Both residents and numerous visitors perceive Ljubljana as a city made to the measure of man. Ljubljana is classified as a mid-sized European city, but it has preserved its small-town friendliness and relaxed atmosphere while providing all the facilities of a modern capital. It is a very unique city dotted with pleasant picturesque places where you can expect all kinds of nice little surprises. Ljubljana Castle lies atop Castle Hill and is a well-known landmark here. This monument has served as military housing as well as the royal residence over the past centuries. The Dragon Bridge truly symbolizes the history, beauty and architectural style of Ljubljana and adds glamor to its skyline. This is, in fact, the first bridge in the entire world to have been constructed using reinforced concrete. You can identify St. Nicholas cathedral by its twin towers and green colored dome. Built-in the year 1707, the church is dedicated to the popular saint of boatmen and fishermen of this region. To truly enjoy Ljubljana sights and get a feel of the city, you can visit the city market. Its picturesque setting near baroque and cathedrals make it a nice place to visit. You can buy all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, herbs, local arts, and crafts and Slovenian delicacies like horse pate, Karst prosciutto, oils, cheeses, ‘potica’ cake and more in this area. The Town’s main square was destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century and was later remodeled in true Baroque style. The square is home to the Souvan House, City Art Museum, Town Hall and the ancient Lichtenberg house. Preseren Square has a statue of France Preseren, Slovenia’s most famous poet overshadowed by the poetic muse. In a corner of the square, his lover gazes across at him. Preseren Square is surrounded by beautiful buildings such as the salmon pink Franciscan Church, which is lovely and peaceful inside. This church dates from the seventeenth century. There is also the oldest department store in Ljubljana- a beautiful art nouveau building with a statue of the god Mercury on its roof and a lovely ornate staircase inside. The central element in touristy Ljubljana is this triple bridge. The central part is the original bridge, built-in 1842 and designed by an Italian architect. In 1929, Joze Plecnik, trying to eliminate congestion in traffic, planned, and built, ending in 1932, two side narrow bridges for pedestrians. Leaving Preseren Trg and crossing the Triple Bridge you will enter Ljubljana's Old Town and Mestni Trg. Itinerary

• Arrival to Ljubljana (TBC)
• Upon arrival meeting with your driver and a private transfer to your centrally situated hotel in Ljubljana
• Meeting with your guide for a walking city tour of Old Town Ljubljana
• Soak in the atmosphere, sample foods from street cafes, and make your way from one square to another.
• Wrap up your night with dinner and people-watching along the riverbanks, which come alive after dark on warm weekend evenings.
• Time at leisure and an overnight

Service

• Private transfer in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle (one way)
• English speaking guide for a private walking city tour of Ljubljana
• Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Ljubljana, double room, BB basis
• OPTIONAL: Take a river cruise under the many bridges, shop in the market, and go bar hopping in Metelkova street

A trip around the Postojna Cave can be an all-day adventure, brimming with surprising discoveries. Decide which of the numerous adventures inside the Postojna Cave and the surrounding area you would like to take part in. Postojna Cave is the best-known cave in the world. It is also the greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia and one of the world's largest karst monuments. For 140 years, the Postojna Cave, as the only cave in the world, offers a unique and adventurous ride with a special train, which will take you into the cave, under spectacular underground arches, which are embellished with chandelier look-alike stalactites, through a beautiful subterranean world full of playful limestone sculptures. In 1819 Archduke Ferdinand I visited the cave and became the first official visitor. This gave rise to tourism in Postojna and this date is considered the official start of modern cave tourism although signatures dated from the 13th century can be found in the cave. Between May and October, cave tours are held every hour, and in the offseason three to four times daily. Tours take about an hour and a half, which gives you a perfect opportunity to see other sights within the Postojna Cave Park during the rest of the day. All tours of Postojna Cave are accompanied by cave guides, who make sure the cave’s splendors are presented in great detail. Also available: audio guides in a number of different languages. The Postojna Cave train has been taking visitors around the cave for 140 years. Its 3.7-kilometer-long journey begins at the train-boarding platform of the unique cave railway, where – especially in the summer – a lot of hustle and bustle is present, the kind that is otherwise typical of the world's largest railway stations. In 1818, just over 300 meters were accessible, whereas today visitors get to enjoy more than 5 kilometers of show cave passages during regular cave tours lasting an hour and a half. For many years, visitors were able to explore the cave only on foot. In the spring of 1857, when the cave was visited by the imperial couple, three velvet sedan chairs were made for Empress Elisabeth and her ladies-in-waiting. In 1872, the tracks were laid all the way to the Great mountain (at the time known as the Calvary), giving visitors the option of a ride in two-seater carriages, which were pushed by the cave guides. Although the idea of introducing machines instead of man-power was present even prior to World War 1, it was not realized until 1924, while the year before the entire railway system inside the cave was overhauled. The Lipica Stud Farm is one of the most beautiful cultural-historical monuments in Slovenia, not far away from Koper. A tradition of over 430 years can be found in the rich offer of various unforgettable experiences. Enjoy a guided walk beneath the crowns of mighty trees, enter the world of Lipica through the Museum of the Lipizzaner or take some rest in elegant style. One of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean, Piran has preserved its unsurpassed charm. In Piran, you will feel as though you have stepped right into a picture postcard. You will be charmed by the narrow streets within the old town wall. In the main square, you will be greeted by the statue of the most famous man in Piran, the well-known Giuseppe Tartini, composer and virtuoso violinist who was born in a house just steps from the square. On the pier, you can catch sight of fishermen unraveling a fishing net. A market woman from Piran will have just delivered vegetables, fresh from her garden, to the market. Itinerary 

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• On your way to the coast, you’ll be passing right through Karst area
• There are three main attractions in this area (listed in the order you’ll pass them from Ljubljana): Predjama Castle, Postojna Caves, and Lipica Stud Farm.
• Focus on a photo stop at Predjama Castle and Postojna cave prior to an organized visit.
• Onward drive to Lipica with a stop for a visit to the stables.
• We continue towards the coast and stop in Piran, a quaint Mediterranean town for a visit. The town of Piran is fairly small but is worth a few hours to visit. Walk through town, making sure not to miss Tartini Square, the piers, and the view from the bell tower.
• A drive further down the coastline of Slovenia and stay in Portorož, time at leisure and an overnight

Service

• Private transfer from Ljubljana to Portorož/Piran with an en-route stop in Postojna & Lipica in a modern, air-conditioned car (English speaking driver with entrance fees)
• English speaking guide for a walking tour in Piran
• Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Portorož, double room, BB basis

 

The oldest Slovenian seaside resort of Portorož has been well known from ancient times for its mild winter temperatures and gorgeous summer days. The destination exudes a resort feel, with all major hotels within walking distance of the beach, and is the destination for those looking for sun and relaxation. The Slovenian Coast stretches also into the hinterland, where small villages decorate each hilltop and produce some of the region’s best olive oil and wine, bringing to life the areas culinary heritage and adding a new dimension to any visit of Piran and Portorož. The beneficial climate and healing substances from the nearby, 700-year-old Sečovlje Salina have enabled the town to develop a long tradition of spa tourism and a very comprehensive wellness offer. Not many people come to Portorož with the intention of going to bed early, and the city obligingly offers plenty of places to drink, dance or just chill out till the early morning hours. There are a number of great beach clubs with live music, trendy lounges, waterfront cafés and even a couple of grungy pubs if you're in the mood to experience some less refined local flavor. In Portorož, we have been throwing the dice of luck for more than a century. You can test your luck in one of the three casinos. Slovenia has a coastline, specifically a 47-km long one, wedged between the better-known ones of Italy and Croatia. Slovenia has only 29 miles of coastline, so a single day on the Adriatic isn’t unheard of.   The Sečovlje salt flats are the northernmost salt flats in the Mediterranean. The salt is produced in the traditional way based on a 700-year-old method that harmonizes man and nature. Over the centuries, a unique habitat has formed for halophytic plants and animals and migrating birds. The cultural heritage, which reflects centuries of work by salt makers, is extremely rich. The park offers you: an opportunity to witness the salt production that runs year-round. Most interesting from June to September when the crystallized salt is collected from the saltpans. Lera Salt Shop in a restored salt flat building where on the ground floor it houses a shop selling salt, salt-related items, and other local products; a visit to buildings with theatre showing films about the salt flats, a multimedia room, and a viewing platform. Itinerary

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Meet your driver and head to the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park to see how salt has been harvested here for centuries. Along with the museum, you’ll find a guided tour.
• Return to Portorož and spend the remainder of your day sunbathing, swimming from pebbly beaches, and indulging in the local gelato or head back to your resort for fun in the sun if that’s more your speed.

Service

• Private half-day excursion from Portorož to Sečovlje Salina Nature Park in a modern, air-conditioned car (English speaking driver and entrance fees included)
• Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Portorož, double room, BB basis
• OPTIONAL: Spend an afternoon at Thalasso Spa at the Piran Saltpans (Salt-pan mud wraps, Sea salt scrubs, manual body massages, Kneipp walking pools, bath in brine – mother water) Please keep in mind: Spa Closed: October-May

The Vipava Valley is a lush green expanse, with rich soils and moderate rainfall, that straddles the Vipava River on its way to the Adriatic. Located in the Slovenian Littoral, the Vipava Valley runs between the towns of Nova Gorica and Vipava. The valley offers magnificent scenery from hills and mountains, to ruined castles, beautifully preserved gothic churches and charming villages with tiled roofs weighed down with stones to prevent them from being blown off by the strong north-easterly “burja” wind that reaches speeds as high as 200km/h. The unique climate of the valley has encouraged vibrant viticulture, with over 3,000 acres of the valley covered with grapevines. Romans started winemaking in the area over 2,000 years ago. In fact, wine-making is regarded as a way of life here. Vipava is also called the Slovene Venice, developed beside numerous springs of the Vipava River, which is internationally renowned for their extraordinary location, their water, and speleological characteristics. This wonderful natural heritage is enriched by cultural attractions, especially the castles. This pleasant region is home to excellent wine – autochthonous varieties that form an excellent accompaniment to the tasty local cuisine. You can sample them in wine cellars, at osmice (temporary wine shops), on farms and at characteristic local cultural events. Nova Gorica, a small town at the border with Italy, has been the heart of the sunny Goriška region for almost six decades. It has grown after World War II as a substitute town for Gorizia, which remained on the other side of the border. It is a town with a mild climate, green and blooming all year round, young, lively and friendly to the local people and visitors from all over the world. As a unique example in Europe, the two towns are located at the border with no border crossings and living in a great co-existence. Nova Gorica is surrounded by many other sights of interest (Kostanjevica Monastery, Sveta Gora, Kromberk Castle, the Solkan Railway Bridge). The Posočje Region (Soča Valley), which unveils breathtaking natural wonders at every step of the way, also stores shocking memories of the most atrocious battles of World War I. The most important heritage and memorials of the Battles of the Isonzo are now connected through the Walk of Peace and can also be seen at the Kobarid Museum, winner of several national and international awards. which has received numerous awards for excellence. Slightly further to the south of the river Soča lie Tolmin and Most na Soči. In the latter of these two towns archaeologists have discovered Iron Age graves, making it one of the more important prehistoric sites in Europe. Itinerary

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• Meeting with your guide for a private transfer from Portorož to Bled with en-route stops in Vipava Valley, Nova Gorica, and Kobarid
• In Vipava, you will meet a local guide for a private tour of sights, the oldest one is Stari grad (Old Castle), which stands on top of a steep hill above the square and dates back to the 12th century.
• A drive to Vipava Valley will follow so kick back and enjoy the hospitality and scenery in the Vipava Valley, you will visit 2 tourist farms, wine cellars or osmice (tasting rooms) and enjoy tasting home-made and locally produced food and drinks.
• Onward drive to Nova Gorica for a tour of the city, Corinini Cronberg Palace with its English style garden or the medieval Gorizia castle which dominates the town. After stopping at the monastery where the last French Bourbon kings are buried we proceed towards Solkan to admire the Soča valley with its railroad bridge, originally built in the time of the Secession, between the 1900 and 1905, with an arch span of 85 meters (279 ft.), it is the second-longest stone bridge in the world and the longest stone bridge among railroad bridges. The bridge was very important during the WWI.
• We cross the road bridge over the Soča river that opens a stunning view on the stone bridge, towards Goriška Brda (hills) that are frequently compared to Tuscany because of the many vineyards and the countless hills framed north by the beauty of the Julian Alps.
• After a drive, we reach Kobarid, known for the famous Battle of Caporetto, where the Italian retreat was documented by Ernest Hemingway in his novel »A Farewell to Arms«. We visit the Museum in the center of Kobarid where the battle is well documented.
• Finally, we arrive in Bled for an overnight stay

Service

• Private transfer from Portorož to Bled with en-route stops in Vipava Valley, Nova Gorica, and Kobarid in a modern, air-conditioned car
• English speaking guides in Vipava, Nova Gorica and Kobarid with entrance fees
• Wine tasting in 2 wine cellars in Vipava Valley area and a home-made, locally lunch
• Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Bled, double room, BB basis

Bled, the town that exists for thousand years, sheltered by picturesque mountains, with an Alpine lake and the only Slovenian island that reigns in the middle. Lake Bled is truly the jewel of Slovenia with its legendary island in the middle of the lake, castle and hot springs. Its beneficial climate has attracted numerous cosmopolitan visitors for centuries. The most renowned symbol of the island is the Church of the Assumption which demands a climb up the 99 stone-step staircases. As far as the wishing bell is concerned. Don't just watch it. Ring it. Climb up to Bled Castle and enjoy the finest view of the lake with its island. Demonstration of printing on a reconstructed Gutenberg's printing machine and prints of certificates is available. The Bled Castle offers the finest view of the Bled island, the town of Bled and of the wider countryside of the Gorenjska region. Experience the picturesque architecture of the castle and the museum collection, representing the historical development of Bled, its culture, and its population. Get familiar with the traditional manual technological procedures of printing in the castle printing shop, order a small bottle of wine and seal it with sealing wax in the castle cellar, and get acquainted with artistic ironworks at the castle forge. Recover your strength in the castle restaurant and then visit the multi-vision. The town of Radovljica (sometimes shortened to Radol'ca) is filled with charming, historic buildings and blessed with scenic views of the Alps, including Triglav. It was settled by the early Slavs, and by the 14th century had grown into an important market town centered on a large rectangular square, today’s Linhartov trg, and fortified with high stone walls. Much of the original architecture, amazingly, is still standing and looks remarkably unchanged from those early days. It's an easy day-trip from Bled, just 7km away. Stroll the medieval streets together and learn about life almost 500 years ago. Most of the towns have grown in the meantime, but if you know where to look you will find some interesting medieval sights. Itinerary

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Meeting with your guide for a half-day tour of Bled. Take a walking tour of Bled town with a visit to Bled Castle, pletna boat ride and a visit to the Church of the Assumption of Mary that you reach after 99 steps. The wishing bell is another attraction because when you ring the bell, make a wish and it will be granted.
• A short drive away, you will reach Radovljica for a visit to the Beekeeping museum (this apiculture museum takes a closer look at the long tradition of beekeeping in Slovenia). The museum's collection of illustrated beehive panels from the 18th and 19th centuries, a folk art unique to Slovenia, is the largest in the country, and there are some rather astounding beehives in improbable shapes: (life-sized) people, a miniature mansion, even a lion. You can also observe a live beehive in action, filled with a family of indigenous Carniolan bees.
• Bees are still kept in Slovenia for their honey and wax but much more lucrative are such by-products as pollen, propolis, and royal jelly) or Gingerbread Museum (In the cellar of Gostilna Lectar is this small, super-sweet showroom, which demonstrates in living color the particularly Slovenian art of lectarstvo, the making, shaping and decorating of honey dough into hearts, figures and so on. It's cute as a button, with plenty to buy and even have your custom messages made.
• After a hearty meal and a traditional Slovenian lunch at Lectar restaurant, you will be driven back to Bled for an afternoon at leisure.
• Overnight in Bled.

Service

• Private tour of Bled & Radovljica (English speaking driver/guide with entrance fees)
• Traditional Slovenian lunch at Lectar restaurant (drinks included)
• Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Bled, double room, BB basis

 

The most prominent feature of Celje is the old medieval castle, once home to the Counts of Celje. It lies southwest of the town and it is currently being restored. The castle is on the top of the hill that offers a good hike and an excellent view of the area. Another historic site is The Temple of Heracles just above the city park. Another point of interest is The prince's mansion, a residence for counts and later The Princes of Celje during the 14th and 15th centuries. The building has undergone many changes since, most of them during the reign of Austrian Empress Marija Terezija. Another building with a rich history is The Old County, constructed between 1580 and 1603 where the southeastern battlements and outbuildings used to stand. The beautiful archways were added to the northern side of the building at the beginning of the 17th century. The famous Celje Ceiling was discovered during reconstruction in the 1930s, the building became the home of the Celje regional museum after The Second World War. One should also mention St Mary’s shrine, The old Christian Baptistery, and The Celje Hall. Apart from that, there are plenty of museums and galleries in Celje. There are plenty of restaurants in Celje to stop and rest when moving from eastern to central Slovenia. Ptuj is arguably the most attractive historic town and in fact, the oldest continuously settled town in Slovenia. Situated next to the Drava River a jumble of medieval streets, squares and churches rise up to the picturesque castle that sits on top of the hill. It is a wonderful place to spend a day or two soaking up the history. One of the region’s most attractive wine roads is east of Ptuj on the Croatian border running between Ormož and Ljutomer – cycling along the route stopping off at the many wine cellars and pretty villages is a wonderful way to while away a day. The far northeastern corner of Slovenia is called Prekmurje and is geographically and to an extent culturally distinct from the rest of the country and with a strong Hungarian influence and some of the best cuisines in the country. It consists mostly of tranquil flat agricultural land dotted with pretty villages, vineyards, and churches. The best-known attraction centers around the spa at Moravske Toplice, with plenty of modern family-friendly sports facilities and a golf course. Close by is the lovely village of Bogojina, with a beautiful church designed by Slovenia’s most famous architect, Jože Plečnik. To the north of Prekmurje lie the lovely rolling Goričko hills, home to a regional park and the town of Grad, meaning simply “castle”, where, as the name suggests, you can find the largest baroque castle in Slovenia. Itinerary

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• Meeting with your driver for a private transfer from Bled to Ptuj with an en-route stop in Celje
• In Celje, you will enjoy a private tour of the city with a visit to the Old Castle Celje or the exhibitions on display at the Regional Museum and the Museum of Contemporary History.
• Onward drive to Ptuj where after you settle in the hotel, you will enjoy sightseeing of Ptuj
• Ptuj has a castle with a wide museum collection, featuring everything from portraits to carnival masks to musical instruments.  See the castle, stroll through town, sample something at the wine cellar, and soak in the thermal springs at one of the several wellness centers.
• Overnight in Ptuj

Service

• Private transfer from Bled to Ptuj with an en-route stop in Celje in a modern, air-conditioned car
• English speaking guides in Celje and Ptuj with entrance fees
• Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Ptuj, double room, BB basis

 

Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia, is pleasantly small and set in the wonderful, natural surroundings of Pohorje on one side, and wine-growing hills on the other, with the Drava River winding its way through. During midwinter; the city is host to the Golden Fox Women’s Ski Championship, in summer; the Lent riverside is taken over by musicians and street performers, and in autumn; the surrounding vineyards celebrate their harvest. Pedestrianized central streets buzz with cafés and student life as well as the riverside Lent district all host a major summer arts festival. The Old Town, with well-preserved clusters of colored Baroque façades and steep terracotta tile roofs, is definitely worth exploring. The pride of the city is a plant – the oldest vine in the world according to the Guinness World Records, which has been producing grapes for 450 years. The plant, along with a small museum and wine bar, can be found here. There are numerous small parks dotted around the city, giving it an open and spacious feel. The main city park with its ponds, swans, and ducks is a tranquil and beautiful oasis of serenity in Maribor. The city is also a popular winter destination. Ski terrains of Mariborsko Pohorje start on the verge of Maribor. With 80 km of slopes, 36 km of cross-country runs and 20 ski lifts, this is Slovenia’s largest ski area. There are also a number of excellent spa and wellness centers in the region. Itinerary

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• We continue the trip to Maribor, the capital of the Styria region. A walking tour of the city includes Liberty Square, the NOB memorial, Castle Square, the Synagogue, the Jewish Tower, the Old Vine House where the oldest recorded living vine in the world grows (around 400 years old), the Defense Towers, the Plague Column, Town Hall, Cathedral, and a visit to one of the biggest Wine Cellars in central Europe, which lies under the city and has a capacity of more than 5 million liters of wine. After the visit and tasting of their best wines, the rest of the day is at leisure
• Overnight in Maribor

Service

• Private transfer from Ptuj to Maribor in a modern, air-conditioned car
• English speaking guide in Maribor with entrance fees
• Wine tasting in Maribor with snacks
• Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Maribor, double room, BB basis

 

The quiet, industrial town of Sevnica on the banks of the Sava River in central Slovenia was Melania Trump's childhood home before she moved to the capital city of Ljubljana. With a population of 5,000, Sevnica has two wine roads and is one of the main wine-growing regions in Slovenia, and has numerous beautiful castles and churches and other sights of interest. The town’s star attraction is undoubtedly Sevnica Castle, set on top of a small hill above the old town center. It’s worth taking a tour of the castle as it contains much of interest including the Castle Puppet Theatre, Wine Cellar, Baroque Salon, School Museum and several galleries and exhibitions, and the Castle Café, the terraces of which offer fabulous views. Sevnica is the starting point of the Bizeljsko-Sremiška wine road, as well as being on the Gornjedolenjska wine road, hence the whole area is awash with rolling green hills, vineyards and beautiful vistas. Tourist farms and vineyard cottages, called zidanice, are popular options for sampling some of the local wine and food, and also provide accommodation, so you can enjoy more than just a taste! Another specialty in Sevnica is the annual Salamijada (Salami Festival) which has been running for over 50 years and takes place at the popular restaurant Gostilna Vrtošek in the old town. Itinerary

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• Meeting with your driver for a drive to Sevnica with a tour of the city, Sevnica Castle with wine tasting and a traditional lunch at a local restaurant topping it up with a dessert named after new First Lady – Melania Trump
• Onward drive to Otočec, time at leisure and overnight stay.

Service

• Private transfer from Maribor to Otočec with an en-route stop in Sevnica in a modern, air-conditioned car
• English speaking guide in Sevnica with entrance fees and a traditional Slovenian restaurant (drinks included)
• Wine tasting in Sevnica Castle Wine Cellar with snacks
• Accommodation in a 5* hotel in Otočec, double room, BB basis

 

Itinerary

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out
• Private transfer from your hotel to the Airport
• Say goodbye to Slovenia and head home

Service

• Private transfer from your hotel to the airport in a modern, air-conditioned car
• (Bear in mind – Otočec is an approx 1-hour drive away from Ljubljana Airport but also from Zagreb Airport making it possible to arrange departure from either of the airports!)