Nature & wildlife trip
The Kvarner Gulf is the birthplace of tourism in Croatia, loved by travellers attracted by the mild climate and cobalt blue waters. From there, diversity of Croatia is in your hand. It takes less than an hour to get to Istria, as well as to Gorski Kotar region – the green heart of the country.
Licensed mountain guide and an expert storyteller
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The Kvarner Gulf, sheltered by soaring mountains, and Istria, the heart-shaped peninsula in the north-west of the country, is where Continental Croatia meets the Adriatic. The trademark of some parts of this area is karst terrain and cobalt-coloured sea, but just a few kilometres away, the mild Mediterranean climate is replaced by fresh cool forest air of Gorski Kotar region. Forests in Gorski Kotar provide habitat for a vast variety of fauna and flora, including some rare mammal species extinct in most other parts of the world. This unique tour offers a combination of discovering old Istrian villages with stone houses and dried wells and thick forests of the Croatian "mountain district" full of life. It boasts a combination of continental and Mediterranean food and a stunning meshing of interesting stories and beautiful landscapes.
Beneath the Brajkove Stijene cliff lie 10 massive wooden troughs with clean drinking water
Opatija is a city with rich history, situated along the coast between the Adriatic Sea and the green foothills of the Učka Mountain. It’s surrounded by numerous small towns and villages, connected by a seafront promenade called Lungomare. In 1884, the first hotel along the Adriatic coastline was built here, mainly for Austro-Hungarian nobility – one of Opatija's most famous guests was the Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Just across the Učka Mountain is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea – Istria. While vast hotel complexes line much of the coast, getting flooded with tourists in summer, you can still feel undisturbed in the interior and enjoy spectacular views of rolling hills and fertile plains, nice villages and olive groves.
One-hour drive by car or van from Opatija will take you to Platak. During winter, Platak provides skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of Radeševo Mountain (1363 m) with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and islands of Krk, Cres and Lošinj. Gravel roads at Platak are excellent for mountain biking or an easy walk through nature while enjoying the fresh air – unique for this place where the mountain and Mediterranean climates are mixed.
You cannot get to know Gorski Kotar without visiting Fužine – a beautiful town with natural attractions that include the Vrelo Cave and the Bajer and Lepenica lakes. There are also a few traditional events held here, one of them being the New Year Send-Off, which takes place in the open every 31st December at noon exactly, and attracts an increasing number of visitors from all over the world.
Via Dinarica hikers get to rest at high altitude of Mount Radeševo
Arrive and settle into your charming apartment in the afternoon. Meet our friendly local guide for a walking tour of Opatija, a gem on the Croatian Riviera. Opatija, with its rich history in tourism, boasts architecturally diverse buildings, lush gardens, and the scenic 12 km Lungomare promenade. Discover the beauty of well-tended beaches and picturesque fountains as you stroll through this quiet Mediterranean town. End your day with a delightful dinner at one of Opatija's inviting local restaurants. Overnight in Opatija.
Vrelo is a small, but exceptionally beautiful cave in Gorski Kotar
Begin your day with a drive to Istria, Croatia's largest peninsula, where a light hike on the Via Dinarica Blue trail awaits. Starting from Brgudac village, the trail leads to Korita, a serene meadow at 1010 m altitude. Enjoy pure spring water and the fragrant air filled with medicinal herbs. After the hike, take a scenic ride past Mount Ćićarija to the village of Brest and hear intriguing tales about the local church and bell tower. Continue to Slum, home to Istria's largest tree, perfect for memorable photos. Enjoy a traditional Istrian lunch, complete with local liqueurs or the famed Pašareta. Conclude your journey with a short hike at Vela Draga, taking in more fascinating stories before returning. Overnight stay.
At the end of the trip you will be taking a walk alongside the stunning lake Bajer
After breakfast and check-out, journey to Gorski Kotar, the "green heart of Croatia." Begin your hike at Platak mountain lodge, following the Radeševo trail through lush forests to reach the stunning Malo Radeševo peak. Enjoy a hearty lunch back at the lodge before heading to Fužine. Visit the beautifully adorned Vrelo Cave, where the temperature remains a cool 8°C. Conclude your adventure with a leisurely walk around Lake Bajer, followed by a relaxing coffee break in the center of Fužine. Return to your starting point, enriched by the day’s natural wonders.
We will double-check availability and make reservations for your rooms, restaurants, guides etc.
With reservations confirmed, we will prepare the best offer possible in regard to your arrival date & party size
You will get the offer via e-mail, along with the payment options. Feel free to request further customisations!
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