Zagreb – The story of fashion and design

Included transfer from airport Zagreb to Zagreb hotel for 7 nights stay on B&B basis.

Discover Zagreb – an important fashion city that began fashion development from the 60’s onwards. Today we want to showcase some of Zagreb’s most important artisans, having the opportunity to explore the city centre with a visit to Ethnographic Museum where many unique clothing and fashion items are hidden.
We will uncover the secrets of small-scale manufacturers who continue to operate today, thanks to the skills they have developed and improved over the years. We believe that each period carries its uniqueness, especially in the fashion world, and this is unique way to meet and see objects that illustrate not only aesthetic criteria, but history and everyday life. After visiting the museum, we start exploring some of the most famous brands such as etno boutiques Mara, Greta, Kobali, Croata and the jewellery shop Jozef Gjoni. We will end today’s tour visiting craft that has been successfully replicating traditional Croatian jewellery in the centre of Zagreb for over 50 years. The golden hands of these skilful masters design unique pieces of jewellery and fulfil even the most demanding wishes of their customers. The success of these goldsmiths in their work is also shown and appreciated by the fact that their jewellery was sought after and displayed in the popular HBO series. They have been mastering their craft for decades therefore appreciated today on high level of quality design.

We will meet Samobor, a town believed to have its name because of the large number of pine trees covering the area (“samo bor = only pine”). Even today, this place has remained true to the evergreen trees that covered much of Stražnik Hill. Samobor has enjoyed privileged status throughout history and was given the status of a free royal trade city by King Bela IV. This has had a positive impact on its economic and demographic development. In one period of its existence, this town was also under French rule when the glass manufacturing industry was going through a crisis due to the heavy taxes burdening the industry. This world of crystal gloss has fought for its survival and has a tradition of almost 2 centuries. At the beginning of its development, it was believed that the crystal was perfect in its original form, but soon began manual process of decorating which developed into true art. The crystal manufacturers in Samobor are one of the few manufacturers that still use the manual grinding technique that enhances the gloss and value of the finished product. This technique requires knowledge and skill only possessed by true masters. It is part of the tradition and in combination with the new modern ways of processing crystals we receive final product unique and desirable as a gift. The beauty of making each crystal product is best to describe by presentation, so be prepared to be amazed

Marija Bistrica is one of the most famous Marian shrines in Croatia. This place has been the target of numerous pilgrims since 1684. Apart from the sanctuary, Marija Bistrica is known for its old crafts, which have been passed down from generation to generation for decades. One of the most prominent crafts is the production of wooden toys and musical instruments. This art was included in UNESCO’s representative list of intangible heritage in 2009. Musical instruments were the first souvenirs of this place, and the love for music, making and using musical instruments is embedded in the history of the place itself. Tambourines, flutes and instruments are always decorated with vibrant colours and have different shapes. The wooden toys are painted in traditional yellow, which gives them a special note of recognition. Another skill specially known which originates from the area – Pottery will be presented by crafty masters showing creation of a pot and musical instrument becoming of clay. In the past pottery was intended for household use, while today it is used more as a souvenir. This will be a valuable experience through presentation and production of toy or clay product.

Today we will get acquainted with the production of one of famous cakes of Croatia – Licitar, it production dates back to the Middle Ages. This tradition began in European monasteries where the colourful cake was made with the help of richly decorated wooden moulds. Soon, small family crafts started Licitar production, and its manufacturers became established and respectable members of society. The secret to making this honey dough cake is being kept in the manufacturer family circles over the decades and passed down from generation to generation for centuries. They are traditionally bright red, and their shapes may vary, heart being one of the most famous and marketable forms. Christmas trees were often decorated with smaller Licitars and some families still cherish the tradition today. On this day activity you will get the opportunity to attend and participate in the making of this famous cake, which can become a precious souvenir as a memorable experience brought home with you.

This morning we head to Varaždin, the city that represents the most important cultural centre in northwestern Croatia. Today it is extremely popular and recognizable for its festival “Špancirfest”, which gathers many visitors every year who enjoy the richness and beauty of this charming place. In addition to having an important cultural role, Varaždin also has an important historical role, the best-preserved remains of the Neanderthal have been found in this Baroque city. Today we emphasize on Varaždin s fashion role – centuries-old fashion and textile company – Varteks known worldwide. We will visit the factory which began its operations in 1922 and has survived to this day becoming highly respected and achieving cooperations with global brands such as Hugo Boss, J.Lindeberg and Zadig & Voltaire. Varteks is synonym of quality and classic elegance and by entering this facility you will be able to see the origin of a product – from raw material to the final product. Varteks owes its success to quality materials and master craftsmen.

In addition to the old crafts we have learned so far, we will get to know the craft specifically more to recent times, marked by technological advancement. Our place visiting today is Sveta Nedjelja – once an agricultural area in the last half of a century undergoing the process of industrialization and strong economic development becoming home of one of our youngest and most successful factories, appreciated and recognized throughout the world – Rimac Cars. Get to know the story of a young entrepreneur inspired by Nikola Tesla’s legacy, whose birthplace is only 200 km in distance, who became a leader in the development of electric vehicle technology. During this tour, you will see what the production of modern, yet environmentally friendly supercars looks like.

Organized transfer to Zagreb Airport.