Day 1: Arrival
Our trip begins today in Zagreb, Croatia. Arrive by late afternoon and transfer to the hotel for the evening. Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a lively and colorful city and is reasonably manageable on foot. We will meet in the hotel lobby for a welcome drink and brief orientation where you will have the chance to discuss the upcoming itinerary and get to know your guides and fellow travelers. Dinner and overnight in Zagreb

Day 2: Medvednica Nature Park (“The Bear Mountain”)
Meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and head out to Medvednica, the mountain embracing Croatia’s capital city. Medvednica is a unique example of an almost fully preserved natural environment just out the back door of a large city. The mountain massif is covered by dense forests of beech, oak, and chestnut.It has a great history dating from prehistoric times when first human settlements appeared, and is a favorite destination for the citizens of Zagreb and their guests. As the Zagreb hikers used to do, we’ll take a tram and bus to the bottom of the mountain and then make our way to the summit. Bikčevićeva trail (2.5miles) leads us through rich forest habitats to Puntijarka mountain hut. It would be a shame to miss out on a traditional lunch of warm bean soup with sausages. The peak, Sljeme, is only a short walk away (0.8miles). We’ll visit the top of the mountain, including the ski resort famous for the Snow Queen Trophy slalom race held as part of the Alpine skiing World Cup. On our way back to the bottom, we will pass by Tomislavov Dom to catch the route “Bažulovka” (meaning the bean trail). This will lead us to Medvedgrad (3.8miles), a medieval fortress with a stunning view over the city. We will again use public transport (bus and tram) to get back to our hotel. Spend the evening enjoying the beautiful architecture, the old town, ancient monuments, and Zagreb nightlife.

Day 3: Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature Park
We start our day with a short van drive towards Samobor Highlands, a Nature Park extending over some 350 km², established in 1999. For its natural beauty and its tradition this area certainly deserves the “title” of Nature Park. It includes a hilly territory situated southwest of Zagreb, with an elevation range from 180 to 1,178 meters. An exclusively rural area, there is not a single town in the Nature Park. Having today’s long hike in mind, we put smiles on our faces and head out into the wild. Leaving the van behind in Smerovišće, we reach Japetić (4miles), a reserve of forest vegetation. Continuing to Soićeva kuća (2.2miles), we take a break enjoying a local specialty: “zagorski štrukli”, a rich cheese strudel. Finishing the loop (3miles) we hop into the van for a power nap before retiring in our new accommodation in the Mrežnica River area. The Mreznica is one of Croatia's cleanest rivers, with plenty of great places to swim and relax under the waterfalls. The water temperature in summer can reach 27 degrees Celsius.

Day 4: Hiking in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Early in the morning we start our ride through lovely countryside roads towards Plitvice Lakes, the first Croatian National Park. We start our day hiking along the wooden paths and bridges, in and around Plitvice Lakes, Croatia's premier national park. Its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the pure and untouched nature. A panoramic boat and train ride will take us back to the start. Later in the afternoon return to the accomodation in Mreznica Rivera area.

Day 5: Risnjak National Park
The Risnjak mountain range is named after a rare animal that inhabits its woods – the lynx. It is located in Gorski Kotar, the most mountainous and heavily forested region of the country, about 15 km inland from the Adriatic Sea. The pristine park covers an area of 63,5 km2, and includes both the Risnjak and Snježnik ranges and the source area of the Kupa river. The diversity of the flora and fauna, present at elevation is highly respected by scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. We start our hike from Crni lug, the seat of the Park’s management. The educational trail "Leska" will start leading us towards our goal – “Big Risnjak”, the highest point of the mountain massif. Schlosser’s mountain hut, situated 100m below the peak, is probably one of the most beautiful mountain huts in Croatia. After resting and enjoying the amazing view over the sea, other peaks of Gorski Kotar and even the Alps, we will descend slowly back to Crni Lug and complete the educational trail. Our hotel is situated near the entrance to the national park.

Day 6: Učka Nature Park. Visit Opatija.
If there was ever a morning for you to get up early, this is that morning. We start our journey with a drive to Lovran, a charming little coast town on the bottom of Učka, the highest mountain of the Istrian Peninsula. Učka Nature Park, proclaimed in 1999, predominately encompasses the great variety of regional features within a relatively small area. This is where the Mediterranean and continental climates meet, resulting in a unique spectrum of flora and fauna. Thus, this is the only place on Earth where you can enjoy taking pictures of steno endemic Učka's Bellflower (Campanula tomassiniana), and it is also one of the very last European sites where you will be rewarded by the impressive silhouettes of the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) or Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Hiking trails from Lovranska Draga will lead us to the highest peak Vojak (5.45 miles). This is a sightseeing point that provides you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Croatia’s north coast and islands, the mountains of Gorski Kotar, the Italian Alps and Dolomites, and the whole of the Istrian Peninsula. The way back takes us across “Little Ucka” towards our starting point. Later in the afternoon we will visit Opatija. This elegant tourist destination is the oldest resort on the Adriatic coast, and is a land of contrasts: sea and mountains, green parks and blue sea, old buildings and modern comforts, noisy entertainment venues and quiet destinations for excursions.