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Rose Town Adventure
This is a great multi-activity tour of the Panonic East Croatian mountains, rivers, history and countryside suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Hidden on the north east edge of the Papuk Nature Park, on the slopes of Krndija mountain lays the small town of Orahovica. Its history goes back as far as early 13th century but the myths and legends about the area go back much further, to the time of Romans and Celts.
This tour will take you deep in a truly hidden part of Croatia, far away from the areas of mass tourism. The programme is centred around the hilly region of Papuk and the immense Panonic valley.
The holiday includes hiking, kayaking, cycling, archery and riding and all activities are suitable for all ages with a normal level of fitness. The lakes, rivers and hills are friendly with pleasant temperatures in summer and none of the activities are dangerous or too physically demanding.
The only hotel in town is situated in the very centre of Orahovica. It is a small, newly renovated 3 star accommodation and all rooms have ensuite facilities (shower/toilet), telephone/Internet line and satellite TV. It also has one of the best restaurants in the area serving a fantastic selection of traditional dishes and wines.
Itinerary
Day 1 Saturday:
Leave Zagreb airport and head to the village of Orahovica, where you will be able to check into your hotel. After settling in you will be able to meet your guide(s), meet the rest of the group and have a presentation of the week's programme. Then enjoy an evening get-together with the rest of the group.
Day 2 Sunday:
A day of hiking to the nearby mountain Krndija and visit Ruzica grad (Rose Town), the largest preserved fortified town in Slavonija dating from 14th century. Legend says that town was named after a fairy named Ruzica (Rose) who...well, to hear the whole story you'll need to come on the trip ...... After a picnic lunch, visit the old town Starigrad, whose ruins still remain a mystery for historians. There is an option to continue the hike up to 16th century orthodox monastery of St. Nicholas.
Day 3 Monday:
Spend the day cycling trip through the picturesque Slavonic villages, forests and over small hills. This is by far the best way to see the 'real' Croatia and get in touch with local people and town surroundings. The cycling can be easily adjustable to suit the group preferences and can encompass everything from a relaxed ride through gentle countryside to more demanding mountain biking trails and uphill paths. On the way back to hotel stop for a swim in a nearby lake and enjoy some delicious local ice cream.
Day 4 Tuesday:
Take a canoe safari trip on Drava River, the natural border between Croatia and Hungary which flows through the vast Panonic valley. Pleasant water temperature makes the river ideal for a refreshing swim and its sandy beaches are perfect for volleyball. Enjoy a barbeque lunch on the bank of the river and finish the day with the evening in Osijek, Slavonija's economy and culture centre. The town's history is a mixture of Croatian, Austrian and Hungarian, which is evident in the architecture. Osijek is an early 18th century town and the fortress Tvrda is one of the candidates to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 5 Wednesday:
For centuries people of Slavonija have shared their destiny with most noble of all domestic animals. Growing crops, transport or even weddings wouldn't be possible without horses. Our adventure starts on a small horse farm with introductory riding lesson and journey through the forest and over hilly landscape. We'll carry on with the traditional theme and finish the day with an archery competition.
Day 6 Thursday:
Hike in Papuk National Park, the highest mountain region in east Croatia. The slopes of Papuk are covered with beech and oak forest, amidst which is the highest waterfall in Slavonija, many geological monuments, rich flora and fauna, and many small lakes and streams. The focal point of our visit will be romantic mountain valley of Jankovac. Its beauty so enchanted nobleman Josip Jankovic in the early 19th century, that he created three small artificial lakes, a hunting lodge and finally his tomb in nearby cave.
Day 7 Friday:
A day to relax in town or take an optional trip to nearby vine yard or one of the nature parks - Kopacki Rit or Lonjsko Polje. Kopacki Rit National Park is one of the biggest preserved swamp areas in the Europe and the best place for "bird watching" in Croatia. Here you can find over 280 different birds with dominant herons, gulls and turns. For adrenaline-junkies we recommend a rafting trip to Bosnia and Vrbas River, venue for the 2008 World Rafting Championship.
Day 8 Saturday:
Depart Orahovica for the airport and flight home.
This itinerary is subject to change dependent on group abilities and preferences, weather, water levels, special events of interest and similar. The guides and trip leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients without compromising safety at any time. This may mean changing the original itinerary to avoid discomfort or risk which could be caused by exceptional heat or cold, stormy weather, heavy traffic or similar. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.