughfares.

The other two significant and well-preserved ancient Roman structures are the triumphal arch, the Arch of the Sergi from the 1st century and the Temple of Rome and Augustus, also from the 1st century, which was built in the forum during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. As a result of its rich political history, Pula is a city with a cultural mix of people and languages from the Mediterranean and Central Europe, ancient and contemporary. Pula's architecture reflects these layers of history. Residents are commonly fluent in foreign languages, especially Italian, and often German and English. In Pula there are two museums at this moment - the Archaeological Museum and Historical Museum of Istria. Other museum exhibitions can be found in the amphitheater, Temple of Augustus and Nesactium.

The natural beauty of Pula's surrounding areas and the turquoise blue Adriatic Sea made the city an internationally popular summer vacation destination. Nearby jewel are the national park Brijuni, which were visited by many world leaders when it was a summer residence of the elderly statesman Josip Broz. Roman villas and temples still lie buried among farm fields and along the coast of several surrounding fishing and farming villages. Coastal waters offer beaches, fishing, diving to the wreck of ancient Roman galleys and warships from the First World War, cruise to the pristine coves and islands, large and small. Pula's most famous beaches are Gortan Cove on Lungomare, Ambrela and Havajsko at Verudela, Sandy Bay and Valkane.

Zadar, the pearl of the Croatian coast, attracts visitors with its rich history, picturesque landscape and unique combination of modernity and tradition. Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Zadar is a city that delights with its cultural heritage, beautiful beaches and the incredible atmosphere that stretches through the streets of its old town core.
Sea Organ and Salutation to the Sun: Zadar is known for its innovative installations that combine art and natural elements. Sea organs are unique musical instruments that produce sounds according to the waves of the sea, creating a melody that intertwines with natural rhythms. Right next to them is Salutation to the Sun, an installation that transforms the sun's energy into light games and spectacular scenes during the night.
Forum: Zadar is home to numerous historical monuments, and the Forum is the heart of the old town. Here you can see the remains of an ancient Roman temple, church and other historical buildings. Take a walk through this stone square and immerse yourself in the city's rich history.
Church of St. Donata: This unique pre-Romanesque church dates back to the 9th century and has become a symbol of Zadar. Its circular construction and simple design leave you breathless, and the interior offers a beautiful view of the city.
Narodni trg: The central square in Zadar, Narodni trg, is the place where locals and visitors meet. It is surrounded by baroque palaces and is an ideal place for drinking coffee or relaxing while observing the city atmosphere.
Beaches: Zadar offers a variety of beaches for all tastes. Borik is a family beach with shallow waters, ideal for children. Kolovare is a city beach with plenty of facilities, while on Puntamica you can relax in a quieter environment.
Evening walks: Zadar becomes especially magical in the evening hours. A walk along the waterfront with beautiful sunsets and illuminated city walls will provide you with unforgettable moments.
Gastronomic offer: A visit to Zadar would not be complete without tasting local delicacies. Try homemade prosciutto, Pag cheese, seafood and traditional Dalmatian specialties. Restaurants in the old city center offer an authentic experience of Mediterranean cuisine.
Zadar is a destination that offers many attractions and experiences for diverse interests. Regardless of whether you are a lover of history, art, nature or gastronomy, this city will surely charm you with its unique atmosphere and rich offer.