Car Rental Zagreb - Exploring Zagreb

Although Zagreb is away from the beaches, its close proximity to scenic beauty and impressive castles make it a good base from which to explore the area.

The picturesque rolling countryside to the north of the capital is known as the Hrvatsko Zagorje, and is home to castles, spas, farms, small villages and vineyards. Visit Kumrovec, the carefully restored village where former Yugoslavian Prime Minister Joseph Broz Tito was born, to get a glimpse of early peasant life in Croatia.

Nearby is the dramatic, crumbling Veliki Tabor Castle, which dates from the 10th century and houses a museum devoted to the knights of the past and their chivalry. Additionally, romantic Trakoscan Castle is in a dreamlike setting in the woods, overlooking a small lake. Besides featuring turrets, battlements and medieval artefacts, the grounds also contain a park, lake, hills and walking trails. Neatly restored Beranac Castle is where you can have dinner or a drink, spend the night or even go horseback riding.

In the nearby Velebit Mountains is the Kuterevo Brown Bear Orphanage. This sanctuary, which rests amid spectacular and remote scenic beauty, is a haven for orphaned bear cubs. The young cubs must be looked after for two years before they are able to fend for themselves in the wild. Despite its remote location, the orphanage has managed to attract over 70,000 visitors since its opening. Here, you can see the bears being fed, take part in an educational bear walk and visit the educational centre.

If you like wine, then visit Plesivicka Vinska Cesta, an area which has so many wineries it is referred to as Wine Road. The proprietors of the shops here are only too happy to give you a tour of their facilities and let you sample their product.