PARTNER PROGRAMME

For accompanying persons, the accompanying-person fee includes participation in the Welcome Reception and the evening social programme on Wednesday and Thursday.

In addition to the programme included in the accompanying-person fee, we are pleased to offer accompanying persons the opportunity to discover some of the cultural, gastronomic and natural highlights of Croatia through two specially arranged excursions.

The Partner Programme offers a relaxed opportunity to experience Croatia beyond the conference, discover the surrounding region and enjoy its local culture, traditions and hospitality.

The Partner Programme excursions are organized and coordinated by the staff of the Forensic Science Centre “Ivan Vučetić”, who will provide transportation and logistical support throughout the programme. At certain locations, participants may visit the site independently or in smaller groups, in accordance with the arrangements provided for the excursion.


Krapina Neanderthal Museum & Traditional Zagorje Lunch at Vuglec Breg
Wednesday, 19 May 2027

Schedule
09:00 — Departure from the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
10:30-13:00 — Visit to the Krapina Neanderthal Museum
13:30-15:30 — Traditional Zagorje lunch at Vuglec Breg
Approx. 16:30 — Return to the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Museum entrance: €13 per person
Lunch: Paid individually at the restaurant, according to personal choice and consumption.

Discover one of Europe's most significant prehistoric sites and experience the traditional flavours and hospitality of Hrvatsko Zagorje.
The excursion includes a visit to the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, located next to the world-famous Hušnjakovo archaeological site near Krapina, approximately 50 km from Zagreb. The museum takes visitors on a journey through human evolution and the distant world of the Neanderthals, presenting the history of the remarkable discoveries made at Hušnjakovo. The archaeological site is associated with one of the richest collections of Neanderthal fossil remains ever discovered.

 

Following the museum visit, the group will continue to Vuglec Breg, a picturesque wine estate in the Zagorje hills, for a traditional local lunch.

Vuglec Breg combines a winery, restaurant and authentic Zagorje setting surrounded by vineyards. Its restaurant is known for traditional Zagorje cuisine prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes, complemented by wines and sparkling wines produced at its own winery. The restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction since 2018, recognizing good-quality cuisine at good value.

Lunch will offer an opportunity to experience some of the characteristic flavours of the region, including traditional Zagorje štrukli and other dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Hrvatsko Zagorje.

If possible, a visit to the winery will also be arranged.


 

Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Thursday, 20 May 2027

Schedule
08:30 — Departure from the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Approx. 11:00 — Arrival at Plitvice Lakes National Park
15:00 — Departure from Plitvice Lakes National Park
Approx. 17:00 — Return to the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance: €23 per person*
Lunch: Paid individually at the selected restaurant, according to personal choice and consumption.
*The entrance fee shown is based on the Park's current adult tariff for the April-May period. The 2027 entrance fee will be confirmed once the official price list for 2027 is available.

Step into one of Croatia's most spectacular natural treasures and discover the extraordinary beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
The Park is renowned for its sixteen interconnected turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, travertine barriers and lush forest landscape. A network of walking trails, electric boats and panoramic vehicles allows visitors to experience the different parts of the Park while enjoying some of Croatia's most remarkable natural scenery.



Exploring the Park
Participants may choose between several sightseeing options depending on their preferred pace and available time. The programme can include a 3-4 hour tour of the lakes, or a shorter 2-3 hour visit, leaving additional time for lunch and relaxation.

Entrance 1 — Lower Lakes & Great Waterfall
Two sightseeing programmes are available from Entrance 1, depending on the preferred duration and experience.

Programme A
Duration: 2-3 hours
Trail length: 3,500 m

A circular walking route through the Lower Lakes canyon, beginning at the north entrance of the Park. The route follows the lakes Novakovića brod, Kaluđerovac, Gavanovac and Milanovac and includes the spectacular Great Waterfall, the largest waterfall of the Plitvice Lakes and in Croatia. The trail continues to Kozjak Bridge before ascending along the eastern side of the canyon and returning to Entrance 1.




Programme B
Duration: 3-4 hours
Trail length: 4,000 m

A longer circular route combining walking with an electric-boat ride across Lake Kozjak and a panoramic vehicle ride. In addition to the Lower Lakes and Great Waterfall, the route includes views of Sastavci Waterfalls, the lakes Novakovića brod, Kaluđerovac, Gavanovac and Milanovac, and the expansive Lake Kozjak.


 
Both programmes start and finish at Entrance 1.
 
Lunch at Lička Kuća
For participants visiting the Park via Entrance 1, lunch can be enjoyed at Lička kuća, located just a short walk from the entrance.
For more than 50 years, Lička kuća has celebrated the traditional cuisine and hospitality of the Lika region. The restaurant combines an authentic wooden Lika-house atmosphere with dishes prepared from local ingredients, including traditional cheeses, homemade bread, sausages and other regional specialities.
Among its signature dishes is “Lički zavežljaj” (Lika Bundle), a contemporary interpretation of traditional Lika lamb and potatoes prepared under the bell.
The restaurant has received several recent recognitions, including Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice, inclusion among Croatia's leading restaurants and a listing in the Gault&Millau Croatia guide.



Entrance 2 — Upper Lakes

Alternatively, participants may enter the Park through Entrance 2, offering access to routes through the Upper Lakes and connections to the Park's electric-boat and panoramic-vehicle system.
The routes provide opportunities to experience the different landscapes of Plitvice, from forested paths and waterfalls to the larger open waters of Lake Kozjak.

Programme E
Duration: 2-3 hours
Trail length: 5,100 m

A circular route beginning at the south entrance of the Park (Entrance 2) and exploring the tranquil and scenic Upper Lakes. The programme includes a short electric-boat ride across Lake Kozjak, followed by a walk upstream through the Upper Lakes all the way to Lake Prošćansko. The return journey to Entrance 2 is by panoramic sightseeing train. The route offers an opportunity to experience the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the Upper Lakes, with their wooded shores, the Great and Small Prštavci waterfalls, and numerous smaller waterfalls along the way.



Lunch at Black River - Steak & Pasta House

For participants using Entrance 2, lunch can be enjoyed at Black River - Steak & Pasta House, approximately a 10-minute walk from the park entrance.
Our driver will collect participants at the agreed time and meeting point at Entrance 2 after the Park visit and take them to the restaurant.

Black River offers a more contemporary dining experience, with premium dry-aged steaks, handmade fresh pasta and a selection of wines. The restaurant combines a modern, relaxed atmosphere with the natural surroundings of Plitvice and has been included in the Gault&Millau Croatia recommendations.