Itinerary Details
1 Arrive Ljubljana, Slovenia
As one of the earliest cities in Europe to make its city center car-free, Ljubljana has long been a leader in urban sustainability. Weave through a charming maze of cobblestone streets rich in Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture, leading to the Ljubljanica River, whose banks are lined with cute cafes and artisan markets. Eclectic museums and vibrant street art, plus a growing handful of East-meets-West fusion cuisine at independent eateries, are all set against a backdrop of innovative eco-friendly design.
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2 Ljubljana | Picture-Book CapitalExplore Ljubljana’s car-free city center by bicycle, with a local private guide who leads you along elegant streets and over picturesque bridges, past Baroque churches and palaces to visit sites including Ljubljana Castle and Tivoli Gardens. Discover another perspective on the historic capital from its main waterway, relaxing on a scenic river cruise.
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3 Bled | Into the AlpsSet against a backdrop of the glorious Julian Alps, Bled is a captivating little Slovenian town on the edge of glacial Lake Bled. En route to Bled, a local beekeeper in the Alpine foothills lifts the lid on apiculture and its significance in Slovenian culture. A tasting of diverse, locally crafted honeys reveals why the town is known as “Sweet Radovljica.”
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4 Bled | Mountain HikeThe area’s natural beauty is best seen on a hike into the mountains, offering sweeping views of spruce forests, snow-covered alpine pasture and farmland. For a different perspective, glide across Lake Bled in a traditional, locally crafted pletna boat to visit the little island that’s home to the 17th-century baroque Church of Mary the Queen.
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5 Slovenian Coast | Rafting or Ziplining the Soca ValleySlovenia’s Adriatic coast is small by European standards, but its palm-fringed oceanfront, fresh catch of the day and sail-stirring winds ensure it’s not one to be skipped. In the nearby Soca Valley, choose an exhilarating rafting adventure on the emerald Soca River with expert guidance or soar above its gorges on a zipline, taking in sweeping views of lush forests, cascading waterfalls and rugged cliffs.
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6 Slovenian Coast | Cycling the Salt PansCycle the salt pans of Secovlje in the Slovenia’s far southwestern corner. Then explore Piran’s pedestrian-only Old Town lined with Venetian and medieval architecture. Finally, meet with a local truffle hunter to seek out these prized local delicacies.
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7 Slovenian Coast | Skocjan Caves and Lipica Stud FarmIn Slovenia’s Karst region, explore the limestone stalactites of the UNESCO-listed Skocjan Caves. Then, meet the “dancing horses” at Lipica Stud Farm, where graceful Lipizzaners — white horses celebrated for their stunning appearance and extraordinary equestrian skills — have been bred for centuries.
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