Apart from the sheer amount of natural wonders that Croatia showcases, this modest country is also notoriously rich in history and culture. Home to the oldest inhabited city in Europe, it's no wonder why everyone's favourite tv show, Game of Thrones was filmed in Croatia for the iconic ‘Kings Landing’ set. Settling on the ruins of the Roman Empire in the 7th century, Croatians are now proud to live amongst one of only three preserved amphitheatres in the world, in which Roman gladiators used to battle. Furthermore, the city of Split bears a genuine sphinx brought from Egypt decorating the entrance to Emperor Diocletian’s tomb. And it doesn’t stop there. The country also boasts the largest collection of Neanderthal remains in the world, with some remains dating back to 400,000 years ago. In terms of culture, Croatia officially holds the record for the highest amount of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in all of Europe. With such a rich and unique cultural heritage, it’s no surprise that there is an unknown amount of dialects within the country.
This diverse range of cultural influences is naturally reflected in the food and drink within Croatia, resulting in a beautiful culmination of central European and Mediterranean cuisines. Due to an impressive 1777 kilometre long mainland coastline and a further 4,000 kilometres of island coastline, fresh seafood is an absolute staple in Croatian cuisine. There are thousands of tantalising, seafood dominated menus that are destined to excite visitors inner foodie. For those that are not so seafood-inclined, have no fear, for there are appetising pizzerias to be found on every street. Croatia is also infamous for its wine production with many considering Croatian wines to be some of the best in the world. With the Greeks originally influencing Croatia to produce wine over two thousand years ago, the country is now filled with an astounding 41,000 winemakers and vineyards. With statistics like that it comes as no shock to hear that Croatia is ranked 4th in the world for alcohol consumption!
Some of the most iconic images you see coming from Croatia are those of the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes, considered to be some of the most beautiful natural phenomena in this part of Europe. Protected since 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of striking beauty with 16 emerald turquoise lakes connected to each other by this magical system of waterfalls. Give your giftee the experience of a lifetime with the mystical Plitvice Lakes National Park tour in which they can escape to the sensational falls. Gifting Owl also offers an equally stunning private tour of Krka National Park. Here, your guide will take you on a pleasant stroll around the wooden paths as you absorb the natural wildlife and the 17 astonishing waterfalls created by the river as it cascades over rocky barriers. The area’s remote and calm atmosphere even attracts monks who have since built their own monasteries there. Depending on where your giftee is travelling to within Croatia, Gifting Owl offers a plethora of island tours that are guaranteed to leave visitors wishing they were back on picturesque Mediterranean sands upon arriving home.
There is no doubt that your giftee will be visiting the incredibly historic city of Dubrovnik during their Croatian getaway and luckily Gifting Owl has a dynamic range of unforgettable experiences available. The walled city appears beaten by the sea and almost suspended in time at the foot of an imposing mountain. It is no wonder why Dubrovnik is the most popular tourist destination within Croatia. For those who want to explore the city without the bustling crowds of visitors, the Crowd Free Dubrovnik Early Morning Sightseeing Tour is the perfect relaxing start to the day. A local guide will show you around the Old Town's breathtaking cultural and architectural highlights, including its beautiful monasteries, the cathedral and Onofrio's fountain. Other fantastic tours on offer at Gifting Owl include the delicious Dubrovnik Sights & Bites Tour and the Dubrovnik Best Game Of Thrones Tour Ever where George Martin's fantasy became a reality. For those looking for a fun group outing, look no further than the Dubrovnik Yacht Excursion, tailor-made for couples and families who seek privacy and exceptional comfort on a luxurious Yacht.
Another must-see city within Croatia is, of course, it’s recently appointed capital, Zagreb. Unlike those on the Adriatic coast, Zagreb is a modern, edgy city with fresh and exciting dining experiences and a vibrant creative scene. Gifting Owl has ideal options for the younger giftee travelling in Zagreb. For the giftee seeking a little bit of authentic Croatian retail therapy we have a Made In Croatia Shopping Tour With Crafts & Cuisine lead by a local guide eager to share their Zagreb shopping secrets with you. Explore hidden shops and quirky workshops that are difficult to find by yourself, taste delicious local delicacies and see where locals buy their groceries. For the foodie giftee, both the Zagreb Wine & Dine Tour or Zagreb Tastes of Croatia Tour are unforgettable experiences with both providing the option to make the tour a private affair. As Zagreb is only a boat ride away from Plitvice Lakes Gifting Owl also offers an awesome day tour to the wondrous location, including a pit stop at Rastoke, a quaint village full of little ponds and waterfalls.
