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Embark to a destination that boasts incredible fairytale landscapes, surprising and exciting gastronomic experiences and intriguing tradition.
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Day 1 – Arrival into Ljubljana, transfer to your hotel in Lake Bled
Day 1 – 3
Bled, Slovenia
Bled with immense natural beauty, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The beauty of the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air arouse pleasant feelings in visitors throughout the year, guaranteeing an ideal base for a relaxing break or an active holiday. Lake Bled came into existence when the Bohinj glacier moved away after the last Ice Age, deepening the natural hollow, as the ice melted into the basin and filled it with water. The island on lake Bled is not only the most popular island in Slovenia, it is the only island in the country, with church of Assumption of Mary whose bell makes wishes come true.
Grand Hotel Toplice – Bled
The location of Grand Hotel Toplice is just magical. Set in the stunning alpine resort of Bled, the hotel sits on the lake shore overlooking the small island of Otok, with its fairy tale church, and beyond towards Bled Castle with the Julian Alps in the background. With three wonderful restaurants, two bars, an indoor thermal pool, saunas, massages and a private beach, this is surely one of the most romantic spots in Europe.
Each of the rooms and suites at Grand Hotel Toplice has its own unique character. Traditionally styled with beautiful parquet floors, rich furniture and paintings on the walls, the majority of rooms benefit from superb lake views. Sit on the Jezero Bar terrace under the chestnut trees alongside the lake and watch the boats pass across the shimmering water.
Take a dip in the elegant pool surrounded by columns and filled with thermal spring water. Then, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage and then rest on the sunny terrace with a drink and yet more views. In the evening, dine in Juliana, Grand Hotel Toplice’s formal à la carte restaurant with white linen table cloths and attentive service.
Day 2 – Today is a “choose your own day”
Today you can choose to have the day at leisure or join the Tour of Bled- Your tour will include beautiful boat ride with pletna which is traditional wooden boat to the Bled Island. On the island you will visit the St. Mary Church and ring the bell of wishes from the legend of the Sunken Bell. Afterwards visit of Bled Castle which is a symbol of Bled and Slovenia. From the castle terraces you can enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the island, down the Dezela area and over to the mountain ranges of the Karavanke and the Julian Alps. Don’t forget to take your camera! To visit St. Mary Church you will have to climb on the stairs and they are not easy. As a conclusion of this tour you will taste the exquisite sour milk or famous Bled’s cream cake.
Or choose to explore the area on your own
The lake surrounds Bled Island (Blejski otok). The island has several buildings, the main one being the pilgrimage church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary (Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja), built in its current form near the end of the 17th century, and decorated with remains of Gothic frescos from around 1470 in the presbyterium and rich Baroque equipment.
The church has a 52 m (171 ft) tower and there is a Baroque stairway from 1655 with 98 stone steps leading up to the building. The church is frequently visited, and weddings are held there regularly. Traditionally it is considered good luck for the groom to carry his bride up the steps on the day of their wedding before ringing the bell and making a wish inside the church.
The lake is of mixed glacial and tectonic origins. The lake is situated in a picturesque environment, surrounded by mountains and forests. The medieval-era Bled Castle stands above the lake on the north shore. The Zaka Valley lies at the west end of the lake.
Day 3 – Transfer to Ljubljana stop Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar Gorge was classified among the more important tourist sites in Slovenia and the number of visitors increases every year. This ravine in the immediate vicinity of Gorje, approximately 4 km northwest of Bled, was discovered by Jakob Zumer, the Major of Gorje, and the cartographer and photographer Benedikt Lergetporer in 1891.
The 1.6 km long Vintgar gorge carves its way through the vertical rocks of the Hom and Bort hills and is graced by the Radovna with its waterfalls, pools and rapids. The Bled’s Vintgar leaves an impression on every visitor. Its steep depths, vertical walls, rapid river beneath, vegetation and the largest waterfall in Slovenia are all intended to impress.
Due to the particular climate and micro relief conditions the Vintgar gorge represents a home for numerous plant species, which differ from the vegetation characteristic for the surrounding area. After sightseeing you will continue to Ljubljana.
Day 4 – Day at Leisure/Option to enjoy a tour of your choosing
Today is another day to “design your own day” with the option of one of three tours: Tour of Ljubljana with a visit to the National Museum and Ljubljana Castle or full day to Maribor including Ptuj and Wine
You are also welcome to enjoy the day at leisure and explore on your own
With an easy walk to Preseren Square go on a relaxed walking journey on your own around downtown.
If you are feeling brave climb the tower in the castle and admire the Ljubljana basin surrounded by Alpine peaks. Preseren Square is the heart of Ljubljana. It is part of the old town’s pedestrian zone and a major meeting point, where festivals, concerts and other events take place. Right in front of the town’s medieval entrance, the square has a funnel shaped hub of streets that run into different directions.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Day 5 – Optional morning tour followed by transfer to Portoroz with stop in Postojna for sightseeing tour
This morning you may enjoy at leisure or opt to participate enjoy the Tour of Ljubljana with a visit to the National Museum and Ljubljana Castle
Private car and driver transfer from Ljubljana to Portoroz with stop in Postojna caves for sightseeing tour with internal guide. Discover underground world of Postojna Cave, most popular karst cave in the world. A complex of 12 miles of tunnels filled with stalactites, galleries and halls, into which experienced guides have led more than 31 million visitors during the last 185 years.
The tour will consist of a ride by electrical train, followed by a walk-through beautiful passages and chambers with spectacular drop stones, pillars, limestone curtains and other unforgettable forms. Postojna Cave and its exciting interior will take you on a fantastic journey beneath the surface of the Earth.
Portoroz, Slovenia
Day 6 – Design your own day in Portoroz
Today you are welcome to enjoy one of one of two tours arranged for the group: a tour to Lipica Stud farm to find out everything you wanted to know about Lipica and the Lipizzan horse OR a coastal sightseeing tour from Portoroz to explore Piran, Izola and Koper
You may also choose to just enjoy the day at your own leisure. We suggest you stroll through the small and tame cities of Slovenia. One of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean, Piran has preserved its unsurpassed charm. Enter the picturesque Piran, get to know its rich history and culture, and listen to the stories of local people. The proximity to the sea and the rich history, which is mirrored in the architecture, draw magical scenes.
In Piran, you will feel as though you have stepped right into a picture postcard and you will be charmed by the narrow streets within the old town wall. And just few kilometers away you can enjoy in the Portoroz – charming, influenced by the Northern Mediterranean, loving, combining inspiring modernity and fascinating history. Between Portoroz and Piran, there are two architectural jewels. These are the historic salt warehouses of Magazen, Grando and Monfort, listed as both cultural and historical heritage. Only a few years ago, ships carrying salt were docked at the nearby pier.
Day 7 – Truffle hunting in Istria
Prepare yourself to get the real feel of Istria’s countryside on this full day truffle experience. Now you can see for yourself that the search for truffles is a demanding work but at the same time it can be fun. Especially when a workday is finished with pockets filled with truffles. After the tour you will enjoy in wine paired lunch in famous Zigante restaurant.
This tour will start with a transfer to village Livade where you will take a tourist train ride to Motovun forest. You will be accompanied by a licensed local guide, truffle hunter and his truffle hunting dogs. Guided truffle searches in the Motovun forest, only one kilometre away from Michelin recommend restaurant Zigante, are led by experienced truffle hunters with specially trained tracking dogs.
During 1-hour visitors are instructed about the basics of truffle hunting and the procedure of searching for truffles, and the truffle hunters sometimes reveal some of the secret locations abundant with truffles. While traveling along the “truffle path” into the forest, our guide will provide you with colorful descriptions of the long tradition of truffle hunting in Istria.
Truffle Hunting in Istria
Day 8 – Departure or extend your time for a post stay in Venice!
Transfer from Ljubljana for departure flight home.
We will also have the option for guest to transfer to Venice as it is only 3hours to Venice airport from Portoroz