Destination Update – Wine roads in Istria, new hostel in Zagreb and Slavonian wine awarded top honour.
Murray and Team GB triumph in Croatia
The Great British Tennis Team, led by world number three Andy Murray, defeated Croatia to return to the Davis Cup World Elite this month. The matches were played in the Stella Maris stadium in Umag, one of the prettiest stadiums on the ATP tour. Would-be tennis stars can opt for an intensive tennis training course at the Umag Tennis academy from 185 EUR for two days. For more information, please see here.
New hostel opens in Zagreb
Hostel My Way has opened in Zagreb city centre. The contemporary hostel opened in August and offers a stylish option for budget-conscious travellers. With knowledgeable staff on hand to help visitors get the most out of the destination, it’s a great base from which to explore Croatia’s cultural heart. For more information, please see here.
Hotel Monte Mulini launches luxury Wine Roads of Istria package
Hotel Monte Mulini has launched a wine package combining luxury accommodation with a wine tour of the surrounding region of Istria, famed for its gourmet food and award-winning wines. Coinciding with the wine harvest and truffle season, from September to early November, the package provides an excellent way to meet talented winemakers and indulge in world-class food and fine wine while enjoying the Mediterranean destination’s mild climate. For more information, please see here.
Slavonian wine awarded top honour
Kutjevo’s 2011 Traminac Ledeno has been crowned ‘best in show’ in the sweet under £15 category at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2013. The wine, from Croatia’s easterly Slavonia region, was one of 14,362 wines tasted from 61 regions around the world. Unfortunately the wine isn’t available in the UK, so you’ll have to take a trip to Croatia to try it. More information here.
Gnalić – Treasure from a 16th Century sunken ship
With 1,244 island dotted along its coast, Croatia was the site of many historic shipwrecks. Until 18 May next year, visitors to the Croatian History Museum in Zagreb will be able to view the treasures retrieved from one such seafaring tragedy; a 16th Century mercantile ship that went down south of Biograd na Moru, near the islet of Gnalić. The exhibition gives an interesting insight into the trade in European goods some 400 years ago. For more information, please see here.
Events & Festivals
1 – 31 October 2013: The Zadar Sea
Celebrating the traditions of living by the sea, this month long festival embraces life on the coast through a series of exhibitions, poetry recitals and music concerts. The main square is home to tasty seafood specialities, while traditional sea crafts and forgotten skills such as boat repairing, netting, rope tying and knotting are demonstrated to new audiences. You can also take to the seas and join in the Zadarska Koka regatta where everyone is welcome to join in. For more information, please see here.
4 – 6 October 2013: 7th Festival of Jam and Marmalade, Dubrovnik
For those who simply can’t look at piece of toast without dreaming about jam or marmalade, this is the festival for you. This three-day event held every October aims to promote quality products from across Croatia. Dubrovnik is brimming with great foodie experiences, from fine dining establishments serving beautifully cooked fresh fish to ice cream parlours with a colourful selection of flavours. For more information, please see here.
4 – 6 October 2013: The Chestnut Festival, Hrvatska Kostajnica
During The Chestnut Festival in Hrvatska Kostajnica, you will be lucky enough to try a diverse range of dishes made of baked, boiled or pureed chestnuts. Visitors will also be invited to take part in the chestnut harvest, where you can walk through chestnut woods, sing traditional songs and learn about the history and traditions of chestnut harvesting in the region. For more information, please see here.
11 – 16 October 2013: Zagreb International Chamber Music Festival
The Zagreb International Chamber Music Festival attracts a number of renowned artists with various classical concerts taking place throughout the week. Zagreb is the cultural hub of Croatia, where you can enjoy performances from excellent ballet, opera and theatre to international rock bands and pop acts. For more information, please see here.
October 2013: Truffle Days, Livade
Istria is famous for its truffles and the region boasts three sorts of black truffles, as well as one of the most prized in the world – the big white truffle. The white truffle hunting season begins in October and lasts for three months. Tours can be arranged so you can seek your own truffles in the Motovun forests. Numerous events are held every weekend to celebrate the season in Livade, the well-known truffle centre near Motovun. For more information, please see here.
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For further press information please contact:
Helen Batte / Jasmin Othman / Tim Thackray
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8927
E: [email protected]
