8 days / 7 nights
Zagreb · Karlovac · Plitvice Lakes · Barać Caves · Petrova Gora · Topusko · Hrvatska Kostajnica · Lonjsko Polje · Sisak
Discover Croatia through the fascinating story of water and its connection to nature, history, and everyday life. This eight-day journey takes you from the rivers of Karlovac and the spectacular waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes to the thermal springs of Topusko, the wetlands of Lonjsko Polje, and the historic towns along the Kupa, Una, and Sava rivers.
The suggested itinerary combines remarkable natural landscapes with cultural heritage, educational visits, and authentic encounters with local communities. Discover how water has shaped settlements, traditions, ecosystems, and livelihoods throughout central Croatia, while exploring the importance of environmental protection and sustainable living.
Price on request
Your personalized proposal will be based on your preferred travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, and selected experiences. Optional activities and visits are subject to availability, seasonal conditions, and prior arrangements with local partners. The exact services included in the price and any additional charges will be specified in your proposal.
Day 1 – Karlovac: A City Shaped by Four Rivers
- Departure from Zagreb by coach towards Karlovac, the historic city of four rivers – Kupa, Korana, Mrežnica, and Dobra.
- Discover Karlovac’s distinctive star-shaped Renaissance fortification and its rich history as a trading town.
- Experience a traditional boat ride along the Kupa River aboard a replica of an 18th-century grain merchant boat, discovering the importance of river transport and trade.
- Visit Aquatika – Freshwater Aquarium Karlovac, exploring the biodiversity of Croatia’s rivers, lakes, and freshwater ecosystems.
- Check-in and overnight stay at a hotel in Karlovac.
Day 2 – Plitvice Lakes: The Balance Between Water & Nature
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most remarkable natural attractions.
- Explore the park’s turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and unique natural landscapes.
- Thematic visit focusing on the relationship between water, biodiversity, and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.
- Check-in at a hotel in the Plitvice Lakes area.
- Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3 – Barać Caves & Petrova Gora: Hidden Waters and History
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure towards Barać Caves, exploring the fascinating underground world shaped by water and karst formations.
- Discover the importance of underground water systems and their influence on the region’s natural environment.
- Continue to Petrova Gora for a visit to the historic Partisan Hospital complex, an important site of Second World War history.
- Dinner and overnight accommodation at Hunting Lodge Muljava, the Bogata Šuma eco-estate, or in Topusko, depending on group preferences and availability.
Day 4 – Topusko: Thermal Springs & Community Life
- Breakfast and departure towards Topusko.
- Discover the historic thermal springs of Topusko, known for their use since ancient times.
- Learn about the medieval monastic traditions associated with the local thermal waters and their use for bathing and healing.
- Visit the historic remains associated with the monks’ bathhouse and the traditional watermill in the Old Village of Topusko.
- Participate in an educational encounter with volunteers from the People for People (Ljudi za ljude) association, exploring the challenges of everyday life without access to running water.
- Continue to Hrvatska Kostajnica.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Hrvatska Kostajnica.
Day 5 – Zrin & Zrinska Gora: Heritage and Sustainable Living
- Breakfast and departure towards Zrin and Zrinska Gora.
- Visit the historic Zrin Fortress and St. Margaret’s Church, discovering the region’s medieval heritage and its role in defending against Ottoman incursions.
- Explore the Dvorska Košarica eco-estate, learning about sustainable agriculture, local production, and environmentally responsible living.
- Optional seasonal experience: River descent on the Una, depending on weather, water conditions, group interests, and local arrangements.
- Return to Hrvatska Kostajnica and visit the Zrinski Water Fortress.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Hrvatska Kostajnica.
Day 6 – Jasenovac & Lonjsko Polje: Remembrance and Wetland Conservation
- Breakfast and departure towards Jasenovac.
- Visit the Jasenovac Memorial Site and Memorial Museum, dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims of the Ustasha concentration camp system during the Second World War.
- Continue to Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, one of Croatia’s most important wetland landscapes and natural flood-retention areas.
- Visit the Krapje Visitor Centre and discover the importance of traditional architecture, wetland conservation, and the relationship between people and the Sava River.
- Optional activities: Canoeing or cycling, depending on availability and weather conditions.
- Accommodation at Stara Lonja Ethno Village.
- Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 – Čigoč & Sjeverovac: Storks, Rivers and Rural Traditions
- Breakfast and departure towards Čigoč, known as the European Stork Village.
- Discover traditional rural architecture and observe the area’s remarkable white stork population, depending on the season.
- Experience a ferry crossing of the Sava River between Lukavac and Graduša, subject to ferry operation and river conditions.
- Afternoon visit to the Džakula family farm in Sjeverovac, discovering the importance of water in milk production and traditional dairy farming.
- Continue to Sisak.
- Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Sisak.
Day 8 – Sisak: Where Rivers and History Meet
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Explore Sisak, a historic city shaped by the confluence of the Kupa and Sava rivers.
- Discover the city’s Roman heritage and archaeological remains associated with ancient Siscia.
- Visit the historic fortress near the confluence of the two rivers, learning about the city’s strategic importance.
- Return to Zagreb in the late afternoon.
- End of the eight-day journey.
