Heritage in hues: Croatian artistic voyage

Upon landing in Zagreb, you will be welcomed by our team member and taken to your accommodation. Although the day is more focused on arrival technicalities and your relaxation, we still considered a welcome dinner with our tour leader / academic painter well worth organising. Discovering local culinary heritage on our welcome dinner, followed by a destination and programme introduction along with a weather forecast overview, will give us a chance for a smoother entrance to this itinerary.

Following breakfast, we start this artistic journey with the region of Hrvatsko Zagorje, more precisely – the fairy-tale-looking castle of Trakošćan, nestled between a lake and a forest, perfect for capturing the aristocratic rural extravaganza. Lunch followed by some free time we seek in the nearby Varaždin . a Croatian Baroque town. Returning to Zagreb in the afternoon, we enjoy in a guided walking tour, learning about Croatia’s capital and scouting some sketching locations along the way.

We begin our day with an urban painting adventure as we dive into the urban jungle, trying to capture the essence of the environment, its architecture, and intriguing street scenes. Zagreb has many attractive locations, such as its main square of Ban Jelačić or the ever-bustling Tkalčićeva street, where one can find various exciting motifs and scenes that depict everyday life in a modern urban center. After lunch, we begin our slow descent towards the south of the country, stopping at the picturesque village of Rastoke overnight.

With its historic water mills and riverside setting, the charming village of Rastoke offers the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and the development of your artistic practice. Your academic painting guide will suggest an assignment which should produce a unique insight into your work process, after which you are free to explore the village, seeking your inspiration. For lunch we savour traditional flavours and dishes, after which you are free to enjoy Rastoke at your own pace.

Leaving Rastoke we’re in for a real treat; a UNESCO World Heritage site known as National Park Plitvice Lakes. You will discover small pathways between cascading waterfalls, serene vistas, and lush greenery, all waiting for you to capture the essence of this famous national park. After exploring Plitvice, we will depart towards Baške Oštarije, a tranquil respite situated between rolling hillsides and a panoramic road descending towards the Croatian shore. In Baške Oštarije, we rest and prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of Velebit Mountain.

We will use this day to traverse the mighty Velebit mountain and its rugged terrain, exploring its hidden pathways, turning from staggering sea to inland views. Many different sceneries are available for interpretation as the better part of our morning will be an interlude for any artistic practice that resonates with you. This so-called cult Croatian mountain, from its peaks to its valleys, will serve as a source of inspiration, whether it be with its unique geology or its cultural and historical significance in our folklore. Following lunch, there will be free time for hiking or quiet contemplation.

From the Dinaric mountains, we descend to the shores, to the small town called Šibenik. Prior to boarding the gulet and following lunch, you’ll have the chance to explore the various charms concealed within the narrow pathways of this seaside treasure, including the cathedral of St. Jacob. In the afternoon, your cruise commences upon boarding, setting course for Split without delay. Throughout our voyage, the gulet will pause at strategic points, presenting panoramic or memorable views for you to capture as you please. In addition, for this evening, a Captain’s dinner is in order.

Your initial morning aboard the gulet offers the opportunity to rise before dawn, capturing the enchanting scenes of the nearby islands or the coastal villages nestled beneath the mountainous terrain. Following this, a tour of Split awaits, delving into the legacy of Emperor Diocletian, his palace, and the enduring influence of the Roman Empire. There will be abundant time for capturing the nuances of local urban life and traditional architecture. In the afternoon, we reboard the gulet, continuing our journey to the next destination, the captivating island of Brač.

The early morning is dedicated to artistry as our gulet gracefully anchors itself off the shores of Brač, a quintessentially Dalmatian island. Subsequently, we’ll journey to the island, traversing its myriad fields and roads en route to a tiny village Škrip, where encounters with local villagers await. Following Škrip, our destination is the extraordinary Pustinja Blaca (Blaca Desert), featuring a 16th-century monastery perched on a cliff and an onsite historical museum. As the day concludes, we’ll reembark on our gulet, setting sail for the enchanting island of Hvar.

This morning promises a delightful journey as we leisurely stroll through the charming Stari Grad on Hvar Island. Our footsteps will lead us through the quaint streets, unveiling treasures like the Dominican Monastery and the famed residence of the poet Petar Hektorović, Tvrdalj. Following this enchanting walk, we’ll embark on a scenic ride across Hvar Island, with a special stop at the Starigrad field, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our lunchtime indulgence awaits at a local agricultural estate, where you can savour the rich flavours and unique specialities of the island. As the day gracefully concludes, we’ll return to our gulet for an overnight retreat.

Our next island escapade brings us to Korčula, a haven of cultural richness with its fortified Old Town, often affectionately dubbed as Little Dubrovnik. Post-lunch, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant arts and crafts scene flourishing in Korčula, engaging with local artists to appreciate diverse art styles. As the day gently fades, a ferry ride awaits, transporting us to Orebić on the neighbouring island of Pelješac. Here, you’ll enjoy a splendid perspective of Korčula, capturing one last captivating motif before we bid adieu to the island and rejoin our gulet.

Embarking from Korčula & Orebić, our voyage leads us to a serene, forested haven amidst the sea – the enchanting island of Mljet. Our exploration will unveil memorable sites, including two saltwater lakes and a quaint monastery nestled on a tiny island within the Greater Lakes. The verdant forests and crystal-clear waters of Mljet create an idyllic setting for the contemplation of our artistic endeavours. A delectable lunch crafted from locally sourced seafood will be a delightful nourishment, perfect for a day of exploration and relaxation on this picturesque island.

This day is reserved for the appreciation of local life and tranquillity, the practice of keeping “below radar” on the two most authentic Elaphite archipelago islands: Šipan and Lopud. Our first stop on Šipan will be the archaic village of Suđurađ, where centuries-old stone houses and olive groves drew us back in time. Moving on to Lopud, we’ll be greeted by crystal-clear waters and an atmosphere that beckons us to unwind. Throughout our day of exploration, we’ll savour a lunch made from locally sourced seafood and fresh fish.

Our final destination awaits in Dubrovnik, frequently hailed as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” for its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural splendour. After earlier morning disembarkation and hotel check-in, a guided tour will lead us through a labyrinth of narrow streets, unveiling hidden courtyards and serene corners that echo the city’s essence. Continuing our artistic odyssey, we’ll discover a secluded spot perfect for painting or sketching this architectural Mediterranean gem. Positioned above the enchanting rooftops, with a panoramic view of the cobbled street network, we’ll make the most of our time in Dubrovnik.

Finally, the last day of this Croatian expedition has arrived, except for the ones that decided to continue the adventure with one of our private post-tour trip extensions to Montenegro or Bosnia. After savouring your breakfast in peace, you shall part with your group and your trusted academic painter-guide, boarding the airport transfers and saying goodbye to Croatia for now.