Wine and Heritage Walking Tour in Zagreb

Meeting point is at one of the most beautiful squares in Zagreb. The area is harmonious and full of significant monuments, buildings and architectural achievements of different eras and styles. Symbolically, our tour begins with the sculpture Well of Life (1905), an Art Noveau masterpiece made by the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The sculpture represents the circle of life and mankind's eternal thirst for joy.

The representative neo-baroque building of the Croatian National Theatre is the seat of both opera and ballet. It was opened in 1895 by Emperor Franz Joseph I von Habsburg himself. Theatre and its neighborhood represent the hub of Zagreb's social life. In addition, the square is the center of the intellectual life. It is home to the University of Zagreb Headquarters, museums, academies, and institutes.

By the monument to one of the world's greatest minds and inventors, born and raised in Croatia, we'll hear the story of Nikola Tesla. As an introvert, he would probably be dissapointed with his current position in the middle of popular Špica - the epicenter of Zagreb's social life. Its lively streets are a stage and catwalk where it's of utmost importance to see and be seen. Full of interesting sacral and civil architecture, it also hosts a small flower market, which is why it is nicknamed Flower Square (Cvjetni Trg).

The Oktogon passage will uncover the story behind the necktie and other Croatian inventions, and the touching tale of Pluto, a stray dog who earned a monument. It's the beginning of Ilica - the longest street in Zagreb and the former main shopping area. On the contrary, this road will take us to a small side street where a real rarity awaits - a romantic old Funicular with the shortest route in the world. The funicular has been linking Downtown and Upper Town (Gradec) since the 1890s. At its top, you may enjoy a wonderful panorama of Zagreb.

The Lotrščak Tower is one of the symbols of Zagreb. It hosts a cannon which every day marks noon with a shot. At the top, there is a dome with a lookout point. It is one of the best-preserved fortifications of the medieval town from which Zagreb developed.

The lovely Gothic church of St. Marka is perhaps the most photogenic building in Zagreb. Ancient coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia depicted on its roof symbolically represent the political heart of Croatia. The Croatian government and parliament buildings are to be found here. This entire scenery offers the image of an idyllic and peaceful European country, although under the watchful eye of security guards.

The eastern gate to medieval Gradec Town is the only preserved entrance to the medieval town and is now a pious Roman Catholic shrine. According to legend, a great fire in 1731 destroyed every part of the wooden gate except for the painting of the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus. Some people believe that the painting possesses miraculous powers and come regularly to pray, light candles, and leave flowers. Square stone slabs are carved with thanks and praise to the Virgin Mary.

The suburb between Gradec and Kaptol, two medieval towns from which modern Zagreb developed, was a place of fascinating history. That's where the craftsmen established their industries, and slopes were planted with vineyards and gardens, some of which have been preserved until today. This colorful part of the city was once the scene of fearsome civil disputes but also a place of pleasure known as the red light district. Once notorious, today it's one of the city's most picturesque streets and a popular date night spot.

It is also the place where the only vineyard in the center of some European capital is located. Here is where we will take a break and treat ourselves to a sparkling wine made from grapes from this vineyard. Unforgettable experience of tasting bubbles with a view to the Zagreb cathedral.

The Zagreb Cathedral is the largest church in Croatia and one of the most valuable monuments of Croatian cultural heritage dating from the 12th century. It is also the most monumental Gothic sacral building southeast of the Alps. Its current appearance is the result of renovation in the 19th century. It is currently undergoing extensive renovation and is not open to the public. However, its beautiful facade and towers capture the imagination with details and slender lines. The cathedral was the center of the episcopal Kaptol, a medieval town full of monasteries and churches surrounded by parks and fish ponds.

The path takes us to the Dolac market. It owes its name to the old neighborhood Dolac, which was demolished along with part of the medieval walls in 1930 to make way for a new and modern market. It is flattered as The Belly of Zagreb. At its stalls, one can find a variety of organic seasonal foods as well as authentic regional delicacies. It's no wonder that Zagreb's best restaurants and hotels find their supplies here. And some flowers too.

This bustling square is the real heart of Zagreb. Some call it the biggest stage in Croatia, while others consider it the biggest tram station. Like every main city square, it's the central place where people gather for celebrations, protests, and concerts. It's often the starting point for exploring the city's secrets. The focal point of the square is the imposing statue of Viceroy Josip Jelačić, one of the most significant historical figures of this part of Europe. He was the man who abolished serfdom and called the first democratic elections in Croatia in the middle of the 19th century.

After a day of excitement and discovery, relax on lunch in a renowned local restaurant. We prepared a unique culinary offering where you can discover the flavors of a truly local cuisine. Sample a selection of carefully chosen wines from four principal wine regions of Croatia on a professionally guided wine tasting. Explore the rich history and culture of winemaking in Croatia, its unique geography, indigenous grape varieties, and famous winemakers.

After refreshment, we slowly bring our tour to an end by relaxing in some of the most representative areas in the city. These parks are beautiful monuments of urbanism, surrounded by some of the most important cultural and political institutions. The parks served an idea of an „ideal city of the 19th century“. Of course, they are full of attractive landscape design elements and statues of deserving historical figures. In the shade under the treetops, you can enjoy the harmony of horticulture and architecture, listen to a concert, or visit numerous events organized there.

Finally, we reached the end point of this insightful hedonistic tour. This square bears the name of the first Croatian King Tomislav represented by his equestrian statue - the most famous work of the greatest Croatian sculptor of the 19th century, Robert Frangeš-Mihanović. For many travelers coming to Zagreb by train, this was their first encounter with the city - with an impressive equestrian statue and a romantic art pavilion in the foreground and the cathedral towers and the mountain in the background. Before parting, there is another small surprise waiting for you here. And as every end marks a new beginning - maybe you'd like to explore other hidden treasures of Zagreb and its region.