Magical Slovenia
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Destination: Croatia • Duration: 13 days / 12 nights • Dates: May 4-12, 2024 • Destination: Slovenia • Duration: 9 days / 8 nights • Dates: May 4-12, 2024 • Destination: Slovenia • Duration: 9 days / 8 nights • Dates: May 4-12, 2024
Destination: Slovenia
Dates: May 4 - 12, 2024
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Arrive Ljubljana airport, and transfer to your hotel in Bled. With its picturesque setting of the lake and the church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke as a backdrop, Bled is Slovenia’s most popular destination. Get settled into your room and relax or perhaps walk to the lake, sit on a dock, dip your feet in the water and watch elegant lake residents, swans. Early in the evening, meet your host Ursa for a welcome drink, followed by a welcome dinner.
Hotel: Bled Rose Hotel 4*
Arrive Slovenia And Transfer To Bled
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024
DAY 1
Full day to discover Bled. First, ride ‘pletna boat’ out to the Bled Island; climb up the Church of the Assumption of Mary, ring the bell and make a wish. Admire the wonderful vistas of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day you can see Slovenia’s highest mountain, Mount Triglav. Following, partake in a potica-making workshop at a café, dedicated to the beloved Slovenian national dessert. Back ashore, hike up to Bled Castle for intoxicating vistas. Return to your hotel with a balance of the day at leisure.
Hotel: Bled Rose Hotel 4*
Bled
DAY 2
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2024
DAY 4
Drive to Kranjska Gora, a popular recreational and tourist center. Stop at the peaceful Lake Jasna to enjoy majestic views of the Julian Alps. Following, the trip takes us over Vrsic, Slovenia’s highest mountain pass, to the Soca River Valley. The Soca is one of the most beautiful and cleanest Slovenian rivers. It is well-known for its distinctive greenish color, which earned the nickname ‘The Emerald River’. Visit Velika Korita Soce, a picturesque gorge with towering cliffs and turquoise river. Take a leisurely walk along the well-maintained paths, cross wooden bridges, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this natural wonder. Next stop is Bovec, where we visit a cheese producer and taste local cheese. In the afternoon visit the Kobarid Museum and learn the history and significance of the Soca Valley during World World I. The museum provides in-depth information about the battles fought in the area, that Hemingway wrote about in ‘A Farewell to Arms’. End the day in Goriska Brda, a picturesque wine-growing region. Dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Domacija Belica 3*
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2024
Kranjska Gora - Soca Valley, Goriska Brda
DAY 5
A full day to explore and enjoy the peaceful countryside of Goriska Brda with its charming villages. Discover the rich history and culture of the region as we embark on the scenic wine road. Along the road, visit Dobrovo Castle, fortified medieval village of Smartno and the village of Medana, known for its stunning views and wine production. We will visit a local winery and indulge in wine tasting, sampling excellent Slovenian wines. Take some time to stroll through the vineyards to appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
Hotel: Domacija Belica 3*
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024
Goriska Brda
DAY 6
We start the day driving through the Karst area, with a stop in the medieval village of Stanjel, a showpiece of Karst architecture and culture. Learn about Maks Fabiani and his creations, as you visit Villa Ferrari and take a moment for yourself to enjoy the Ferrari Garden. Continue to taste Karst prosciutto, before we journey to Lipica farm for a visit. Dating back to 1580, it is the birthplace of Lipizzaner’s. We sit down at lunch to taste ingredients from the Birchinia region. With the wine from the Karst nearby, the marriage is complete! Drive to our hotel on the Slovenian coast, with evening at leisure.
Hotels: Boutique hotel Portorose 4*
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024
Stanjel - Lipica - Slovenian Coast
DAY 8
We leave the Adriatic coast behind and head inland to the Postojna Cave, the only karst cave with a railway, and the place where the proteus or olm offspring are once again hatching. Don’t forget to bring your jacket, as the year-round temperature inside the cave is 8 degrees Celsius/ 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Just a short drive away is Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world. For over 800 years it has been guarding a rock face, 123 meters high. Proceed to the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Afternoon walking tour of Ljubljana features its open-air market, the Triple bridge, the Robba fountain, the Baroque Venetian inspired City Hall and the Parliament. Tonight, bid farewell to your new friends at the traditional Slovenian evening with dinner, homemade schnapps, live music & dances and wine.
Hotel: Wander Urbani Resort 4*
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024
Postojna - Ljubljana
DAY 9
After breakfast, transfer to Ljubljana airport for your home bound flight.
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024
Depart Slovenia
DAY 3
Today, visit a nearby village to learn more about the importance of beekeeping and taste different types of honey, honey liqueur and homemade gingerbread. Try your hand skills in a workshop that will show us how to make a candle from a wax honeycomb base. Late in the afternoon, we drive to the nearby picturesque medieval town of Radovljica. Take a stroll thru the Old Town and admire traditional Slovenian houses, town walls and Gothic buildings. Dinner tonight is at a renowned local restaurant.
Hotel: Bled Rose Hotel 4*
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024
Bled - Radovljica - Bled
DAY 7
In the magical ambiance of the Fonda Fish Garden, right by the sea and a stone's throw from the Sečovlje Salt Pans, you will learn everything you need to know to become an expert in cooking fish and seafood. We will prepare various fish and seafood dishes together in a four-hour workshop under the pine trees right by the sea. In the afternoon, visit the Salt Pans. Balance of the day is free to relax or stroll along the beach.
Hotel: Boutique hotel Portorose 4*
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
On The Slovenian Coast
Request To Book
What's Included
Accommodation at listed hotels with breakfast daily, based on double occupancy rooms, with the option for single use at a supplement
Customized arrival and departure airport transfers, according to your individual arrival and departure flight timing
All transfers as per program with comfortable air-conditioned small coach
Tour hosted by Ursa Klikovac
Welcome drink at the hotel
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Bled, including drinks
Guided tour of Bled, including ‘pletna’ boat ride to the island and visit of Bled Castle for great panoramic views over the lake
Local winery visit with the wine tasting
Karst prosciutto tasting
Lunch at the local restaurant in Birchinia region, including 1 glass of wine/ beer/ soft drink, water
4-hour cooking workshop at Fonda Fish Garden with seafood lunch (drinks included)
Entrance fee to Secovlje Salt Pans, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
Afternoon guided tour of the capital, Ljubljana
Traditional Slovenian evening with live music, dinner, and drinks
Potica making workshop with tasting of this traditional Slovenian dessert
Visit local beekeeper and learn about the beekeeping tradition and importance in Slovenian lives, honey tasting and a short workshop
Dinner at the renowned local restaurant in historic Radovljica, including 1 glass of wine/ beer or soft drink
Entrance fee to Velika Korita Soce and the Kobarid Museum
Cheese tasting at a local producer
Dinner at a local restaurant in Goriska Brda, including drinks
Entrance fee to Dobrovo Castle, Villa Ferrari and Lipica Stud Farm
Visas, passport, and/or departure taxes
Airfare
Any items not listed above
Expenses of personal nature, including tips to guides and drivers, telephone calls, table drinks, internet, laundry, etc.
Travel insurance – highly recommended! Check out World Nomads.
Not Included
Pricing
Price Per Person In
Double Occupancy Rooms
$950
Single Supplement
$5400
- The Coscia-Mancuso Family, White Plains, NY
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Vagabonda's European small group tours are led by our professional hosts. We're dedicated to making sure that every moment of your trip counts. We believe in taking it slow and connecting with locals as we uncover amazing experiences in unforgettable destinations. Travel should be more than just a vacation - it should be an experience that touches your heart and deepens your relationship with the world.
