Extension program Trakošćan & Varaždin Source: Tourist Board Varaždin Fairy tale of northern Croatia –3 days in the picturesque hinterland Would you like to spend a few days in the green, hilly landscape of northern Croatia before or after your Istrian or Kvarner Bay Islandhopping tour? Are you looking for a program that offers you both organised activities as well as enough free time to explore the Croatian hinterland on your own? Then we recommend our three-day extension program in Trakošćan and Varaždin which includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, a guided tour of Trakošćan Castle, a guided tour of the baroque town of Varaždin including an organ concert in Varaždin Cathedral. Taxi transfers between your two hotels in Trakošćan and Varaždin are also included. Extension Inquiry Good to know: For those who are traveling without their own vehicle, the transfer between the Islandhopping ship and Trakošćan and the transfer between your two hotels in Trakošćan and Varaždin is also included. Self-drivers receive a discount on the basic tour price of this additional program.
Itinerary (PRIOR to the Islandhopping holiday) Day 1 (Wed) – Arrival in Trakošćan Individual arrival to Trakošćan in your own car or per plane to Zagreb. Islandhopping can organize an exclusive transfer from Zagreb Airport to your hotel in Trakošćan on request (additional charge). In the late afternoon you can explore the Trakošćan Castle on a 1.5 hour guided tour (time and meeting point see voucher). Image: Aerial view of the castle Trakošćan (© Hotel Trakošćan) Day 2 (Thu) – A day in Varaždin Today you take a short drive to Varaždin either in your own car, or with the included transfer. Your driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will bring you to your accommodation in Varaždin (transfer time see voucher). On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a stroll through the quaint city center. In the afternoon a professional city guide will accompany you a guided tour of the old town of Varaždin (time and meeting point see voucher). A highlight of the city tour is the organ concert in the local cathedral. Image: Špancirfest of Varazdin (© Tourist Board of Varaždin) Day 3 (Fri) – Travel to Omišalj After breakfast in your hotel you will drive to Omišalj in your own car or with the included transfer. Your driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will bring you to the harbor of Omišalj (transfer time see voucher). In Omišalj your cabin on board the Islandhopping boat will be ready for check in at 2 pm. Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Itinerary (POST Islandhopping holiday) Day 1 (Fri) – Arrival in Trakošćan Individual travel to Trakošćan in your own car or with the included transfer from the boat in Omišalj to your accommodation in Trakošćan. In the late afternoon you can explore the Trakošćan Castle on a 1.5 hour guided tour (time and meeting point see voucher). Image: The lake of Trakošćan (© Hotel Trakošćan) Day 2 (Sat) – A day in Varaždin Today you take a short drive to Varaždin either in your own car, or with the included transfer. Your driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will bring you to your accommodation in Varaždin (transfer time see voucher). On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a stroll through the quaint city center. In the afternoon a professional city guide will accompany you a guided tour of the old town of Varaždin (time and meeting point see voucher). A highlight of the city tour is the organ concert in the local cathedral. Image: Castle of Varazdin (© Tourist Board of Varaždin) Day 3 (Sun) – Travel home After breakfast you check out of your hotel. Individual departure in your own car or per plane from Zagreb Airport. Islandhopping can organize you an exclusive transfer from Varaždin to Zagreb Airport on request (additional charge). Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Accommodations Good to know: You will spend one night in Trakošćan and one night in Varaždin in carefully selected hotels. The hotels will be booked based on availability. If there are no rooms available in the listed hotels on your requested travel date, equivalent accommodation will be provided. Wellness Hotel Trakošćan (4 star) Hotel Trakošćan is situated in a truly fairy tale setting nearby one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in Croatia. The comfortable and stylishly furnished guest rooms with en suit bathroom are sure to make anyone feel at home. Free wifi is available throughout the hotel. You are also welcome to relax and unwind in the hotel’s wellness centre: In addition to the complimentary use of the hotel pool, hot tub, Finish sauna, and Turkish bath, you can also take advantage of the massage and beauty offers upon request. Image: Standard double room (© Hotel Trakošćan) Park Boutique Hotel Varaždin (4 star) Park Boutique Hotel is centrally located in Vatroslav Jagić Park in the historic centre of Varaždin. The spacious, modern-design rooms are equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV and all have a private bathroom with a bathtub, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Free wifi is available throughout the hotel. You may also enjoy the hotel’s sauna and hot tub free of charge. The in-house á la carte restaurant serves regional and modern cuisine with a wide selection of wines and spirits. You can also look forward to enjoying a drink at the hotel’s in-house bar. Image: Park of the Boutique Hotel Varaždin (© Boutique Hotel Varaždin) Hotel Turist Varaždin (4 star) Hotel Turist is situated in a great location right in the Varaždin city centre. The historic old town is just a few minutes walk from the hotel. The rooms have been newly renovated in a modern design and exude elegance. Free WIFI is available throughout the hotel. You can look forward to enjoying a combination of traditional dishes made from local ingredients and the latest culinary trends made by an experienced team of award-winning chefs in the in-house restaurant. The hotel also has a spa centre with a choice of a Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, herbal sauna, and steam room. Image: Spa area of the Hotel (© Hotel Turist) Hotel Varaždin (3 stars) Hotel Varaždin is located near the city centre and the Varaždin train station. The historic old town is just a few minutes' walk away. The spacious rooms are characterised by modern design and utmost comfort. During your stay, you can look forward to starting the day with a rich breakfast buffet. Free WIFI is available throughout the entire hotel area. The hospitable staff will make you feel welcome and ensure your comfort throughout your time at the hotel. If you fancy something to eat or drink, you can't go wrong at the hotel restaurant and bar. Image: Standard double room (© GODAR) Hotel Pansion Garestin (3 stars) The Pansion Garestin is housed in an old Varaždin family home not far from the city centre. The hotel has a courtyard with a sunny terrace and a wonderful assortment of flowers and plants, giving the space a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are comfortably furnished, and the in-house restaurant offers a wide range of national and international specialities. The hotel staff are friendly and never fail to make their guests feel at home. Image: Exterior view of the pension (© Pansion Garestin) Hotel Trakošćan Park Hotel Hotel Turist Hotel Varaždin Pansion Garestin
Included Activities © Hotel Trakošćan Guided tour of Trakošćan Castle Perched on top of a small hill, Trakošćan Castle rises above a beautifully landscaped park and lake. This jewel of mainland Croatia is one of the most spectacular castles in Europe and one of the most visited monuments in Croatia. Trakošćan Castle was built in the late 13th century to defend north-western Croatia. In 1953 Trakošćan Castle was converted from a residential castle into a museum with a permanent exhibition which, amongst other things, includes a valuable collection of baroque-era furniture. Look forward to exploring this spectacular castle in the company of a certified guide. © Tourist Board of Varaždin City tour Varaždin Discover the baroque town of Varaždin, undoubtedly one of the most incredible locations in Croatia, on a guided city tour. The historic centre is incredibly well preserved; the main sights include the churches, the city palace, the aristocratic palaces, and numerous green spaces. With its many art galleries, the town attracts art lovers from around the world. Numerous events are held throughout the year, culminating in the summer Spancir Festival featuring artists from all over the world. © Tourist Board of Varaždin Organ concert in Varaždin Cathedral This activity is included as part of the sightseeing tour of Varaždin. You will have the opportunity to enjoy beloved classical and film music pieces performed on the organ by the famous Varaždin organist Višeslav Jaklin. This special musical programme in the unique setting of Varaždin Cathedral is an unforgettable experience and true highlight of your tour through the baroque town
Prices and Services (Minimum number of participants 2 people) Price per person (Season 2024) 3-star hotel in double room with breakfast: 610 euro 3-star hotel in single room with breakfast: 680 euro 4-star hotel in double room with breakfast: 650 euro 4-star hotel in single room with breakfast: 750 euro Included services Transfer between the island hopping ship and Trakošćan as well as between the hotels in Trakošćan and Varaždin (if you arrive without your own vehicle). 2 nights with breakfast: 1 night each in Trakošćan and Varaždin (4 star hotel Trakošćan as well as in a 3 or 4 star hotel in Varaždin, depending on your choice and availability) Free parking at the hotels (if you arrive with your own vehicle) Taxi transfer between accommodation in Trakošćan and accommodation in Varaždin Guided tour of Trakošćan Castle Guided city tour in Varaždin with musical organ programme in the cathedral Booklet with great tips for individual leisure activities in Trakošćan and Varaždin Not included Arrival to Trakošćan or departure from Varaždin via Zagreb Airport (if arriving without own vehicle and depending on the booking of the program before or after the island hopping trip) Lunch and dinner Entrance fees to sights not mentioned in the program Activities other than those mentioned under included services Additionally bookable (2024) Transfer between Zagreb airport and Trakošćan or Varaždin and Zagreb airport (depending on whether the program was booked before or after the island hopping trip): 75 euro/person Other transfers: on request Discounts: If you arrive with your own vehicle and do not use transfer services, you will receive a discount off the program price.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you would like to book this extension program, please let us know: If you would like to book the program before or after your Islandhopping trip? How many persons would you like to book for? Which hotel category would you like to book Would you prefer a single or double room? Do you need transfer services? If yes, which ones? Voucher delivery: After booking you will receive a simple confirmation/invoice and all necessary vouchers in digital form by email in plenty of time before the program begins. Extension Inquiry
