| Day | What we will do |
|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Ljubljana |
| DAY 2 | Ljubljana |
| DAY 3 | Ptuj - Celje - Žalec |
| DAY 4 | Bled - Bohinj |
| DAY 5 | Postojna Cave - Predjama Castle - Portorož |
| DAY 6 | Koper - Piran |
| DAY 7 | Goriška Brda |
| DAY 8 | Ljubljana |
Welcome!
We’ll pick you up at Ljubljana Airport or somewhere nearby and get you checked in at a hotel in our lovely capital’s centre. You’ll have the entire day to yourself, so you can stroll around and get a feel for the place. But rest up well, for we have a busy week planned!
After breakfast, it’s time to meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Next – sightseeing! Exploring Ljubljana’s Old Town is wonderful. The traffic-free centre is fantastic for a relaxing walk. Ljubljana is a cultural hotspot. Gorgeous architecture spanning centuries, a lively café and restaurant scene by the river, a colourful market, spacious squares and the Ljubljana Castle on the hill overlooking the Ljubljana basin makes for superb panorama.
On day three, we’ll be travelling to the north-eastern part of Slovenia. Incredible to visit and impossible to pronounce for English speakers, the town of Ptuj is our destination. Ptuj is the oldest town in Slovenia. It’s been inhabited since the Stone Age and became a Roman military fort, which gradually developed into a larger settlement almost 2000 years ago. Today, Ptuj is a cultural home of Slovenia's ten-day-long carnival in spring, an ancient Slavic pagan rite of fertility. It’s cute castle above its Old Town and the Drava River is a pretty sight indeed.
Next stop is Celje, Slovenia’s fourth largest town. Another historically important place with plenty to see, Celje also has a big castle that simply has to be visited. After lunch, it’s back to Ljubljana. On the way, we’ll make a quick pit-stop at Žalec and its famous beer fountain.
After breakfast, our merry bunch of holidaymakers are in for a real treat. We’re heading for what some would describe as the most scenic region of Slovenia: The Alps. More precisely to Lake Bled. Known for its rich history, Bled and its beautiful lake transport you into a fairy-tale. We’ll visit its thousand-year-old castle on a cliff overlooking the lake. It’s the oldest and among the best-preserved buildings in Slovenia. Then there’s the obligatory trip to Bled Island with a church by the traditional pletna boat. Back on the shore, the afternoon is reserved for Lake Bohinj. This stunning glacial lake is a wilder version of Bled and its surroundings are breath-taking, to say the least. You’ll be returning to Ljubljana with nice impressions and a tonne of photos.
After breakfast, it’s check-out and departure for Postojna. But you won’t only be travelling to the Slovenian Karst, you’ll be venturing into a magical and mysterious place. Near Postojna is the world-famous Postojna Cave. It’s the oldest show cave with a railroad leading into its depths. Amazing subterranean halls with incredible rock formations are home to the “human fish”, an indigenous proteus creature that resembles a tiny dragon. Back above ground, we’ll make a short trip to nearby Predjama Castle. This legendary place is built within a cave and speaks volumes of the olden days. A true architectural wonder listed on the Guinness Book of Records as the largest of its kind. After lunch in Postojna, our group will depart for the seaside. We’ll be staying in Portorož where you’ll have some free time in the evening to explore.
IMPORTANT:
The temperature in the cave is 10C, so make sure you are dressed properly.
Our morning will be spent visiting Koper, Slovenia’s largest coastal town and main port. Koper has a small yet pretty Old Centre and a very Mediterranean vibe. Just down the road from Koper is the picturesque town of Piran. An important port in the Venetian Republic, Piran boasts a fascinating blend of Venetian and medieval architecture. The guide will take you on a tour down Piran’s pretty alleyways. After lunch, it’s free time at the coast! Don’t forget your bathing suits, the Adriatic gets quite tempting and a refreshing dip is always fun.
After breakfast and check-out, we depart for Goriška Brda, a region renowned for its beautiful landscape, terraced vineyards, tasty cuisine and prestigious wine. We’ll visit a vineyard, a wine cellar and, you guessed it, have a degustation of some local wine and food. Slovenia happens to be home to one of the oldest winemaking traditions and the best anecdotes are always told with a glass of this tasty beverage in hand. After lunch, we’ll head back to Ljubljana and say goodbye to our guide.
Enthralled by your adventure and already planning your next holiday to Slovenia, it’s sadly time to go home. After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Ljubljana airport.
Why not spend a few more days in Slovenia? Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
It would be very difficult to find a country that is so steeped in culture, tradition, history and a combination of all three than Slovenia. Despite its small size, Slovenia promises enviable amounts of spectacular things to see and do. Cultural tourism in Slovenia is flourishing and yet it doesn’t come with the massive crowds you see in other bigger countries, making sightseeing truly enjoyable. Transfers from one location to another are quick and convenient.
Speaking of accessibility, there’s a reason why Slovenia is said to be the crossroads of Europe. Historically important cultural and trade routes ran and still run through the country. These brought numerous cultures and traditions with them. Since the Stone Age, Slovenia has seen empires come and go. Tribes have been mixing here for millennia. This left an immeasurable impact on how the country developed into a cultural melting pot it is today. And you’ll experience all the main highlights Slovenia has to offer.
Together with your guide, you’ll travel to the Alpine gem of Lake Bled, walk around the ancient towns of Ptuj, Celje and Piran, sightsee in the greenest European capital, feel the spellbinding beauty of Slovenia’s manmade and natural spectacles, to list but a few. Every major location also includes audio tours in many languages, modern facilities are available everywhere, and the tour’s pace will be relaxed and undemanding.
This holiday package is absolutely perfect for everyone who has never been to Slovenia and those who have and want to delve deeper into its rich and acclaimed culture. Either way, one thing is for sure: the first will fall in love with it, and the second will fall in love with it all over again!
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