The mighty Danube

In the northeast of Croatia lies Baranja, an area between the mighty Danube, the Drava, and the border with Hungary. Our tour begins in the Nature Park Kopački Rit, a home to thousands of biological species. After a short presentation, the „White Lotus“ trail will take us to the ship dock. From here, we take a panoramic cruise on the lake through a special zoological reserve.

After sightseeing, we head to the Ethno village Karanac, a picturesque place in the heart of Baranja. At the Three Wise Men estate, we have lunch. The afternoon can be fulfilled with laughter and fun activities such as cycling, off-road driving, archery, shooting… Alternatively, you can enjoy a hike up to the Bansko Brdo hill and the Goldberg vineyard position. After time spent in Karanac, we take a short drive to Hotel Patria in the nearby town of Beli Manastir. Dinner is served. Overnight.

We start our fresh morning at the Ethnological Center of Baranja Heritage. This establishment holds valuable ethnological treasures from the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. We move east towards the Danube and Batina, where the Battle in Batina Memorial is located. The monument is 29 meters high and due to its position, it provides exceptional views of the mighty Danube, Serbia, and Hungary. In the neighboring winery Kalazić, we enjoy the best Baranja wines while guided through the ECO cellar.

The story of wines continues through the town of Zmajevac, rich in vineyards, wine roads, cellars, and “surduci” – deep narrow roads in the Baranja Mountains. In the close-by place of Suza, delicious lunch is served at the Kolar family estate, whose wines are also decorated with numerous awards. 

We leave Baranja and drive to the largest city in Slavonia, the city on the Drava river, Osijek. We visit Tvrđa, Osijek’s core from the 18th century that was once the largest and most sophisticated military fortress in Central Europe. An orientation walk takes us through the main sights: the monument of St. Trinity risen during the spread of the plague, the Museum of Slavonia, the Church of St. Michael from the 18th century, the Water Gate, one of the four gates that was used to enter the city… Free time is available for activities until dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, it’s time for sightseeing in the city center: Ante Starčević Square and his monument, concathedral of St. Peter and Paul, a neo-Gothic church, which is also the second-largest in Croatia. On the Drava river, there is a floating replica of a former mill, now one of the largest in Croatia. Before lunch, we round up our city tour by visiting Sakuntala Park and the pedestrian bridge. We suggest you spend your free time on the promenade. Osijek has the most beautiful and largest river promenade in Croatia.

From Osijek, we go further east, towards a place near the mouth of the Drava and the Danube. Aljmaš is well known for its Shrine of Our Lady of Refuge. The fourth and newest church boasts of its beauty and unusual appearance in the form of a sailing ship. We enjoy the magnificent views of the mighty Danube while having lunch. 

Close by is the wine-growing area of Erdut, located on the eastern slopes of the Dalj mountain by the Danube river. We come across the winery Brzica, taste excellent wines and have some snacks. We make a short stop at the ruins of the medieval city that once existed. For those who wish, it is possible to take an educational trail through the forest and go down 226 steps of the so-called „Stairs of health“ to the banks of Danube.

The Adamovich Cseh Castle is situated nearby, followed by the Erdut winery, where the largest barrel in the world is in use. The barrel is built from Slavonian oak, with a total volume of 75 000 L, and is always full of Graševina – the trademark wine of this area. Departure to Vukovar, at arrival dinner is served. Overnight.

Today is reserved for a daylong tour of Vukovar, a city that became a symbol of resistance and Croatian freedom. We visit Ovčara Memorial House and the Memorial Cemetary for Homeland War Victims.  Nearby is the Museum of Vučedol Culture, one of the most significant archeological sites in Europe. Each of the 19 rooms is thematically specified and also presents and interprets the archeological heritage of East Croatia. As we come closer to the city’s center we visit the new Water Tower. A panoramic elevator takes us to the top viewpoint, a place where you can experience spectacular views of the city, Danube and Syrmia.

We walk through the city streets with baroque arches and cross the footbridge decorated with 3D drawings. At this point, we stand between two regions: Syrmia and Slavonia. We carry on to the Memorial Cross placed on the mouth of river Vuka into the mighty Danube.

Lunch is organized in the city center. We continue through the city, heading to the imposing Baroque castle Eltz from the 18th century, in which the City Museum is located. The permanent exhibition shows the rich history, tradition, and culture of Vukovar on over 3500 m2. Our last stop before the end of the official tour is the Memorial Hospital, where the museum space „Place of Memory – Museum Space 1991“ is opened.

Spend your free time in the nearby Adica forest park. This is a popular place for recreationists and nature lovers, a place to enjoy the wonders of the forest and relax. You can also get to know Vukovar in a completely different way by sailing the mighty blue Danube. This tour includes a projection show, storytelling, and wine tasting. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

On our way to our last destination. Ilok is the most eastern town in Croatia by the mighty Danube. We make our way to the 14th century St. John of Capistrano Church. Close is the Odescalchi castle, a central building of the medieval core of Ilok where the Ilok Municipal Museum is situated. We take a stroll through the Ilok wine cellars “Iločki Podrumi” with an expert guide. Here you can learn about stories of famous wines that were enjoyed by Roman emperors and Queens of England.

Time for lunch and wine tasting at Papak winery. We continue towards the nearby country estate Principovac famous for its viewpoint from where you can see amazing views of Ilok, Syrmia, and Bačka.