tip Travel magazine Croatia 011 (English edition) 05-07/2015

ISSN: 1849-059X

EN

Number 11 • Year III • May - July 2015

INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Berlin

Europe:

City break

Issue topic Croatia: The South Adriatic

Dubrovnik-Neretva County

Dubrovnik and its surroundings, Neretva Valley, Pelješac, Korčula, Mljet, and Lastovo

Šibenik-Knin County • Vukovar-Srijem County • Rab Island • Brela Zagreb County • Požega-Slavonia County • Karlovac County kolovoz / rujan 2014.

UNESCO:

Sinjska Alka tipTravelMagazine

Travel and tourism magazine ISSN: 1849-059X Publisher: Tip Kreativa d.o.o.

Jordanovac 119, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia tel: +385 1 2348 488 mob: +385 91 7958 016 info@tiptravelmagazine.com www.tiptravelmagazine.com www.facebook.com/tiptravelmagazine MB: 4055845 VAT ID Number: HR21136573248 Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d.

IBAN: HR4524020061100663844 Editor in Chief: Željka Kunštek zeljka@tiptravelmagazine.com Graphic Designer: Robert Kunštek robert@tiptravelmagazine.com Associates in this issue: Alma Radoš, Vlatka Vužić, Tatjana Miščančuk, Sanja Plješa, Andreja Milas Translator: Marija Crnogaj Marketing: Tip Kreativa d.o.o. marketing@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo source: tipTravel magazine archive, archives of Croatian Tourist Boards, PHOTOnet.hr, fotolia Cover page: City of Korčula photo: Robert Kunštek

Editorial

100% experiences

A

Transmission of texts, in full or in part, is only permitted with the written approval of the publisher and author. Any type of mechanical, optical, or electronic copying is forbidden.

All rights are reserved. Texts and photographs are sent in electronic form. The opinion of the author of the text is not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. The publisher cannot guarantee the permanence of published information, and is not responsible for the content of advertisements.

tipTravelMagazine kolovoz / rujan 2014.

lthough we just recently returned from the south of Croatia, where we prepared a large topic that we bring to you on 34 pages in this issue, we plan on returning to the Dubrovnik-Neretva County soon. That is what we say every time we leave it and, truly, not a lot of time passes before we find ourselves either on Stradun, with coffee and rožata, or in a cove on Korčula or in a tavern on Pelješac. There are a lot of things here that, we believe, will delight you, and we hope the report we bring you motivates you this spring and summer to, just like Marco Polo, awaken the explorer within and head south.

Experience the summer in the other coastal and continental destinations we present you in this issue. The experiences they offer are diverse, especially now, when, with the nicer weather, the range of outdoor activities is even greater.

It is a true experience to row a canoe, or to explore the hidden beaches of Rab, play golf in Ilok, experience the harvest in Županja, ride a bike through the hills of Sveta Nedelja or on the many trails in the Šibenik region, head out on a walk through idyllic Papuk, discover the hidden treasures of the vedi on the Bilogora wine road, take a swim in the turquoise coves of Brela, experience the flavors of the Golden Valley, Zagorje, and the Opatija Riviera, visit one of the many festivals in Zagreb and on the Crikvenica Riviera, walk into the fairytale land in Ogulin...

Spring is also the ideal time to visit Berlin and to take long walks through the enchanting Sanssouci Park, or Prussian Versailles, in Potsdam. The choice is yours.

We wish you a summer full of experiences, Željka and Robert Kunštek

CROATIA

50 km

Legend:

highway main state road other state and county roads

NEWSLETTER

MAP OF CROATIA - Source: Publishing house Meridijani

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tipTravel magazine is the first Croatian online travel and tourism magazine, which is exclusively in digital format and available to all readers free of charge.

It has been issued in Croatian and English since July 2013, and in German as of 2015. It is designed for readers in Croatia and abroad who are avid travelers.

In each issue, through original reports and photos, it introduces readers to Croatian coastal and continental destinations and their diverse and rich tourist offer, it reveals the less known facts, brings tourism news, announcements of events and festivals that shouldn't be missed, and first-hand advice and recommendations. The second part of the magazine is dedicated to presenting global destinations and their travel offer.

More information can be found at www.tiptravelmagazine.com, where you can also find a direct link to all the issues. The magazine can be read on all computers, tablets, and smartphone devices via the Issuu.com platform or application.

Other than using Issuu on iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch), the magazine can also be downloaded free of charge in the AppStore, where the application has additional interactive features to enable an even higher quality reading experience. To find it, simply type in 'tiptravel' in the AppStore.

Along with active links inside the magazine (that lead to certain web sites, videos and virtual tours), additional interactivity is enabled to all iOS Newsstand application users: a fullscreen preview (available for all photos marked with a magnifying glass)

S

photo galleries slideshows + integrated videos

kolovoz / rujan 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

Content The importance and quality of tipTravel magazine in the online promotion of Croatian tourism has been recognized and recommended to readers, tourists, by:

05-07/2015

10-43

58-61 50-51

ASSOCIATION OF EMPLOYERS IN CROATIAN HOSPITALITY

Croatian Camping Union

82-86

6-7 NEWS CROATIA 10-43 ISSUE TOPIC - DubrovnikNeretva County: Adventure in the exotic south 44-45 TIPS4YOU 46-49 INTERVIEW - Martina Bienenfeld, Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board: Zagreb is an irresistible city with Central European and Mediterranean flair

Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savez

Youth Hosteli Association ferijalni i hostelski savez rvatski ferijalniHrvatski iCroatian hostelski savez Hrvatski ferijalni hostelski savez 50-51 EVENTS - Zagreb

Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savez oatian Youth Hostel Association Croatian YouthHostel Hostel Association Croatian Youth Association Croatian Youth Hostel Association 4

tipTravelMagazine May - July 2015

Zagreb's exciting summer

56-57 HISTORICAL TRACES 58-61 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Zagreb County  ACTIVE TOURISM 62-63 Karlovac County 64-65 Ogulin 78-79 GOURMET - Opatija Riviera and Rijeka 80-81 EVENTS - Crikvenica Riviera 82-86 ACTIVE TOURISM - Rab: An active holiday on the happy island

Environmentally Friendly

the option to show photographs in fullscreen view is available to users of the application on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices.

not a single tree has been destroyed in publishing this magazine

90-95

142-151

112-113 108-111

152-153

116-125

90-95 BIKE TOURISM Šibenik-Knin County 98-99 ACTIVE TOURISM - Brela 102-103 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Croatian Zagorje 104-105 WINE TOURISM Bjelovar-Bilogora County: Wine roads through a mythological region 108-111 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Virovitica-Podravina County: Harmonious nature and tradition

 EXPERIENCE CROATIA 112-113 Požega-Slavonia County: The flavors of the Golden Valley 116-125 Vukovar-Srijem County: The hidden charms of the plains of Slavonia and Srijem 126-127 UNESCO: Sinjska Alka 128 CROATIA THROUGH PHILATELY: 125th Anniversary of the Botanical Garden in Zagreb 130 CROATIA ONLINE Explore Sinj and Zagreb

132-133 GOURMET CROATIA 134-135 CULTURAL SCENE interview Neno Belan: 'The Mediterranean as inspiration' 136-137 UNICEF 138-139 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS - WORLD 142-151 CITY BREAK Berlin and Potsdam 152-153 WORLD ATTRACTIONS: San Francisco

May - July 2015

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CROATIA Photo: archive of Zadar Tourist Board

News

Zadar County is UHPA's destination of the year

Rebranding Croatia at the Croatian Tourism Congress Rebranding Croatia as a travel destination, decreasing seasonal effects, and increasing average spending per tourist are amongst the main goals of Croatian tourism by 2020, noted Minister of Tourism Darko Lorencin at the Croatian Tourism Congress, held on April 28 in Zagreb.

He added that at the end of last year the 365 Croatia program started being implemented, and it currently covers 22 destinations, and after the selection of additional destinations for which the tender has expired, the program will cover 90 percent of the travel industry. The congress gathered around 300 participants, representatives from the travel sector, and guests from abroad.

Survey on congress tourism in Croatia conducted Croatian congress tourism requires high-quality branding and better air connections, and only then will it need large congress centers - according to a survey conducted by the CroatiaMeetings website amongst 118 people, representatives of congress hotels and agencies on the condition of the Croatian congress industry and the expectations from future development. Most of those tested believe that Croatia needs two to three multi-functional congress centers for more than a thousand people, primarily in Zagreb, followed by Dubrovnik, Split, Opatija, Istria, and some smaller destinations. www.croatiameetings.com

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Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo archive: Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia

The domestic destination of the 2015/2016 year, according to the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies (UHPA), is the Zadar County. As of June of this year, that will be emphasized in all the publications of the association, in informative and promotional material, electronic communication, and on the official uhpa.hr website and social networks. The selection of the Zadar County as the domestic destination of the year will encourage the improved promotion of the county and successful collaboration between the members of UHPA as a destination management company and the Tourist Board of the Zadar County as a destination management organization.

Croatia expects 1.1 million tourists on cruisers This year, the harbors of the Croatian Adriatic await the arrival of 1.1 million tourists on cruise ships, according to a survey by the Risposte Turismo association, presented on the recently held Adriatic Sea Forum in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is expecting the arrival of 584 cruisers with 870 thousand visitors, while all the Adriatic ports should greet 4.89 million tourists this summer. Last year, most of the boats that came to Croatia sailed under the the flags of Malta, the Bahamas, Panama, and Italy. www.croatiaweek.com

Photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

Croatia 33rd for travel and tourism competitiveness

Photo archive: Dialog komunikacije

Photo archive: Qatar Airways

According to the newest report of the World Economic Forum on travel and tourism competitiveness, Croatia takes 33rd place in a competition of 141 countries, announced the National Competitive Council on May 6 and pointed out that Croatia is still amongst the most competitive countries in the world. The countries most competitive in travel and tourism are Spain, France, Germany, the USA, Great Britain, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Japan, and Canada showed this year's report of the Forum on the topic "Growth with challenges", which places special emphasis on the adaptation of the travel industry to new trends while creating workplaces and developing the business.

Photo: Archive of the Zagreb International Airport

New direct flights Zagreb - Doha Qatar Airways continued its program of expanding to Europe in 2015 by introducing five direct flights weekly from Zagreb to Doha. By introducing these new lines as of early March, it offers more options for travelers who fly from the superbly equipped Hamad International Airport to more than 140 destinations this company offers all around the world. Also, people who travel from Asia-Pacific or African countries now have a greater opportunity to choose connecting flights.

Z端rich - Zagreb daily When the Swiss International Air Lines plane from Z端rich landed on April 21, it marked the beginning of flying of one more airline to Zagreb International Airport. Swiss will connect Z端rich and Zagreb according to the summer schedule on a daily basis, and flights will continue in the 2015/2016 winter schedule with four weeks per week, which will additionally contribute to the tourist and business exchange between Switzerland and Croatia with more intensive air traffic at the airport.

Booking.com opened an office in Split Representatives of Booking.com, the leading world agency for online reservations of accommodations presented their newly opened seasonal office in Split on May 11.

The opening of the Split office is the result of a growing trend in the number of partners, and growing interest in Split and the surrounding area. According to data from Booking.com, the top nationalities that reserve accommodations in Split are guests from Great Britain, Croatia, France, Germany, South Korea, the USA; Australia, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

May - July 2015

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Awards

CBTour 2014

tipTravel magazine

was awarded the prestigious 2014 Croatian Creative and Innovative Sustainable Tourism Award The Tip Kreativa d.o.o. company received three awards for the "tipTravel magazine" project: for the best marketing program and best manager, along with a special award from the Croatian Association for Energetics based on the topic of last year's World Tourism Day, "Tourism and Community Development".

Sikirica, Croatia, photo: Aleksandar Gospić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

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n March 26, 2015, at Zagreb's viewpoint, Zagreb Eye, representatives of the Croatian Association for Energetics handed out the prestigious annual Croatian Creative and Innovative Sustainable Tourism Award for 2014 in a total of ten categories. They are awards for creative and innovative programs in tourism with an emphasis on sustainable development that the Association has been awarding consecutively for the past five years, via a public tender.

The Tip Kreativa d.o.o. company from Zagreb won the award in the category for best marketing program for the "tipTravel magazine" project, while Željka Kunštek, editor-in-chief of the magazine, won the award for best manager. By a decision made by the president of the Croatian Association for Energetics, a special award based on the topic of last year's World Tourism Day, "Tourism and Community Development" was also awarded to the Tip Kreativa d.o.o. company for tipTravel magazine, for its significant contribution to the promotion of the Croatian tourism offer on the national, and especially international, market. The awards were accepted by Željka Kunštek, editor-in-chief of the magazine, and Robert Kunštek, director of the Tip Kreativa d.o.o. company.

The Stella Mediterranea company won the award in the category of best total program for the project named "Yesterday - Today - Tomorrow", and the Ilirija d.d. company won in the category of best program for responsible tourism and best team building program for the "Arsenal: Revitalized heritage monument for the purpose of organizing business events" project. The award in the category of best creative program was given to the Krapina Neanderthal Museum for the "XV. Summer Geology School" project. The award for best service was given to the board applicants of the Katapult promocija d.o.o. and G.A.D. produkcija d.o.o. companies and the Zagreb Tourist Board for the "Courtyards" project.

The award in the category of best product was given to the Solin Tourist Board for the "Business-Tourism promotional souvenir 'Post-it stand - Solin hit destination 2014'" project. The award for best technology was given to the Lemax d.o.o. company for the

"iTravel Software - reservation system" project.

The program of the Croatian Association for Energetics is aimed at promoting creative, innovative, and modern mechanisms for the development of Croatian tourism, with the goal of the successful placement of the Croatian business-tourist offer, content, products and services on the domestic and international market, with special emphasis on sustainable development. From 2010 to 2014, a total of 50 Croatian companies in tourism have received CBTour awards and gained the right to use and display the GREEN MARK, the leading Croatian logo for excellence in green business, for a five-year period.

The same day, representatives of the Croatian Association for Energetics also awarded the annual award for the development of green Croatian businesses, the 2015 Croatian Green Award, in ten categories. 

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Issue topic

DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

Na

D tio (a am na rch ir l T iv Fa Pho bi t ou e: ris Cro jan o: t B at ić oa ian rd )

Photos: Orlando's column is a symbol of Dubrovnik's freedom (left page); the island of Lopud, the Neretva valley, and the Pelješac peninsula (right page, top); the islands of Korčula, Mljet, and Lastovo (right page, bottom).

Once you touch the ground of its ancient cities and immerse yourself in the vividness of its stone streets, once you feel the warm sand of its beaches and the scents of the true Mediterranean, once you swim in the clear sea in its turquoise coves and experience the most beautiful sunset, once you taste the juicy fruits of its fields and enjoy the rhythm of its festivals under the stars... Once you discover the Croatian south, you will always return to it.

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COUNTY

DUBROVNIK-NERETVA

DUBROVNIK AND ITS SURROUNDINGS, NERETVA, PELJEŠAC, KORČULA, MLJET, AND LASTOVO

CROATIA

Adventure in the exotic south

Photo: Stjepan Tafra (archive: Lastovo Tourist Board)

Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archives of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Metković Tourist Board, Ston Tourist Board, Orebić Tourist Board, Korčula Tourist Board, Lumbarda Tourist Board, Smokvica Tourist Board, Blato Tourist Board, Vela Luka Tourist Board, Mljet Tourist Board, Lastovo Tourist Board and the "Mljet National Park" Public Institution, along with PHOTOnet.hr and Robert Kunštek

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Issue topic

DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

Na

tio (a na rch Bo l T iv ris Pho ou e: K t ris Cro ača o: t B at n oa ian rd )

A vacation in exotic surroundings is a wish for many. When they talk about their dream vacation, many tourists will say they would like it to be somewhere with a crystal clear sea, attractive coves and beaches, tasty delicacies, fun festivals, and cultural and natural attractions, which they will be able to tell their friends about for a long time when they get home. An active vacation, be it on water or land, is also an ever-growing reason for today's tourist to travel.

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Photo: a view of Dubrovnik.

So, it is absolutely logical why the southernmost part of Croatia, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, is the choice for many Europeans, but also for tourists from all the continents. In this "most-touristy" area of Croatia, which is easily accessible by air, sea, and land, you will find all of the above, but also much more...

On the following pages, through six fantastic destinations, we present you just a part of this travel paradise. Get to know Dubrovnik and its surrounding area, explore the Neretva valley, and discover the charms of the Pelješac peninsula, then sail out to sea and to the islands of Korčula, Mljet, and Lastovo.

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DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

Photo: fotolia

Issue topic

Dubrovnik and its surroundings

A museum under the stars "If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik", wrote famous Irish writer George Bernard Shaw in 1929 after visiting this representative city of the Croatian south.

Photos: the MinÄ?eta fortress and the city bell tower (left); a view of the Large Onofrio fountain and Stradun, the widest city street (right).

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f you haven't visited it yet, you have surely already seen its familiar landscape of the city walls on a photo, video, or film, since it is a city that constantly attracts the attention of the media worldwide. Its fortresses, streets and palaces were recently the backdrops for the filming of "Game of Thrones", one of the most popular TV shows in the world.

Head out on a walk through the filming locations and start with a climb up the impressive city walls. With five fortresses and sixteen towers and bastions, the walls are an attraction that make the city stand out amongst its other Mediterranean neighbors from first sight. They are nearly

two kilometers long, and tourists tirelessly tour them all year long. Head down to Stradun, the widest city street. This favorite gathering place and promenade of the people of Dubrovnik is the ideal place to take a break in one of the coffee shops, while in the summer months, it is truly refreshing to stop at the Large Onofrio fountain on the western part of the street.

Wherever you turn within the stone capsule of the city, take into account that you will be distracted by the magnificent palaces and churches. Some of the most attractive are the Sponza Palace and Church of St. Blaise, the city's patron saint. In front of it you will see the symbol of independence of

Photo archive: colibri DUBROVNIK

Pho

You won't regret taking a little time to tour at least a part of Dubrovnik's surroundings.

Along the entire Dubrovnik Riviera, next to the beautiful coves and beaches of its picturesque towns, you will find many

hiv

e: V ala

ma

r

Photos: the Sponza palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Dubrovnik (top); Cavtat (bottom left); linđo is the most popular dance in Dubrovnik and the surrounding area (bottom right).

palaces, villas, and summer homes that date back to the era of the Dubrovnik Republic. Still, every town has its special features. For example, Trsteno is famous for the Arboretum, one of the oldest and most beautiful renaissance parks on the Adriatic coast, while Zaton will win you over with its stone beaches. Mlini are like a large Mediterranean garden, while Cavtat will offer you everything you need for a perfect vacation in a small area. Čilipi will show you the valuable traditional and folklore heritage, while in Konavle you can tour rural architecture and enjoy domestic specialties on one of the many country homesteads.

To make your Dubrovnik adventure complete, sail to the mystical beauties of Dubrovnik's archipelago: Lokrum, Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. The closest one is Lokrum, which you can reach with a ten-minute tourist boat ride that departs from Dubrovnik's old city harbor.

Feel the magic of King's Landing this summer while staying in one of the city's best premium hotels - Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik 4*, renowned for its fusion of nature and state of the art facilities, located only few minutes from the historic centre of Dubrovnik.

When the US production company behind the Game of Thrones series picked Dubrovnik as the setting for the capital city of Westeros, King’s Landing, they could not have chosen better.

Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel offers you special Game of Thrones holiday package, starting from 80,00 EUR per person per day, which includes an exciting guided tour covering the shooting locations in the Old Town and featuring a ticket to Lovrijenac fortress; surprise “Game of Thrones” welcome gift; return airport transfer; one buffet dinner and lavish buffet breakfast every day.

Information and reservations: www.valamar.com

Photo archive: Valamar

The attractive surroundings and paradise islands

arc

An outstanding Game of Thrones experience in Dubrovnik

Photo archive: colibri DUBROVNIK

the former Dubrovnik Republic, Orlando's column with a figure of a medieval knight with a sword. Duck into the old pharmacy from 1317, where prescriptions are still made today according to ancient recipes.

It is located next to the baroque church in the cloister of the Franciscan monastery.

Also visit Dubrovnik's cathedral with a rich treasury and the Church of St. Dominic.

The pulse of the city can best be felt at the marketplace, in the fish market, and at the city harbor. Stop by the Lazareti, the former quarantine, which are now often the venue for various events.

Although you can take a picture of the city panorama from the city walls, you will have Dubrovnik at your fingertips if you climb the 413 meter-high mountain of Srđ, which has a cable car that can take you to the top. With a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding area, here you will also find the Imperial fortress, which Napoleon used to control Dubrovnik's waters and hinterland.

to

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Issue topic

DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

Photo: fotolia

WIN

This unique monograph is an interesting and practical guide that will take you through the rich history and culture of Dubrovnik. It contains 186 phrases and many attractive photos, and fits in nearly every bag. www.colibriworld.com Would you like to win this book?

Write us why you would like to win it and send your answer to contest@tiptravelmagazine.com.

The one with the most creative answer will get this interesting book as a gift.

Photos: Lokrum island (top); Koločep island (middle); the beach in Trsteno (right); a peacock on Lokrum island (bottom).

The Elaphite islands are also called the Deer islands (elaphos = deer) since many deer used to live there.

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Photo archive: colibri DUBROVNIK

colibri DUBROVNIK

Legend has it that King Richard I Lionheart found salvation on this island when he was shipwrecked upon returning from the crusades in the Palestine in 1192. But that is just one of the legends you will find out on this mysterious island, a favorite getaway for the people of Dubrovnik and their guests. The entire island is actually an exotic and aromatic garden, crisscrossed with paths that will take you along impressive collections of eucalyptus, cacti, and succulents, along with diverse exotic plants from Australia and South America. In the very heart of the island is a Benedictine monastery, and another one of the island's attractions is the lake, the so-called "dead sea", where you should definitely take a swim if you find yourself here in the warmer months.

The Elaphite islands are shrouded in a veil of secrets and immersed in the scents

of the Mediterranean, and they can be reached with daily boat lines from Dubrovnik's Gruž port. There are a total of thirteen islands, and only three are inhabited: Lopud, Koločep, and Šipan.

Lopud was known as the Captain's island and today it is a destination for all those who seek peace surrounded by sub-tropic parks, gardens, and beaches.

While walking on the island, you will come across ruins of churches, summer homes, and fortresses from the early Middle Ages, and make sure to tour the valuable collection of art at the Franciscan monastery. You will also find scattered ruins of old churches and summer homes on Koločep, an island covered in old olive groves, carob trees, and gardens full of aromatic citrus trees. An exotic story also awaits you on Šipan, the largest island amongst the Elaphite islands. 

PROMO

Hotel Neptun

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awaits the season with a new look

ocated on one of the most attractive locations in Dubrovnik, Babin kuk on the Lapad peninsula, Hotel Neptun awaits the new season after being completely renovated. During its renovation, this popular hotel in Dubrovnik, run by the Importanne Resort, implemented many innovative technological solutions, such as energy efficient heating and cooling systems and efficient lighting. The hotel has a total of 91 accommodation units and 186 beds, and the interiors of the rooms are even better adapted to the needs of the most demanding tourist or business traveler and offer the maximum in practicality and comfort.

A careful reorganization of the space has contributed to comfort and luxury, while the integration of basic elements in a unique style has helped achieve a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere that emanates modern style. The head architect

working on the renovation of the Hotel Neptun, Domagoj Smodilo, and interior designer, Velinda Mrsić, who designed the complete solution, are satisfied with the outcome, and emphasize that "the hotel rooms are now equipped with the most modern equipment and innovative

solutions in accordance with the highest global standards, starting from the entry door with increased sound insulation to high quality furnishings, all the way to superb technology, excellent LCD televisions and comfortable ergonomic beds," which raises the Neptun to a level far above its 4-star hotel category. As far as business congresses are concerned, guests have 14 multifunctional rooms at the Importanne Resort at their disposal, which can accommodate between 15 and 500 people. All the halls are equipped with modern audio-visual and technical equipment, and most halls offer daylight and a fantastic view, which gives business meetings a special ambiance.

It is the combination of the superb business ambiance and the relaxing environment that makes Hotel Neptune an excellent choice for organizing business and other events. ď ś

IMPORTANNE HOTELS & RESORT, Kardinala Stepinca 31, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia tel: +385 20 440100, fax: +385 20 440200, www.importanneresort.com May - July 2015

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Photo archive: Metković Tourist Board

Issue topic

DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

Ne r e t v a The valley of life

To get to know more about life in the Neretva valley, hop into a traditional Neretva boat, pass down the channels of the Neretva River, and listen to the stories of the locals.

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Photo: Marin Veraja (archive: Metković Tourist Board)

Photo: Marin Veraja (archive: Metković Tourist Board)

Photos: there are a total of 368 different bird species living in the Neretva valley (top left); a view of the Neretva valley (top right); the Neretva Boat Marathon (bottom left); the archeological site of Ancient Narona near Metković (bottom middle); Blace, a settlement at the Neretva River delta (bottom right).

here are very few areas in the world where relatively small areas have so many contrasts and such natural diversity. One of those areas is the Neretva valley, where rolling hills meet fertile valleys, the sea meets the bubbling green river and mystical wetlands, and the wild, untouched nature meets the hospitable and hardworking locals. In order to get to know this area better, first jump into a traditional Neretva boat, which was the center of life here, and listen to the stories of the locals as you pass through the narrow channels and arms of the Neretva River. The boat will take you alongside fertile fields of mandarin oranges and other citruses, for which this area is famous far and wide, and as you make your way through the lily pads, sedge, and reeds,

tipTravelMagazine May - July 2015

you will be accompanied by unique bird species. There are a total of 368 different species that attract ornithologists from all over the world to this area. A valuable ornithological collection can be found in Metković, a city that has a cave in its center, where the relic living fossil (Congeria kusceri) species lives. Near the city, in the town of Vid, the archeological site of Ancient Narona, the first in situ museum in Croatia, can be found. Baćina lakes, the Norin tower, the "Smrden grad" fortress, and the tombstones in the Slivna area are just some of the attractions worth visiting here. Don't miss out on seeing the town of Opuzen, which will tell you its interesting story through its gastronomic offer, which includes eels, frogs, fresh saltwater fish, and dishes roasted under the bell. 

RIVIERA & ISLANDS Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr May - July 2015

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Issue topic

DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

c a š A peninsula of e j el

P peace and adrenaline Pelješac will seduce you with its wines and delicacies, pamper you with untouched coves, intrigue you with its cultural attractions...

Photos: Pelješac's vineyards stretch all the way down to the sea (left); the indigenous plavac mali sort (right).

Pelješac's wines are amongst the best in Croatia, and have been included on wine cards around the world for a long time.

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n the Pelješac peninsula, you will experience the most beautiful wine story of southern Croatia.

Grapevines have been grown here since Roman times, and the art of producing superb wines is handed down from generation to generation.

Today, nearly all families have a vineyard and produce wine. Nearly 90 percent of Pelješac's vineyards grow the indigenous plavac mali sort, which gives the best results here. Here, visiting one of the wine roads and a wine bar at a winery and country homestead is a must-do activity.

Besides superb wine, your hosts will also offer you homemade liqueurs and spirits,

cheese and prosciutto, olive oil, and other delicacies. In some homesteads, you will also have the chance to try fresh shellfish - oysters and clams, which go excellently with Pelješac's wines. Try delicious seafood, and meat, dishes, prepared in the traditional way, in one of the many taverns, scattered along the length of the peninsula.

Surfer's paradise Besides fans of wine and the delicacies that accompany them, Pelješac is also gladly visited by adventurers, excursionists, hikers, divers, surfers, and those who seek

Photos: a view of Trstenik (left); shucking oysters (top); oysters and wine (right); Pelješac's winemakers will gladly show you their cellars and offer you wine and various delicacies (bottom).

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DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

Photos: a view of Ston (top); the Ston wall are amongst the longest in Europe (right); the salt harvest in Ston (middle); Viganj and Kućište are famous surfer destinations (bottom).

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either peace or a dose of adrenaline in preserved nature. Here you can play beach volleyball and soccer, water polo, and tennis, enjoy swimming and cycling, explore the interesting underwater world, head out on a photo safari, or on a hike to the highest peak of Pelješac, St. Ilija (961 m). The towns of Viganj and Kućište are famous as surfer's paradises, both for beginners, as well as for those who are looking to catch the best west winds on the Adriatic. You can try playing bocce, a traditional Dalmatian sport in all the towns on Pelješac. If you visit Pelješac in the warmer months, seek refreshment in the clear sea in one of the hidden coves. The most beautiful include Prapratno, Vučine,

Mokalo, Postup and Divna, and make sure to visit the sandy beauty, the Žuljana cove.

The cultural treasures of Pelješac don't lag behind the natural ones. One of the greatest attractions is the Ston wall that dates back to the 14th century, and is also known as the European Wall of China. It connects two towns at the beginning of Pelješac: Ston and Mali Ston. It is around 5.5 km long and 5-10 meters high, and is considered to be one of the longest walls in Europe. It is a special experience to walk down this impressive construction, fortified with forty towers and five fortresses, which offers a spectacular view of yet another attraction - the salt works. Sea salt was a precious product of the former Dubrovnik Republic, and today it is produced in the same, traditional way in the Ston Salt Works, the oldest and largest salt works on the Mediterranean.

These salt works, at the base of the Ston channel, produce around two thousand tons of salt per year, and the harvest lasts from July to September every year, and turns into a true tourist attraction. Ston is also known far and wide for a gastronomic attraction - shellfish. They are grown in the Mali Ston bay, where there are many restaurants that will prepare the shellfish, mostly oysters and mussels, in many delicious ways.

The Captains' cradle On Pelješac, make sure to stop by Orebić, a town at the base of the tallest peak of Pelješac, St. Ilija. This captain's haven is given its special charm by old baroque villas that belonged to Orebić's sailors, often hidden in exotic gardens full of flowers and various trees, for which the sailors brought seedlings over from their distant journeys.

As you walk along the pebble beaches and pine forests, you will come across many restaurants, bars, hotels, camps, vacation homes, and various tourist facilities, which give Orebić a special air. Walking along the coast will also bring you to the Maritime Museum, where you can find out more about the life of sailors, the items they used in distant seas, the maps that showed them the way in stormy oceans...

Near the museum, on a cliff above the dense pine forest, is the captain's graveyard, located next to the Franciscan monastery, and the Church of the Lady of the Angels.

According to legend, when leaving on a journey, and when returning, Orebić's captain and sailors greeted the Lady of Angels with horns as a sign of gratitude, and to seek protection. On the other side, the Franciscans greeted them with the ringing of the church bells. The church and monastery house valuable artwork within

tip: In Orebić, tour the Maritime Museum, and then head over to the Franciscan monastery, where the balcony offers one of the most beautiful views on the Mediterranean.

Photos: a view of Orebić (top); one of the captain's villas in Orebić (middle left); the Tastes of Pelješac gastro event (middle); the Franciscan monastery in Orebić (middle right).

their walls, but also something priceless on the outside. In order to see it, take a walk to the small baroque balcony, which serves as a viewpoint, and then hold your breath because you will then see one of the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean: the Pelješac channel, and three islands of indescribable beauty Korčula, Mljet, and Lastovo. 

Orebić Tourist Board Zrinsko-frankopanska 2, 20250 Orebić, Croatia, tel: +385 20 713718, info@visitorebic-croatia.hr

www.visitorebic-croatia.hr

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Ph B ot Ad ou o ar ch ria tiq iv tic ue , O Ho e: re tel bi ć

Mokalo

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Fans of nature will be thrilled by Mokalo, a place located four kilometers east from the center of Orebić. The place is a favorite amongst campers who spend their vacation directly next to the sea, under the canopy of aromatic Mediterranean pines and century-old olive trees, at the Adriatic camp. Magical nature, beautiful beaches, and a lot of facilities for an active vacation also attract many families who find accommodations in comfortable suites, rooms, and bungalows at the Holiday Resort Adriatic. Mokalo is also a famous diving destination, and even if you haven't quite learned the basics of this sport yet, you can do so at the Adriatic-Mokalo-Orebić diving center. The center's experienced divers will gladly take you into the magnificent Adriatic undersea world, and show you underwater caves and sunken ships that hide many untold stories...

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I

A Captain's villa with irresistible charm

n the heart of Orebić, amongst captain's gardens, directly next to the sea, you will find the Boutique Hotel Adriatic. This city hotel is unique for many reasons, it exudes Orebić's spirit of cultural heritage, and it is renovated as a captain's residence, comprised of history, luxury, comfort, eco-friendly materials, love, and experience in hospitality, which the Mikulić family has been nurturing for more than four decades. The hotel has six luxurious rooms, and the famous, and respected, "Stari Kapetan" restaurant, decorated in the style of a ship saloon, and enriched with many antiques from Pelješac's sailboats. It is a true delight to sail the gastronomic waters here, to try the tasty dishes made of Adriatic fish and seafood, prosciutto, cheese, organically grown fruits and vegetables, and many other delicacies, with the inescapable olive oil, paired with superb wines from Pelješac: postup, rukatac and dingač. Make sure to try plavac mali, the pride of family, while here. Breakfast for two, and lunch with a

view of endless blue horizons will stay in your memory for a long time, and enjoying a romantic candlelight dinner on a replica of a 17th century sailboat is also a special

experience. Since the hotel is open all year long, you can also find a pleasant and warm haven there in the winter, with a crackling fire in the fireplace. 

Boutique Hotel Adriatic, Šetalište Kneza Domagoja 8, 20250 Orebić, Croatia, tel: +385 20 714488, info@hoteladriaticorebic.com, www.hoteladriaticorebic.com May - July 2015

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The city of Korčula is one of the best preserved medieval cities on the Mediterranean, and it is often called "Little Dubrovnik".

a Marco l u č r o K

Polo's Island

It's hard to say what is more beautiful: the views, colors, scents, or flavors of Korčula.

But one thing is for certain - those who visit the island once, always return.

Photo: a view of the old center of the city of Korčula, located on a peninsula.

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T

he ferry ride from Orebić to the Dominče harbor on the island of Korčula only takes ten minutes, and then you can prepare yourself for an adventure on one of the most attractive islands in the Mediterranean.

If you arrive on the island by car, as soon as you arrive, roll the windows down and experience driving with the aromas of diverse Mediterranean plants and the cricket concerts (if you visit Korčula in the hot summer months). Although it owes its

old Greek name of Korkyra Melaina (Black Korčula) to the holly oak, which was the most widespread plant on the island, the aromatic story of the island now includes dense pine forests, citrus trees, and plenty of medicinal and herbal plants such as sage, rosemary, lavender, and mint.

Intoxicated by the aromas of the true Mediterranean, you will reach the city of Korčula, the "capital city" of the island, after a two-kilometer drive from the harbor. As soon as you see the view of its picturesque

old center on the peninsula, with a street layout that is reminiscent of a fishbone, you will want to explore it. Take your time and don't be rushed by your watch in this city whose past is trapped in the present. Of all the large walls and towers that used to embrace the city, only the southern portion of the defense wall and eight towers have remained preserved. Enter the old city center through the Large Revelin Tower (Land Gate), and duck into the medieval stone streets that are even pleasant to explore in the hot summer months since pleasant sea breezes always pass through them. You will pass by elegant palaces with opulent façades, mysterious galleries, and many churches, and reach the most extravagant of them all, the gothic renaissance cathedral of St. Mark. Pop into the former bishop's home, located in close vicinity of the cathedral, which presently houses the Abbey Treasury, which holds one of the oldest legal documents in Europe, Korčula's statute that dates back to 1214. Many interesting facts about ancient Korčula, where the influence of Greek,

Roman, Illyrian, Croatian, and Venetian civilizations intertwined, can be found in the Gabrielis palace, which now houses the City Museum, across from the cathedral.

House of the famous traveler The stone house in the city that must be seen by everyone is the house of Marco Polo, the most famous world traveler of all time. You will recognize it by its small tower with a viewpoint at the top, and tourist signposts will also guide you.

In the very center of the city, have a look at the exhibition dedicated to this famous traveler and travel writer who was captured in the maritime battle between Genoa and Venice, which took place near Korčula. Gather your thoughts in one of the cafés or restaurants on the promenade, on top of the city walls, with a view of the sea, the surrounding islands and Pelješac.

If you spent the morning exploring the city, spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the local beaches. Some of the closest include the City Beach and the Banja and St. Nikola

Photos: The large duke's tower that dates back to the 15th century (top left); Marco Polo's house (top right); the street layout shaped like fish bones (bottom left); the Large Revelin tower (bottom middle); St. Mark's cathedral (bottom right).

tip: In Korčula, visit Marco Polo's house, and duck into St. Mark's cathedral.

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tip: Three things you shouldn't miss out on in Korčula: the sunset, the Moreška sword dance, and the brotherhood procession.

The white stone from the island of Vrnik has been used to build the Aja Sofia in Istanbul, the White House in Washington, and numerous palaces in Venice, Vienna and Dubrovnik.

Photos: the Franciscan monastery on the island of Badija (top left); sunsets on Korčula are a true spectacle (top right); the island of Vrnik with many stone quarries (bottom left); the Moreška sword dance is one of Korčula's trademarks (bottom right).

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beach. All of them are stone beaches and equally attractive for all generations. You can also take a swim beneath the city walls or head out to one of the beaches on the islands nearby, which you can reach either by taxi boat or regular boat lines.

The largest and, according to many, most beautiful island of Korčula's archipelago is Badija, also famous for its 14th century Franciscan monastery. You can make a full circle around the island on its seaside trail in less than 45 minutes and find the stone or rocky beach that suits you best while you're there. You will also find beautiful beaches on the small islands of Planjak and Stupe, which can be reached by boat, either your own, or rented. The island of Vrnik, famous for its many impressive rock quarries that date back to Roman times, also has an interesting story. Many world-

famous buildings have been built from the white stone found on the island.

A tradition of knight's dances and brotherhoods At dusk, be at Korčula's western harbor to experience the heavenly spectacle of colors and the view of the sun sinking into the sea. In the summer months, at the western tower and on city terraces that face that side, it is difficult to find a place to enjoy this unforgettable experience with your favorite cocktail in hand. It's also difficult to find a spot to watch the Moreška sword dance, one of the trademarks of Korčula's.

This battle between the white and black king, Osman and Moro, for the love of a girl can be seen during the summer months in the evening hours. However, that isn't the

Photo: Mario Romulić and Dražen Stojčić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

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only dance that is performed on the island with swords as a mandatory prop. In the towns of Pupnat, Čara, Smokvica, Blato, and Vela Luka you can see Kumpanija, a dance performed with a type of sword that dates back to the 16th and 17 century. If you happen to be on Korčula for the Assumption of Mary, on August 15, make sure to head over to the town of Žrnovo, where the locals will show you Moštra, also a sword dance.

Besides the tradition of knight's tournaments and dynamic battle dances, the people of Korčula also preserve the tradition of brotherhoods and their spectacular processions. This tradition started back in 1301 and has remained unchanged until today, and there are three brotherhoods in the city of Korčula: St. Rocco, All Saints, and the Virgin

of Consolation (Our Lady of the Belt).

The processions are held several times throughout the year, but for sure during the Holy Week (Vela setemana) before Easter, and on the feast day of St. Theodore, the patron saint of the city (July 29), as well as on the feast days of the patron saints of each of the brotherhoods. The largest and most formal is the procession of Good Friday, when torci (large, heavy candles), torcini (smaller candles), crosses, and valuable liturgical decorations are taken from the valuable brotherhood halls. It is a special experience to be in Korčula during that somewhat mysterious night, when the city lights up with the many candles carried by the brothers in tunics (tonigas), singing old songs and touring the city. If you have the chance, visit one of the brotherhoods where they keep valuable art.

102 steps lead through a cypress alley, planted in 1708, to the top of St. Anthony's hill. At the top is a church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, and this spot also offers a beautiful view of Korčula's archipelago.

This religious monument is also a protected monument of park architecture.

Photos: the brotherhood of St. Rocco and the brothers from the Our Lady of the Belt brotherhood, with torcas, in the procession for Good Friday (top left and middle); St. Anthony's Hill (right); St. Mihovil's church (bottom).

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Korčula De La Ville

New stories of an old city Written by: Željka Kunštek

Korčula De La Ville

K

orčula De La Ville... it's a new story based on an intriguing past, in Korčula's old city center.

This villa by the sea, also the first city hotel on Korčula, is easily recognizable. You will probably instantly be drawn to its spacious terrace, which offers a view of the magical sunset,

and while you enjoy your favorite drink there, you will very likely be attracted by the intoxicating aromas of Mediterranean delicacies that will waft from its à la carte restaurant. You will want to stay here even longer than you planned, so fall asleep in one of its elegant, newly renovated rooms.

Korčula De La Ville

HTP Korčula d.d., Šetalište Frana Kršinića 104, 20260 Korčula, Croatia, tel: +385 20 726306, 30

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Click here to see the video: "The story behind Hotel Korčula"

Apartments Korkyra Gardens

Apartments Korkyra Gardens

After a delicious breakfast and coffee in the café, you will be ready to tour the city and island and head out to one of the beaches nearby.

Alongside this charming villa, Hotel Liburna can also boast a new look this year, inspired by Mediterranean opulence on its exterior, and pure designer lines on the interior.

The view from this hotel, which many visitors write about, is something special. A view of renaissance Korčula, which you will definitely want to eternalize with your camera, will remain in your memory for a long time, just like the calm beaches with the crystal clean sea, located near the hotel. Korčula's

old city center can be reached with a pleasant ten-minute walk next to the sea, and even less to the relaxing wellness treatments at the nearby Marko Polo hotel. If you would like to learn the skills of taming the wind and the waves of the sea, there is a sailing and windsailing school at your disposal.

The youngest members of your family will surely be thrilled with the mini-club and the fun animation program for children, while you can enjoy the live music on the terrace in the evening.

If you prefer to spend your holiday in comfortable and modern renovated suites, immersed in greenery and the scents of the Mediterranean, then

Korkyra Gardens are the right place for you. They are located in the calm Zaljev školjki cove, near picturesque beaches to satisfy everyone's taste: sand, stone, and concrete slabs.

Here you can enjoy various sports activities, and make sure to explore the gastronomic offer of the nearby restaurants and taverns. Try dishes of blue fish or grilled squid, lamb, handmade pasta, or stew with polenta, with domestic olive oil and excellent local wine. Treat yourself to local desserts: cukarini, hroštule, kotonjata or rožata, and their flavors will remind you of your stay on this inspirational island for a long time. 

Hotel Liburna

marketing@htp-korcula.hr, www.korcula-hotels.com May - July 2015

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A palace inspired by the Silk Road Written by: Željka Kunštek

V

enice, India, China, Arabia, and Ceylon are just a few destinations Korcula's best known citizen, famous sailor Marco Polo, visited while on the Silk Road. The five spacious suites at the Lešić Dimitri Palace, located in the very heart of the old city of Korčula, bear the names of these exotic destinations.

Nowadays, the former bishop's palace that dates back to the 18th century and the medieval stone houses connected to it are luxury tourist residences inspired by the travels of the greatest traveler of all time who headed out on his global adventures from this irresistible island. Although each is different, and with their design they

display styles characteristic for these places on the Silk Road, each of the suites also harmoniously combine Mediterranean charm and Oriental luxury. If we add refined elegance, superb comfort, and a dose of mystery, which they all share, staying in them turns into a true experience. The suites vary in size from 45 to 120 square meters, with one to three bedrooms, and handmade furniture from Thailand.

Although guests have a full spectrum of hotel services available, each suite also has its own kitchen and dining room.

You will also have an exotic experience if you relax with the treatments in the palace's spa zone. Combining the culture

Lešić Dimitri Palace, Don Pavla Poše 1-6, 20260 Korčula, Croatia, tel: +385 20 715560 (8-22h), 32

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PROMO

and techniques from all parts of the Silk Road, Thailand, and the Mediterranean, the treatments will relax all your senses.

Thai therapists use only natural products, made of various herbs, roots, flowers, and fruit from Dalmatia and Asia. Your hosts will also care for your wellbeing at the palace restaurant. You will find creative and innovative dishes on your plate, made of seasonal, local, organically grown ingredients, served with superb olive oil and excellent wine made by local producers, during all meals. Guests also have access to a private yacht and sailboat with an experienced skipper who will, if you wish, take you to one of the nearby uninhabited islands for swimming and lunch. There, another exotic story starts... However, that is just one of the experiences awaiting you here. If we were to express ourselves like Marco Polo, upon his return from China in the 13th century, we could say we haven't told half the stories about what we saw and experienced there... ď ś

S

info@lesic-dimitri.com, www.lesic-dimitri.com May - July 2015

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Photos: the chapel of the Holy Cross in Lumbarda, surrounded by vineyards (top left); a beach in Lumbarda (top right); the Kumpanija knights' dance in front of the church of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin in the town of Smokvica (bottom left); wine and homemade delicacies are an integral part of the spread in Smokvica (bottom middle); girl in traditional costume in Smokvica (bottom right).

The second-longest avenue of linden trees in Europe, after Berlin's Unter den Linden, runs through the center of Blato.

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Long beaches, picturesque trails...

Now that you have explored the city of Korčula, you have seen just a bit of this incredible island. Head back to your car and continue your ride southeast of Korčula. After six kilometers, you will reach Lumbarda, a town you should visit for at least three reasons: long, sandy beaches, superb wines that accompany homemade delicacies, and enchanting nature.

Lumbarda is crisscrossed with walking and cycling trails so you can reach the most popular beaches, Pržina and Bilin žal, by bike or on foot. On your way to the beach, you will pass by picturesque vineyards that grow mostly the indigenous grk sort, along with a bit of plavac mali. You can taste them at local restaurants and taverns, where, along with some of the traditional desserts, make sure to order a glass of prošek, a sweet dessert wine. The wines from this area were likely enjoyed by the Ancient Greeks from the ancient island of

Issa (now the island of Vis), who built their city on these shores long ago. That event remained permanently recorded on a stone sign, the Lumbarda psefizm.

From Lumbarda, head towards the heart of the island and don't hesitate to turn in towards one of the untouched coves on the south side of the island: Rasohatica, Pavja luka, Orlanduša, Bačva, or the one that is considered to be the prettiest on the island, Pupnatska luka. If you visit Korčula in the warmer part of the year, you won't be able to resist swimming whichever cove you choose. Stop by picturesque Pupnat, one of the oldest settlements on the island, then head down the road along the vineyards in Čara to Smokvica. This place in the island's interior, surrounded

by Pošip vineyards, is dominated by the church with the large bell tower and loggia. Near the town is the Brna cove with a long tradition of fishing, and it is equally favored by sailors and swimmers. This area is a paradise for cyclists and trekkers due to the many trails that run along vineyards,

Photo: Boris Kačan (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

olive groves, caves, and coves. The locals will gladly take you to a grape and olive harvest in the autumn, and they will invite you to their wine cellars, where they will pamper your taste buds with high-quality Pošip and homemade delicacies.

Return to prehistoric times At the very heart of the islands, you will find Blato, a Mediterranean town surrounded by fertile plains that developed next to a former lake. It is one of the largest settlements on the island, and a kilometer-long avenue of linden trees runs down its main street, Zlinje, which gives it a special look. Explore the narrow streets of the town, where you will notice one more special feature - street names that, instead of names, have numbers. The main gathering point to the locals is the spacious square next to the parish church, recognizable for its loggia. It used to be the venue for meetings of aristocrats, commoners, and brotherhoods, and today,

locals still like to gather there. While in Blato, make sure to visit the Barilo ethno house with a valuable ethnographic collection, and head down to some of the attractive coves: Prigradica, Prižba, Gršćica...

Head on to the far west of the island, to the famed Vela Luka, its coves, exotic islets, olive groves and vineyards. This pleasant town has preserved an incredible archeological site, Vela Spila, one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe, which offers a vision of what life was like in the Mediterranean over the past twenty thousand years. You can have a look at the items found in the cave at the Center for Culture, where there is also an exhibit and collection of models of wooden boats.

In the Kale cove, near the center of the city, there is a famous spa for rheumatic ailments with the use of therapeutic mud. Take some time to visit the island of Proizd, which has beaches that have been declared to be some of the most beautiful on the Adriatic several times. 

tip: The Barilo Ethno House in Blato will show you how the people of Blato used to live, what they did, and what items they used, and Vela Spila in Vela Luka will take you 20 thousand years back in time...

Photos: Vela Spila is a valuable archeological site (top left); a beach on the island of Proizd (top right); the central square in Blato (bottom left); a depiction of a traditional kitchen in the Barilo Ethno House in Blato (bottom right).

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Photo: Mario Romulić and Dražen Stojčić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

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t e j A mystical oasis l M

Calypso, the goddess of beauty, quiet and peace, kept Odyssey, who she fell in love with, in a cave on her Magical island for a full seven years... Many explorers still think that immortal Homer, when describing the island of the Nymph Calypso, was actually thinking of Mljet.

Photo: a view of Mljet, the Large Lake and the island of St. Marija.

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T

he legendary traces of Mljet date back to the prehistoric Hellenic era of heroes, idols, and myths, and the legend of Odyssey and Calypso is just one of the legends you will hear on this gorgeous island. The locals will likely tell you that St. Paul also stayed on Mljet after a shipwreck, and you will probably hear the story about Queen Teuta and the Illyrian pirates. They were all enchanted with the beauty of the island, which even today takes the breath away of every visitor that arrives on the island.

With around 2500 hours of sun per year, Mljet is one of the sunniest islands in the Adriatic, and definitely one of the most forested. Its northwestern region was proclaimed a national park fifty years ago, and its main attraction are two salt-water lakes (the Large and Small lake), and the Benedictine monastery on the islet of St. Marija, as well as the best protected harbor in the entire Adriatic, which is located in the town of Polače.

The lakes are connected with a shallow and narrow channel, where, depending

Photo: Zdenko Galić (archive: Mljet Tourist Board)

on the tides, seawater flows. Above the channel is a stone bridge, under which smaller boats can pass, and under which bathers also regularly pass from early April to October. The underwater life of the lakes is also interesting, primarily due to the numerous shellfish, of which many are protected, such as the fan mussel and date mussel. The lakes are also home to a unique jellyfish, of the Aurelia genus, and it is their only habitat in the world.

Don't worry, it is completely harmless for swimmers, and it is interesting that its closest relatives live in a sea lake on the island of Palau near the Philippines.

Heavenly nature The cultural and tourist attraction of the Large Lake is the island of St. Marija with a church and a 12th century Benedictine monastery. This picturesque island in the middle of the lake has also become a kind of symbol of the island and for the Mljet National Park. Amongst the locals, it was better known as "Melita", which was the name of the hotel and restaurant

Photos: Mljet is the greenest island in Croatia (top); the island of St. Marija with a Benedictine monastery (bottom left); the remains of a Roman palace in the town of Polača (bottom right).

"National Park Mljet" Public Institution Pristanište 2, 20226 Goveđari - Mljet Croatia, tel: +385 20 744041 np-mljet@np-mljet.hr

www.np-mljet.hr

Mljet was formerly known as "snake island" due to the large number of poisonous snakes that lived on it. However, in the early 20th century, the Indian mongoose was introduced to the island and they destroyed the snakes and turned Mljet into an island for carefree enjoyment of heavenly nature.

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tip: Mljet National Park can be reached by catamaran from Dubrovnik, as well as by catamaran that sails on the Split - Brač - Hvar - Korčula - Mljet Dubrovnik line (from early May to late October), by ferry from Pelješac, and with many tour boats.

tip: To tour Odyssey's cave, head in from the sea side during calm weather, when boats can sail into the cave, or simply swim into it.

Photos: tour boats bring tourists to Mljet National Park every day (top left); Odyssey's cave (bottom left); traps along Mljet's lake (right).

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located in the old monastery building.

Mljet gets its mystical qualities from its many preserved Illyrian fortresses and graves, and the Roman palace in the town of Polača, but also for its many natural sites. Amongst them, the bestknown is Odyssey's cave, which has a sea floor, since the cave is connected to the sea with a natural tunnel. According to legend, after his shipwreck, Odyssey was trapped in this cave for a full seven years by the nymph Calypso. Along the edge of the tunnel, you will probably see several docked fishing boats, owned by the inhabitants of Babino Polje, the largest settlement on the island. Due to the low ceiling, the boats can only sail to sea during calm weather.

Mljet is covered in a dense forest of holly oak and Aleppo pine, and it is known for its hilly terrain, fertile fields, fresh water springs, natural harbors, steep rocky

shores, and heavenly sandy beaches where many fans of preserved nature find a place to relax. The island is also a favorite amongst sailors due to its incredibly rugged coastline and many islands, hidden coves, and steep cliffs. Throughout the year, you will come across cyclists, hikers, spelunkers, and divers who explore Mljet's underwater world of flooded caves, sunken ships, and amphoras from ancient and Greek galleys that used to sail this part of the Adriatic. 

Did you know that the Roman palace in Polače on Mljet is, according to size, right behind Diocletian's palace in Split, and the amphitheater in Pula?

Photo: Ivo Pervan (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

RIVIERA & ISLANDS Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr May - July 2015

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DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

Photo: Boris Kragić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Photo: Stjepan Tafra (archive: Lastovo Tourist Board)

Photo: Stjepan Tafra (archive: Lastovo Tourist Board)

Issue topic

o v The island o t s La

of crystal stars

Far away from the coast, under the starry sky, you will find Lastovo and its "magical 46". There are 46 islets, 46 churches, 46 fields, and even the island's area is 46 km².

Photos: a calm evening on Lastovo (left); Lastovo's fumar (middle); a view of the town of Lastovo (top right); the Struga lighthouse stands on the cape of the same name (bottom right).

Lastovo's statute is more than 700 years old, and it clearly describes work and social relations within the island community.

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T

he fact is that it will take you the longest to reach Croatia's farthest island, but it is also a fact that you will be awaited here by a priceless story. On Lastovo, you won't be making a mistake if you decide to spend the day actively: riding a bike, trekking, diving, swimming, and exploring the island, and you will enjoy it just as much if you decide to relax in the shade of the pine trees in one of its clear coves. In order to preserve and protect the incredible natural beauty of Lastovo and its surrounding islets, the Lastovo archipelago was declared a Nature Park in 2006, and so it became the youngest nature park in Croatia.

There are six settlements on the island, the main one being Lastovo. It is located in the island's interior and surrounded by mountains, and its interesting shape, which is reminiscent of an amphitheater, is packed full of medieval houses. Pay special attention to their chimneys (fumari) with unusual embellishments, each of which

is different, which is the consequence of mutual competition between neighbors.

One of the features the people of Lastovo are proudest of stands on a steep cliff at the seaside entrance to the Skrivena luka cove, and has been showing sailors the way in the dark nights since 1839. You're right, it's a lighthouse. It bears the name of the cape it stands on - Struga. On Lastovo, you can also see the remains of the early Christian basilica of St. Peter, the Duke's palace Palac, the Kašćel fortress, the Rača cave, and military buildings. Spice up your stay with some of the local specialties: grilled sardines, lamb, or some other dish roasted under the bell with homemade wine. The best island souvenirs are homemade products such as jams, spirits, and liqueurs that will "win you over" with their unusual aromas. We believe Lastovo has piqued your interest enough to make you head to the south of Croatia this summer and experience an adventure to make you want to come back for more. 

Experiences of the summer stage

Photo archive: Ana Rucner

The destinations of the DubrovnikNeretva County are the stage for various events all year long. Below we show just a few that you shouldn't miss out on this summer...

five concerts will be held at the "Ana in the City" Festival.

Festivals

the Dubrovnik Summer Games.

The Moreška sword dance is regularly performed during the summer months in the city of Korčula and on the day of St. Theodore (July 29).

The traditional knights' games with swords (moreška, kumpanija, and moštra) and the old-fashioned dances of the island of Korčula can be seen in the city of Korčula and six other places on the island from June 1 to October 1.

Still, if you would like to see them all in one place, be in the city of Korčula on June 19 at 18:30, when the Knight's Tournament Festival will be held.

Every night from June 20 to July 4, the Lovrijenac fortress in Dubrovnik will be the stage for Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night". Ana is coming back to town this summer! Don't miss out on the spectacular "Ana in the City" festival with performances by world famous cellist Ana Rucner, who will hold five concerts from June 18 to 21 at the most attractive locations in Dubrovnik: on Stradun, Srđ, in Orsula park... The main part of the festival will be Ana's concert on Srđ Mountain at five o'clock in the morning on June 21.

Be in Korčula on June 30th at the celebration of the half New Year, when a carnival parade will pass through town, and the street parties will last until the wee hours in the morning. The Dubrovnik Summer Games, one of the five most respected cultural festivals in Europe, will also have an abundant cultural program this year, and it will take place from July 10 to August 25.

Be on Mljet on July 24, when the "Wine Night" will take place, and try superb plavac mali from Pelješac and various organic products from the island of Mljet. Circle August 8th on your calendar, when the traditional Neretva Boat Marathon will be held on the Metković to Ploče route. The 2015 Epidaurus Music Festival will be held in Cavtat from September 8 to 14, and the 2015 Ston marathon is scheduled for September 20. The summer of culture will take place on Lastovo from June to October, and many different events will take place there... 

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DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

Photo: Stjepan Tafra (archive: Lastovo Tourist Board)

Issue topic

A gastro journey through the Croatian south In order to get to know the locals, their culture, and customs better, sit down at the table with them and head out on an interesting gastronomic journey.

Photos: dishes roasted under the bell, dried figs and almonds, lumblija (traditional cake from Blato), prosciutto and cheese, and oysters are some of the more traditional dishes of the Croatian South.

tip: For a list of restaurants and taverns where you can try the delicacies of this area, click here:

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T

he cuisine of southern Croatia is healthy and based on fresh, homegrown ingredients, with the addition of aromatic Mediterranean herbs and unavoidable olive oil. Here, you will start off on your gastro journey with spirits - domestic schnapps, often with the addition of aromatic herbs, or some fruit liqueur - from carob, orange, sour cherry, etc. Often, dried figs, sugared almonds, arancini (sugared orange peel) and fritule are served next to them.

Since life here was always tied to the sea, here the restaurant menus regularly include various dishes made of fresh fish and seafood. On the islands, you will enjoy dishes made of dried fish, while, for example, the locals in the Dubrovnik area will offer you prosciutto, cheese in oil, and green minestrone, an autochtonous dish of the Dubrovnik area. The Neretva valley is famous for its eel or frog stew, and

wild game, and a special specialty here is wild duck. If you are a fan of shellfish, then you must definitely visit the Ston region, where they are traditionally grown.

Oysters and mussels are prepared here by the locals in many creative ways. The south of Croatia is also famous for tasty meat dishes such as lamb and goat roasted under the bell, and an unavoidable part of every spread are various desserts: Dubrovnik's rožata, kontonjata, Ston cake, lumblija, cukarini, fritule... They are accompanied well by the sweet Prošek wine, while superb wines from Pelješac (Dingač and Postup), Korčula (Grk, Pošip, and Rukatac), and Konavle (Konavle and Dubrovačka malvasija) go well with other dishes. Although many restaurants offer traditional dishes, in the DubrovnikNeretva County, you will also find many restaurants with an offer of international cuisine. 

RIVIERA & ISLANDS Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr May - July 2015

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Photo: archive of Ministry of Touris

m of the Republic of Croatia

u o y 4 s tip t... u o s s i m t ' Don

Cetina Adventure

The tourist offer of Daruvar and the Daruvar-Papuk region will be presented to the people of Zagreb and their guests on Zagreb's Cvjetni trg on May 23 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It will be an opportunity to get to know more about the tradition of Daruvar's therapeutic hot springs, the offer of Daruvar's winemakers and unique beer, and to try and buy some of the many domestic, organic products. www.visitdaruvar.hr

Photo: Ilija Veselica (archive of Sinj Tourist Board)

Daruvar in Zagreb

The Cetina Adventure race will be held June 6, with the aim of promoting sports and the unique landscape of the Dalmatian hinterland. The hundredkilometer-long race passes up and over the Cetina River, the protected landscape of Sutina, and the wild landscape of the Kamešnica and Dinara region, with the finish line in the city of Sinj. The competitors will be awaited by kayaks, swimming, MTB riding, climbing, absail, jumping from cliffs into water, crossing ropes...

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www.redbull.com

www.dalmatia.hr

Cycling festival in Samobor

The 25th Animafest Zagreb will be held in Zagreb's Europa, Tuškanac and Cineplexx Centar Kaptol theaters from June 9 to 14. This year, for the first time, the only Croatian A-festival will combine short films and featurelength versions and present animated movies of all lengths.

On Saturday, June 6, the festival of cycling and urban culture will be held in Samobor. The morning portion of the program will be aimed at children, and the afternoon portion, "Defying gravity", is for the youth.

Besides showing artists on two wheels, the program will also be complemented by a break dance group and parkour masters. On Sunday, June 7, the 22 MTB XCO race is on schedule, which is just another reason to be in Samobor that weekend.

www.animafest.hr

www.pozitivasamobor.hr

Animafest Zagreb 2015

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The Red Bull Air Race World Championship is returning to Rovinj on May 30 and 31 with the third race of the fastest motorsport competition. Last year's Red Bull Air Race was held in Rovinj for the first time and has been remembered as one of the most demanding and exciting races of the season.

Photo: archive of Pozitiva Samobor

Photo: archive of Daruvar-Papuk Tourist Board

Red Bull Air Race in Rovinj again

Since it has never been known as a club that follows trends, but instead sets them, with the arrival of the warmer months, the Green Gold Club has once again shown why it is the number one club in the region. The program under the stars is a new hit and the summer version of this club in Zagreb, which enables its guests to enjoy the greatest hits and the best club program under clear sky until morning. You can find additional refreshments here in the form of the favorably priced and "craziest" cocktails in the city, and while you're waiting for evening and your favorite program, you can enjoy the largest summer terrace, an oasis of peace and greenery in Zagreb. www.greengoldclub.com.hr

www.tzmetkovic.hr

The MasterCard Bookboat Boat of Culture will set sail again this year on July 25, and its trip down the Adriatic, with several thousand book titles and famous writers, will last until August 7.

Once again the boat will drop anchor in many harbors to promote the culture of reading and writing... www.brod-knjizara.com.hr

Korkyra Baroque Festival The fourth edition of the Korkyra Baroque Festival, a cultural event that promotes local and international musical and cultural heritage, will be held from September 5 to 12. This year, once again, the festival will host many specialists for baroque music, including the Croatian Baroque Ensemble, the Antiphonus Vocal Ensemble, the Zagreb Guitar Quartet, New Trinity Baroque, B'Rock, Mary-Ellen Nesi (mezzosoprano), and others. www.korkyrabaroque.com

Photo: archive of Korkyra Baroque Festival

The Bookboat sails the Adriatic again this year

Photo: archive of Osijek Tourist Board

Green Gold Club Summer scheme

Photo: Marin Veraja (archive of Metković Tourist Board)

From August 6 to 8, Metković will celebrate the Days of the Neretva Principality, and event that is based on the traditional Neretva Row Boat Marathon. Here you will find a fair with traditional crafts, country and knight's games for children and adults, various competitions, costumed plays, plenty of music...

Photo: Damir Kovačić (source: "Brod kulture")

Days of the Neretva Principality

Pannonian Challenge in Osijek Every mid-August for five days the left bank of the Drava river, the beach and the swimming pools of Copacabana recreation centre, hosts the biggest music and extreme sports event in Croatia and south-east Europe, the Pannonian Challenge festival. The competitions are held in the categories of skate boarding, BMX cycling and roller blading and the musical programme is a combination of rock and electro sounds. It attracts many tourists, mostly in their 20’s and 30’s from all around central and south eastern Europe. www.tzosijek.hr

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MARTINA BIENENFELD

MARTINA BIENENFELD, Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ)

Photo archive: Zagreb Tourist Board

Interview

Martina Bienenfeld, Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board revealed Zagreb's greatest advantages, which projects will mark the 2015 tourism season, and what to expect this summer on Zagreb's squares and streets.

www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr

Zagreb is an irresistible city with Central European and Mediterranean flair Conducted by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Marko Vrdoljak (archive of Zagreb Tourist Board) and Robert Kunštek

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I

t has been nearly a year since you became the head of the tourist board of Croatia's capital. What were the first steps you took since taking over the position and what are the greatest challenges you have faced in the past year?

Since I took over in June of last year, I haven't had a lot of time to adapt since all the projects and plans were in full swing.

That was also my greatest challenge

since expectations were high, but I am delighted that our Zagreb has achieved excellent tourism results, which have continued this year as well.

What attracts so many tourists to Zagreb? In your opinion, what are Zagreb's greatest attractions?

Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia and, as such, it is incredibly interesting to many tourists. I would single out the beauty

Photo: Marko Vrdoljak (archive: Zagreb Tourist Board)

Photo: Marko Vrdoljak (archive: Zagreb Tourist Board) Photo: Robert Kunštek

of the Upper Town, which has a special charm and preserves the spirit of Old Zagreb. Also, the Lower Town with many events and Lenuci's beautiful horseshoe, as well as Zagreb's two 'seas', Jarun and Bundek. The atmosphere of a city made for man is definitely the most interesting and attractive.

Over the past few years, tourists from the farthest ends of the earth have started discovering Zagreb. Where are most of the tourists visiting the streets of Zagreb from?

Our visitors come from all over the world, and in 2014, most guests were from South Korea, followed by guests from Germany, Italy, the USA, and Japan.

This year, Zagreb got its first voice guide, VoiceGuide Zagreb, in February you published the "Weddings in Zagreb" brochure, the tourist board's website has been renewed... What other projects do you have in plan, or how

else will you surprise the visitors to Zagreb, but also the locals?

Along with the very demanding and comprehensive new projects you mentioned, as far as new projects are concerned, this year the Zagreb Tourist Board has also prepared a monthly tourism magazine, Zagreb for You, which was first issued in April. This magazine is available in accommodation facilities in Zagreb, our Tourist Information Centers, and at frequently visited spots in the city. The visually attractive, bilingual edition (in Croatian and English), offers information in an unusual and interesting way about Zagreb's current events, lifestyle, happenings, news, and of course, general service information, which can come in handy for every visitor.

How will Zagreb's offer for tourists continue to develop? What will you, in collaboration with your partners, focus on over the next few years?

I believe the tourism potential of the

Photos: Zrinjevac park is one of the most beautiful parks in the city (top left); the center of Zagreb is a stage for various events throughout the year (right); Ban Jelačić Square is Zagreb's main square (bottom left).

Zagreb is a fantastic combination of a Central European city and the Mediterranean lifestyle.

We live that neat way of life in Zagreb, special and unique since we are not quite next to the sea, yet its influence is present in the best way possible.

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MARTINA BIENENFELD

Photo: Marko Vrdoljak (archive: Zagreb Tourist Board)

Interview

Photo: Zagreb's botanical garden is a favorite walking place for Zagreb's locals and their guests.

Zagreb has prepared many events for you this spring and summer.

Find out more at:

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city will be even better used after the completion of large infrastructural projects, such as the new terminal at the Zagreb Airport, and the construction of a congress center. The Zagreb Tourist Board will, within its means, continue to try promoting Zagreb as much as possible and enriching its offer for tourists. In that sense, we will especially motivate the development of tourism infrastructure, tourist attractions and events, so that we can further improve our attained position, and transform our city into a true star of tourism in Croatia.

upcoming spring and summer months, I would single out: Zagreb's Time Machine (April 18 - October 4, 2015), Rodin in Meštrović's Zagreb (May 6 September 20, 2015), Floraart (May 25 - 31, 2015), Summer on Štros (May 25 - September 2, 2015), Cest is d'Best (June 3 - 10, 2015), Animafest Zagreb (June 9 - 14, 2015), INmusic Festival (June 22 - 24, 2015), Zagreb's Summer Evenings (June 30 - July 15, 2015), the International Folklore Festival (July 15 - 17, 2015), and The Courtyards (July 17 - 26, 2015).

Croatia's capital city is a travel destination all year long, and Zagreb is especially interesting in the summer months due to many various events. What will tourists come across on the streets and squares and in the parks in Zagreb this summer?

That's right - our capital city is a yearlong travel destination, and in the

What are your favorite destinations in Croatia and abroad? Where do you like to go on holiday?

Every destination I visited is dear to me in its own way, and I wouldn't single out any single one. However, I can say that New York left a special impression on me, and in Croatia, besides Zagreb, I prefer Dubrovnik and Brijuni. 

Photo: Marko Vrdoljak (archive: Zagreb Tourist Board)

Photo: Marko Vrdoljak (archive: Zagreb Tourist Board) Photo: Foto:Robert Željka Kunštek

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photos: the streets of the Upper Town are especially charming (top left); the Cravat Regiment (top right); Zagreb's funicular and the Lotrščak tower are famous symbols of Zagreb (bottom left); Zagreb's cathedral (bottom right).

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ZAGREB Photo: Joris Bulckens, INmusic festival

Events

Photos: INmusic festival will heat up Zagreb this June too (top); Rodin's sculpture (middle); you will see characters from Zagreb's past walking through the streets of Zagreb (bottom left); the Rendez-vous festival includes many events (bottom right).

Zagreb's

Photo: Christian Baraja

exciting summer Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Zagreb Tourist Board

Photo: Thierry Nava - Spectacle Groupe F

Besides enticing us to go outdoors, the warmer days heat up the atmosphere on the streets and squares of Zagreb, along with the museums and theaters of Croatia's metropolis. Enjoy the rhythm of Zagreb's cultural summer...

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Photos: In July, the charming courtyards of the Upper Town will open their gates to visitors once again (left); many events will take place during Summer on Štros (right).

W

ith the arrival of the April sun, the streets of the Upper Town are filled with many events, all part of Zagreb's Time Machine, which takes Zagreb's visitors back in time through the city's interesting history on Saturdays until September. If you head out on a walk through the Upper Town, amongst many things, you will come across singers of old-fashioned tunes, bohemians, city gate keepers and knights. The musical pavilion in Zrinjevac Park will invite you to dance a passionate tango and romantic waltzes, just like in old movies. The Rendez-Vous French Festival in Croatia, which will be held in several Croatian cities from May to September, will be just as romantic as its name. The festival brings together music, theatre, dance, design, and other

tip: Duck into the courtyards of the Upper Town from July 17 to 26, and enjoy good music and tasty treats. events, and some of the largest will be held in Zagreb. You can see a great exhibition by the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin at the Art Pavilion until September 20, 2015, where seventy of his pieces will be shown. The Pelleas and Melisande Opera by Claude Debussy is on the repertoire of the Croatian National Theater, and a large ball will be held on Zagreb's Main Square on July 14.

Summer on Štros is a special treat that Zagreb has prepared for you once again.

From late May to early September, concerts, art programs, theater performances and other events will be held in the unique ambiance of Zagreb's Strossmayer Promenade, which traditionally attracts many tourists and locals. Zagreb will host the Cest is d'Best international street festival from June 3

to 10, and the 10th annual 2015 INmusic festival from June 22 to 24.

This international open-air festival will be held on several stages with performances of rock, pop, ska, punk, and electronic music. From July 17 to 26, the residents of the most beautiful courtyards will open their doors for the second time to the people of Zagreb and their guests. It will be an opportunity to enjoy good music, tasty delicacies and refreshing drinks in the charming courtyards, while having fun and experiencing a true Zagrebian evening. 

ZAGREB CARD Make ZAGREB CARD your irreplaceable travel companion in the capital of Croatia! ZAGREB CARD offers you unlimited travel on public transport, discounts in the city museums, reduced prices at many restaurants, shops, and much more…

More information is available at: www.zagrebcard.vestars.hr

ZAGREB TOURIST BOARD

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© KovaZG Photography

Attraction

WIN

DINNER IN THE SKY®

3x2

T I C K E TS tip: We are giving away 3x2 tickets to Wine Tasting in the Sky®.

Would you like to enjoy drinking wine at a height of 50 meters, with a spectacular view of Zagreb? Write us why and who you would take with you, and send your answer to contest@tiptravelmagazine.com (and sign up for our newsletter if you haven't already). In collaboration with our partner Dinner in the Sky®, we will give away 1x2 tickets to Wine Tasting in the Sky® to the three readers with the most original answers, received by May 22, 2015. Hurry!!!

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Dinner in the Sky®

returns to Zagreb in May

T

his year, the people of Zagreb and their guests will once again have the chance to enjoy superb food and wine experiences at a height of 50 meters, with a spectacular view of Zagreb, from May 21 to 31, 2015. At that time, The Westin Zagreb hotel will once again host the unique fine dining event in the air - Dinner in the Sky®. A table for 22 people will be elevated in front of the hotel, and famous chefs Sasu Laukkonen and Tomislav Hruban will take the visitors on a gourmet journey. You can choose from five different packages, depending on the menu and duration of the event: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, or Cocktail in the Sky®, as well as Wine Tasting in the Sky®. www.dinnerinthesky.com.hr/en/

PROMO

Green Gold Centar

K

The Green Gold pulse

eep the promise you made last year: spend an afternoon enjoying coffee in the sun, try a dish you have never tried before, don't miss out on a single party, await morning in different company...

Spring has a good way of showing us what is truly important.

If you are interested in relaxing in a green oasis in the middle of a busy city, come to the Green Gold Center. Its green heart always beats with a kind of new life. It changes with the seasons, with new and different aromas and images. With spring,

it brings the flavors and aromas of gastro­ nomic delights that you will remember for a long time. It is impossible to get the same one twice. The only thing that never changes is the peace. In this meeting place of different influences and cultures, you travel far even when you are standing still, and everything unimportant is eliminated to make room for your senses. Don't miss out on the Green Gold Club this spring and summer, and a lot of fun and interesting events, such as the Beyonce Tribute Band on May 30... Find out more at: www.greengoldclub.com.hr

Green Gold Centar, RadniÄ?ka cesta 52, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, tel: +385 1 6052680, reception: +385 1 6052681, dubravka@pbgrad.hr, www.greengold.hr May - July 2015

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EVENTS

Photo archive: HUP Zagreb d.d.

Photo archive: Relaxino.com

Looking back

Slovenia's business offer presented in Zagreb

From March 20 to 29, the week of Japanese culture, gastronomy, and technology was held at The Westin Zagreb hotel, under the name "Croatia Loves Japan, Japan Loves Croatia". The event was opened by the Japanese Ambassador to Croatia, His Excellence, Mr. Keiji Ide, and at that occasion, guests were shown the famous and traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which was presented by masters from the oldest and largest Japanese school for tea ceremonies, Urasenke.

During the week, an exhibition was also opened at the hotel with the topic of traditional and modern Japanese culture, a presentation of Japanese technology was held, and Japanese delicacies could be enjoyed.

The Murter-Kornati night in Zagreb On April 17 at the Gastro Globus restaurant in Zagreb, the MurterKornati night was held, during which the traditional dishes of Murter and Kornati were presented.

Zoran Jajac - Bison, a famous chef from Murter, took visitors on a magical gastronomic journey, and the menu included, amongst other things, a mussel salad, marinated mullet, cuttlefish and lima bean pate, fillet of shark and cuttlefish stew, and ice cream made of wild greens from Kornati (sage, lavender, and pine).

Smoothie Day at the Hotel Palace

Photo archive: Palace Hotel Zagreb

Besides being recently renovated, Zagreb's Palace Hotel is constantly expanding and enriching its offer. In order to share the most recent news with the general public - healthy breakfasts, employees of this retrochic hotel in the center of Zagreb organized Smoothie Day on May 5, where they presented this healthy and delicious beverage, along with other gastro delights, in various fruit combinations.

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A business workshop organized by the Relaxino.com website was held at the Forum Congress Center in Zagreb on April 24, and it gathered representatives of Slovenia's leading hotels. At that time, Slovenia's hoteliers presented their offer for organizing larger or smaller conferences, team building programs, and business events to travel agencies, but also to agencies for organizing business events. The "Anti-stress corner", which presented the stress control program at the Opatija Thalassotherapy, attracted a lot of interest at the workshop.

Sell Croatia business workshop in Belgrade Representatives of the Croatian National Tourist Board, and the Zagreb Tourist Board organized a joint presentation and B2B workshop, Sell Croatia, on April 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belgrade. Agents in Serbia attended a presentation on the tourist offer of Zagreb and Croatia, and it was also a chance to strengthen existing, and form new, business connections.

Photo archive: Magic4.club

Japanese Culture Week at the Westin

PROMO

Zagreb shopping at its finest

D

o you like your fashion? Well, with Arena Centar you've made the right choice. It is "the" place for great shopping in Zagreb.

Located at the south-west entrance to the Croatian capital, 10 minutes from the downtown core and 5 minutes away from the highway, this center is the favorite shopping center for many.

Arena Centar, Croatia's leading and the most popular shopping and entertainment center, offers over 200 shops and services and an impressive list of top brands including 3 global fashion retailers Inditex/ Zara, H&M and LPP/ Reserved, Mohito, Sinsay, Cropp and House, as well as brands such as Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, Liu Jo, Napapijri, Michael Kors, Armani, Burberry, Paul Smith, Strellson, Joop!, Church’s, DSQUARED, Cavalli, Moschino and many other in our multibrand stores in the center: Heraldi for Men,

Fashion&Friends and Elysee Boutique.

There is a great selection and it's up to you to enjoy the rich offer and the most affordable shopping.

Along with great shopping comes great entertainment in Arena Centar - so make the most of your film experience in CineStar, Gold Class, IMAX and the very first 4DX cinemas in the region.

If you get hungry after a whole day of shopping, bring the entire family to the very popular Food Court where all the restaurants offer a range of nutritious meal choices: the daily menu in FiftyFifty, great chicken in KFC, many delicious sandwiches in McDonald's, refreshing shakes at Happy Bubble. For those who worry about their healthy lifestyle, there's the Fresh & Quick salad bar where you can make your own perfect salad and the whole offer is rounded out with the Koykan health food restaurant. Anything

you ever wanted for a fine and tasty brunch or lunch, it's right here in Arena Centar's Food Court. This summer, the Burger King restaurant will complement the gastro offer.

With more than 20 stores for babies and children, Arena Centar has the best offer on the market supplemented with a lot of family-friendly content.

Children can spend quality time in the Kupid play center (the 1st hour is free), and enjoy movie hits in CineStar IMAX Arena. Delight your child with a fun ride on the mobile horses or automobiles in the center's pleasant atmosphere! In the summer, you can chill out on the patio by the water fountain and treat your eyes and ears to the combination of lights and water spraying in the air.

Come to Arena Centar, the center of shopping and entertainment, where everyone can find what they need. ď ś

Arena Centar, Vice Vukova 6, 10020 Zagreb, Croatia, tel: +385 1 6661411, info@arenacentar.hr Sign up for Arena Centar's newsletter at: www.arenacentar.hr May - July 2015

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Historical traces...

ZAGREB

tip: A delicious lunch or dessert, great coffee, an overnight stay, or all of that combined? Visit Zagreb's icon of style and elegance during your stay in Zagreb.

i

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Google Street View: Address: Mihanovićeva 1 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

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Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek

Hotel Esplanade

I

n the early 20th century, when Zagreb's two most famous hotels became too small to accommodate the growing number of travelers who arrived in Zagreb with the famous Orient Express train, the city leaders decided to build a new, luxurious hotel. They concluded that the hotel should be constructed on a wide lot (Spanish: Esplanada) near the train station, one of the stations on the Paris-VeniceIstanbul line. Construction took 26 months, and the hotel was formally opened in 1925.

Luxurious, sophisticated, elegant, refined, and cozy are the adjectives guests and visitors most commonly used to describe the magnificent building then, as well as now when the hotel is celebrating its 90th anniversary. The Esplanade became the center of social and cultural life in Zagreb, the venue for elegant balls, numerous events, and professional congresses. Many famous world leaders and diplomats, members of royal families, artists, actors, singers, and athletes stayed at the hotel. The long list of famous guests includes Queen Elizabeth II, Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Orson Welles, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Louis Armstrong, Ike and Tina Turner, Woody Allen, Paolo Coelho, Pierce Brosnan, Robbie Williams, Joe Cocker, as well as members of many mega-popular bands such as Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, U2, R.E.M., Pet Shop Boys, Guns N’ Roses... 

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ZAGREB COUNTY

Photo: the parish church of the Holy Trinity and the flowery meadow beneath it are a recognizable part of Sveta Nedelja's landscape.

Relax in the

"Green Ring" Written by: Alma Radoš Photos: archives of Tourist Boards of Sveta Nedelja, Ivanić-Grad, Krašić and Križ, and archive of Camp Zagreb

An active vacation in Sveta Nedelja, a pilgrimage to Krašić, relaxing in the wellness and nature of Ivanić Grad and the story of the greatest Croatian opera diva, born in Križ, will inspire you to visit the Zagreb County once again.

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Photo: Romeo Ibrišević

Experience Croatia

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ocated between the forested and winegrowing hills of the Okić and Samobor mountain ranges and next to lakes along the Sava River, Sveta Nedelja attracts fans of nature and active tourism. You will recognize this town at "Zagreb's west gate" for the Church of the Holy Trinity that dominates its panorama.

The best place to start exploring its attractive landscape is the main town square, which is the starting point for most of the walking and cycling trails. The trails will take you to Svetonedeljski Breg, meandering on down macadam roads and through forests, revealing beautiful views, estates, churches, and hidden settlements.

One of the trails will also take you to the adrenaline park. You will find the trail next to the lake in Sveta Nedelja in the Sava Valley, the valuable ornithological reserve with many river forks, marshlands, and hidden river banks especially appealing.

The lakes in Rakitje, Strmec, Orešje, and Kerestinec are also especially popular amongst fishermen, along with cyclists and recreational athletes.

Your visit to Rakitje Lake could be unexpectedly extended once you discover Camp Zagreb. Horseback riding, cycling, relaxing in the spa, and the gentle effects of a salt room are just a part of its rich offer, and you can bring your pet along with you.

You will have a completely different experience in the hillside town of Krašić, in the southwest portion of the county.

Although it is surrounded by green landscapes along the Kupčina, Kupa, and Slapnica Rivers, this area, also known as the Valley of the Cardinals, is linked to religious tourism and the name of the beatified Alojzije Stepinac. Besides Cardinal Stepinac, who spent the last days of his life here, the municipality of Krašić is also the birthplace of Zagreb's Cardinal Franjo

Photos: Sveta Nedelja offers many options for an active vacation (top left and right); swans often visit the lakes of Sveta Nedelja (top middle); motifs from Camp Zagreb (middle and bottom left); the parish church of the Holy Trinity in Krašić (right).

With great fun for the entire group, you can test your abilities at the attractive Paintball & Adrenaline Center in Jagnjić Dol near Sveta Nedelja.

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Experience Croatia

ZAGREB COUNTY

The deposits of therapeutic naphthalene near Ivanić-Grad are just one of two in the world and the only one in Europe, and thanks to the modern spa and wellness center, this city is also famous abroad.

Photos: Naphthenic oil (top), the Pumpkin Festival in Ivanić-Grad (left); the Municipality of Križ is the birthplace of Milka Trnina, one of the greatest opera divas in the world (right).

Kuharić, and military bishop Juraj Jezerinac, while Varaždin's Bishop Josip Mrzljak spent his childhood and youth in this area. Today, Krašić is a must-see site for believers and pilgrims from all over Croatia, and here they will find a monumental statue of beatified Stepinac in front of the 700-year old parish church of the Holy Trinity.

At thermal springs

Besides Milka Trnina, whose interpretation of Tosca in the early 20th century in London's Covent Garden and New York's Metropolitan Opera was considered to be the best by Puccini, Križ is also the birthplace of university professor Josip Badalić, in whose honor "Badalić Days" are held in early June every year.

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In the southeastern part of the Zagreb County, in the Posavina-Moslavina area, you will find Ivanić-Grad, with a long tradition of health tourism. The healing characteristics of naphthalene and thermal mineral water is the basis for healing at the Naftalan Special Hospital, but also for treatments in the modern spa. However, there are more reasons to visit IvanićGrad. Traditional architecture, festivals, great wine and diverse gastronomy, along with beautiful landscapes will reveal the charm of Moslavina, while the čardak (wooden house) in the gardens of the Special Hospital will take you back to the time of forgotten crafts and humble living conditions. On the Žutica and Marče

educational trails, you will come across lush vegetation, and regardless of your reasons for visiting this region, you can stay at the "Ivanićanka" inn in the center of town, in the "Sport" Hotel with a modern wellness center, or on the Kezele country estate, where you will enjoy superb gastronomy and excellent wines.

Spring in Ivanić-Grad is rich with celebrations and, amongst other things, many attractive events will be held from June 5 to 7 to celebrate the Day of the City. Still, the largest and most extravagant celebration is the Pumpkin Festival. It is held in the autumn, or more precisely, on October 17 and 18 this year.

One of the greatest artists in the history of opera, Milka Trnina, was born in this part of the Zagreb County, southeast of Ivanić Grad, in the area of the Municipality of Križ. In the gallery in the town center, you can tour this opera diva's room, along with a collection of paintings and pottery by Ljerka Njerš, inspired by the artistic work of this singer. At the Sipćina archeological site, and the "Badalić Days" cultural event, the story of Milka Trnina is an attraction for fans of opera and cultural tourism. 

Explore Zagreb County SSOCIA TA T IS

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Zagreb County Tourist Board Preradovićeva 42, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia tel.: +385 1 4873665, fax: +385 1 4873670 info@tzzz.hr, www.tzzz.hr May - July 2015

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Active tourism

KARLOVAC COUNTY

Relaxation on the go with unforgettable experiences Text and photo archive: Karlovac County Tourist Board

The Karlovac County offers many opportunities for your active holiday on bike and by canoe, as well as for hiking, alpinism, Nordic walking... or just swimming in the magical rivers.

Photos: bicyclists (top left); Vivodina (top middle); Ogulin (top right); canoeing on Mrežnica (bottom left); Rastoke, a part of the city of Slunj (bottom right).

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ore than a thousand kilometers of bike trails connect parts of the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature Park, along the picturesque valleys of the Kupa, Korana, Mrežnica, and Dobra rivers, the shores of Sabljaci Lake, the forests and glades of Kapela,

Klek, Sveta Gera, Lović Prekriškog... Enjoy touring the Renaissance center of Karlovac, the medieval fortress, castles, churches and chapels, wooden and stone bridges, the mill in Rastoki...

Rafting and canoeing on the gorgeous rivers, whose 200 kilometers of length offer exciting adventures, are an unforgettable

experience. Karlovac's rivers lure you with rocky passes, but also with gentle inlets with flowery meadows, a blue green color, travertine waterfalls, islets, traces of human heritage. Summers are swimming heaven and perfect refreshment on hot days, especially on the Mrežnica and Korana rivers. Lešće hot springs, one of the most therapeutic hot springs in Croatia, with an outdoor pool (28-30°C) next to the shores of the Dobra, are a special place. There is also a spa center with an indoor pool (34°C). With its wealth of water, the Karlovac County is a true attraction for fisherman. The purity of the water has been awarded with a large number of fish species, and time spent near the water relaxes and calms people.

An oasis of wild romance Near the river, in the shallow limestone karst, you will find some of the most beautiful caves, caverns, and underground tunnel systems. The Barać Cave near Rakovica is adorned with abundant calcite deposits, the Matešić Cave near Slunj

has two entrances, the lower one in the Korana pass, the Bubi cavern near Siče hides a unique ancient necropolis, Vrlovka near Kamanja is an example of a defense cave, and many other caverns are a challenge for adventurers.

You can also enjoy the beauty on horse­ back, but also by hiking up marked hiking trails, or taking a relaxing walk down the Nordic walking paths. Klek above Ogulin, which looks like a sleepy stony giant, is the most attractive hiking destination in Croatia. You can also hike up to the highest peak of Gorski kotar, Kula on Bjelolasica, visit the Bijela and Samarska cliffs, true oases of wild romance.

Taste superb gastro delights in some of the award-winning family-run restaurants or in the relaxed atmosphere of small tasting rooms. Here your hosts will tell you the story of preparing dishes in the traditional way, and domestic specialties made of fresh-water fish, game, mush­ rooms, homemade cheese... All that, of course, with wine, beer, honey, and honey delicacies. 

Photos: bicyclists visit the Karlovac County daily (top right); a dozen cheesemakers await you on the Karlovac County Cheese Road (middle).

Karlovac County Tourist Board Ambroza Vraniczanya 6 47000 Karlovac, Croatia tel: +385 47 615320, 601415 info@tzkz.hr

www.tzkz.hr

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Active tourism

OGULIN

tip: Visit the 10th Ogulin Fairytale Festival from June 12 to 14 and spend an unforgettable weekend through three thematic days: Day of the Past, Day of the Present, and Day of the Future.

Rest in a fairytale way In spring, when Klek turns green, and the emerald color of the Dobra River is at its best, its the right time to head to Ogulin, the home of fairytales.

Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Ogulin Tourist Board

Photos: various entertaining activities and shows for children are an integral part of Ogulin's Fairytale Festival (top); excursionists and bicyclists are daily visitors to the Ogulin area (bottom); Ivana's House of Fairytales will reveal many secrets about fairytales (right page, top).

The two hundred meter vertical cliff, and the fact that Klek was the place where the idea for the establishment of the Croatian Mountaineering Association was made back in 1874, marked it as the cradle of Croatia mountaineering and alpinism.

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ou will experience the fairytale air of Ogulin in a different way if you visit this area in the spring and summer months. Idyllic nature, crisscrossed with many paths and trails, and the slightly mysterious Klek mountain will invite you spend your time in nature, doing many activities: walking, hiking, climbing, cycling... If, for example, you head out from the village of Bjelsko (located 9 km from Ogulin) to the top of Klek, you will only need an hour and a half of moderately paced walking,

while an educational botanical trail will accompany you the entire time. Seek refreshment in the Klek Mountain Cabin, open on weekends, and discover the legend of the witches of Klek.

Fans of walking and hiking will be thrilled with the entire area of Jasenačko polje, dominated by the highest peak of the Velika Kapela - Bjelolasica range.

The Bijela and Samarska cliffs, which were named nature reserves due to their natural beauty and many endemic species, are especially attractive. Besides

tip: Find our more information about Klek at:

... and about the Konaci resort:

offering comfortable lodging, many estates here will also offer many fairytale flavors of traditional cuisine. Make sure to try some of the dishes based on forest fruits.

There are also two 131 km long regional routes made for cyclists, along with the Ribarići Bike Park. Fans of mountain biking will enjoy the bike trails that run through the forested regions in the area surrounding Ogulin. The routes mostly run along less frequented local roads, and they pass by beautiful landscapes and next to valuable cultural-historical heritage. It is also interesting to stop by the authentic surroundings of the Ethno House in Zagorje Ogulinsko, where you can get to know more about the way people used to live in this area.

While there, try the seasonal domestic specialties at local restaurants. To make your stay in Ogulin complete, visit

one of the main city attractions, Ivana's House of Fairytales Visitor's Center.

Many interesting facts about the famous Croatian writer Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, her fairytales and fairytale writers from around the world will be presented to you here in an interactive way. A visit to this house will draw you into the Magic Forest, take you down the Enchanted Castle Hallways, and reveal many secrets about fairytales. At the Fireplace, listen to fairytales from all over the world, and then head down to the Chamber of Mystery.

Stop by the Magic Mirror, and express your imagination and creativity at workshops in the Creative Room. While in Ogulin, visit the Local History Museum, located in the Frankopan Castle, and explore the lively history of Ogulin. Near the castle you can find Đula's Abyss, where the Dobra River ends its flow, and where another story of Ogulin begins... 

A competition for the best photo taken in Ogulin has been announced, organized by the Ogulin Tourist Board and Ivana's House of Fairytales Visitor's Center. Be creative and imaginative, take the winning photo, and win a valuable prize - a package arrangement for a one-day stay in Ogulin for the winning group! The competition is open until June 16, 2015, and find out more information at:

Explore Ogulin - the fairytale homeland!

Ogulin Tourist Board, Kardinala A. Stepinca 1, 47300 Ogulin, Croatia tel/fax: +385 47 532278, tz-grada-ogulina@ka.t-com.hr

www.tz-grada-ogulina.hr

Ivana's House of Fairytales Visitor's Center Trg hrvatskih rodoljuba 2 47300 Ogulin, Croatia tel: +385 47 525398 info@ivaninakucabajke.hr www.ivaninakucabajke.hr May - July 2015

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Interesting facts

LABIN

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Ve lo Re P k st h e: L a a fe a u r o t o , L an : To b i ab t ur n ist Ra in Bo ba ar c d

Labin's krafi Krafi are a kind of ravioli and the most famous traditional dish in Labin. Although you can try various types of krafi in other parts of Istria, Labin's krafi are special for the fact that they are prepared both in a sweet version, for dessert, or in a savory version, as a side dish. The sweet varieties in the Labin region are filled with cheese, raisins, and walnuts, and covered in a sweet sauce. The savory ones are served with a meat sauce, usually made of chicken. Over the past few years, krafi have become a true gourmet hit amongst tourists, so the restaurant owners in Labin and Rabac have been offering the various varieties, prepared according to the original recipe with domestic ingredients.

Photo: Labin's krafi with cherries, grappa, and mint.

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LABIN AND RABAC

Experience Croatia

An exciting Istrian adventure Prepared by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Labin - Rabac Tourist Board

Romantic walks, adrenaline adventures, gastro trips, fun carnivals, and exciting games... All that awaits you this spring and summer in the picturesque towns of Labin and Rabac.

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abin, a town where you will feel as if time has stopped, awaits you on a picturesque hill in the eastern part of the Istrian peninsula.

Discover its secrets and legends in a romantic night tour with Sentona, the goddess of Labin, and the protector of travelers. This Liburnian goddess, who was worshipped here in the 1st and 2nd centuries, will take you along the base of the old fortresses down her path, one of the seven tourist paths and trails. The path leads to Rabac and passes by many creeks and waterfalls, located only several hundred meters from Rabac's most beautiful cove, Maslinica.

Discover the most exciting parts of the Labin region on five bike trails that stretch from the crystal clean beaches of Rabac with view of the islands of Cres and Lošinj to the Skitača peak, the southernmost and highest point of the Labin peninsula, the Sisol peak, the base of Učka, and the Raša River valley.

Rabac offers many sailing and diving adventures, and meeting dolphins, while fans of extreme sports will always find new fun recreational water and air sports in Rabac's bay. After exciting outdoor activities, relax in the wellness centers in Rabac with the divine Sentona massage and baths with homemade essential oils.

Photos: a view of Labin (left); a bike trail and Sentona's trail, which passes by many creeks, and waterfalls (middle); Rabac (right).

The goddess Sentona will also take you on a gastro adventure with traditional delicacies in the restaurants, taverns and hotels of the town. Make sure to try the wild vegetables prepared according to old-fashioned recipes, handmade pasta, the Kvarner shrimp, famous far and wide, specialties made of boškarin (indigenous Istrian cattle), and the most famous dessert in Labin, Labin's krafi. It will all come together with globally awardwinning olive oil and malvazija and teran from the St. Martin and Pićna vineyard.

Be in Rabac on June 6 and 7, when the "Istrian lifestyle" event will be held, with original Istrian gastro and handmade products. An organized night tour of old Labin will be held on June 16 at 9:30 PM. The summer carnival in Rabac is planned for June 20, and the Adriatic Games will be held on June 26. Labin's Old Town will celebrate St. Peter's on June 27, which is just another reason to visit this region, interesting in many ways. 

Labin • Rabac Labin - Rabac Tourist Board A. Negri 20, 52220 Labin, Croatia tel/fax: +385 52 855560 tzg.labin@pu.t-com.hr

www.rabac-labin.com

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Photography workshop

BRIJUNI NATIONAL PARK

Experience spectacular

Brijuni through the lens Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Marko Vrdoljak

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et to know the mysterious world of the Brijuni National Park first-hand, through a photography workshop that will be held on these spectacular islands from October 8 to 11, 2015 under the guidance of multiple award-winning professional photographer and cameraman Marko Vrdoljak. The author of Brijuni's official film, photo monograph and photo archive will take you on an interesting journey through this unique archipelago, where part of the world's history was written.

In only a few days, improve your knowledge and skills in taking photos of nature, wild animals, historical buildings, archeological sites, magnificent landscapes and turquoise lagoons. At the workshop, Marko will also take you to the mysterious island of Mali Brijun and the Saline ornithological reservation, which are rarely accessible to the public. Find out why the island was visited by Luciano Pavarotti, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Angelina Jolie, Fidel Castro, British Queen Elizabeth II, many presidents and world leaders... 

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Click here to see a video by Marko Vrdoljak: "Brijuni National Park - The Hidden Paradise"

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Photography workshop

BRIJUNI NATIONAL PARK

tip: For more information on the photography workshop with Marko Vrdoljak, and to apply, visit:

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BRIJUNI NATIONAL PARK

Explore Croatia

Fourteen islands, fourteen gems Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Brijuni National Park

A fashionable resort and spa, a presidential residence, paradise islands... all of those are the first associations that come to mind for those who have already visited Brijuni.

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ne of the places you have to visit in your lifetime is Brijuni National Park. This group of islands, which consists of 14 islands and islets, is sprinkled over the Adriatic Sea, and located just a few kilometers away from the west coast of Istria, the largest peninsula in Croatia.

It is easy to reach, and then the magic begins. These exotic, mysterious, paradise islands, as they are often described, will charm you with their various flora and fauna, turquoise coves, valuable cultural and historical sites, enchanting sunsets and many options for an active vacation.

Some of the favorite activities of its visitors include cycling through its tame wilderness, playing golf on the coast of the sea under centuries-old pines, or tennis, or sailing through the Brijuni archipelago.

Bathing in the crystal clear sea, exploring

the interesting undersea world, long walks and photography are also high up on the list of activities for many tourists.

This relatively small archipelago is also home to around a hundred archeological sites that tell the story of its long history of settlements, from prehistoric times all the way up to its transformation to a modern resort and spa, and presidential residence. Over the course of 25 years, from 1954 to 1979, around a third of the world's leaders of countries visited the islands. Comfortable hotels and villas, immersed in greenery and silence, will offer you much more than just superb accommodations. A diverse offer of food, recreation options, and the organization of team building programs, congresses and meetings, as well as the organization of guided tours with a tourist train, are just part of the park's offer. 

Brijuni National Park Istria, Croatia For information on accommodations and reservations: tel: +385 52 525807 brijuni@np-brijuni.hr For information on excursions and reservations: tel: +385 52 525882, 525883 izleti@np-brijuni.hr

www.np-brijuni.hr

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Events

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Summer in Novigrad Regardless of whether you are a fan of sports, cultural events, concerts, or nights out on the town, Novigrad is a town you should visit this summer. During June, July, and August, this fishing town on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula will play host to various events: An Evening of Scallops in Novigrad, Parkfest, Gnam-Gnam Fest, Ethno Music under the Bell Tower, Street Wizards Night, Lunasa Astro Party...

Find out more at: www.coloursofistria.com

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VODNJAN

Experience Croatia

Preserver of the heritage of southwest Istria Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Vodnjan Tourist Board

Vodnjan, a town in the southwest of the Istrian peninsula, is home to the tallest bell tower, the longest and the narrowest street in Istria, and a great mystery for scientists - mummified bodies of saints...

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any churches, palaces, dry stone walls, and kažuns - stone houses scattered in fields near ancient Vodnjan, are amongst the main features of this area. In order to preserve and protect this valuable heritage left to them by their grandfathers in the fertile fields, vineyards, and olive groves from falling into oblivion every May, the people of Vodnjan organize a workshop "Moj kažun - La mia casita". At that time, they renew the kažuns and dry stone walls with the help of interested visitors and enthusiasts. Two years ago, construction started on the Kažun Park, a sort of outdoor museum, where all phases of construction of these charming stone houses, which are built using a special technique, can be seen. Here you will also see kažuns in fertile olive groves, which are

used to produce extra-virgin olive oil that positions Vodnjan amongst the leading producers of olive oil in the world.

Vodnjan will also thrill you with its cultural sites. If you have been to Venice and seen the bell tower of the San Marco basilica, odds are you will notice its resemblance to the bell tower of Vodnjan's church of St. Blaise, which is also the largest parish church in Istria. At 62 meters tall, it is the tallest bell tower in Istria. The church houses the valuable interior and museum, and it is most popular for the relics and mummified bodies of three saints: St. Leon Bembo, St. John Olini, and St. Nicoloza Bursa. Here they also keep the smaller intact body parts of other saints, and scientists still haven't been able to come to an indisputable conclusion as to why they are so well preserved. The old center of Vodnjan is also home to the narrowest and oldest street in Istria, named Stari grad, as well as being the location of the longest street in Istria - Trgovačka Street.

It is more than a kilometer in length, lined with around 200 buildings. Throughout the year, this Istrian town also attracts visitors with its many celebrations, including the upcoming "South on two wheels" bike marathon (May 23), the Bumbar Festival (August 8), and the LERON International Folklore Festival (August 21 and 22). 

Vodnjan Tourist Board Narodni trg 3 52215 Vodnjan, Croatia tel: +385 52 511700 tz-vodnjan-dignano@pu.t-com.hr

www.vodnjandignano.com

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Vl ad o: ot in Ph gar eč r Bu Po rd) : a ir im hive t Bo rc is (a our T

Poreč To see the old city center of Poreč at dusk is a special experience, just like walking down Decumanus and the seaside trail, touring the Euphrasian basilica, or just relaxing on one of the many beaches in Poreč.

Aquapark Poreč

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ome, run, jump, and spend an unforgettable summer is the main motto of Aquapark-SportPark Poreč, located in the Zelena Laguna resort in Poreč, across from Hotel Plavi.

This fantastic waterpark offers unforgettable adventure and experiences for all generations. Test your abilities this summer: jump on the XXL trampoline in the water, feel the excitement of flying on the flipper, climb the four-meter high ice tower, make your world spin on saturn/spinner, conquer the monkey bar, swing on the swing... The park is open daily from June 1 to September 15, from 9 AM to 8 PM, and it fulfills all EU safety standards. 

Aquapark Poreč, 52440 Poreč, Croatia, tel: +385 98 715100, +385 98 279788, info@aquapark-croatia.com, www.aquapark-porec.com 74

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PROMO

POREČ

Events

The tournament started in Klagenfurt and has been held annually for 15 years.

Volleyball spectacle in Poreč Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: ACTS Group (source: Poreč Tourist Board)

From June 2 to 7, Poreč will host the first of a series of global beach volleyball tournaments, the 2015 Swatch Beach Volleyball Major Series.

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oreč and sport have always been connected and this city on the western coast of Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, regularly attracts recreational athletes, but also professional athletes. Besides offering many options for an active vacation and many water-based activities, Poreč is just as diverse with its activities on land. Its tradition in sports is famous worldwide, so it's no wonder that Poreč will play host to the first of a series of

global beach volleyball tournaments, the 2015 Swatch Beach Volleyball Major Series in early June.

The people of Poreč will host the best beach volleyball players in the world, and the tournament will be held on the central court in Peškera Bay. Around five thousand spectators will have the chance to watch this international spectacle live. The prize fund for this Masters Series tournament, for which Olympic points are scored, amounts to 800 000 USD. After Poreč, the tournament is heading to Stavanger, Norway, and Gstaad, Switzerland, and the finale will be played in Fort Lauderdale, USA. 

tip: In early June, the best volleyball players in the world will play beach volleyball on Poreč's warm sand.

Don't miss out on this spectacle!

Poreč Tourist Board Zagrebačka 9, 52440 Poreč, Croatia, tel: +385 52 451719, info@to-porec.com

www.to-porec.com

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Nautical news

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LIGHTHOUSES

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Lighthouse Adventures

o: ĹĄp ot Ga Ph ica r Ju ar

Do you love the sea, sails, and winds? Have lighthouses always fascinated you? Would you trade in the life you have for one next to the sea and with the scents of the Mediterranean? If you have recognized yourself in the previous questions, it's time for you to connect with those who think like you, the artists and creative minds from the "Lux Mediterraneum" Friends of the Mediterranean Association, tighten the sails, and head out to tour the lighthouses of the Adriatic. In exploring the lighthouses, the valuable heritage that has been withstanding the test of time on steep cliffs since the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, you will meet the lighthouse keepers, get to know more about their lives at the lantern, and hear stories about the many lives they saved. You will likely also learn something about yourself at sea, while sailing towards the "legends of the light".

The goal of the members of this association on this inspirational journey is to gather valuable material: travel journals, photos, and video material about the phenomenon of Adriatic lighthouses to bring them closer to the general public. Have a look at one of their latest works by clicking on the trailer: "Legends of the Light".

"Legends of the Light" Documentary Trailer 2, Igor Goić (studio KREATHIA)

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Gourmet

OPATIJA RIVIERA AND RIJEKA

The Gourmet story of

the Opatija Riviera and Rijeka Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Opatija Tourist Board

Diverse, delicious, aromatic, refined, based on healthy, authentic ingredients...

That is the gourmet story of the Opatija Riviera and Rijeka, which will win you over with its seductive flavors from May 12 to June 11.

Photos: you will recall the gourmet experiences on Opatija's lungomare for a long time (left); tourists of all generations from various parts of the world enjoy the gastronomic delights of the Opatija Riviera and Rijeka all year long (right).

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n order to show visitors even more of their rich and diverse gastronomic offer, based on healthy ingredients, the Opatija Tourist Board, in cooperation with the tourist boards of the Opatija Riviera and the city of Rijeka, has organized the event "The Gourmet Story of the Opatija Riviera and Rijeka".

This gastronomic adventure will take place from May 12 to June 11, 2015, when superb gourmet specialties can be tried at affordable prices. The diverse Mediterranean dishes will be accompanied

by superb Kvarner wines, and some of the event's days are thematically dedicated to certain ingredients. So, for example, Tuesdays are reserved for Kvarner menus at the popular price of 100 kuna (13 euro) per person, while Thursdays are in the sign of the famous Kvarner scampi, the highest-quality scampi in the world. On Thursdays, the restaurant chefs will also surprise you with special, imaginative dishes with authentic ingredients such as wild asparagus or Lovran cherries. Make sure to circle Sunday, May 24 on your

calendar, when the restaurateurs of the Opatija Riviera will have an exhibition in the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion in Opatija, and producers of autochthonous goods will present their goods on the seaside promenade (lungomare).

Dino Antonić and 4 shades will take care of the musical entertainment. On Friday, May 29, be at the Ivan pl. Zajc Croatian

National Theater in Rijeka. There, at the Don Giovanni opera, which is being prepared in collaboration with the Finnish New Generation Opera company, Rijeka's restaurateurs will present an abundant offer of Kvarner's delicacies.

The duo Alba Načinović & Leo will perform in the area in front of the theater from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

Photos: Opatija's and Rijeka's chefs prepare autochthonous ingredients in many creative ways (top).

ry Gourmet Sdto Rijeka Opatija Riviera an 12.05. - 11.06.2015

Restaurants and taverns: 24/5/2015 11:00 h Every Tuesday Gourmet Stor y in the Kvarner Menu 100 kn

Every Thursday

Menus based on Kvarner scampi and local ingredients chosen personally by the chef

Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion excellent snacks at 10 kn each promotion of local products

29/5/2015 19:00 h

Gourmet Stor y in the Ivan pl. Zajc Theatre Rijeka excellent snacks at 10 kn each

www.opatija-tourism.hr

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Events

CRIKVENICA RIVIERA

Photos: This summer, the Crikvenica Riviera awaits you with many diverse events.

Summer at the

Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of Crikvenica Tourist Board

Crikvenica Riviera

Old-fashioned delicacies, scrumptious strawberries, juicy cherries, or oily fish, prepared in many creative ways? Or, even better, all of them together? This summer, the Crikvenica Riviera will once again win you over with its flavors and aromas, soften you up with melodies with a taste of the sea, and entertain you with many diverse events.

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ow is the right time to head on over to the Crikvenica Riviera, when the sun has completely enveloped it.

Enjoy one of the many activities in

the fresh sea or mountain air, depending on which part of the riviera you visit: walking on sandy beaches or down the mountain trails that wind through the

Photo: The Crikvenica Riviera is also a favorite amongst cyclists who enjoy riding down its many trails with irresistible landscapes.

tip: Find out more about events on the Crikvenica Riviera at:

aromatic Mediterranean vegetation of Crikvenica's outback, cycling, which will reveal many indescribable views, paragliding, horseback riding, sailing, diving, fishing, parachuting or speed boating, tennis, mini golf... The choice is yours. Crikvenica's riviera will also 'infect' you with many diverse events.

The Ad Turres Days, which will be held in Crikvenica on May 23 and 24, will take you two thousand years back in time, to the time of gladiator fights and the ancient Romans. It will be a chance to try ancient dishes, try your hand at ancient games, and see a gladiator fight... One week later, on May 30 and 31, Selce will be filled with the aroma of strawberries. At the 5th Strawberry Festival, you will be able to try various delicacies made of this tasty fruit: cakes, refreshing beverages, and even

main dishes. Reserve the time from June 5 to 12 for the 3rd Week of Oily Fish, which will remind you of the long fishing tradition of this area. You can enjoy delicious dishes based on nutritious and incredibly healthy oily fish in the restaurants of Crikvenica all year long. If you are a fan of cherries, make sure to be in Crikvenica on June 13 and 14 at the Cherry Festival. At that time, cherries will be the main stars of creative dishes and drinks, and while you enjoy their flavor, a diverse program will entertain you. The 4th Frankopan Days will draw you into the secrets of the Middle Ages, on June 19 and 20.

Entertainers, jugglers, stilt walkers, jokers, and brave knights will vie for your attention, while the medieval fair awaits you with many surprises.

Summer in the Crikvenica Riviera has also always been romantic. Enjoy wistful musical treats, chansons, and classics at the 4th Melodies with a Taste of the Sea, which will be held in Dramalj on July 9th and 30th, and August 6th and 20th, and on July 16 and August 13 in Jadranovo. Reserve July 10 and 11 for (Sr)etno Selce, an ethno festival, July 18 for Jadranovo's Oars in Jadranovo, August 4 for Tourism Days in Selce, August 7 and 8 for CrikvArt, a festival of street performers in Crikvenica, August 15 for the 105th Šilo-Crikvenica swimming marathon, and August 29 to September 5 for the 49th Fisherman's Week in Crikvenica... 

Crikvenica Tourist Board Trg Stjepana Radića 1c 51260 Crikvenica, Croatia tel/fax: +385 51 784101 info@tzg-crikvenice.hr

www.rivieracrikvenica.com

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Active tourism

RAB

Photos: kayaking is one of the best ways to tour the coves and beaches of Rab.

An active holiday on the happy island

Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Rab Tourist Board, Rab Pix, Goran Novotny, Gerald Nowak, Sea Kayak Croatia

One of the greenest and sunniest islands on the Adriatic is known also as, amongst other things, the happy island. Search for your happiness this spring and summer in its hidden coves, turquoise sea, on beautiful paths, attractive bike and hiking trails, in the interesting undersea world...

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id you know that back in 1936 not even King Edward and Lady Simpson could resist swimming in the crystal clear sea that surrounds the island of Rab? Even today, Rab's attractive coves (a total of 96) and beaches (around 200) are regularly occupied by many tourists in the summer months, and in searching for adrenaline and new experiences, they have started to actively explore the island more and more. One of the popular ways to explore the coves and beaches, especially those that are hard to access by land, is by kayak. If you have recognized the adventurer within, jump into a kayak this summer and discover the beauty of Rab's 100-km long shoreline, and the magnificent flora and fauna of the island that will reveal itself to you as you row. Make sure to row to pt. Kalifront, where you will find many kinds of beaches: from sandy and pebble to rocky. It is also a special experience to row between the steep and narrow rocks of Kamenjak, which were shaped over the centuries by strong north winds that reached speeds of up to 200 km/h. After you rent a kayak, you can head out on adventures on your own, or accompanied by an experienced guide who will reveal the attractions and natural phenomena that few know about.

Beneath its impressive cliffs, in the depths of the crystal blues sea, Rab hides yet another magical story. The many divers who explore Rab's undersea world throughout the year will confirm that. However, you don't need to be an experienced diver to experience the underwater magic. There are four diving centers on Rab where you can enroll in a diving course and learn the basics of this sport within a week, after which, accompanied by an experienced instructor, you can head down to the underwater world. Diving excursions are organized on a daily basis, of which the one

to "Medova bu탑a" is especially attractive.

There you will find three connected caves with an underwater entrance, where there is a chance that you will also come across an underwater wedding.

More than 200 km of trails If you are amongst those who love the saying "Praise the sea, stay on land", head out on an equally interesting inland adventure on the island. Recreational

Photos: Rab's undersea world is interesting to divers from all over the world. Even if you aren't a diver, you can enroll in a diving course and learn the basics of this sport very quickly.

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Active tourism

RAB

tip: The most attractive walking trails lead to the peak of the island, Kamenjak, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding islands and mountains. So, don't forget to take a camera with you.

Photos: cycling is a common activity amongst visitors to the island (top left); there are many walking trails on Rab, great for walking and running (top middle); one of the exotic coves on Rab (top right); the island is also interesting for hikers (bottom).

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cyclers, and professionals alike, will be thrilled with the more than a hundred kilometers of bike trails on the island. In the warmer months, it is truly refreshing to ride on trails that run through oak forests, and end up on beaches that are hard to leave. Various cycling events for fans of cycling are often organized on Rab, so, for example, in April this year, Rab played host to the second leg of the unique "4 Islands" MTB race, held on four islands in Kvarner: Krk, Rab, Cres, and Lošinj. The locals are already preparing a MTB race through the streets of the old town of Rab for the Christmas and New Year's holidays, which will be an excellent way to end the old year and start the new year on your bike.

Fans of walking will also come into their own. You don't need to be in shape to be able to handle the island's walking trails since the inclines are gentle. The trails will

take you down the ridge of the island, through the park-forest, next to city walls and coves, and there is also a trail on the island ideal for škraping, a unique extreme sport that involves trekking on sharp island rocks. You can find more information on the walking and cycling paths on the Biking&trekking map of the island of Rab, which you can get in the tourist office, or at the hotel reception.

If you are not a fan of walking, you can admire the beauty of the island from a parachute pulled by a speedboat. You can also enjoy riding a jet-ski, water polo, sailing, beach volleyball... And when you have "had enough" of the active story of Rab, head out to explore the other one, comprised of cultural and historical sites, legends, and stories, gastronomical treats, and the many events that make this island known far and abroad. 

Tourist Board of the Town of Rab, Trg Municipium Arba 8, 51280 Rab, Croatia tel: +385 51 724064, info@rab-visit.com

www.rab-visit.com

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Interesting facts

RAB

Photo: a view of two of Rab's four bell towers.

Click here to see a music video about the island of Rab: Nima škoja do Raba škoja

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Rab's four bell towers

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The city of Rab is recognizable for its four bell towers that rise above the city like four sails. The bell towers belong to the following churches: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist, St. Andrew the Apostle, and St. Justine.

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LOPAR

Experience Croatia

Photos: Paradise Beach (left); a dune in Lopar's Geological garden (right); The Samba Festival (bottom).

A sandy Adriatic paradise Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Lopar Tourist Board

Did you know that Lopar is the destination with the largest number of sandy beaches on the Adriatic? And that St. Marin, the founder of the Republic of San Marino, was born there?

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here are two things Loparani, the people who live in the settlement of Lopar on the island of Rab, are especially proud of. The first is the legend that says that St. Marin, who established one of the smallest countries in the world, the Republic of San Marino, was born here in the 3rd century. The second thing the people of Lopar are proud of are the 22 sandy beaches for which Lopar is known as the sandy paradise and the destination with the most sandy beaches on the Adriatic. If you are amongst the tourists who love the feeling of soft sand under their feet while they walk down the beach, swim in the clean sea, play volleyball, or simply relax on the beach, then Lopar will definitely fulfill your expectations. Paradise Beach, 1.5 km long, is the most popular, and it truly is a jackpot to find a free space on the beach in the summer months there since it is a favorite spot for tourists from all over the island.

It could be said that sand is Lopar's main "souvenir" and in honor of it the locals also organize a "Sand Sculpture" festival. At that time, for a few days, Lopar's beaches become the stage for the most creative sand sculptures that artists shaped with the help of only two materials: sand and water.

There is an endless number of pictures photographers can take since the entire island is a geological garden with many unusual geological formations and a hundred marked geo-points. Some of the most attractive geological specimens, fossil remains, and rare vegetation can be seen in the Lopar Geological garden.

During the summer months, free guided tours of the garden are organized.

Lopar will also win over the hearts of fans of active vacations, who have mini soccer fields, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, a mini golf green, and many cycling trails, a diving school, etc. at their disposal. When the sun sets, Lopar becomes the stage for many events, including the especially attractive Samba Festival, which is held on Lopar's Copacabana. 

Lopar Tourist Board Lopar 284, 51281 Lopar, Croatia tel: +385 51 775508, lopar@lopar.com

www.lopar.com

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Interesting facts

ZADAR

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The Church of St. Donatus The Church of St. Donatus is a familiar symbol of Zadar and the best known monumental building in Croatia that dates back to the early Middle Ages. It is special for its cylindrical shape and it was constructed on the ruins of a Roman forum. It hasn't been used as a church since the late 18th century, and today its acoustic interior is the venue for concerts and various music programs.

"Night of the Full Moon" Photo archive: Zadar Tourist Board

The traditional festival of culture, food, and traditions of the Zadar region, "Night of the Full Moon", will be held on the Zadar quay from July 30 to August 1. On that night, the quay is lit up with torches and candles, and boats become floating stands with a diverse offer of fish and seafood dishes...

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hostelforumzadar.com Ĺ iroka ulica 20, 23000 Zadar, Croatia tel: +385 23 250705 info@hostelforumzadar.com

SV. FILIP I JAKOV RIVIERA

Events

A floral oasis in the central Adriatic Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Ive Morović (archiv of Sv. Filip i Jakov Tourist Board)

In the central area of the coast in the Zadar County, surrounded by historical cities, national parks, and nature parks, you will find the Sv. Filip i Jakov Riviera.

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he Riviera is known for the former summer homes and gardens of Zadar's aristocrats, the Borelli family being amongst the most famous. The locals consider this family to be the initiators of the development of tourism in this area since the two parks and summer homes, where the family hosted their dignified guests, represent the predecessors to today's weekend homes and tourist resorts. Here you will find a combination of Dalmatia's magnificent nature. On one side, it faces the sea, which gives it is mystical quality and beauty, while on the other, it is protected by fertile land in the outback. Here you will also find sacral monuments and archeological

sites, which preserve the secrets of the intense past in this area. Since 1998, when Sv. Filip i Jakov was pronounced the best cultivated place in the Zadar County, the floral story of the Riviera has continued to develop successfully. Nowadays, on the last weekend of every April, the Riviera traditionally hosts the Flower Festival, one of the most popular flower festivals in Croatia. The Riviera's tradition also includes the organization of many various events throughout the year, and some of the upcoming events are: the 10th "Sv. Filip i Jakov - Turanj Flower Shore" Race (July 11), the 3rd Fjaka Film Festival (July 15-17), the Turanj festival (July 16), the 9th Evening of Folklore and Traditional Customs "How our Ancestors Lived and Worked" (July 24), the 2nd Beach Rugby Tournament and the 2nd MUUL FEST (July 25), the 25th gathering of Dalmatian a capella choirs "Na vr'sela" (July 26), the "Boat along the Channel" event organized by the "St. Roko" Folklore Group (July 27), The Evening of a capella songs "Stone Dalmatia" (July 30), the CulturalTourist Project "Library Boat - Boat of Culture" July 31); the Intrade a capella group concert (August 11), the "2015 Filipjanska Night" to celebrate the town's day (August 16), the 6th "Parliament of Little Glagolitics" (September 16-19), and the "Island of Love" Triathlon (September 26)... 

Sv. Filip i Jakov Tourist Board Obala kralja Tomislava 16 23207 Sv. Filip i Jakov, Croatia tel: +385 23 389071 info@sv-filipjakov.hr

www.sv-filipjakov.hr

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Bike tourism

ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY

Healthy, relaxing, educational...

Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photo archive of the Tourist Boards: Šibenik-Knin County, Šibenik, Vodice, Knin, Tisno, along with archive of Krka National Park and BBK "Orlov krug", and Robert Kunštek

Along with more than 450 km of walking and cycling trails, the Šibenik-Knin County also awaits you with many interesting features and hidden attractions, natural beauty, and unforgettable views.

Photos: the Šibenik area is a favorite amongst bicyclists (top); stone houses in the Krka National Park (bottom left); the Knin fortress (bottom right).

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f you are a fan of cycling and walking, then put the Šibenik area on your list for this spring and summer. There are more than 400 km of cycling and hiking trails scattered throughout the area of the city of Šibenik, Zaton, the island of Žirje, the city of Vodice, Pirovac,

the city of Skradin, Tisno, Grebaštica, Primošten, and two special pearls - the "Krka" and "Kornati" national parks.

Head out for a ride or a walk through the Dalmatian hinterland and discover the old fortresses near the Krka River, the stone houses and historical sites

such as Bribirska Glavica near Skradin, which houses a partially preserved wall from the Illyrian era, and the ruins of a Roman and Early Croatian city. The trails will also lead you to the Burnum site, the preserved ruins of a Roman camp next to the Krka canyon, and to the Danilo site, with the remains of a prehistoric settlement. It will also reveal one of the greatest features of Šibenik's hinterland: the church of the Holy Savior that dates back to the 9th century, the oldest Croatian church with a preserved bell tower.

Head on to the Dinara Mountain, which boasts the highest peak in Croatia (1831 m). Enjoy walking through untouched nature, and then head on towards Knin. Tour this historical city, full of ruins, buildings, and fortresses, which will tell you the story of its intense past. Don't miss out on seeing the natural

phenomenon - the karst river Krčić, which joins the Krka River, and the trails in the Vrana and Krka parks, or those scattered over the nearby islands. There is also an educational hiking-ecological trail that will take you on a tour of Šibenik's fortresses, the Jamnjak and Kamenar parks, and the eagle center in Dubrava. If you want to take a break, stop by one of the village homesteads, get to know more about the way people lived and how they live now, and enjoy delicious Dalmatian dishes.

All in one place on Bike&Hike Many options for an active vacation in the Šibenik-Knin County, with special emphasis on cycling, can be found on the new website www.bikeandhike.hr.

The site unites information on around 60 bike trails, scattered throughout the

Photos: a view of the St. Mihovil fortress in Šibenik (top left); the mills in the Krka National Park (top right).

tip: Find out more information about cycling in the Šibenik area here:

Šibenik-Knin County Tourist Board Fra Nikole Ružića bb 22000 Šibenik, Croatia tel: +385 22 219072 info@sibenikregion.com

www.sibenikregion.com

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Bike tourism

ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY

Photos: the walking and bike trails will also take you to Primošten and the surrounding area (top left); there are also mountain bike trails in the area surrounding Šibenik (top right).

Click here to see the full-size online map

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county, and divides them into several categories, depending on territorial location, special features of the terrain, and connectivity with roads. Each category is accompanied by a short description and tourist map.

For each trail, you can find a description, route, length, starting and ending point, altitude difference, description of the terrain, and approximate physical exertion, as well as warnings for greater riding safety. Along with the trail

description, you can also find their cross-sections and a gpx recording for each trail. As far as types of trails are concerned, you can choose from cross country and demanding mountain bike trails to shorter trails, great for family outings. The site also offers a list of bike-friendly accommodations and a list of bike service centers and shops, bike rental centers and agencies, along with other information that is useful for every bicyclist. 

PROMO

An active holiday with Hotel

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pring and summer are made for relaxation and activities in nature. It is a special pleasure to enjoy them in the heart of Dalmatia, with the scents of the sea and Mediterranean herbs, surrounded by enchanting nature, where you will find Hotel Olympia. Let this comfortable hotel, which will pamper all your senses, located near the renaissance city of Šibenik, be the starting point for all your favorite activities. Have you ever been Nordic walking? It's fun and does not exhaust you, and due to its beneficial effects on the health and beauty of the entire body, it is popular amongst all age groups. It is most fun when done as part of a group, it's easy to learn, and ideal for getting to know a new area. If you are amongst those who feel better on two wheels, head out on one of the many bicycle trails. You can choose from easier trails, for recreational athletes, to more demanding ones. This area is also interesting for its undersea life. Dive in

and explore that magical world this spring and summer. Fans of sailing and kayaking will be thrilled by the islands of Šibenik's archipelago, their hidden coves, and charming stone towns. Whichever

activity you choose, don't miss out on taking a walk through enchanting Šibenik with a guide who will reveal many interesting facts and stories about this unique city. 

Olympia Vodice d.d., Ljudevita Gaja 6, 22211 Vodice, Croatia, tel: +385 22 452452, recepcija@olympiavodice.hr, www.olympiavodice.hr May - July 2015

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Interesting facts

ŠIBENIK

WIN

Šibenik Šibenik's charms and its valuable culture-historical and natural heritage are presented in an attractive way in the unique Šibenik guide. www.vbz.hr Would you like to win a copy?

Write us why you would like to win it and send your answer to contest@tiptravelmagazine.com.

The one with the most creative answer will get this interesting book as a gift.

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Church of St. Barbara

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In Šibenik's old city center, not far from Šibenik's cathedral, you will come across the gothic church of St. Barbara. Today it houses a small museum of sacral art with valuable pieces from the period from the 14th to 17th century, and the church's façade with an old clock that has a double row of numbers is also interesting.

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PROMO

Summer at the Solaris Beach Resort

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elaxing on a sandy beach next to a turquoise sea, with a cocktail in hand, a massage under a canopy and a view of picturesque islands? If you imagine at least part of your ideal summer vacation like that, then this summer head on over to the Solaris Beach Resort. On the four kilometer long coast, which stretches along the length of the resort, choose the best spot for yourself, and then enjoy the many attractions. One of them is the Dalma­ tian Village, where your hosts will pamper you with various Dalmatian delicacies.

Definitely try the homemade proscuitto and cheese, the warm bread baked under a bell, grilled dishes, and fish specialties, and here you can pick the tomatoes for your salad yourself in the garden.

The youngest members of your family will definitely be thrilled by the waterpark with waterfalls and many water effects.

You can also relax here in the comfortable floating rings in the "lazy river", after which you can refresh yourself with some of

the many cocktails at the Palm Beach Club, while listening to global top hits.

This club is also a favorite amongst the younger crowd for its hot beach parties, and performances by star DJs and many musicians. It is also a true experience to enjoy your favorite drink in the Legend Beach Club, or on a sunken old sailboat with three wooden decks, where you will be served by pirates. A pirate atmosphere also awaits you in Pirate Adventure Mini Golf with many sound and visual effects, and even a lava-shooting volcano. If you would like to tour Šibenik's archipelago on a pirate galley, even that is possible here. Discover the experiences of this resort, equally loved by all generations, this summer. 

Solaris Beach Resort, Hoteli Solaris 86, 22000 Šibenik, Croatia, tel: +385 22 361001, info@solaris.hr, www.solaris.hr May - July 2015

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ADRIATIC SEA FORUM

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Nautical tourism

Dubrovnik hosted the Adriatic Sea Forum Forty international lecturers from seven Adriatic countries, and many representatives from travel agencies, shipping companies, airports, marinas, charter companies, ship building docks, and public administration, along with other companies, gathered on April 23 and 24, 2015 in Dubrovnik at the Adriatic Sea Forum - cruise, ferry, sail & yacht. At the two-day forum, discussions were held on various forms of marine tourism, investment opportunities, and entrepreneurial initiatives in this form of tourism. The importance of mutual cooperation between bordering countries on the Adriatic and representatives of the public sector was emphasized. Some of the topics also included developing and managing tourist marinas, an incredibly important factor in the development of nautical tourism, and there were also discussions about the cruise travel sector.

The Adriatic Sea Forum has been held since 2013 with the aim of promoting the Adriatic as a unique and large tourist destination and promoting collaboration between seven countries, 25 regions, and more than 150 travel destinations located on its coastline.

This year, this international event was organized by representatives by the Risposte Turismo association in cooperation with the Dubrovnik Port Authority, and the City of Dubrovnik with the support of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board and the ACI marina. ď ś

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SOLIN

Events

Romance in Salona Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Solin Tourist Board

This summer, Solin will once again take you back to the time of ancient Salona, Emperor Diocletian, gladiator fights, tasty Roman delicacies...

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rom July 31 to August 2, 2015, the sites of ancient Salona in Solin are once again becoming the stage for one of the most attractive happenings in this part of the Croatian Adriatic, Romance in Salona. Over the course of three thematic evenings: "Roman Theater", "Gladiator Night" and "Evening of Empress Plautilla", which begin every evening at 9:00 PM, ancient Roman men and women will take you back to ancient times. The first evening is dedicated to Roman theater, a play about the life of Emperor Diocletian, and Roman recitals. That same evening, a free guided tour of Salona will also be organized for all the visitors. The second evening will be especially exciting, and it will start with the entrance of Emperor Diocletian, Empress Priska, the Roman guards and gladiators into the amphitheater to the beat of drums. A gladiator fight will follow, along with belly dancers, and an especially attractive fire spectacle. In the traditional house, located in close proximity to the amphitheater, you will be able to try various specialties, prepared according to the recipes of Ancient Romans. Make sure to tour the fair of ancient crafts in the amphitheater, where they will display various antique trades and crafts. Here you will find a blacksmith, potter, ceramist, an ancient mosaic workshop, ancient hairstylists and chefs. On that evening

you will be able to try your hand at the ancient game of mill, or at archery. The third evening will be dedicated to Empress Plautilla, the female "face" of ancient Salona. A fashion show will display the way women dressed in various classes in ancient times, and after a musical overture on the mandolin and guitar, a concert by famous Croatian cellist Ana Rucner will follow. This evening will also take you back to ancient time with flavors, while the female portion of the audience will definitely be intrigued by the way the Roman women used to groom themselves - from hairstyles to skin treatments. You will be able to see how they made body cream, which you will be able to try out on your own, and how they made jewelry, hair accessories, and clothes.

You will also have the opportunity to buy various decorations so that you can take at least a bit of the ancient times home with you. 

tip: Visitors of the event will have organized buses at their disposal to take them from the promenade in Split to the event free of charge.

Solin Tourist Board Kralja Zvonimira 69, 21210 Solin, Croatia, tel: +385 21 210048, tzg-solin@st.t-com.hr

www.solin-info.com

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Active tourism

BRELA

A dream place Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Brela Tourist Board

Relaxing on the long, white pebble beaches and bathing in turquoise coves is a dream many have. Make it come true this summer and come to Brela.

Photos: the Podrača beach (top left); the base of Biokovo is a favorite amongst cyclists (top right); the Brela Stone is a recognizable symbol of the town (bottom left); the Jakiruša cove (bottom right).

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here are two similar legends about the sunken city of Pelegrin that sunk, cursed, a long time ago in the area of what is now Brela. The locals will tell you that the citizens of the city impatiently await its rebirth. Perhaps you won't see that moment for yourself, but you can dive in and try to find it in the turquoise waters of this part of the central Adriatic. But don't stay underwater for too long because Brela also offers plenty of experiences above sea level.

This piece of paradise, as it is often described, is mostly known for its long, white pebble beaches and turquoise waters, which you won't want to stray far from. Those two natural features attract many tourists to Brela, who more and more spend their vacations in actively exploring the beauty of this area. They explore it by kayak, parachute, and paddle boat, which are the best ways to experience the panorama of the town, while those seeking more adrenaline can rent a skidoo, or a boat

Click here to see a video on enchanting Brela:

to explore Brela's hidden beaches, which they can often have all to themselves.

A stone's throw to the mountain Brela will charm you ashore just as much.

The lungomare, or seaside promenade, is also known here as the Vitality Trail, and is ideal for walking, Nordic walking, and cycling in the fresh air. It is 6.5 km long, and with it you can also reach the other towns of the Makarska Riviera. One of the special features of Brela is that you can quickly and easily get from the exotic beaches to the mountains, and the Biokovo Nature Park.

In order to see its most beautiful locations and discover the secrets it holds, it is best to take an organized tour of the park, accompanied by a tour guide, which starts out from Brela. You can choose between a day-long, half-day, or evening excursion, where you will experience a fantastic sunset. The half-day excursion that takes

you down the "Paths of Ancient Berulia" educational trail is also popular amongst tourists. Along this easy hiking trail, you will come across churches, stone houses, and wells, you will pass through ancient settlements, an old Illyrian graveyard, springs, caves, pastures and meadows full of savory and sage. Staying here, where the fresh mountain and sea air mix, turns into a true natural wellness experience that will revive both your body and soul.

Brela is also attractive for climbers who are attracted by the high cliffs of the Brela climbing center, but also by the enchanting view of the sea and the nearby islands of Brač and Hvar. The foot of Biokovo, its country and forest trails are also often visited by fans of mountain biking. Near Brela, you will find yet another natural attraction, the Cetina River. Those who have experienced the adventure of passing through its canyon in rubber rafts or canoes, and have mastered its currents and waterfalls, regularly return to it. 

Photos: Šuplja stina or the Biokovo eye is located at the top of the Biokovo Nature Park, above Brela, and is one of the natural phenomena of this region.

Brela Tourist Board Trg A. Stepinca bb, 21322 Brela, Croatia, tel: +385 21 618455 info@brela.hr

www.brela.hr

May - July 2015

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Punta Rata Beach In 2004, the American magazine Forbes announced Punta Rata beach in Brela was the most beautiful beach in Europe and one of the top ten beaches in the world. Ten years later, in 2014, American website, the Huffington Post announced Brela is a dream destination, and a reason to "jump into a plane to Croatia" as soon as possible. This year, Punta Rata beach also got global attention when, according to the popular international website, European Best Destinations, it was named one of the top 15 most beautiful beaches in Europe for 2015.

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BIOKOVO NATURE PARK

Explore Croatia

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A park full of interesting features minimalna dimenzija = x 23 × 19 mm

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biokovo Park prirode • Nature Park

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biokovo Park prirode • Nature Park

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Stipe Srzić and Slavo Jakša (archive of Biokovo Nature Park)

Did you know that Biokovo is the tallest mountain closest to the seashore on the Mediterranean? And that it is home to the highest church and highest paved road in Croatia? located on Biokovo's coast slope, above the village of Kotišina. The cliffs of the 150%oldest x mountain are more than 220 million years old, and here you will find all the diversity of the karst phenomena: sinkholes, cracks, stone holes, caves, and pits, the deepest one being Mokre noge (-832 m), the fourth deepest in Croatia. humble and bare at first glance, ParkAlthough prirode • Nature Park Biokovo is rich in many plant and animal species. Alongside the dense forests of beech, fir, and Dalmatian pine, there is also iokovo was named after white a large number of plant species, amongst snow, and the tallest peak of this which are native species such as, for impressive mountain, St. Jura example, silvery dwarf harebell (Edraianthus (1762 m), is the second highest pumilio), and knapweeds (Centaurea peak in Croatia. The Church of St. Jura, cuspidata and Centaurea gloriosa). The the highest church in Croatia sits at the animal world on Biokovo is also distinctive very peak, and besides being accessible and diverse, with many indigenous species, via a hiking trail, there is also a 23 km and the underground world of animals 200%native x long road leading to it, which is also the hides a total of 60 species to Biokovo. highest paved road in Croatia. From here, The park is also home to the European you will be able to see the Makarska leopard snake, one of the most beautiful Riviera, all its picturesque towns, turquoise snakes in Europe. People have lived in this coves, and the surrounding archipelago area since prehistoric times, and traces that at your fingertips, and the view stretches prove the long coexistence of man and all the way to Italy, 250 km away. Thanks mountain can be found here: archeological to its unique geomorphology, incredible ruins, shepherd's huts, and a total of 87 biodiversity, and naturally beautiful churches and chapels on the mountain. landscape, Biokovo was declared a Nature Park Another interesting prirode • Nature Park feature of Biokovo is the Park in 1981. One of the park's attractions cold bora wind, which is formed here due to is the Kotišina Biokovo Botanical Garden, the flow of cold air from Biokovo... 

biokovo

biokovo Park prirode • Nature Park

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biokovo

"Biokovo Nature Park" Public Institution Marineta - Mala obala 16 21300 Makarska, Croatia tel: +385 21 616924 info@pp-biokovo.hr

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www.pp-biokovo.hr

biokovo Park prirode • Nature Park

May - July 2015

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Experience Croatia

CROATIAN ZAGORJE

Photos: Japan's ambassador, Mr. Keiji Ide, attended the food and wine presentation of Zagorje with his wife (top left); Zagreb cutlet with croquettes (top right); Zagorje's štrukli (bottom left); ham hock with sautéed cabbage (bottom right).

Gastro fairy tale at the palm of your hand Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Robert Kunštek

Croatian Zagorje is more than just picturesque hills scattered with charming houses, cabins, churches, fancy estates, and mysterious castles. This region has more to offer than just modern spas and wellness centers, pure water springs, various events, long bike trails, and indescribable views. Zagorje also brings you a fairytale on its plate and in its glasses, full of flavors and irresistible aromas.

tip: Be in Zabok on May 23, 2015 for the Štrukli Festival and try štrukli, Zagorje's famous gastro brand. Watch the competition where restaurateurs will compete in making this delicacy for the title of "Zagorje's Top Štrukli".

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f you thought Croatian Zagorje is just a combination of natural and cultural beauty, you're wrong. This region in the northwestern part of Croatia has much more to tell you, and as far as its gastronomical and enological treasures,

which it has been nurturing for centuries, it has perfected and successfully combined them in a shared story. In order to bring the diversity of Zagorje's authentic dishes

and superb wine closer to the public, representatives of the Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Boards and the 'Zagorje vu srcu' association, along with the coorganizers - restaurants, wineries, and tourist homesteads, launched attractive events on the last Tuesday of the month.

Every month on that day, at the 'Klub Zagoraca' in Zagreb, a magical pairing of delicious specialties from Zagorje and wines made on the picturesque hills of Zagorje takes place.

The topic of the first event, held in late February, was buncek (ham hock), prepared in three delicious ways under the direction of the chef of the Ribič restaurant. The dishes with the "star" ham hock, were accompanied by wines from the following wineries: Bolfan Vinski vrh, Petrač, and Vuglec Breg. The creative menus from the second gathering, held in late March, were inspired by edible wild greens, such as

wild garlic and fiddleheads. These interesting ingredients were served with meat and authentic side dishes, such as polenta and barley, and the menus were created by chefs from the traditional tourist homestead, Majsecov mlin. They served soup made of fiddleheads, nettle, and wild garlic, followed by turkey stuffed with spring onions and fiddleheads, and pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon served with barley fiddlehead risotto. Guests were also served foal with porcini and grits, and grape strudel. These dishes, interesting both visually and for their flavors, were accompanied by wines from the Bolfan, Vuglec Breg, and Bodren wineries. All those interested in Zagorje's eno-gastro events can contact the organizers at: www.tzkzz.hr 

Zagorje - A fairy tale at hand

Photos: veal cutlet with vegetables (top left); apple strudel (top right).

Discover a lot of information about Zagorje's gastronomy on the mobile app "Gastro Zagorje", available in Croatian, English, and German:

Tourist Board of Krapina-Zagorje County Krambergerova 1 49000 Krapina, Croatia tel: +385 49 233653 info@tzkzz.hr

Photo: Branka Mašić

www.tzkzz.hr

May - July 2015

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Wine tourism

BJELOVAR-BILOGORA COUNTY

Wine roads through

a mythological region Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archives of Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board and Bilogora-Bjelovar Tourist Board, and Robert Kunštek

Good wine, tasty homemade food, hardworking hosts, various options for an active vacation, mythological creatures, tons of legends and stories... All that awaits you on the Bilogora wine road.

Photos: Bilogora's hills (top); Bilogora's traditional dishes, prepared in a modern way, can be tried in the Coner Winery (bottom left and middle); Bilogora's dishes can also be enjoyed at the Čačija Winery (bottom right).

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nly an hour's drive away from the Croatian capital, near the city of Bjelovar, you will find completely different story. At the foot of the Bilogora mountain range, the Bilogora

wine road meanders through the tame winegrowing region, and attracts fans of authentic food and good wine, many excursionists, and all those who like to spend their leisure time actively, in

preserved nature, far away from the buzz of the city. The hardworking hosts will offer you homemade dishes from Bilogora, prepared from organic ingredients they grow on their own estates. Here you will also see their gardens and orchards, vineyards and aromatic gardens full of various herbs that will find their way to your plate a few moments later. Here you can also participate in preparing and creating your menu, from picking fresh fruits and vegetables to preparing them in the company of your host. In some homesteads, you will notice an interesting combination of traditional and modern styles on the plates, or traditional Bilogora dishes prepared in a modern way. A true feast for your taste buds. Once you are won over by the flavors of various delicacies, to complete your eno-gastro experience, your hosts will take you to their wine cellars.

There you will have the chance to try wines made of various sorts grown on the picturesque hills that surround the area.

There are also several cycling and walking trails running through the Bilogora region, so spend some time here walking and cycling. You will come across idyllic meadows, made for having a picnic, as well as many viewpoints, and horseback riding, hunting, and fishing are just some of the activities that attract the many visitors every day. Along with the wineries, excursion sites, and family homesteads, there are also sports parks and children's playgrounds that will excite the youngest members of your families. Take them on a trip through the hidden treasure of the vedi, allow Bilogora's giants to tell you their story, which will definitely intrigue you.

Try to find the hidden treasure of these mythological creatures, get to know their alphabet, play interesting vedic games, try their dishes and magical potions...

When you get tired, settle into one of the comfortable rooms, suites, or holiday homes, and continue to explore this magical area the following day. 

Photos: at the "Na malenom brijegu" site, try to find the hidden treasure of the vedi (top left); at the "Vinia" winery and recreational area, you can go horseback riding, and there is also a children's playground on site (top right); the Čačija family vineyard (bottom).

Bilogora wines are light, easy to drink, and aromatic, and both white and red sorts are grown on these hills: Graševina, Rhine Riesling, Zweigelt, Portugizac, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon...

Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board Dr. Ante Starčevića 8 43000 Bjelovar, Croatia tel: +385 43 221928, info@tzbbz.hr

www.tzbbz.hr Click here for a list of the wineries on the Bilogora wine road:

May - July 2015

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Interesting facts

DARUVAR

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Vila Arcadia Vila Arcadia is an integral part of Juli's Park, one of the oldest therapeutic gardens in continental Croatia. It is surrounded by rare, exotic species of trees, flowers, hot springs, old baths, and historical buildings. This former hotel is now an annex building of the Termal therapeutic hotel.

Get to know more about Croatia's natural beauty

WIN

This green guide will take the youngest members of your family on a magical trip through Croatia, reveal the beauty and interesting features hidden deep in the woods, on steep mountain cliffs, and in the depths of the sea... www.nakladanika.hr Would you like to win a copy? Write us why you would like to win it and send your answer to contest@tiptravelmagazine.com.

The one with the most creative answer will get this interesting book as a gift.

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Photo: Predrag Uskoković

Photo: Damir Bakarić

DARUVAR

Events

tip: On Saturday, June 6, the "Vinodar Express" train will transport visitors from Zagreb to and from Daruvar for a total of 20 kuna for a return ticket.

Everyone to...

Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Daruvar-Papuk Tourist Board

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he Illyrians were the first to recognize the excellent conditions for winegrowing on the sunny hills of Papuk, and the Romans continued the tradition of winegrowing in the Daruvar area. The people of Daruvar continued to develop and cultivate the beautiful wine story of their region, and at the end of the 20th century, they planted an additional hundred hectares of wine yards, which gave wind to the production of wine in this region. High quality and often award-winning wines such as Graševina, Chardonnay, Sauvignon,

Rhine Riesling, Traminac, Frankovka, Red Pinot, and predicated wines have been satisfying the taste buds of wine aficionados in Croatia and the world for years. So it is absolutely clear why this winegrowing region has its wine days that bring together a series of events, held together under the name "Vinodar".

This year, the 17th international exhibition of wine and fair of traditional goods of the Bjelovar-Bilogora County will be held from May 31 to June 7. Daruvar will then open its doors to fans of wine, Daruvar's delicacies, traditions, folklore, handmade crafts, photos, cycling, and great fun. The first day of the festival will be in the sign of wine testing and professional lectures, while from Friday to Sunday, the center of the city will offer fun for all generation.

A photo festival, "VinoKLIK", with the topic of photos of Daruvar's motifs, will be held as a part of the festivities. At that time, you will also have the chance to have a peek at the baroque castle of Count Antun Janković, and have a look at the exhibition of award-winning sorts of wines. Concerts, homemade food, a Vinodar parade, performances by folklore ensembles, and "Vinotur", a recreational bike tour, are just part of the exciting wine festival that awaits you in Daruvar at that time. 

Photo: Darko Kokot

Reserve the period from May 31 to June 7 to visit Daruvar and its wine story, intertwined with musical, gastronomic and entertaining treats.

Daruvar-Papuk Tourist Board Julijev park 1, 43500 Daruvar, Croatia, tel: +385 43 331382, turizam@daruvar.hr, tic@daruvar.hr

www.visitdaruvar.hr

May - July 2015

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Experience Croatia

VIROVITICA-PODRAVINA COUNTY

Harmonious nature and tradition Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Virovitica-Podravina County Tourist Board

The somewhat humble Virovitica-Podravina County has a story of natural beauty, sleepy ancient towns, and pleasant estates where you will feel as if time has stopped. It is story of life in harmony with enchanting nature.

Photos: The Jankovac Park Forest and Jankovac Hiking Cabin (left and top right); the Papuk Nature Park is full of various plant species (bottom middle and right).

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lthough it hides many attractions, the first thought many have when they think of this interesting area is its green beauty, the Papuk Nature Park. This mountain, considered to be the most beautiful in Slavonia, a region in the eastern part of Croatia, is the preserver of valuable geological and biological diversity and cultural-historical sites. It is a fact well known by many hikers

and recreational athletes who regularly find rest from the rush of daily life, peace, and inspiration under the canopy of Papuk, on its educational, cycling, hiking, and equestrian paths. If you will only be in the area for a few days, make sure to visit the Jankovac Park Forest, which the locals say is the most beautiful part of the park. This popular retreat is surrounded by turquoise lakes, clear streams, and

Photo: Josip Mikolčić

cold springs. Go down the Count's educational path, listen to the story of the former glassworks, feel the refreshing effect of the Skakavac waterfall and the romantic vibe of the area, and seek refreshment in the Jankovac Hiking Cabin.

Visiting Princess Ružica At the eastern entrance to Papuk Nature Park, you will find Orahovica, or "Princess Ružica's City", as the locals call it. This city with a long tradition in tourism owes its charm to the many flowers, while its mystic air is due to the ruins of the ancient town of Ružica grad you will notice looming over Orahovica.

Today, this medieval town, the largest and best preserved in the eastern part of Croatia, is a heritage monument. It is worth the effort to walk up the rocky incline and peek behind the walls of this old city, which is home to many legends, and to eternalize the view of fields of grain, meadows, orchards, and scattered picturesque settlements with your

camera. June is an excellent time to visit Orahovica, when "Orahovica Spring", a cultural, entertainment, and sports event that lasts several days, is held.

This event also marks the beginning of the summer tourist season, and the swimming season on Orahovica's lake.

Continue on from Orahovica towards Slatina, the city where the first champagne in Croatia was made in 1864. It was made from the kadarka sort up until 1912. The Heritage Museum offers plenty of exciting content from Slatina's rich cultural heritage, including the international "Days of Milko Kelemen" music festival, which is held in October and dedicated to classical and modern music. The largest living being in eastern Croatia, a giant sequoia, with a diameter of five meters and a height of 62 meters attracts special attention from visitors. It was planted in 1807.

If you head from Slatina towards the famous shrine in Voćin, you will pass through Arboretum Lisičina, with a large collection of exotic trees.

Photos: the ruins of ancient Ružica grad above Orahovica (top left); Pustara Višnjica (bottom left); the Skakavac waterfall in the Papuk Nature Park (right).

Pustara Višnjica, the national winner in the EDEN 2011 competition, is located only a few kilometers west of Slatina.

On the 200-year-old estate, which is adorned with a cultivated park of century-old trees, you will find the largest Croatian breeding center of fallow deer and mouflon. The hosts are also in the business of growing sweet potatoes, which they will prepare for you at the estate's restaurant in many creative ways. You can tour the estate by bicycle or quad, and horseback riding lessons, one-day excursions to Papuk Nature Park and the Drava River are organized for visitors, as well as various workshops and events.

May - July 2015

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Experience Croatia

VIROVITICA-PODRAVINA COUNTY

Photos: Virovitica (left); the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the 15th century, and is located in Voćin (top middle); an old stove and various tools on the "Zlatni klas" country estate (bottom middle); traditional food, prepared according to old recipes (top and bottom right).

tip: Visit Virovitica again in August, when they celebrate the Day of the City, and Pitomača in mid-June, during the "Songs of Podravina and Podravlje" music festival.

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Both Slavonia and Podravina Make sure to stop by Virovitica, the county seat and the city that greatly owes its development to the family of Count Pejačević and the family of Duke Schaumburg-Lippe. They left behind, amongst other things, a baroque-classicist castle, which, surrounded by a park, dominates the center of the city today.

Virovitica is definitely most "alive" in August, when Rokovo, the Day of the City and the feast day of the city's patron saint, is celebrated by the people of Virovitica for a total of ten days. Definitely visit the baroque complex of the Franciscan monastery and the church of St. Roko, which houses the Monastery Museum. Virovitica's fishing ponds, near the Drava River, dense forests abundant with various wildlife, and picturesque vineyards, which all surround the city, are just part of the reason many visitors come here all year long.

From Virovitica, the porch of Slavonia, it is only a ten minute drive to reach Podravina, and you will feel all of Podravina's charms in Pitomača, located 20 kilometers away. This tame area is known for its fertile land and hardworking and friendly locals, preservers

of tradition, who will take you back to old, but not forgotten times. You can experience the true spirit of life the way it was at the "Zlatni klas" country estate in the nearby village of Otrovanec. Here you can enjoy recreational horseback riding, and a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, tour a blacksmith shop where horseshoes are made, compete in various old-fashioned games, and enjoy various homemade dishes, prepared according to old recipes. Don't miss out on trying dishes made of nettle, pumpkin, and other herbs, homemade bread, polenta, and tasty soup.

One of the trademarks of Pitomača is the two-day "Songs of Podravina and Podravlje" music festival, which is held in mid-June to celebrate the feast day of St. Vid. In Grabrovnica, near Pitomača, you will find the birthplace of great Croatian poet Petar Preradović. The area surrounding Pitomača is also a famous winegrowing region, which will take you on another magical journey of the area with the flavors and aromas of superb wine. The meanders of the Drava River will not leave you emotionless, along with crossing the river by raft or pedestrian bridge, after which you can explore the idyllic region across the Drava. 

Discover Podravina and Slavonia

Virovitica-Podravina County Tourist Board, Augusta Ĺ enoe 1, 33000 Virovitica, Croatia tel: +385 33 726069, fax: +385 33 722060, ured@tzvpz.hr

www.tzvpz.hr

May - July 2015

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Experience Croatia

POŽEGA-SLAVONIA COUNTY

The fertile Slavonian plains have always fed this region, so the ancient Romans called it Vallis Aurea, or the Golden Valley. The hills that surround it break the stereotype of flat Slavonia, and the untouched nature, flatlands and hilly inclines with 43 bicycle and 67 hiking trails attract fans of active vacations.

The flavors of the Golden Valley Written by: Alma Radoš ◆ Photos: archive of Požega-Slavonia County Tourist Board

While in the Požega-Slavonia County, you will get to taste the best Graševina and delicious traditional dishes, experience the famous Slavonian hospitality for yourself, but also break the stereotypes of flat Slavonia.

Photos: the Kutjevo castle (top); the Slavonian spread is also abundant in dishes made with freshwater fish (bottom left); the Kutjevo wine cellar (bottom right).

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egend has it that the widow Clicquot, the same lady who conquered the world in the 19th century with her champagnes, visited Pleternica on her way to St. Petersburg, and was so thrilled by the hills there that she sent the people of Pleternica grapevines once she returned to Champagne. In her honor,

one of the hills is named Klikun, which is how the locals pronounced the surname Clicquot. That isn't the only legend tied to the winegrowing region of the PožegaSlavonia County. In Kutjevo, you will hear the story of the passionate relationship between Empress Maria Theresa and Baron Franjo Trenk, who spent a full seven days

Photos: the longest table in Croatia, in the Velika Municipality (left); the hosts will definitely offer you their superb wines (right).

in 1741 in the Kutjevo Cellars, enjoying the love-inducing powers of his wines.

A dent in the middle of the stone table that adorns the oldest cellar in Croatia, built in 1232, bears witness to that. The area of the Požega-Slavonia County is a tireless inspiration for wine aficionados, especially for those who love Graševina, which reached its peak here, and made this region famous worldwide. With more than thirty wineries on its three wine roads: the Požega-Pleternica Vineyards, the Kutjevo Vineyards, and the Pakrac Vineyards are connected by the PožegaSlavonia County Tourist Board project, "Slavonian Way", into one unique tourist experience.

Along with the superb wines, you will also come across excellent gastronomy, and an abundant spread of food, for which the Slavonians are famous. Thanks to Museum in a Pot, a project run by the

Požega City Museum, the traditional dishes of Slavonian cuisine from the late 19th and early 20th century have been saved from falling into oblivion.

So your hosts in this area will greet you with Požega's vineyard ćevapi, vajnsup, Požega's 'pijanci', and 'trganci'... You will also smell the aroma of homemade bread from a bread oven, and your taste buds will be won over by the dried bacon, cracklings, kulen, fish paprikash, and čobanac. Make sure to try the homemade walnut roll or poppy seed roll. Even if you're not planning a trip to eastern Croatia soon, there's no reason not to enjoy the traditional delicacies of this County. Simply click on the picture of the Slavonian basket on the Slavonian Way website to order your favorite products, such as kulen, cracklings, bacon, cheese, wine... and the basket comes to your address. 

Kutjevo is one of the most famous Croatian vineyards and the 45.3 parallel runs through it, as it does through Istria, Piemont, Val du Rhone, Bordeaux, and Oregon, all important vineyards in the world.

tip: Find out more information on the county's wine roads at www.slavonski-puti.hr, where you can order your Slavonian basket.

Požega-Slavonia County Tourist Board Županijska 7 34000 Požega, Croatia tel: +385 34 290262 kontakt@tzzps.hr

www.tzzps.hr

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Explore Croatia

KOPAČKI RIT NATURE PARK Due to its preservation, as a rare marshland ecosystem, great biological diversity and ecological value, Kopački rit has been protected 1967. Three years ago, in 2012, UNESCO declared the Mura-DravaDanube Biosphere Reserve, which Kopački rit is an important part of.

The call of the tame wild Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of the Public Institution "Kopački rit Nature Park"

In the far northeastern part of Croatia, every day is different. Here you'll be awakened by the scent of wildflowers and the sound of bird songs, and in the vast wetlands you will feel the call of the wild...

I Public Institution "Kopački rit Nature Park" Kopačevo Reception Ritska bb, Kopačevo 31327 Bilje, Croatia tel: +385 31 445445, 752320 prijemni.centar@pp-kopacki-rit.hr

www.pp-kopacki-rit.hr

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n northeastern Croatia, two strong rivers, the Danube and Drava, created one of the best preserved wetlands in Europe, the Kopački rit Nature Park. It spreads over nearly 24 thousand hectares, of which seven thousand hectares are protected by the status of Special Zoo Reserve. This tame wilderness will await you with various members of the animal world, from small birds to large wild deer.

What makes the park unique is the flooding dynamic, and the intensity of it affects the appearance of the entire area. So you will always come across a different scene, where you can choose from various experiences: walking through centuries-old oak forests, down educational trails and newly constructed wooden bridges, exploring the marshlands on a tour boat or rowboat, touring the Tikveš Castle, nature workshops, canoeing, getting to know more about the world of birds,

taking photos of untouched nature, cycling or riding the new tourist train, recreational fishing... For a complete experience, stay the night surrounded by a peaceful forest and await the morning with a different view, one that nature will come up with especially for that day. 

OSIJEK

Events

An exciting summer in Osijek Text and photo archive: Tourist Board of the City of Osijek

Osijek is "charmingly slow", but it will host the largest festival of extreme sports in the region. Even though it is located close to the winegrowing regions of Baranja and Erdut, it is more popular for its beer...

O

sijek, a city on the Drava River, is located only 20 km from where it meets the Danube, on the very middle of the European Danube region. While in Osijek, visit the fortress, with a baroque votive statue of the Holy Trinity, and the General-Barracks, famous from the 200 kuna bill. While walking next to the Drava, you will come across the Neo-Gothic co-cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. With its 90-meter high tower, Osijek's cathedral is the second tallest in southeast Europe. For lunch, along with the traditional gastronomic fish and game specialties, make sure to try the wine from the surrounding vineyards, and the first Croatian wine, which has been produced here since 1697. It is a special experience to cycle along the Drava river bank towards the Kopački rit Nature Park. Next to the Danube delta, it is Europe's largest marshland, famous for its nearly 300 species of birds, who also have nests in the city.

Osijek is also famous for its many events. In June 2015, the UFO urban music festival will be held in the city, and from late June to

mid-July, on the streets of the old fortress, in the museums, and theaters, visit Osijek's summer of culture. In mid-August, plan a long weekend at the "Copacabana" beach on the shore of the Drava and visit the "Pannonian Challenge" festival of extreme bicycling, skateboarding, skating, and urban punk, hip-hop, and electronic music. It is the largest festival of its kind in southeast Europe.

Reserve autumn for the Days of Croatia's First Beer, famous as the largest Slavonian wedding, which attracts 50 thousand beer fans to the city. The event will be accompanied by tamburica renditions of pop and rock hits. In December, come to the national finals in cooking fishpaprikash, and relax in romantic Advent in Osijek. Throughout the year, Osijek's hotels prepare abundant "Osijek packages" that offer not only an overnight stay, but also other various offers and additional services.

Spend an exciting week or relaxing weekend in Osijek and its surrounding area this summer. 

Tourist Board of the City of Osijek Županijska 2, 31000 Osijek, Croatia tel: +385 31 203755 tzosijek@tzosijek.hr

www.tzosijek.hr

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Experience Croatia

VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

Sr

M ar ije Sto io R m jči om Co ć ( u un arc lić ty hi an Ph To v e : d D o t u r Vu r a o : ist k že Bo ova n ar rd)

Photo: Slavonians are famous keepers of tradition and heritage.

In Ilok, enjoy cycling or walking, in Vinkovci, feel like Roman emperors, celebrate Danube Day in Vukovar, discover harvest traditions in Županja, and in Nijemci sail the Bosut and the Spačva.

Written by: Alma Radoš ◆ Photos: archives of Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board, Ilok City Museum, Iločki podrumi d.d., Vukovar Tourist Board, Vinkovci Tourist Board, Županja Tourist Board, and Nijemci Tourist Board along with Robert Kunštek, Vjekoslav Berton, Darko Puharić and Zvonimir Tanocki

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COUNTY

VUKOVAR-SRIJEM ILOK, VUKOVAR, VINKOVCI, ŽUPANJA, NIJEMCI

CROATIA

The hidden charms of the plains of Slavonia and Srijem

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VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

An active summer in Ilok The Transnational hiking trail that follows the footsteps of Suleyman the Great that starts in Vienna and ends in Istanbul passes through Ilok. The route follows the path this sultan passed long ago, connecting various areas and culture on a path of peace and beautiful landscapes. Find out more at: www.sultanstrail.com

Photos: a view of Ilok (top left); you can play golf on Principovac (top right); Ilok is a favorite amongst cyclists (bottom left); a vineyard along Ilok's wine roads (bottom right).

tip: The peak of summer events in Ilok starts on August 29 with Ilok's grape harvest, an event that lasts a week.

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If you are a fan of nature, outdoor activities, and an excellent offer of food and wine, this summer head out to Ilok, an interesting destination in eastern Croatia, which is attractive all year long. Resting in the shade on the beach next to the Danube, the surrounding parks, forests, or hundred-year-old cellars with superb chilled wine will offer you special peace.

Relaxing walks, fishing, boat rides, sports such as beach volleyball, golf, tennis, or cycling are proof that summer inland can definitely be attractive.

Fans of walking can choose one of the walking or park trails and so get to know more about the medieval center of Ilok with Roman fortifications, a preserved fortress from the 14th and 15th century, the Church of St. John Capistran, monuments that date back to the time of Suleyman the Great, and Count Odescalchi's castle and wine cellar. Nature fans will continue down the Danube, and

fans of good wine will choose to take a walk down Ilok's wine road, while taking breaks in the cellars and tasting rooms. On Principovac, the famous winegrowing site, you can play tennis, volleyball, badminton, or golf, and the roads that run through the vineyards beckon you to take a walk, run, or ride a bike. However, that is just part of the tourist offer of this country estate located on a hill that offers an unforgettable view of Srijem and BaÄ?ka.

One of the most attractive European cycling routes, EuroVelo 6, which runs from the origin of the Danube, passes through Ilok to the Danube Delta. Fascinated by the beauty of the landscape, the old city center, but also Srijem hospitality, cyclists often unexpectedly extend their stay in bike&bed accommodations. There is also the Srijem route that runs through the Vukovar-Srijem County, which joins the EuroVelo 6, and it is loved by both professionals and recreational cyclists. If you leave your bike at home, you can rent a bike in the hotels or tourist homesteads.

BIKE ROUTE

PIER SPORTS LANDING FIELD

HUNTER'S HOUSE

WINE ROAD

BORDER CROSSINGS

ALTITUDE

MEDIEVAL MONUMENTS AND SANCTUARIES BICYCLE ROUTES

MUSEUM / GALLERY ROAD OF THE GOLDEN LINE

STATE BORDER ZAGREB-LIPOVAC HIGHWAY RIVER

The bicycle trails of this county pass through its larger cities: Vukovar, Vinkovci, Županja, Ilok, and Otok, and they will take you through the picturesque vineyards of Ilok, Spačva forest and picturesque villages.

There are around two hundred kilometers of mountain and road bike trails running through Slavonia and Srijem. The Srijem bike route connects the southern area of the Vukovar-Srijem County with the northeastern part, and it connects to the existing international Danube bike path, which is part of Eurovelo 6. The Danube bike trail, which connects the cities of Vukovar and Ilok, is part of the international Danube bike path through Croatia.

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VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

Urban sounds on the Danube

tip: In early June, the Vukovar Festival of Chamber Music will gather soloists and chamber music ensembles from Croatia and Europe in Vukovar.

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In late spring and early summer, life moves from the center of Vukovar to Vukovar's ada, a sandy island where the official swimming season starts with the first day of the "Summer in Vukovar" event.

Concerts, exhibitions, sports events, and presentations are all part of this event that lasts nearly three months.

It will be especially lively in Vukovar on June 29, on International Danube Day, with folk dance performances, concerts, and the chance to try traditional specialties: fish paprikash, and carp grilled on forks over an open flame. During that time, the kayakers participating in the International Danube Tour (TID) leave the German city of Ingolstadt. On their journey, which lasts several months and follows the Danube to Sfannt Gheorhe in Romania, in late July the kayakers arrive in Vukovar, which has

Photo: Darko Puharić, Design Studio D (archive: Vukovar Tourist Board)

The archeological site in Vučedol is mostly covered in forests and vineyards, and its symbol, the Vučedol dove, was found in 1938.

The terrain stretches over six hectares, and besides the new building of the Museum of Vučedol Culture, there are also workshops for old crafts, an underground building on the Gradac site, and the reconstructed Megaron building and renovated Vila Streim.

Photo: Dražen Bota

Photo: Zoran Šimunović (source: Vukovar City Museum)

Da (a De rko P rc sig Pu ho h To i v e n S t h a t o : ur : V ud rić ist uk io Bo ov D ar ar d)

Photos: the Eltz castle (top left); the Chamber Music Festival (middle left); Vukovar's gastro offer is diverse (right); The Museum of Vučedol Culture (bottom).

become a must-see stop for river cruisers over the past few years.

Fans of the urban music scene will gather at the Vubass open air festival in the Adica Park Forest in early June, and in the Vukovar Blackout hip hop festival in July. While the first one is in the sign of bass electronic music and domestic and foreign performers, the second is dedicated to domestic hip hop bands and demo performers from Osijek, Vinkovci, and Vukovar. If you plan on visiting eastern Croatia this summer, don't miss out on visiting the Museum of Vučedol Culture, which should be opened in midJune. The modern building is located on an archeological site and it follows the shape of the terrain with its shape and serpentines.

Since only the façade is opened towards the landscape, and the rest of the building is built into the terrain, the green roof of the building leads to the archeological site above the museum.

Ilok Tourist Board Trg Nikole Iločkog 2 32236 Ilok, Croatia tel: +385 32 590020; +385 32 592966 e-mail: info@turizamilok.hr e-mail: tourismilok@gmail.com www.turizamilok.hr

Vukovar Tourist Board J. J. Strossmayera 15 32000 Vukovar, Croatia tel: +385 32 442889 e-mail: tz-vukovar@vu.t-com.hr www.turizamvukovar.hr

Vinkovci Tourist Board Trg bana Josipa Šokčevića 3 32100 Vinkovci, Croatia tel: +385 32 334653 e-mail: info@tz-vinkovci.hr www.tz-vinkovci.hr

Nijemci Tourist Board Trg kralja Tomislava 6 32245 Nijemci, Croatia tel: +385 32 280376 e-mail: turistickazajednicaon@gmail.com

Županja Tourist Board Veliki kraj 66 32270 Županja, Croatia tel: +385 32 832711 e-mail: tz-zupanja@vk.t-com.hr www.tz-zupanja.hr

Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board, Glagoljaška 27, 32100 Vinkovci, Croatia tel: +385 32 338425, tel/fax: +385 32 344034, mob: +385 98 269034, turisticka-zajednica@vk.t-com.hr http://blog.visitvukovar-srijem.com

www.visitvukovar-srijem.com May - July 2015

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Foto: Vjekoslav Berton

Experience Croatia

Did you know that the Orion, the first Indo­ european calendar, and the oldest pottery kiln were found in Vinkovci? Or that bronze was first produced in this city, which launched the first systematic production of metal?

Photos: The Orion (top left); Roman Days (top middle, bottom middle and right); Vinkovci's youth also cherish traditions (top right); the center of Vinkovci (bottom left).

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In the company of Roman emperors In Vinkovci, the oldest city in Europe, life has lasted for a full eight thousand years, without any breaks. Over that long period, cultures and customs changed, so this area is rich in unique discoveries. One of them is connected to the history of Ancient Rome and the fact that the Roman emperors Valentinian and Valens were born in the greater area of the former city of Cibala.

This part of Vinkovci's rich history is brought alive every year during the "Roman Days" event. If you would like to feel a part of the ancient ambiance, buy a toy at the fair of Roman goods, drink a glass of wine and enjoy Roman cuisine, watch a gladiator fight, or have your picture taken with Roman emperors, there's nothing else to do but to head on over to Vinkovci. The "Roman Days" will be held on May 22 and 23, 2015.

With this year's motto "Sicut mater, ita et

filia eius" (Like mother, like daughter), the festival wants to revive respect towards mothers and women, which had a special place in Roman times, and many gods protected fertility, childbirth, and mother­ hood. "Roman Days" attract all generations to Vinkovci, so even children will enjoy the triumphant parade of little Romans, and the children's games of Ancient Rome.

This spring and summer Vinkovci awaits you with several other interesting events.

On June 7, the city will become a center of fashion style with ethno elements. That same day, the National Competition for Croatian Ethno Hairstyles will be held, with several fashion shows. On the Feast Day of St. Elias, on July 20, the patron saint of Vinkovci, the Day of the City is celebrated with exhibitions, folklore performances, and book presentations. If you visit Vinkovci on that day, you will also be able to enjoy a carriage ride through the baroque city center.

Welcome...

For a list of hotels and hostels, click here:

For a list of village homesteads, private rooms and suites, click here:

Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board, Glagoljaška 27, 32100 Vinkovci, Croatia tel: +385 32 338425, tel/fax: +385 32 344034, mob: +385 98 269034, turisticka-zajednica@vk.t-com.hr http://blog.visitvukovar-srijem.com

www.visitvukovar-srijem.com May - July 2015

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VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

At the "Our Daily Bread Harvesting and Threshing in the Past" festival, you can try your hand at harvesting, riding in a wagon, singing along to the sound of the tamburica, or dancing the harvest dance.

At the Harvest Fair, you will have the chance to get to know more about old crafts, eco-products, and authentic products, such as colorful gourds, golden embroidery, cutwork embroidery, painted bottles, souvenirs, national folk costumes, šokac hats...

Photos: harvest traditions in Županja (top and bottom middle); the borderer's watchtower (bottom left); homemade products (bottom right).

tip: Don’t miss out on touring the Stjepan Gruber Local History Museum, located in the only preserved borderer's watchtower in Croatia.

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In the sign of the harvest The first Saturdays in July are always in the sign of the harvest in Županja. If you visit this town on the shores of the Sava at that time, you will feel the wealth of Slavonian tradition, and the deep respect locals have towards the fertile land that has fed them.

Besides being the most important task in the field, for the people of Slavonia, harvest was also a symbol of good times with social­izing, music, and rich food. Although the reapers in the fields have now been replaced by machines, and Županja now lives a modern life, the "Our Daily Bread Harvesting and Threshing in the Past" has revived the beauty of the old traditions.

Early in the morning, the reapers, dressed in traditional costumes, gather and prepare their scythes for the beginning of the harvest, while the aromas of Slavonian break­fast waft from the straw table. An abundant spread has always been a synonym for the hospi­tality and generosity of Slavonians, so each get-together here starts with a mini glass bottle of spirits,

kulen, sausages, cracklings, homemade cheese, and bread baked in a bread oven.

You can enjoy the superb delicacies and unique view of a field where people sing while they cut grain. The grain is then gathered with sickles, bound into bundles, piled onto wagons, and taken to the threshing floor. There the grain is separated from the straw and the chaff, and bags are filled. Work in Slavonia always ends as it started, with music, social­izing, and an abundant lunch. Now, guests are served goose stew, a traditional harvest dish, and delicious Slavonian cakes.

After a day spent in the field, in the company of the hardworking hosts - Šokica and Šokci, rest at one of the country home­ steads will be good for you. The following morning you can continue exploring the rich heritage of Županja. Besides the Golden Thread Road, which, in its 60 km length, links customs and traditional crafts, you will also discover that Županja was the place where tennis was played, and a soccer ball was hit 135 years ago for the first time in Croatia.

tip: Head out on the "Let's go to Srijem" trail, and get to know more about Nijemci, Podgrađa and Lipovac.

Photos: the St. Katarina boat (top); homemade kulen, bread, and cakes are an integral part of the spread in Nijemci (bottom).

Sailing calm waters Living next to a river is relaxing and deeply inwrought in the tradition and culture of cities and towns of its shores.

The same is true for Nijemci, a town in Srijem on the shores of the Bosut, a river for which not even the Romans could figure out which way it flows since it seemed to change with every breeze.

So it has remained today. The relaxing power of this tame river can best be felt if you choose to ride the St. Katarina tourist boat. Still, before you head out, as is tradition in this area, you have to try a bit of spirits and some of the famous smoked meat delicacies such as kulen, sausages, and cracklings, which are made from an autochtonous breed of black pig.

Those who have already visited Slavonia and Srijem will confirm that it is the part of Croatia with the best and most food.

After tasty bites, you are ready to sail, first down the Bosut, and then the Spačva.

The boat and its captain await you for your journey south to Lipovac, where the

Spačva joins the Bosut. In the twohour trip, you will find out everything about the mysterious world of these two cities, and the unique places, such as the Sopotac resort with a bird watchtower. The journey ends near the unique Church of the Lady of Lučica, better known as Lučica, for which it is believed that it was constructed during the Crusades. This is a protected cultural monument in the heart of untouched nature, surrounded by an arm of the Spačva River, and was allegedly found by the Ancient Romans, and it was expanded by the Templars to protect it from attack and assault.

Sailing the Bosut and Spačva, in combination with horseback riding, walking on trails, or cycling, will thrill fans of active vacations. Domestic food and drinks in the authentic ambiance of country homesteads will awaken the gourmet hidden within, so after holidays in this part of Croatia, you will be speaking of Srijem's hospitality for a long time. 

From spring to autumn, Nijemci is the venue for many events. The largest of them, "Lovely is gilded Srijem", gathers fans of traditional culture and folk customs throughout June.

Along with art exhibitions, folklore performances, sports events, and a presentation of food and wine products, visitors can also enjoy a free boat ride on the St. Katarina boat, or a wagon ride as well.

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SINJSKA ALKA

Photo: Branko Čović (archive: Sinj Tourist Board)

UNESCO

tip: This August marks the 300th anniversary of the Sinjska Alka. Don't miss out on the 300th Alka celebration in Sinj from August 7 to 9, 2015!

Find out more at: www.alka.hr

Sinjska alka Every year, since the year 1715, on the first weekend of August, the city of Sinj becomes the stage for a spectacular knight's tournament, the Sinjska Alka.

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Nikola Belančić (archive of Sinj Tourist Board)

Since 2010, the Sinjska Alka has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Alka is a symbol of every battle for freedom, for peace and hearth, for beliefs and hope. It unites the past and future, celebrates honor and truth, tradition, valor, and bravery.

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E

very August on the streets of Sinj, a city in the Split-Dalmatia County (Central Dalmatia), the eventful history of this town and its surroundings comes alive. At that time, the Sinjska Alka, a horseback competition with riders (alkars) trying to aim for the iron ring (alka) hung on a rope across the field with a nearly three meter long lance, is held. The alkars, on horseback, try to pick up the alka with the lance while riding at full speed down the main street. The competition is held in memory of the victory against the Turks in 1715, and it was created at a time when many similar knight's competitions existed in Europe.

The name of the tournament comes from the Turkish word, alka or ring, which shows the historical coexistence

and cultural exchange between the two different civilizations. The tournament rules were defined by a Statute in 1833, and it promotes fair play. An Alkar must be "born in the Cetina area, have eagle eyes, and a firm right hand", but above all, he must be an honorable and honest man. The entire community helps make, renew, and repair weapons, clothing, and the additional equipment to support this long tradition, and religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and celebrations are all held as a part of the tournament.

The Sinjska Alka is the only living example of medieval knights' competitions that were regularly held in Croatian coastal towns up to the 19th century. Local history was celebrated in that way, and is handed down from generation to generation. 

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Photo: Damir Fabijanić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Croatia through philately

125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN IN ZAGREB

125th Anniversary of the

Botanical Garden in Zagreb Presenting postage stamps

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

Two ponds with bridges, the flower parterre, and the exhibition pavilion are the most attractive parts of Zagreb's Botanical Garden.

tip: Philatelists in Croatia can get the stamp in Croatian Post's postal offices. Readers and philatelists from abroad can order the stamp via email: filatelija@posta.hr

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T

he oldest botanical garden in Croatia, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2014, is located in the center of Zagreb. It is the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science at the University of Zagreb, and the garden is protected as a monument of culture and park architecture. It was established at a time when it was popular to grow exotic plants from distant parts of the world, and it is designed partly in the English landscape style, and partly in the French parterre style. In the

garden, you will also see large exhibition greenhouses, made for plants from warmer regions.

The most attractive parts of the park are the two ponds with bridges, the flower parterre, and the exhibition pavilion.

Today, nearly five thousand different plants, divided into several thematic collections, grow on the total area of just 4.5 ha. Here you will see a large number of plants typical for Croatia, along with many endangered and statutorily protected species of Croatian flora.

During the season, which lasts from April 1 to November 1, the exhibition pavilion is the venue for various botanical-educational workshops, lectures, and exhibitions. This botanical garden is one of two university botanical gardens in Zagreb and the Croatian representative in the European Botanic Garden Consortium.

The stamp with the motif of a detail from the Botanical Garden was issued on April 1, 2014, in a single-stamp block, and the Croatian Post also issued a First Day Cover (FDC). The stamp was printed in 30 thousand copies, 29.82 mm x 35.50 mm in size, and its author is Ivona Đogić Đurić, a designer from Zagreb. 

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Attractive beaches, exotic clubs and bars, the benefits of the wellness and spa facilities, fun parks, and autochthonous gastronomy, based on organically grown ingredients, are just part of the reason you should spend your vacation this summer in the Solaris Beach Resort. Relax on the attractive coast, refresh yourself with cocktails in the Palma and Legend Beach Clubs, with many global hits, and head out on a gastronomic tour of Dalmatia in the Dalmatian Village.

While your youngsters enjoy the water park with many fun facilities, enjoy a relaxing massage under a canopy next to the sea, with an enchanting view of the surrounding archipelago. In the late afternoon, play mini golf in a pirate's atmosphere at the Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, or head out to explore the surrounding islands on a pirate's galley.

Find out more at: www.olympiavodice.hr

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Summer in Solaris

The St. Mihovil fortress is the oldest of Ĺ ibenik's four fortresses and, along with Ĺ ibenik's St. James cathedral, it's the most important cultural-historical monument in the city. After two years of renovations, all walls and towers can now be toured and, for the first time, the underground area of the fortress is accessible. The fortress also got new modern facilities - a summer stage that seats more than a thousand, overlooking the sea, and offering a view of Ĺ ibenik and the surrounding archipelago. In order to bring their guests closer to this cultural monument, the Hotel Olympia has added fortress tours to its offer. Also, the hotel employees will be happy to help get tickets for guests interested in various cultural, musical, and entertainment events.

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MasterCard for hostel benefits The collaboration between the Croatian Youth Hostel Association (CYHA) and MasterCard has continued this year, where they have prepared many benefits for all MasterCard users in the upcoming travel season. So, this year, the CYHA offers those paying for accommodations with the card a 50% discount on annual European Youth Card and Hostelling International membership fees, and one of the additional benefits available in the Association's hostels: late check-out, a gift, 5% discount on accommodations, free air conditioning, or a 10% discount on renting sports equipment.

BookingSuite a new service from Booking.com BookingSuite is a new Booking. com service that offers accommodation owners from all over the world the possibility of creating their own websites that they can edit on their own. The first BookingSuite products are websites adapted for use on mobile devices. The newest product of the service is WebDirect, designed for Booking. com partners who want a modern website with minimum effort and with no financial risk.

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Croatia

ONLINE websites and mobile applications

Explore Sinj and Zagreb

Photo: fotolia

WEB&APP Now, with a new mobile application, it will be easier to explore Sinj and the Cetina region, while a lot of interesting information on Zagreb can be found on the new web site of the Zagreb Tourist Board.

Sinj Tourist Guide

Cultural content, accommodations, the gastro offer, and other information about the city of Sinj and the Cetina region can be easily found on the free mobile application, Sinj Tourist Guide.

The application is available in English and includes the following categories: Explore, Activities, Sights, Gastro, Map, Room, Heritage, Info, and Events. The categories contain a lot of information about local sites and attractions, restaurants, family resorts, gastro stories, and accommodations.

The application also contains an interactive map, many photos, and a list of events.

New web site of the Zagreb Tourist Board

On the Zagreb Tourist Board's new website, you can find a lot of new, interesting, useful, and entertaining information about Zagreb and its tourist offer. What you must see, where to go, have a good time, and eat great food are just a few of the questions you will find answers to on the site. You can also have fun on the site, take a virtual walk through the animated streets of Zagreb with the help of the unique option Zagreb Walk, and find the new interactive sub-site www.lovezagreb.hr with short stories written by local bloggers. The site is available in six languages: Croatian, English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish. www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr

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CAN CUSTOMERS FIND YOUR WEBSITE?

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Check your SEO for free.

Send us a link to your website via e-mail on contact@aplitap.com, and we´ll check your SEO, free of charge.

Get your business on the first page of Google. www.aplitap.hr 098/795 784 contact@aplitap.com Zagrebačka cesta 143 A

Gourmet Croatia

CROATIAN ZAGORJE

Photos: Tuhelj pinklec (left), and the Zagorje cutlet (right) are available on the menu at the Mihanović Manor at Terme Tuhelj.

Gastronomy in harmony with nature

O Written by: Sanja Plješa Photos: Robert Kunštek (the photos were taken at the Mihanović Manor restaurant in Terme Tuhelj)

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ver the past century, Croatian Zagorje, a region in the northwestern part of Croatia, has gone through turbulent times.

However, the locals in the area have always lived in harmony with nature. That is how the traditional cuisine of Zagorje came to be, which now expresses the way people

in this area lived. They were mostly manual laborers, so food was prepared in accordance with their work. So it was caloric so the workers could endure all the tasks their work demanded. Fresh ingredients were thermally processed for a short time, and almost all ingredients are present in Zagorje's cuisine: fruits

The cuisine of Zagorje has been influenced by Viennese, French, spicy Hungarian, and Turkish cuisines.

and vegetables that were grown in gardens, orchards, forests, and on fields.

In the past, more than today, the people of Zagorje fed livestock, mostly pigs, cows, and poultry, and later used their meat to prepare various meat dishes.

Men used to hunt, and that sport is still common, so Zagorje's cuisine is enriched with dishes made of wild game.

In the past, gastronomy in Zagorje was greatly influenced by Viennese, and in a smaller measure French, cuisine. The French always took great care about the details on the plate, and that method in serving dishes is still noticeable in Zagorje's cuisine today. Also, Zagorje's cuisine was also influenced by spicy Hungarian and Turkish cuisine. The Count's steak, a veal cutlet with mushrooms, served with a potato pancake made with parsley and carrot, is a recipe that dates back to that time and is still used today.

Combining the incompatible In the past, the people of Zagorje enjoyed simple dishes for breakfast: corn polenta

with milk, barley coffee, cracklings, roux soup, or onions fried on lard.

Today, such dishes are offered to guests as an authentic delicacy. Soups were cooked in special earthenware bowls, and everything that could be found in the garden was put into them. Some of those dishes are still prepared today, but adapted to the tastes of modern guests.

For example, the diverse gastro offer of restaurants such as the Mihanović Manor at Terme Tuhelj include the Zagorje cutlet, Tuhelj pinklec, Štrukli in soup, Royal štrukli, and the Royal cutlet.

The Zagorje cutlet is made according to a recipe that is a hundred years old, but is served today in a modern way. It consists of turkey meat stuffed with liver and eggs, served with a side of baked beans and mushroom sauce. Some of Zagorje's famous dishes are prepared today with the addition of various spices. However, the gastro offer is also based on combining the incompatible, for example, grits and steak, or the combination of sweet-savory and sour-sweet ingredients. Tuhelj pinklec is actually a savory crepe stuffed with

Photos: Štrukli cooked in soup (top), Royal štrukli (bottom), and Royal cutlet are traditional dishes in Zagorje, adapted to the preferences of modern guests.

sautéed mushrooms and vegetables.

It used to be a dish for the poor, and now it is part of the superb gastro offer of the area. Still, the gastronomy of Croatian Zagorje is best known for turkey with mlinci and štrukli, which the locals prepare in many ways in sweet and salty variants. Štrukli have become the gastro brand of that part of Croatia. Štrukli cooked in soup are served as an appetizer or soup, and generally, štrukli can be served as an appetizer or dessert. Other famous desserts from this area include zlevanka, cheese strepa with corn flour, corn roulades and strudels.  May - July 2015

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CULTURAL SCENE

Neno Belan Neno Belan has won 11 Porin awards, and the largest number of awards, a total of 19, from Šibenik's "Evenings of Dalmatian Chanson" Festival.

CULTURAL SCENE

The Mediterranean as inspiration They also call this famous Croatian songwriter the "King of Mediterranean Pop". He is the creator of a large number of pop-rock hits.

His songs are an unavoidable part of parties and celebrations, and his concerts always thrill the audience once again.

Conducted by: Vlatka Vužić Photos: Ivan Gari Suvalj (archive: Neno Belan)

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T

wenty years ago, you moved from Split's Riva to Rijeka's Korzo. What do you miss about Split in Rijeka and vice versa?

I don't miss anything, because even though I live in Rijeka most of the year, I spend up to two months in Split. Over the course of the year, I enjoy both cities, which have their own charms. Split is a typical temperamental Mediterranean city with an excellent climate. My old memories and childhood friends are there. Rijeka is an interesting Mediterranean-Central European city, with a calmer mentality and it is more intimate than Split. When you go out, you have to pass down Korzo, and meet people you know. My studio and

band are there, and everything is nearby.

Rijeka is the ideal place to head out from on my constant trips.

You often say you feel at home in Rijeka, Split, and the island of Brač.

Which part of Brač is "yours"?

My little piece of Brač is the town of Pučišća, where I have a house I inherited from my grandparents on my mother's side. Pučišća is my place to relax in my time off in the summer. I enjoy that beautiful small place, its intimacy, peace, and hanging out with my friends and family. I visit other destinations in the summer to have a concert or to listen to one of my musician friends play.

CULTURAL SCENE

As a songwriter, you also get your inspiration from your Mediterranean surroundings. What does the Mediterranean mean to you?

It is natural that I (not entirely, but in a great way) draw my inspiration from my Mediterranean surroundings, because I also grew up here. I have absorbed the juices and the vibes my entire life.

The Mediterranean is like a parent that spiritually shaped me. I draw the energy I need to create from it.

You travel throughout Croatia for your concerts. I trust that the locals have offered you authentic specialties from their kitchens and cellars. What are the flavors you remember most?

Oh, yes! Those are superb spiritual experiences for me. I am a gourmet.

I adore good bites, good wine... I can recall many excellent flavors. From Neretva red frog risotto to Slavonian smoked carp, all the way to Istrian minestrone, fuži with truffles, and baked cheese štrukli from Zagorje. I have my profession to thank for being so lucky to

be able to try the most diverse delicacies of Croatian cuisine.

Over the course of your career, you have collaborated with many colleagues on the Croatian music scene. If given the chance, which foreign performers would you like to collaborate with?

I always emphasize that the Beatles are my greatest idols. It would be a dream come true for me to sing with Sir Paul McCartney.

Although, I wouldn't have anything against a duet with the Stones either.

Do you also play at private parties, or do you sometimes purposely step away from the guitar? What do you play for your own pleasure?

When I was younger, I was one of those guys who never let the guitar go, so the common story often happened to me while I was playing, others would pick up the girls. Now I play a lot professionally, so when I relax, I prefer if someone else plays for me. Although, of course sometimes I play on my own. And then I play a bit of everything... 

Neno Belan has upcoming concerts on May 29 in Sveta Nedelja and June 20 in Bjelovar.

The winners of LADO's albums from the last issue are: Kristina Perkov (Geelong, Victoria, Australia) and Ana Blažević Simić (Zagreb, Croatia)

The authors of the two most original answers will receive an album as a gift.

May - July 2015

CULTURAL SCENE

tip: Would you like to win the album "Oceani ljubavi" shown above? Write us why and send your answer to contest@tiptravelmagazine.com

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UNICEF

CROATIA AND WORLD

UNICEF Ambassadors - the voice of the most vulnerable children Text: UNICEF Croatia Photo archive: UNICEF

Photos: Croatian singer Maja VuÄ?ić in Ethiopia (top left and right); Danny Kaye brought smiles to children all around the world (bottom).

W

hile flying from London to New York in 1953, the legendary Kaye found himself sitting next to Maurice Pate, who was then the CEO of UNICEF. They started talking. Pate told Kaye about UNICEF's work, and Kaye felt the need to join in and contribute.

So a long-lasting inspirational friendship began between one of the most brilliant entertainers of the time and the children of the world. For the next 34 years, Danny Kaye tirelessly worked for children and UNICEF, who he deeply believed in. He travelled thousands of kilometers all over the world to bring children and youth

"I deeply believe that children are more powerful than oil, more beautiful than rivers, and more valuable than any other natural resource a country can have", said Danny Kaye, who put his (global) fame to good use for children by becoming UNICEF's first ambassador in 1954.

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smiles and joy, while also mobilizing millions of people, including celebrities, to use their talent for the good of UNICEF and its noble work.

His work on promoting children's rights, which lasted all the way up to his death in 1987, was continued on by many stars from the world of film, sports, and music, such as Audrey Hepburn, Mia Farrow, David Beckham, Katy Perry, and many others. The work of UNICEF ambassadors requires travel, often to places where they are exposed to dangers, such as contagious diseases or armed conflicts. So Orlando Bloom recently visited Liberia, one of the countries in Western Africa affected with the Ebola epidemic. In doing so, he helped draw the eyes of the world back to the crisis zone, where nearly

ten thousand people died from Ebola, and 16 thousand children lost one or both parents. Last year, the famous actor travelled to Jordan, where he spoke to children and their families who were refugees from war-torn Syria. David Beckham became the spokesperson for a campaign to fight violence against children in El Salvador, while Shakira and her partner, football player Gerard Piqué, asked for donations to be given to celebrate the births of their sons.

Actress Mia Farrow visited the Central African Republic for the fourth time last year to bring the attention of the global public to the tragic effect of the conflict in that country on two million children.

UNICEF ambassadors in Croatia are also the voice of the most vulnerable group of children. Maja Vučić visited Ethiopia as an ambassador several years ago.

She said the trip affected her so much that it took her several days to recover.

Maja supports all UNICEF'S campaigns and events in Croatia, and is UNICEF's spokesperson at many events. Just like actress Bojana Gregorić Vejzović, who was also one of the hosts of the last, 6th Children's Rights Festival. The Croatian team of ambassadors also includes Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni and Slaven Bilić, who is remembered for his role as the face of the "Stop the Chain" campaign to fight cyber bullying amongst children.

"This is the greatest honor I have received as an artist and as a man. As a UNICEF ambassador, I would like to contribute to creating a spirit where people care for the needs of others, while also being tolerant of those who are different from them", said Gibonni when he was named the first Croatian goodwill ambassador in 2003. 

All around the world, UNICEF ambassadors warn of problems children they meet come across and help UNICEF raise funds for programs to improve the lives of children.

In order to become ambassadors, they have to have strong integrity, a flawless image, and a passion for helping others, especially children.

Photos: football player Messi (top left), actor Orlando Bloom (top right), singer Shakira (bottom left), and actress Mia Farrow (bottom right), are all UNICEF ambassadors.

tip: Read more stories about UNICEF's ambassadors at:

May - July 2015

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WORLD Photo: E. Sander (archive: Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire)

News and announcements

Gardens of light in the Loire Valley

Photo archive: Incredible India

Photo source: UNWTO

For the 23rd year in a row, from April to late October, the garden of the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire castle, located 200 kilometers south of Paris above the Loire River, is the venue for the International Garden Festival, which is visited annually by around 385 thousand visitors.

Once again, this year the most famous modern artists and photographers from France and the world gave the 15th century estate a completely new dimension. Each artist chose a corner of the garden, where their installation communicates with trees, stones, or water. If you visit this estate during July and August, you will be able to enjoy the "Gardens of Light", decorated with special environmentallyfriendly LED lights. During that time, this estate in the Loire valley, the attractive "Valley of the Kings", is the only one that can be toured until midnight.

UNWTO conference on religious tourism in Bethlehem Representatives of travel institutes, the private sector, academic community, and international and regional development organizations will gather on June 15 and 16 in Bethlehem, in the State of Palestine.

At the international conference on religious tourism "Fostering sustainable socio-economic development in host communities" opinions, attitudes, and experiences in promoting this form of tourism will be shared. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of the Palestine and the World Tourism Organization, the conference will place emphasis on the inclusion and strengthening of the local community, and the influence of religious tourism on economic development.

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Photo: archive of Budva Tourist Organisation

Destination management conference in Budva

Exports from international tourism increase

From June 22 to 24, Budva will host the second conference on destination management in the Mediterranean. At that time, this Montenegrin town will host the representatives of travel companies and institutions from the entire region, who will explore the possibilities for shared strategic collaboration in order to offer guests as good an experience as possible. Although it has been a synonym for sun, sea, and sand, but also mass tourism, for decades, the Mediterranean is one of the most important tourism regions with incredible cultural and natural riches.

Last year, exports from international tourism grew by 3.7 percent or 48 billion American dollars, and according to estimates by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) published in April, they amounted to a record high 1.245 billion dollars.

If the 221 billion dollars of revenue made from international passenger transport is added to that, then export from international tourism reached 1.5 trillion dollars. According to these indicators, international tourism holds a 30 percent share of international export services, and six percent of the total export of goods and services, while in the export category, it takes fourth place after the oil, chemical, and food industries.

Photo: Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski

International meeting on the Silk Road

Photo: Lucija Čurić

Photo: Robert Kunštek

At the seventh UNWTO International Meeting on Silk Road Tourism, which will be held from June 18 to 20, in Xi'an, China, there will be discussions on sustainable, responsible, and competitive development and creating stronger surroundings for growth and investment. Representatives of institutions, experts in the areas of tourism, marketing, and cultural heritage will try to find the answer to the question of how to renew the former glory the Silk Road held as one of the most important routes in history. At the meeting, which is jointly organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Chinese National Tourism Administration, and the People's Government of Shaanxi Province, the first Ministerial Meeting of Countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt will be held, which besides gathering the highest ranking representatives from government institutions in Asia, will also gather the ministers from the Middle East and Europe.

Photo: Robert Kunštek

China third in tourism earnings Last year, with 177 billion dollars, the United States of America earned the most from international tourism, while Spain took second place with a total of 65 billion dollars. The largest surprise is China, which with an increase of ten percent and 57 billion dollars moved up from fifth place to third place. It is followed by France, Macao (China), and Italy, and Great Britain took seventh place, and thanks to the Olympic Games and strengthening of the pound, along with earnings of 45 billion dollars, it jumped up two spots. Germany, Thailand, and Hong Kong are also amongst the top ten.

Tourism earnings growing fastest in Europe According to data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), around 50 percent of all foreign tourist arrivals in the world are in Europe, and in international earnings from tourism, Europe has the largest share with a total of 41 percent. Just last year, revenue in that region grew by 17 billion dollars and amounted to 509 billion dollars or 383 billion euro. The UNWTO noted that revenues grew the fastest, by about 5 percent in European sub-regions: north, south, and Mediterranean Europe, followed by northeast Asia, Oceania, south Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Middle East.

Increase in travelling over the next decade Using the full potential of the tourism sector is necessary in order to open new workplaces and to boost economic growth and development.

That is only possible with the shared activities of the private tourism sector and government organizations, said representatives of the GTAC (Global Travel Association Coalition). In midApril at the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in Madrid, they launched the Agenda for Growth and Development - Powering Travel & Tourism into the Next Decade.

The GTAC is a coalition of leading associations in the tourism sector helping to understand the role of travel and tourism as motivators of economic growth and sustainable development.

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Photos

SPOTTERS

The photo of the month for March 2015, according to the judging panel: Ivo Gračanin

The photo of the month for March 2015, according to the public vote: Ivo Gračanin

The photo of the month for April 2015, according to the judging panel: Goran Novačić

The photo of the month for April 2015, according to the public vote: Alan Grubelić

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In late February 2015, collaboration started between the Lufthansa airline company, famous Croatian photographer Damir Hoyka, and Croatian spotters. At a photography workshop led by the photographer Hoyka, held on February 28, 2015, these passionate fans of photographing airplanes discussed, amongst other things, techniques and the best ways to photograph airplanes and their details with the highest quality, the composition of frames, and processing photos.

Every month, Croatian spotters post their best photos on the Fotosofia.info website, a gathering place for photographers. At the end of each month, a judging panel chooses the best spotter photo of the month, and the author receives a special award, while the general public also chooses the best photo.

In this issue, we present the best photos of airplanes by Croatian spotters, according to the judging panel and general public, for March and April 2015.

© o: / ot Ph rism hi u tsc To R ü h ric rtin Zü Ma

Zürich

The well-known symbols of Zürich, the largest city in Switzerland, are fountains, 1200 in total, and bell towers. The most famous towers are the 'twins' of the Grossmünster church, the best known sanctuary in the city. Following them is the tower of the Fraumünster church, which used to have a convent that housed women who were members of European aristocracy, and the church of St. Peter, the oldest parish church in the city, also famous for its large clock face (8.7 meters in diameter).

PROMO

Zürich - Zagreb daily

A

s of April 21 of this year, Zagreb is the new destination for Switzer­ land's national airline, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), a member of the Lufthansa group, known globally for the high level of its services.

The company will connect Zürich and Zagreb daily in the 2015 summer schedule, while in the 2015/2016 winter schedule, these two cities will be connected four times per week. Annually, SWISS flies more than 16 million passengers to 106 destinations (49 countries) from its bases in Zürich, Geneva, and Basel. The company constantly introduces novelties to its services, so on European flights departing from Switzerland, they offer passengers delicious Swiss delicacies, and even more comfortable middle seats. 

A return ticket from Zagreb to Zürich, including taxes and fees, costs 99 euro. Find out more at: swiss.com May - July 2015

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City break

BERLIN AND POTSDAM

Photo: The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

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BERLIN AND POTSDAM GERMANY

City break BERLIN AND POTSDAM Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek

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City break

BERLIN AND POTSDAM

1. The Brandenburg Gate This Neoclassic gate is the most famous symbol of Berlin, and its design was inspired by the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. It is located at the end of one of the best known streets in Berlin, Unter den Linden. It used to represent the divide between East and West Berlin, and after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, it became the symbol of German unity. At the gate, you will see the sculpture of Quadrige, a symbol of peace.

DENMARK

NETHERLANDS

Source: Publishing house Meridijani

Just a few days spent in the German capital are absolutely enough to imprint this city in your memory forever. Berlin's exciting story is full of contrast that harmoniously complements itself. You will find baroque palaces and impressive examples of modern architecture, idyllic parks and dynamic squares, pleasant coffee shops and loud clubs...

BERLIN

POLAND

Potsdam

GERMANY BELGIUM

LUXEMBOURG

CZECH REPUBLIC

FRANCE

AUSTRIA SWITZERLAND

Experience Berlin this spring, get to know more about its main charms and attractions, which we present to you here...

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tip: While in Berlin, get the Berlin WelcomeCard, which gives you free rides on public transportation, and many discounts for touring city attractions, for restaurants, bars, souvenir shops...

Find out more at: www.berlinwelcomecard.de

3. TV tower The thin silhouette of the TV tower, which the people of Berlin often call "Talespargel", or toothpick, can be seen from nearly every part of Berlin.

This 368 meter-high tower is the tallest building in the city and one of the tallest in Europe. Two elevators ride up to the viewpoint, which is located within an enormous sphere at the height of 203 meters, and the ride takes 40 seconds.

A special attraction at the tower is a rotating restaurant where, along with tasty delights, a treat or favorite drink, you can enjoy the view of all of Berlin from a bird's-eye view.

People say visibility on clear days can reach up to 80 km.

2. The Kaiser-WilhelmGed채chtnis Church The damaged roof of this former church, destroyed in a bombing attack during WWII, is now one of Berlin's features. The former church's massive front tower remained standing, and it now houses the Memorial Hall with original mosaics on the dome, a marble relief, and liturgical objects. Now, a new octagonal church made of blue glass, with a new hexagonal bell tower stands next to the memorial church.

tip: Put the view point of the TV tower on your "must-visit" list.

Enjoy the view of the city with your favorite beverage and excellent Sacher cake in the rotating restaurant at the top of the tower.

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City break

BERLIN AND POTSDAM

4. Museum Island The cultural and historical pearl of Berlin is definitely the little island on the Spree River, where the first settlements appeared in the early 13th century. Today, the island is dominated by the Berliner Dom cathedral, and you will also find many museums there: the Bode Museum, Old Museum, New Museum, Old National Gallery, and the Pergamon Museum. It's no wonder they call it Museum Island.

5. Zoo The Berlin Zoo, the oldest one in Germany, definitely deserves a place amongst the top 10 attractions in Berlin. There are two entrances to the zoo - through the Lion Gate, and the decorative Oriental Elephant gate. Whichever gate you choose, you will find a diverse animal world behind both gates. One of the main stars of the park is Knut the polar bear, and the main attractions include the monkey house, hippo pool with a glass wall, a terrarium with a jungle where the crocodiles live, and a large aquarium that will take you on a trip through the rivers and oceans of this planet.

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6. Charlottenburg Palace Charlottenburg Palace, located in the western part of Berlin, was constructed as a royal summer residence. It is famous for its lavishly decorated halls and galleries. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent park, one of the liveliest places in the city.

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City break

BERLIN AND POTSDAM

7. Galeries Lafayette The Galeries Lafayette department store, located in Friedrichstrasse, brings a dash of Parisian chic to the heart of Berlin. It can be recognized by the glass cone that runs through the middle of the department store, reflecting the interior of the store. Perfumes, many brand names, home accessories, and delicious French specialties attract many tourists, but also Berliners, every day.

8. Checkpoint Charlie One of the most famous border crossings between East and West Berlin, and a former symbol of freedom, Checkpoint Charlie, can be found in Friedrichstrasse. Although the gates, various barriers and barbed wire can no longer be seen, a replica of the barracks, sand bags, and large photos of American and Russian soldiers await you at the gate. The Haus am Checkpoint Charlie Museum is located near the barracks with interesting exhibits.

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9. Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

e: iv ch n ar on erli o l ot Ad ki B l s te in Ho emp K

May - July 2015

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Since it opened its doors back in 1907, Hotel Adlon was, and has remained, an important social venue in Berlin.

Its luxurious suites have hosted globally famous stars, such as Greta Garbo, Charlie Chaplin, and Enrico Caruso.

Even today, its superb comfort and elegance attracts many visitors. If you cannot afford to stay a night, at least drop by the main foyer for a drink, and enjoy drinking your favorite beverage with a view of the black marble fountain, embellished with elephants, which in the past decorated a greenhouse for growing oranges.

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City break

BERLIN AND POTSDAM

Twenty kilometers southwest of Berlin is the fairytale city of Potsdam, a town that will win you over at first glance. The palaces and parks of this quiet, pleasant, and interesting city, which is also the capital of the German federal state of Brandenburg, were inscribed on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites in 1990.

Deservingly so. King Friedrich the Great had them built so that they could be enjoyed by not only him, but also by his guests, and today many tourists from all parts of the world find rest and inspiration there.

10. The Brandenburg Gate Just like Berlin, Potsdam also has its Brandenburg gate. This triumphant gate was built in honor of the Seven-Year War and is one of the three magnificent gates in the city. It is located in the very heart of the city and marks the beginning of the line that starts on the Luisenplatz square (near Sanssouci Park) and heads down Brandenburger Strasse, the Potsdam pedestrian zone, all the way down to the Church of St. Peter and Paul.

11. Nauener Gate The most popular meeting place in the center of the city is the Nauener Gate, an example of English Neo Gothicism.

The path through them leads to the Dutch Quarter, a popular part of town for going out, and the square surrounding the gate transforms into a large outdoor living room in the warmer months.

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12. Dutch Quarter Picturesque three-story buildings, made of red brick, are the main feature of the Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel). This quarter is a favorite amongst tourists for its many squares, interesting galleries, charming courtyards, cafÊs, restaurants, and pubs.

13. Sanssouci Park and Palace Sanssouci Park or "Prussian Versailles", as it is often called, is one of the most beautiful palace complexes in Europe. It spreads over 287 hectares, at the location of a former orchard, and its construction took place from 1745 to 1747. The first palace to be built in the park was the Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci), the summer home of Friedrich the Great. The oldest part of the park with the Dutch garden, fountains, and French style Garden of Desire (Lustgarten), surrounded by rose gardens was built in front of this enchanting palace, built in the Rococo style. Over the years, the park was expanded and supplemented with other palaces and pavilions.

tip: To fully experience Sanssouci Park, reserve at least one full day to tour it and visit its magnificent palaces and pavilions.

14. New Palace and Communs Another fantastic example from Sanssouci Park is the New Palace (Neues Palais), located on the main avenue of the park. Friedrich the Great also had it built. This two-story baroque palace is adorned with hundreds of sculptures and two hundred richly embellished rooms, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful palaces in Germany. Near the palace you will find two elegant pavilions, connected with a semi-circular colonnade.

They currently house the offices of the rector of the University of Potsdam.

15. Alexandrowka Do you still remember Pushkin's stories?

If not, you will soon remember them if you visit Alexandrowka, a settlement of traditional wooden Russian houses, built of logs and embellished with carved motifs and surrounded by lovely gardens. Just like from a story book. This settlement was built for the singers of a Russian choir, which consisted of Russian war prisoners. A total of 12 houses were built, some of which are still owned by the descendants of the singers, and one of them now houses a small museum.

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World attractions

SAN FRANCISCO

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San Francisco One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco and one of the trademarks of the city is Alamo Square. It is recognizable for its "Painted Ladies", colorful Victorian houses, behind which is a skyline of modern buildings. It is a perfect spot for a picnic in the grass and for enjoying the view of the city, and many tourists come here to see the landscape often seen on the TV show "Full House" in real life.

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