Example Itineraries
If you have not been to Lake Bled, you have not visited Slovenia.
Lake Bled simply has to be on your list of places to visit. You will undoubtedly be enchanted by its natural beauty. The suggested itinerary:
– Škofja Loka or Radovljica – beautiful medieval small towns, both well preserved
– Lake Bled – walk around the lake, go by “pletna” boat to the lake’s island, visit the castle on the cliff. Those who are more sporty and who have suitable trekking footwear can climb to the vantage point and enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake, the entire glacial valley, and the mighty peaks in the background (walk takes 1 hour).
– Visit Bled Vintgar, walk through the Gorge along the spectacular footpath above the emerald river Radovna.
– Lake Bohinj – another beautiful glacial lake surrounded by high mountains reflected in the calm surface of a clear lake.
Along the way there are many more beautiful and interesting locations to which, at the request of guests, we can make a detour.
Of course, it will be necessary to include time for a good lunch in the itinerary and as well as an extra stop to enjoy a coffee with a view in some special place.
A mystical underground world, historical romantic places and Mediterranean sea
The first stop on the way to the sea is Postojna Cave – the queen of caves, as some call it. It was carved by the River Pivka over millions of years. The stalagmites, stalactites and formations called curtains formed by the dropping water are magnificent. The cave is also a home to the endemic proteus anguinus- a human fish. Part of the cave is visited by train and part on foot. The temperature in 10°C all year around, therefore warm clothes are needed.
Only 9 km away is spectacular 800 years old Predjama Castle, an occasional venue for knight’s games.
Who doesn’t know magnificent white horses usually harnessed to royal carriages? The horses come from Lipica stud farm. It is the original Stud farm of one of the oldest cultural horse breeds – The Lipizzaner horse bred. It dates back to the 16th century when the Farm was founded by the Habsburg dynasty and is thus the oldest European stud farm breeding a single breed of horse.
– Hrastovlje – a romantic fortified church, famous for its fresco the Dance of Death.
– Piran – a small medieval town on the peninsula that was part of the Venetian Republic for five centuries has a special charm. The winding cobbled streets and the mighty Church of St. George which dominated the city, delights every visitor. Here you can make a stop for swimming.
Not far from Piran are the Sečovlje salt pans, where salt was extracted by the ancient Romans and is still harvested today.
Of course, it is necessary to include lunch in the travel plan, and since the offer is really diverse, it will not be a problem to find such a restaurant that will satisfy the wishes of all our guests.
In the land of Bourbon roses, cherries and vines
The road from Ljubljana to the west leads us to the green Vipava Valley, named after Vipava river. It is the only river in Europe with a delta shaped source. On the left side of the valley rise the spectacular walls of Mount Nanos hill and down in the valley, orchards, fields and vineyards stretch across the rolling hills. On the hill above the valley, opposite Nanos, is the medieval village of Goče. A very densely built settlement. The houses have thick stone walls, and roofs are covered with cornices. Goče hides its greatest architectural and other treasures underground – numerous old arched wine cellars. Not far away is another beautiful sight – the settlement of Vipavski Križ, first mentioned in the 13th century. The houses of the village and the Capuchin monastery founded in 17th century are grouped around the castle and the whole village has been fortified. Further towards Italy is the Franciscan Monastery Kostajevica, where the crypt of the church contain the graves of the last members of the French royal family of the Bourbons. The Monastery garden houses the largest collection of Bourbon roses, which you can admire in full bloom during May and June.
The Holy Mountain with the basilica of the Mother of God rises above the emerald river Soča. The Mountain has been an important pilgrimage place since 16th century. The Soča River was on the front line during the First World War and was the scene of terrible battles between Italy and Austria. Ernest Hemingway described the event in his novel A Farewell to Arms, which was based on his own experience in the Italian campaigns during the First World War.
The railway bridge in the valley crossing the river Soča is the largest stone arch railway bridge in the world.
On the other side of the river Soča is the “Slovenian Tuscany” – Goriška Brda. Rolling hills with vineyards, old villages on hilltops, orchards, cypresses, olive groves. The romantic, fortified settlement of Šmartno, first mentioned in 1317 lies in the geographical centre of Goriška Brda. Gradnik, the local poet, compares the village to an eagle’s nest resting on a place, where the view stretches from the Mount Nanos in the east to the Carinthia Alps in the northwest and in the south the Adriatic Sea.
Both the Vipava Valley and the Goriška Brda are paradise for gourmets. You can taste wins in the wine cellars and enjoy gourment dishes in the local restaurants. These are also the lands of cherry trees. At the beginning of April the trees are in full bloom, and from mid May to the end of June you can pick the juicy red fruits directly from the tree.
Along the river Krka
The Krka River originates from a karst cave and flows into the Sava River. The Krka Valley is a unique symbol of Dolenjska region with its inseparable intertwining of natural and cultural heritage. It is emphasized by the disappearing heritage of former mills and saw mills, preserved wooden bridge, numerous castles and settlements along the bank.
The Krka River is the only Slovenian river that secretes tufa and creates Tufa thresholds. There are 90 of these pictures silts on the river Krka. In the past, mills and saw mills were build next to tufa thresholds which were maintained by the miller to ensure that water leaked at the same level all the time. Freshly ground flour can be purchased at one of the operating mills. Along the way you can enjoy the views of the vineyards which are on the steep sunny slopes of the hills. The road that follows the course of the river leads to Žužemberk Castle, which is one of the most picturesque castles in Slovenia and dates its history back to the 13th century. Under the castle it is possible to swim in the river. Not far from Žužemberk in a village of Dvor. A huge ironworks and foundry operated here in the 18th century. They made ammunition, bridges, water pipes, tombstones and other useful and decorative items for home use. The road to Novo mesto leads through the Krka gorge where in the village of Soteska (Gorge) you can admire the mighty ruins of the castle, which burned down in the WW II.
The old part of Novo mesto lies on the bend of the river Krka. Its veduta is reflected in the surfaces of a clear, green, slow -flowing river. It is a pleasure to walk through the medieval square and narrow streets and refresh yourself with a cold drink in one of the garden’s many bars.
Castle Otočec is situated on an islet in the middle of the Krka River and is the only water castle in Slovenia. It is a fairy tale setting for a dream like wedding or just for a gourmet lunch. A special place is the Pleterje Charterhouse, the Carthusian Monastery, the only extant monastery of that order in Slovenia. The monks cultivate the land, mostly for fruit and honey, which they sell and from which they produce wine, fruit spirits, mead and bee candles.
Kostanjevica na Krki is one of the smallest and oldest Slovenian towns and the only one whose old town lies on the island. Buildings restored in the authentic style, the bridges and footbridges, piers with moored boats and canoes make this place a paradise for photography lovers.
In the vicinity of Kostanjevica na Krki are the Gorjanci, a range of hills which offer beautiful views. At the foot of Gorjanci there is a wine road, where you can in numerous vineyard cottages try special wines -Cviček or Blaufraenkisch.
Along the old Roman road to the east