Do It Yourself Tour

Rediscover Traditional Skills in Northern Croatia

7 days / 6 nights

Zagreb · Krapina · Lobor · Trakošćan · Ravna Gora · Lepoglava · Varaždin · Turopolje

Discover northern Croatia through a unique hands-on journey that brings traditional craftsmanship, practical skills, and rural heritage to life. In a world increasingly dependent on technology and ready-made solutions, this seven-day experience invites travelers to rediscover the creativity, resourcefulness, and skills of everyday life in the past.

From traditional farming and basket weaving to pottery, local markets, and textile-making, the suggested itinerary combines cultural discoveries with opportunities to learn from local craftspeople. Along the way, explore historic castles, beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and the authentic flavors of northern Croatia.

Price on request

Your personalized proposal will be based on your preferred travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, and selected experiences. Workshops, seasonal activities, and special challenges are subject to availability and prior arrangements. The exact services included in the price and any optional activities will be specified in your proposal.

Day 1 – From Prehistoric Survival to Medieval Life

• Departure from Zagreb towards Krapina.
• Visit to the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, discovering how prehistoric people lived and adapted to their environment.
• Lunch break.
• Continue to Lobor and visit the historic sanctuary of Our Lady of the Mountain (Majka Božja Gorska), exploring the region’s medieval heritage.
• Journey to Trakošćan.
• Overnight stay in the Trakošćan area.

Day 2 – Life on a Traditional Estate

• Visit to Trakošćan Castle, one of northern Croatia’s most remarkable historic landmarks.
• Explore a selected family farm (OPG) in the surrounding countryside, in the Brezova Gora area.
• Discover traditional agricultural practices and everyday life on a rural estate.
• Possibility of exploring the countryside by bicycle, subject to arrangements.
• Special challenge: Try ploughing with a traditional plough, subject to suitable conditions and availability at the selected family farm.
• Return to Trakošćan for an overnight stay.

Day 3 – Finding Your Way in Nature

• Excursion to Ravna Gora, surrounded by the scenic landscapes of northern Croatia.
• Explore the natural surroundings and discover traditional ways of navigating and enjoying the countryside.
• Seasonal activity: Short introduction to mushroom identification and picking, depending on the time of year and local conditions.
• Special challenge: Paragliding over the Zagorje countryside, in cooperation with Paragliding Club Kolibri or Paragliding Club Let, subject to weather conditions, availability, and prior arrangements.
• Return to Trakošćan for an overnight stay.

Day 4 – Traditional Crafts: Basket Weaving & Pottery

• Visit to Kamenica for an introduction to traditional basket weaving, including the making of a logožar, in cooperation with the Korpica collective.
• Discover traditional weaving techniques and the use of natural materials with local craftspeople.
• Continue to Jerovac for an introduction to traditional pottery and ceramic craftsmanship with Keramika “Mecena”.
• Learn about traditional methods of shaping and working with clay.
• Lunch at a local family farm (OPG Jak or a similar establishment), featuring regional cuisine.
• Return to Trakošćan for an overnight stay.

Day 5 – Lepoglava: From Monks to Fine Craftsmanship

• Discover Lepoglava’s historical heritage and the influence of monastic life on local traditions.
• Explore the town’s history, including its association with the prison and the practical skills developed through different periods.
• Introduction to traditional household craftsmanship and practical skills of the Zagorje region.
• Visit to the Eco-Museum of Lepoglava Lace, discovering how traditional lace-making developed into an internationally recognized art form.
• Departure towards Varaždin.

Day 6 – Varaždin: Markets, Crafts & Traditional Exchange

• Explore Varaždin, known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage.
• Visit the local market and experience the atmosphere of everyday life in northern Croatia.
• Discover traditional crafts and the work of local artisans.
• Special challenge: Experience traditional bartering (mjena) by exchanging products without money at the local market, subject to prior arrangements with the local Tourist Board (TZ) or the City Museum.
• Free time to explore Varaždin’s historic center.
• Overnight stay.

Day 7 – Traditional Textiles & Return to Zagreb

• Departure from Varaždin towards Novo Čiče, in the Turopolje region.
• Visit to Etno-naselje Novo Čiče, developed by the local cultural association KUD “Čiče”.
• Discover traditional clothing and the historical importance of linen in everyday rural life.
• Introduction to traditional textile-making techniques through activities associated with KUD “Čiče”, offering an alternative perspective on modern fast fashion.
• Lunch at the estate.
• Return to Zagreb in the early evening.
• End of the seven-day tour.