Introduction

Croatia is a European-Mediterranean horseshoe-shaped country that lies across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. It is located between the Alps, the Pannonian Valley, the Danube, the Sava and Drava rivers and the Adriatic Sea. Although it is a small state, it is known as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world with pure sea, historical and cultural characteristics, charming landscapes and nice people, sometimes called a land with a thousand islands. In Croatia, where the Mediterranean, the Dinaridi mountains and the Pannonian Valley come together in a unique harmony of natural beauty. Within just a little more than a hundred kilometers, you can come across totally different landscapes. Croatia is unique, not only for its crystal clear, clean blue sea, but also for a thousand years of different cultures that have replaced each other and sometimes assimilated in these areas.

Geographically, it is divided into 5 completely different regions; Central Croatia, Slavonia, Istria, Dalmatia and Kvarner and Highlands

Central Croatia
is the continental part of country surrounded by the rivers Sava, Drava and Mura. It is a region of forests, wilderness, historical remains, medieval castles and manors, old churches and fortresses.

Croatian Zagorje is the most idyllic part of central Croatia – many charming little villages and small towns are surrounded by picturesque hills, small rivers, lakes and vineyards.

Capital of Croatia, Zagreb, lies in the central part of the region, at the foot of the Medvednica Mountain and on the banks of the Sava River. South from Zagreb is the town Karlovac, that lies on the four rivers (Korana, Kupa, Mrežnica and Dobra). It was built in the 16th century and formed as a six-pointed star with the purpose to defend it from the Turkish army. The region around the city is famous for its wines and natural beauty - national park Plitvice Lakes is situated around 80 Km from Karlovac

Affiliated hotels
  Korana Srakovcic One of the most beautyfull small hotels in Croatia, situated on the coast of the river Korana and is surrounded with an old park.
  Dvorac Bezanec Hotel

Slavonia
is a region in eastern Croatia located between Hungary, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina between the river Drava in the north, the river Sava in the south, and the Danube River in the east. It is a land of golden wheat fields, oak woods and rivers, a land of little villages, romantic castles and manors, wine cellars and picturesque rolling hills and vineyards. Close to the capital of Slavonia – Osijek lies Kopački rit, a swampy nature reserve between the Danube and Drava river - a natural habitat for around 285 kinds of birds, and the largest natural spawning ground for around 44 kinds of fish, a habitat for roe deer, well known twelve-point harts, and wild boars. The region is also well known for the Lipizzaner Horse-farm founded in the 14th century by the Bishops of Đakovo. Moreover, traditional folklore events and celebrations promise an interesting visit and holiday.Albufeira is an International Centre noted for its rich and diverse cuisine. The great variety of restaurants offer everything from regional dishes to the more refined specialities of French, Italian or German cooking.

This region is closely tied to the ocean and the many fish and seafood dishes constitute a strong gastronomic presence. Sardines, flounder and bass are always fresh and delicious. Lobster and prawns are a must. "Caldeirada" is a typical stew with several varieties of fish, potatoes, green peppers and parsley, being one of the dishes primarily appreciated and prepared by fishermen.

Affiliated hotels
  Osijek Hotel Entirely reconstructed and renewed in 2004.

Kvarner & Highlands
is a region located between the Istrian peninsula and the northern Croatian seacoast. It offers a variety of different climate and vegetation; Mediterranean on the coast and mountain climate with strong winters on the Highlands. Mild climate is pleasant and enables the subtropic vegetation to grow and the people to enjoy sunbathing and bathing. On the other hand, Mountain Risnjak, despite the fact that it is only about 15 km from the sea, enjoys an Alpine influenced climate.

The area is a combination of shores, numerous islands and highlands with dense woods, lakes and rivers and rich architecture and culture. This region has been developing tourism for around 160 years and it represents the region with the longest tourist tradition in Croatia and with a variety of tourist attractions.

Affiliated hotels
  Hotel Park Lovran

Istria
is the westernmost county of Croatia, the largest peninsula of the Adriatic, located between the Kvarner Bay and The Gulf of Trieste. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate Istria offers a pleasant stay all year around. Geographically it is a very diverse region with a lot of natural varieties: green inlands with river canyons, valleys, mountains, vineyards, tiny villages and medieval towns located on the hilltops and coastal Istria with numerous bays, long beaches and beautiful sea and with the typical Venetian architecture that can be seen in coastal towns. It is well known for its authentic cuisine – Istrian prosciutto, cheese, truffles, olive oil and wines; Teran (red) and Malvazija (white).

Affiliated hotels
  Villa Letan Hotel

Dalmatia
is an region on the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea, located between Rab island and Montenegro. It is a very attractive place well known for its tourist attractions: national parks, large numbers of islands, variety of beaches and clean sea. Because of the way the sea currents and winds flow, the sea water is cleaner and warmer on the Croatian side than it is on the Italian side of the Adriatic. The largest cities with a long tradition and history are Zadar, Split, Šibenik and Dubrovnik.

Affiliated hotels
  Kolovare Hotel