Surely Europe’s best kept secret, Slovenia offers a wonderfully diverse geography boasting towering Alpine peaks, sparkling emerald-green lakes, beautiful countryside, peaceful villages and even its own stretch of the Venetian style coastline. Since the 10 day war of independence in 1991, this tiny country has undergone an evolution in its tourist infrastructure with Lake Bled being the jewel in its crown. This beautiful cobalt-blue lake with its tiny castle-topped island in the middle is undoubtedly a highlight and yet there is so much more on offer and over the course of the week we will discover Slovenia’s many hidden treasures.
From Lake Bled in the northwest to Lipica close to the Italian border, this in-depth journey offers the perfect balance of beautiful National Parks and scenic landscapes combined with visits to glorious gardens such as the beautiful Ferrari Garden in Stanjel and Mozirski Gaj flower park in Mozirje. There are many natural wonders to be discovered along the way including Rinka Waterfall and Bohinj Lake as well as a wealth of cultural attractions. We will tour the Lipica stud farm and watch the elegant horses perform, stroll through the charming streets of Ljubljana with its Art Nouveau splendours and excellent museums and enjoy two exclusive music recitals, one held in the capital and another in the historic castle grounds of Villa Ferrari.
During the course of our eight day escorted tour, we will stay in two delightful properties, one with magnificent views over Lake Bled and the other idyllically set in the Logar Valley, one of the most beautiful Alpine glacial valleys in Europe. The itinerary will be well-paced so that, when not enjoying the guided tours or exploring independently, there will be time to relax and appreciate the tranquillity of these wonderful settings, partaking in a gentler style of tourism that suits Slovenia so well.
Slovenia Accommodation
For our escorted tour of Slovenia we have selected some of the finest accommodation available and will be staying at the following properties:
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to Hotel Rikli Balance for our four night stay. Settle into your room before meeting for dinner at a local restaurant 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 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 Bohinj Lake & Vogel.
A day of appreciating the natural beauty of the area awaits. Located in the Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj is the less well-known of the two major alpine lakes of Slovenia, and whilst it is less-developed than its near-neighbour in Bled, therein lies its charm. Surrounded by stunning forest-clad peaks, a specialist guide will give us an insight into the huge variety of local flora before we take the Vogel cable car up to the Bohinj ski resort, a major attraction in the wintertime but an area of relative peace and tranquillity in early or late summer. At 1800 metres above sea level it affords stunning views of the Alps and the lake and is the perfect place to relax and take some time to admire the surroundings. Return to Bled following lunch and spend the rest of the day exploring independently. (B, L)
Day 5 Volcji Potok & Ljubljana.
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. Continue on 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. After lunch at a local restaurant we will take a guided walking tour of this fine city’s highlights and take a short cruise on the Ljubljanica River. Enjoy an exclusive recital in the atrium of the Academy of Science and Art before leaving the city and driving northeast to the dramatic Logarska Valley. Check in to Hotel Plesnik for our three night stay. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Logarska Valley & Rinka Waterfall.
This morning we take a short drive up to the head of the valley followed by a short hike to visit the Rinka Waterfall, a 105 metre high cascade that forms the source of the Savinja River. Take some time here to soak up the surroundings, or perhaps visit the spectacularly located café for refreshments. Lunch will be provided at the hotel today, and the afternoon remains at leisure for relaxation in the stunning natural beauty of the Logarska Valley. Meet for dinner at the hotel this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Mozirski Gaj.
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel enjoy a scenic drive along the Savinja Valley. From its source at the Rinka Waterfall, the waters of the Savinja River eventually reach the sea in the Danube Delta over a thousand miles away, and our journey this morning takes 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)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy13 to 20 September 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Double Room | £3745 | |
Double Room for sole occupancy | £4445 |
Tour Reference Code: SLOVENIA
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • Meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) • Wine or beer with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Excursions with local guide/s • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Group Size: We are restricting the group size to just 25 participants.
Slovenia Accommodation
For our escorted tour of Slovenia we have selected some of the finest accommodation available and will be staying at the following properties:
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