WALKING | Full Day | from 68 € | The two cities in Eastern Croatia are important for the cultural development of the region Slavonia & Baranja. Both were candidates for the European Capital of Culture because of their long history, rich in tradition, and tangible and intangible heritage. Each of them has its specific features.

About OSIJEK – River city with an impressive Art Nouveau heritage

Osijek is the fourth-largest city in Croatia, with a population of nearly 100.000. It is the economic and cultural centre of the lowland region of Slavonia & Baranja in Eastern Croatia. Therefore is also called the "capital city of Slavonia". This university city on the banks of the Drava River is just 25 km (16 mi) upstream of Drava's confluence with the Danube. It has a well-earned reputation for being the most relaxing of Croatian cities. Osijek is proud to carry the epithets "the Croatian greenest city", "the city of parks", "the cycling city", and "the city with the longest and the most beautiful river promenade in Croatia". Remarkable symbols of the city - the 19th-century neogothic co-cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and the old baroque fort complex Tvrđa are just some of the reasons to visit this relaxed city on the Drava River. It also hosts an extreme sports contest called the 'Pannonian Challenge'.

Did you know that King Charles and Queen Camila sent a Christmas card in 2016 with the photo which was taken in Tvrdja during their royal tour of Croatia? The royal couple met local performers in traditional dresses on their visit to Tvrdja (the Old Town in Osijek), and the photo was sent to the world.

About DJAKOVO – The old bishopric and Slavonian clerical centre

Djakovo has a population of almost 28.000 inhabitants. It is the second-largest town in the County of Osijek-Baranja and the clerical centre of Slavonia. That is why Ðakovo has the most impressive sacral buildings in the entire Slavonia and Baranja region – the Ðakovo Cathedral of St. Peter, the Archbishop's House, and the Manor houses, the Theological Seminary, the parochial Church of All Saints. The remains of the defensive wall behind the cathedral and the bishop's court that surrounded and protected the town in the 14th century and the old town built in the 18th and 19th centuries, with elements of baroque, secession, and historicism, are also part of the Đakovo's rich cultural heritage. The State Stud Farm, with a tradition of horse-breeding going back five centuries, is a must-see when visiting Đakovo. 

Did you know that the city of Đakovo, along with the Gorjani Municipality (known for the spring procession of Ljelje queens, a unique tradition protected by UNESCO), was chosen as the finalist for the European Destinations of Excellence project (EDEN), under the theme cultural tourism? As you can see, with a reason

Departure dates 2024: from March till December

Dates: on request

• The excursion prices are based on a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of seven (7) participants.
• Definite departure will be confirmed to participants by e-mail.
• Participants interested in a private trip for a larger group may contact Inlandia.com for an individual offer.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• Licensed local tour guide (English, German).
• All transfers according to the itinerary.
• Entrance fee for Djakovo State Stud Farm - two loacations: Djakovo & Ivandvor.
• Traditional lunch in a local restaurant in Djakovo.
• Insurance and costs for the organization and realization of the tour.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE  /  Additional costs:

• Transfer to another starting/ending point (of your interest).
• Additional health and cancellation insurance, which can be arranged by e-mail to info@inlandia.com
• All other expenses not covered by the programme.

Find the ideal accommodation - with our recommendation: Country Estate Didin Konak

Note* For those who are more interested in experiencing Slavonia & Baranja region in Eastern Croatia, we recommend our excursions: Canoeing Kopacki rit & Vukovar Danube Tour

Highlights of OSIJEK

Tvrdja is the old town of Osijek, a baroque military complex with impressive defensive walls, town gates, a Romanesque core and the main square. The fortress city was built in 1712 by Prince Eugene of Savoy as part of a much larger strategic system of baroque fortifications on the border with the Ottoman Empire. Today is the Tvrdja centre of Osijek’s nightlife. Some significant buildings preserved in Tvrđa are Holy Trinity Square (1729-1730), a fountain, an old gymnasium, the Museum of Slavonia, and many beautiful aristocratic and citizen buildings. There is also the Church of St. Michael with valuable inventory and accessories.

Did you know that King Charles and Queen Camila sent a Christmas card in 2016 with the photo which was taken in Tvrdja during their royal tour of Croatia? The royal couple met local performers in traditional dresses on their visit to Tvrdja, and the photo was sent to the world.

The Franciscan Monastery, founded in 1699, was the place of the first faculty in Slavonia in 1735 (philosophy and theology studies). The same year, the first printing house in Slavonia has established here.

The Neo-Gothic Co-cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, built-in 1894, is the second-highest structure in Croatia after the Zagreb Cathedral. Its tower measures 90 m (295.28 ft). You can see it throughout Osijek. Because of its size, most locals call it the cathedral, but it is only a parish church.

European Avenue you can find in the Lower Town of the city. The most beautiful Art Nouveau street in Osijek. The beauty of this avenue makes a series of majestic and charming secessionist buildings.

Highlights of DJAKOVO

The Cathedral of St. Peter - the symbol of Djakovo and the most important cultural monument of the town, was built in 1866 in the Romanesque-Gothic style. A masterpiece of architecture. Pope John XXIII called it the most beautiful cathedral between Venice and Istanbul. The merits of the cathedral construction, which lasted from 1866 to 1882, belong to Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer, the great Croatian patriot and the noble benefactor of art and education.

State Stud Farm of Lipizzaner horses - world-famous for the centennial tradition of breeding thoroughbred horses. The breeding of Lipizzaner horses started in the early 19th century. In addition to breeding and selecting horses, the stud farm is also famous for horse dressage, the quality of which is confirmed by a remarkable place in equestrian competitions. After an outstanding performance of Đakovo Lipizzaners at the opening of the Olympic Games, Queen Elizabeth II., an expert in these precious animals, was so impressed that she visited the stud farm in 1972.