After almost 20 years in Croatia, and just when I thought I knew most of its many impressive secrets, I realised that I knew very little at all.
Our new CROMADS platform, showcasing authentic Croatia, 365 days a year all over the country, has been a huge voyage of discovery into the road less travelled in this beautiful land.
Ever since the first event for the CROMADS Travel Club (you can sign up here), the quite incredible GINcredible gin education and tasting, the concept of a travel club offering unique and authentic experiences that are hard to find elsewhere has got me very excited. And if you are in Zagreb, that fun is set to continue next week, with two great tours showcasing parts of Croatian history that few know about.
Did you know, for example, that Croatia has a secret airbase with 5 runways built into a mountain, whose construction costs were estimated at US$6 BILLION? One of the most far-out things I have seen on Planet Earth.
But we start on Tuesday, April 5, with something a little more tranquil and historic – a wonderful day in nature aboard a replica grain ship on the River Kupa. A journey back in time, surrounded by idyllic nature, experiencing aspects of Croatia as it really once was. You can learn more here or check out the tour highlights below.
⚓ AURORA BOAT EXPERIENCE
5th of April (Tuesday)
⏰ 15.30h -19.00h
Meet in front of Ethnographic Museum Zagreb
*Welcome On Board Žitna lađa – Karlovac *
Let us take you out of the city and on a unique European tour down the Kupa river onboard “Zora” – a replica of the 18th-century grain boat.
PRICE: 40,00€/per person
✅Private 2- way transfer
✅Private tour guide
✅Private 90min boat ride on Kupa river
✅Finger food, homemade cakes, liquor tasting and two glasses of local wine
Limited spots so book yours at
[email protected]
And for something really far out, the following day has us heading to the Croatian border with Bosnia to visit surely Tito’s most unbelievable project – a huge military airbase built inside a mountain, located mostly in Croatia but also in BiH, capable of housing up to 80 MiG fighters. An airbase that was fully operational until 30 years ago. Learn more about the spectacular Zeljava Airbase. While Zeljava is the highlight, there is plenty more included in this fascinating day, including Tito’s view of Plitvice Lakes from his former villa. Check out the itinerary below, and contact CROMADS partners, Swanky Travel, to book.
A UNIQUE day tour to places you did not know exist.
Turbulent Croatian history has left a huge heritage behind including some amazing places that are abandoned.
1. The biggest and best kept secret project of ex-Yugoslavia stands today as a reminder of some different times – Zeljava underground airbase.
2. Another amazing location is Villa Izvor – one of the residences of former Yugo president Tito situated just above the source of Plitvice lakes.
URBEX TOUR
6th of April (Tuesday)
⏰ 8.00h – 20.00h
Meet at Swanky Mint
PRICE: 75,00€/per person
*private small group tour
✅Private 2- way transfer
✅Private tour guide (urbex expert)
✅Željava underground airbase visit
✅ Abandoned Villa Izvor visit
✅ Flashlights for underground exploration
✅ Tickets for Museum of Homeland war
After the Ston Oyster Festival and a 3-tour day in Imotski, the CROMADS Split Travel Club will be back shortly with more authentic experiences in a couple of weeks. Stay tunes, or better still, join the CROMADS Travel Club and be the first to hear about the news. Or follow CROMADS on Facebook.
