CHRISTMAS BREAK IN ZAGREB

Price from £1500 - £2000pp

Duration: 3 nights

Prices include: Flights Transfers Breakfast

Holiday At A Glance

4 Days 3 Nights
Flights and transfers included
Walking of Tour of Zagreb included
Extra Excursions possible for a supplement
Alternative hotels possible
Twin Centre with Slovenia Christmas

3 NIGHTS/4 DAYS EXPLORATION OF CROATIA'S WINTER WONDERLAND

As the rest of Croatia's tourist destinations slowly descend to sleep, Zagreb awakens with the first signs of winter; the whole city turns into a Winter Wonderland. A proud winner of the „Best Christmas Market in Europe“ title for three years in a row, Zagreb won't disappoint you, for this is the place to be at Christmastime!

The markets open on the last Saturday in November, closing on the first Saturday in January; locally called „Advent in Zagreb“, this festival is a treat for all your senses. Mulled wine and the smell of popular „fritule“ fill the air; choirs sing Christmas songs at every corner, and there are so many concerts happening around the city you'll have difficulty deciding which one to attend.

Youngsters and adults alike enjoy ice skating at King Tomislav Square, a good way of warming up during cold winter days. Endless stalls laden with handmade crafts and local produce stretch all over the city; nearly every building has Christmas lights and decorations. It truly feels like walking through a Christmas fairy tale. If you're lucky and get your tickets early, you might witness one too – by seeing the „Nutcracker“ ballet in the Croatian National Theatre.

We have included a stay at the 5* Hotel Esplanade however we can select any hotel for you to stay at within this package which will then reflect in the price.

Why not also include time in Ljublijana exploring the Christmas markets (only 1.5 hours away) and magic of neighbouring Slovenia, enquire with our travel specialists who can tailor-make a winter wonderland twin-centre Christmas break.

Day 1

Meet & greet at Zagreb Airport.

Your private driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall of the Airport with your name board. Check into your hotel in the city centre.

Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel.

Private guided walking tour of Zagreb

Our guide will meet you at the hotel reception and take you on an exciting walking tour of Croatia’s vibrant capital city.

Nestled between the Medvednica Mountain and the Sava River, Zagreb’s historic centre is made up of the medieval Upper Town and lively Down Town. Its roots go back to the early Middle Ages when the city consisted of two rivalling settlements – Kaptol and Gradec. Kaptol is a synonym for the sacral centre of Croatia today, with the Zagreb Cathedral dominating the area.

Take the shortest funicular ride in the world, or climb the steps to reach one of the entrances into Zagreb’s old town. The Grič cannon is the first thing you’ll notice; it goes off every day at noon, a loud and fun affair you don’t want to miss! Walk the cobbled street of this historic centre; on your way, you’ll go by the pretty St Mark’s Church, recognisable for its multicoloured roof, the Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata); the Croatian Parliament building and statues of many famous Croats.

Visit “Zagreb’s belly” or the Dolac market on your way to the vibrant Downtown. The Main Square – Ban Jelačić Square has always been the centre of all events in Croatia’s capital city and in Christmastime, it is full of stalls offering artisan products, Christmas decorations and mouthwatering food.

Free time after the tour – explore this buzzing Croatian capital with its many Christmas markets scattered around the centre. Join in the festivities, shop for local produce, or spend the afternoon ice-skating at King Tomislav Square.

Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time in Zagreb to further explore the Christmas markets, museums and galleries. Did you know Zagreb has the biggest number of museums per capita in the world? Among them are the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Museum of Illusions and the Museum of Chocolate.

Optional day trip:

Baroque Varaždin & Trakošćan Castle - Private

An hour and a half drive away from Zagreb lies Varaždin, a picturesque Baroque city, often dubbed “Little Vienna” for its uncanny resemblance to the Austrian capital. Boasting a beautiful medieval castle and endless winding cobbled alleys, Varaždin is a great choice for your fairy tale escape from the hustle and bustle of Zagreb. Croatian nobility used to live in the hilly area around Varaždin; on your way, you’ll notice several mansions and castles poking between the mountain slopes.

On your walking tour through the city, you’ll have a chance to marvel at buildings from different historic periods – from Baroque to Rococo and Art Noveau, all covered in Christmas lights and ornaments. Due to its rich history and well-preserved architecture, Varaždin is on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Visit the “Trade Street”, the “Butcher Street” and the “Forge Street” as nicknamed by the citizens; the names reflect crafts and trade activities from hundreds of years ago.

Your next stop on this exciting day trip to the hilly area of Croatian “Zagorje” is the Trakošćan castle. Dating back to the 13th century, it underwent a restoration six hundred years later, undertaken by Croatia’s most famous noble family Drašković.

The castle is turned into a museum with three floors of exhibits, giving an insight into the Drašković family’s way of life.

Today, it resembles something that could easily be part of a Disney film – the only missing detail is a princess! This is a cultural heritage site consisting of the castle itself and large grounds with a lake and massive forests.

Return to Zagreb in the afternoon.

Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel.

Private transfer to Zagreb Airport for your flight home.

Optional day trip:

Baroque Varaždin & Trakošćan Castle - Private

Visit the “Trade Street”, the “Butcher Street” and the “Forge Street” as nicknamed by the citizens; the names reflect crafts and trade activities from hundreds of years ago.

The castle is turned into a museum with three floors of exhibits, giving an insight into the Drašković family’s way of life.