Scenic Wonders of Slovenia

Day 1 London to Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to Hotel Rikli Balance for our three night stay. Settle into your room before meeting for dinner at the hotel this evening. (D)

Day 2 Bled & Radovljica.

Bled grew famous at the beginning of the 20th century as the most beautiful health spa of the then Austrian empire. After World War II it became one of the most attractive state residences for the former regime and hosted many of the world’s most important people who enjoyed the beauty of the town. After breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the impressive Medieval castle before joining a local ‘Pletna’ boat for a cruise to the lake’s famous islet. Once back ashore, transfer to nearby Radovljica and its beautiful Linhart Square to learn about the traditional Slovenian craft of lectar, a sweet honey-bread that is decorated by hand. Enjoy a local lunch here before returning to Bled for an afternoon and evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 3 Lipica & Stanjel.

This morning we journey south, close to the Italian border. Our destination is the famous Lipica Stud Farm, one of the most important cultural and historical sites in the country. Home to the Lipizzaner horse, the farm has been in operation for over 400 years and is home to over 350 horses. Tour the grounds of the estate, including the museum and the historic barns before enjoying a performance by the Lipica Classical Riding School. A short transfer brings us to the hilltop town of Stanjel, one of the oldest settlements in the Karst Region dating back to the 15th century. After lunch at a local restaurant we visit the beautiful Ferrari Garden which offers wonderful views of the Branica Valley, before enjoying an exclusive classical recital in the historic surroundings of the castle. Return to Bled and meet for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Ljubljana.

Check out of the hotel this morning and drive to the nation’s capital, Ljubljana. The city has a rich heritage – it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age – and is situated by a river on which the mythological Argonauts carried the Golden Fleece. It was occupied by the Romans and was once the capital of Napoleon’s Illyrian provinces and has treasures from many epochs including Renaissance and Baroque, and striking architecture featuring many Art Nouveau façades. We will take a guided walking tour of this fine city’s highlights. After lunch enjoy an exclusive recital at the City Museum of Ljubljana before checking in to our hotel for a two night stay. Meet for dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Castle is perched high on top of Castle Hill and dominates the city skyline. This morning we will ride the funicular to reach the castle for a guided tour and discover its rich history. The rest of the day and evening are free to explore the city independently. (B)

Day 6 Volcji Potok & Logarska Valley.

Check out of the hotel this morning and following a short drive, explore Slovenia’s largest botanical park, the Volcji Potok Arboretum. Founded in 1952 by the University of Ljubljana, the 80 hectare site contains a diverse mix of plant collections and is a wonderful place to explore. After lunch at a local restaurant head northeast to the dramatic Logarska Valley where we will check in to Hotel Plesnik for our two night stay. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Rinka Waterfall & Mozirski Gaj.

This morning we will start with a brief drive up to the head of the valley for a short hike to visit the Rinka Waterfall, a 105 metre high cascade that forms the source of the Savinja River. We will then follow the waters of the river on a scenic drive along the Savinja Valley, taking us through dramatic upper-valley gorges and past idyllic alpine villages. Eventually, the geography changes somewhat, and we journey through a cluster of farming villages located on the lush valley bottom before reaching our destination, the town of Mozirje. Here we explore Mozirski Gaj, the Slovenian Gardener’s Park, situated on the banks of the river and home to a wonderful collection of different installations, including a Japanese garden and herb garden. Explore the beautiful gardens at leisure and maybe visit the collection of historical buildings comprising an ethnographical exposition on site. Following lunch in Mozirje, return to the hotel for a final afternoon in the beautiful Logarska Valley before meeting for a farewell dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Logarska Valley to London.

After breakfast transfer to Ljubljana airport for our return scheduled flight to London. A light lunch will be served en-route to the airport. (B, L)