The Slavonian plain

Let`s begin our journey through the Slavonian plain in Donji Miholjac, located in the north-east of Croatia.  We first come upon one of the oldest Slavonian churches of St. Michael the Archangel, mentioned far back from 1057. Further on is the noble complex of Prandau-Mailath. The Prandau Castle was built in 1818 in the late Baroque style unlike the Mailath Castle, built in the early 20th century. The complex is surrounded by a protected horticultural monument named “Veliki Park” due to rare plants growing on site. Time for lunch so we head off the the local Mailath restaurant.

A 40 min drive takes us to the largest city in the Slavonia plain, the city on Drava river, Osijek. The bus leaves us at Tvrđa, Osijek’s old core from the 18th century. The largest and most sophisticated military fortress in Central Europe is best explored by foot. We cover the main sights: the monument of St. Trinity, the Museum of Slavonia (entrance not included), the church of St. Michael from the 18th century, the Water Gate – one of the four gates that were used for entering the old city… Free time for your own activities until dinner. Accommodation and overnight stay.

A walking tour will round up the main sights in the city center: Ante Starčević Square and his monument, close by is the concathedral of St. Peter and Paul, a neo-Gothic church that is the second largest in Croatia. Close by, there is a floating replica of an old mill on the river Drava that is also the largest mill-ship in Croatia. Lunch is planned after we take a stroll around Sakuntala Park and visit the pedestrian bridge. In your free time, don`t miss out on a walk on the promenade – the most beautiful and largest river promenade in Croatia.

Before our next destination Đakovo, in the heart of the Slavonian plain, we make a turn to Borovik. This artificial lake and famous picnic area is perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, barbecuing, and camping. In addition to this, the 8km path along the lake is an attractive route for walkers and cyclists. Arrival for dinner and overnight stay in Đakovo.

Breakfast. A pleasant daylong sightseeing tour of the city of Đakovo awaits us. We first come upon the Church of All Saints, the oldest church in Đakovo, mentioned as early as the 14th century. Despite being turned into a mosque during the Ottoman reign, it is preserved in that style when it turned back into a catholic church.

Next up is the Cathedral, better known as Strossmayer Cathedral by its builder’s name J. J. Strossmayer. This magnificent building contains 7 altars, 43 frescoes, 31 statues, 32 reliefs, organ… it will not leave anyone indifferent. Below the archbishop’s palace nearby, is a wine cellar of the Đakovo-Osijek archdiocese. Here we will have the rear opportunity to taste Mass wines and watch a short movie projection about the production and processing of their wines. We continue towards Strossmayer Park, the city’s popular promenade, created almost two centuries ago. We approach the Đakovo Forge and visit the local blacksmith who forges swords, ornaments, and fences, mostly by hand.

Time for lunch and rest. Awaiting us is the first location of the State Stud Farm Đakovo situated in the city center. It is one of the oldest stables in Europe with a horse breeding tradition lasting more than 500 years! Our guide will then take us to the second location called Ivandvor, where the stud herd of mares with their foals are situated. Visitors can enjoy many gazebos, promenades and freely tour the facilities which have been preserved in their original form built-in 1912. Return to Đakovo for dinner and overnight stay.

We leave Đakovo behind us and drive to Cerna, where the rivers Biđa, Bosut, Bitulja, Berava, and Krajc canal meet. It is no surprise why as many as nine bridges were built and why Cerna carries the nickname „Little Venice“. This is the perfect place to relax alongside the banks until lunch at the Hunting Lodge „Jelen“.