There are 19 ornithological reserves in Croatia.
Ornithological reserves are places that are protected due to a great variety of birdlife in a particular area or because particular endangered species can be found within this reserve.
Nature parks such as Kopački rit and Lonjsko polje are also considered areas of special interest for bird watching.
Day 1: ZAGREB
Meet and greet at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. A costumed city tour – Step into history as our guides, dressed as famous personalities of the Croatian past, lead you through the secrets of the capital city, Zagreb – a city where tradition meets contemporary thoughts and vision. Visit the Zaprešić – Sava ornithological reserve – accompanied by an expert guide. This ornithological reserve is most attractive due to its bird nesting and migration. Overnight stay.
Day 2: CRNA MLAKA (ZAGREB COUNTY)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Crna Mlaka ornithological reserve, located in the middle of a swamp and forested area in the Kupa River valley, near the town of Jastrebarsko. Birdlife at the Crna Mlaka reserve is very diverse. In the surrounding region, a total of 235 bird species have been registered. This reserve is internationally important, as it provides rest and a feeding ground for birds that migrate from central and northern parts of Europe. Dinner at a local rural estate – Kolarić + Klet Šumski dvor (Forest Courts). Return transfer to Zagreb. Overnight stay in Zagreb.
Day 3: KOPAČKI RIT (EASTERN CROATIA)
Breakfast. Transfer to Baranja, accommodation, and lunch at a local rural estate, “Sklepić”. Kopački Rit Nature Park is a floodplain that developed due to the activities of two large rivers, the Danube and the Drava. Up to now, 293 bird species have been recorded in Kopački Rit of which 144 species are permanent or temporary resident birds, which makes up 78,1% of the total bird fauna in Croatia (375 species). The Adopt-a-bird program is available in Kopački Rit! Dinner at a rural estate. Overnight stay.
Day 4: KOPAČKI RIT (EASTERN CROATIA)
Breakfast. Highlights of Kopački Rit: the largest white-tailed eagle nesting place in this part of Europe, and the largest colony of cormorants and grey herons in Croatia. Research results proved that 70% of the species in a specific area could be seen during one roundtrip, which means that you can see between 35 and 63 bird species every day. The best time to visit: all year long, recommended period: April – June, August – October. Transfer to Lonjsko Polje. Dinner at a rural estate. Overnight stay.
Day 5: LONJSKO POLJE
Breakfast. Bird-watching at the Rakita ornithological reserve. Bird-watching at the Krapje dol ornithological reserve. Čigoć – the first European Stork Village, a village in which there are more white storks than people. Because of the exceptionally propitious natural conditions, white storks build their nests on almost every house or barn. There are sometimes more than 200 storks in the 45 active nests, while in the seventy or so houses there are no more than 120 local inhabitants, which speaks volumes of the harmonious relationship between man and nature in the area. Dinner at the Vitković rural estate. Overnight stay.
Day 6: ZAGREB
Breakfast. Transfer to the Zagreb airport.