The central region around Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city, offers a rare glimpse of Old World Europe that is fast fading due to urban sprawl and its attendant commercialism.  Unlike the coast, the islands and Istria, the whole landscape, architecture and atmosphere is different.  Wooden country houses, real castles and grand manors, rivers, rolling hills and deep forests as compared to stone houses, olive groves, the sea, and a Mediterranean ambiance infused with rich Grec0-Roman history.

Religious tourism is also a focus here. The 300 year-old shrine of Marija Bistrica, visited by Pope John Paul II, draws more than 500,000 visitors a year.  There’s also the church of Marija Gorska in Lobor, the church of Snjene Gospe in Belec and of Mary of Jerusalem on Trki Vrh.

Although renting a car gives you the opportunity to see and experience this region easily, an organized small group tour provides an excellent introduction and from Zagreb there are many one-five day trips that are well worth considering.  The gastronomy and wines here are very different than other regions and this only adds to the fun!.

In this section we focus on the signature towns and cities, but there is lots more to explore.  North of Zagreb, for example, is a hinterland hilly area that is not only rich in thermal springs (Tuhelj, Krapina, Stubica and Jezerica) but has many vineyards. And the forests are perfect for hiking.

The most visited city in the region outside Zagreb is Varazdin, with a gorgeous Baroque-period city core and a unique “World of Insects” exhibition inside  the Varazdin Municipal Museum.  In 2014, the New York Times  selected the city as one of its 52 “must see” sites–the only Croatian city, village or site to be included!  Once you see its fabulous cobblestone streets and beautifully restored center, you’ll agree!

The most unusual town has to be Ogulin, on the River Dobra with Mount Klek looming over it like some mythical giant.  Indeed the geography here has spawned a rich legacy of  legends that focus on magical midnight witches and elves.

The area south of Zagreb around Sisak is full of unique wooden architecture and has outstanding cuisine and wines.  And to the east, known as Podravina area, is well known for its excellent fishing and hunting.  Discover Zagreb and Central Croatia!