Travel Detail

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel to go on an enjoyable private walking tour of Ljubljana, a city which is easily one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Looking back on a vibrant history that traces 3,000 years of Roman, Medieval, Baroque and Italian influences, it's a friendly and cosmopolitan place today, offering a broad range of delightful diversions. Your tour takes in most of the major attractions and during the next three hours you'll see the Republic, Congress and Preseren squares, before savouring a stroll alongside the shimmering Ljubljana River, dotted with outdoor cafes and eateries. A unique architectural gem is the Triple Bridge, the central part of three separate bridges, which is close to the bustling Ljubljana Central Market colonnade. Wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town reveals another bright cafe society and more atmospheric bars and restaurants. Ask the guide to tell you the story about the city's most recognizable resident, and sentinel of the iconic Emperor Franz Josef Jubilee Bridge: the Ljubljana Dragon. From the Old Town you connect to Ljubljana Castle riding on a modern and unobtrusively designed funicular. Built in the 15th century, this is the city's most impressive castle and while the views from the cable car are fabulous, wait until you reach the top and stand on the castle's ramparts. At the top of the viewing tower, they are even more beautiful.

According to Lonely Planet, "many visitors to Slovenia say they've never seen a more beautiful lake than Bled... that is, until they've seen the blue-green waters of Lake Bohinj." You'll be the judge as you are going to see both on this private full day tour, starting with Bled Castle, perched high on a steep cliff on the mountain slopes, and presenting a breathtaking view over the lake. The famous view from the castle focuses on Bled Island with its Gothic church, and a traditional 'Pletna' boat will take you there for a short island exploration. Ask your guide to tell you the story of the 'Wishing Bell' when you climb up the 99 stairs to the top of the bell tower. Back on the mainland, you're off to the heart of Triglav National Park and Lake Bohinj, a magical and incredibly tranquil spot. Agatha Christie used to come here but, apparently, not to write. Allegedly, she said that the valley was "too beautiful a place for murder." The trail that follows the entire perimeter of the lake with its many small beaches is a pure delight and canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding are popular pastimes for locals and visitors alike. The iconic St. John the Baptist church and the statue of the fabled Zlatorog or Golden Horn are two attractions surrounded by legends and a little farther away you can visit Slap Savica, a very beautiful waterfall and the water source for Lake Bohinj. Following lunch (not included), another quick drive takes you to Mount Vogel at the base of the Julian Alps, and an opportunity (optional) to experience a superb lake view from up high. It's a short but exhilarating 4-minute ride upwards and after a very steep ascent up to about 5,000 feet above sea level, the views of Lake Bohinj framed by the surrounding mountains of the Slovenian Alps, are totally stunning. There are no seasonal breaks at the very top, and snow shrouds might slowly float into the horizon while people enjoy a swim in Lake Bohinj below. Take your time to appreciate the scenery from the upper station, especially from the viewing platform. On your way back to the hotel, you'll have plenty of time to decide which lake is your favourite. This is a very enjoyable excursion that will appeal to travellers of all ages and families, but especially lovers of the outdoors.

Enjoy a day travelling on a privately guided excursion admiring wonderful scenery and tasting excellent wines. Your first stop is at the vineyards of the Lisjak family, in the heart of the Karst area, and growers of fine red Refosco grapes from which Teran, a superlative wine, is produced. You are going to try some of that together with a taste of delicious prosciutto. From here you continue to the Brda region, one of Slovenia's best wine regions with a fairy tale landscape of rolling hills and delightfully quaint villages. The entire area is a foodies paradise, with Mediterranean flavours being prevalent through the use of great olive oils, excellent fresh herbs and, of course, outstanding wines. At some stage you have an opportunity to climb the unusual panoramic tower in Gonjace offering, on a fine day, amazing views over the countryside as far as the bay of Trieste. Next to the tower is a memorial dedicated to those who died during WWII on the banks of the Soca River. On to the magnificent village of Smartno, an architectural jewel as well as a cultural monument. It's uniquely beautiful as a whole but you should also pay attention to its many exquisite details. Enjoy a liquor tasting followed by lunch in one of Slovenia's most fabulous villas. There's one last wine tasting at the vineyard of Marjan Simcic, a family estate that has been growing grapes for five generations. Before your return to Ljubljana you will have a chance to stop along the stunning Soca River. This tour will, especially, appeal to foodies of all ages.

Ljubljana - City Centre to Ljubljana Airport