Neanderthals are magical and mystical images of European man, one of the many secrets of our beginnings. Who were these people when they were 30 or nearly 300,000 years old? When they were discovered, science ended the 19th century and it was the beginning of our third millennium. What do we know about the Stone Age people who hunted rhinos here 125,000 years ago? Where is the position of the Neanderthals in the family tree of life?
If you are interested in answers to these questions and want to get to know a picturesque Croatian region rich in culture, labyrinths of vineyards and culinary specialties, come along on this unforgettable journey.
The fairy tale is at the farm, the fairy tale is on the mountain, the fairy tale is on the table, the fairy tale is in Zagorje.
INCLUDED SERVICES:
- Welcome with our tour guide
- Welcome drink
- Accommodation in Hotel Kaj Marija Bistrica
- 4x overnight stay with buffet breakfast
- 4x buffet dinner
- Full day tour guide for the excursion capital of Croatia - Zagreb
- Full day tour guide for the excursion Marija Bistrica and Krapina
- All-day tour guide for the romantic Varaždin excursion
- Entry to the Krapina Museum of Prehistoric Men
- Wine tasting with 3 wines and a snack with specialties from the region
- Visit to the pilgrimage church in Marija Bistrica
- Visit to the ethno collection of the Croatian gingerbread handicraft in Marija Bistrica
- Gift - a souvenir from the Licitar-Herz ethno collection
PROGRAM SUGGESTION:
DAY 1: Arrival. Welcome drink with our tour guide
DAY 2: Krapina - Marija Bistrica - wine tasting
Krapina County center is our first destination. The old town is a place of absolute silence and tranquility.
The Neanderthal Museum in Krapina is one of the most modern museum projects in Croatia and in this part of Europe. An interesting story awaits you about the life and culture of the Neanderthal man, prehistoric man in Krapina, a variety of multimedia and other content, and especially a special architecture.
Drive to Marija Bistrica. This is followed by a walk through the pilgrimage site with a very beautiful town square filled with hearts. You will find out why in a moment:
Licitar production (typical Zagorje gingerbread) is an old craft, the history of which goes back to the 13th century. Licitar cakes are colorfully decorated cookies made from honey dough. Traditionally they are bright red, and are made in different shapes and sizes, such as hearts.
The ethno collection takes you through the history of Croatian gingerbread handicraft, introduces you to the tools that were used a long time ago, the vocabulary used in the gingerbread handicraft, the old handcrafting technique and the slightly forgotten products.
We end the day with a wine tasting and snack with regional specialties at one of our well-known winemakers.
DAY 3: Excursion to Zagreb - Croatia's capital
After breakfast, the city tour of Zagreb, the capital of the Republic of Croatia and the largest city in the country, follows. The city is a transport hub, cultural, scientific, economic and administrative center of Croatia. The history of the city of Zagreb dates back to 1094, when the first diocese was founded in what is now Kaptol.
The legend of a certain old Banus earned credit for the city's name, who exhausted and thirsty asked a girl named Manda for spring water with the words “Manda, darling, scoop” (to draw water - Croatian “zagrabiti”). You can find out all this and much more about this lively European city on a guided tour with the tour guide.
Samobor cream slices (Samoborske kremšnite)
If you are already in this region, it would be a shame not to visit the charming baroque town of Samobor and try the tasty Samobor cream cake. Light yellow cream, made from eggs, milk, sugar and flour, sandwiched between two fluffy puff pastry crusts, is the first connection and a symbol of the city of Samobor.
The queen of all cakes, as it is called in Samobor, according to the decision of the Ministry of Culture and Media on January 18, 2021, the traditional Samobor cake has received the status of an intangible cultural asset and is entered in the register of protected cultural heritage.
DAY 4: Romantic Varaždin
The city of Varaždin has been known throughout its history as one of the centers of cultural life in Croatia. However, the 18th century was a turning point in urban cultural life. During this time, the city experienced intense development, so that from 1755-1776 it even became the capital of Croatia. Under the influence of baroque luxury and the noble elite enchanted by it, the city became too. In the center of exuberant ball evenings and the luxury life of the aristocracy. During a guided tour you will discover why the city has earned its name “Little Vienna”.
DAY 5: Journey home
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY:
- Capital of Croatia Zagreb, baroque city Varaždin
- Pilgrimage site of Marija Bistrica
- The Neanderthal Museum in Krapina
- Take away souvenir
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS:
Bookable in August as “ŠPANZIRFEST” - FESTIVAL OF GOOD FEELINGS
The Špancirfest is a street festival from the end of August to the beginning of September. It is not easy to find a common term under which one could summarize all the program items of the Špancirfest: street performances, comedy, creative, a park for creative people, a series of music programs from established names in the music scene to lesser known street musicians, a gastro & fun -Zone, presentations of traditional craftsmanship and modern product design ... All the terms are simply too narrow to unite what the Špancirfest offers its visitors in the neat ambience of the historic town center of Varaždin.