Slovenia – High Alps & Rolling Vineyards

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Our Journey Begins

Midday flight from London to Venice where we are met by our local Slovenian guide and mini-coach for transfer to the small village of Tomaj in western Slovenia for a 4-night stay.

Day 2 – Škocjan Caves & Piran

This area is noted for its Karst limestone scenery and we visit Škocjan Caves, the largest known underground canyon in the world. We continue to Piran, a picturesque port in the Venetian style. Return to Tomaj for evening meal.

Day 3 – Villages & Vineyards

Drive to Štanjel with its castle and magnolia trees, take lunch in Šmartno and taste homemade prosciutto and cheese with wine in Dobrovo before returning to Tomaj for evening meal.

Day 4 – Postojna Caves & Lipizza Horses

Drive to Postojna to visit Predjama Castle and the famous Postojna Cave complex accessed by its own narrow gauge railway. The caves are also home to the famous cave dweller – the tiny proteus. Drive to Lipica and the biggest Lipizzan stud farm in the world. Return to Tomaj for evening meal and overnight.

Day 5 – Nova Gorica to Bled

The 2-hour train journey from Nova Gorica on the Italian border to Lake Bled, high in the Alps is stunning – without doubt the railway showpiece of Slovenia with its wonderful scenery. On arrival, we transfer to our well appointed small hotel for a 3-night stay. The afternoon is spent visiting the Baroque Church of the Assumption on a tiny island on Lake Bled and reached by traditional boat called pletna.

Day 6 – Bohinj & Vintgar Gorge

Short drive to Lake Bohinj for a cable car ascent to Vogel ski centre. Afternoon drive through Triglav National Park and then visit Vintgar Gorge for a short walk through the gorge on a specially constructed boardwalk. Here we find not only breathtaking views of waterfalls and rapids but also a variety of flora and fauna.

Day 7 – Velika Planina & Kamnik

Velika Planina is a high mountain plateau dotted with shepherd huts depicting an old way of life and reached by gondola cable car. Lunch is served in one of the huts. Afternoon visit to the nearby medieval town of Kamnik and a tour of the local Maister Brewery including beer tasting. Return to Bled for overnight.

Day 8 – Ljubljana

Morning visit to the capital city for a short, guided walk in the central area including the Three Bridges over the river and the funicular to the castle. In the afternoon, drive into eastern Slovenia where alpine scenery gives way to rolling hills and vineyards. 2 nights in the village of Jeruzalem.

Day 9 – Ptuj & Ocean Orchids Tropical Garden

Ptuj is reputed to be Slovenia’s oldest city and we explore its cobbled streets and medieval buildings. In complete contrast, the Ocean Orchids Tropical Garden offers lush tropical flowers and exotic plants. Finally we visit the House of Gibanica to sample Slovenia’s most famous traditional dessert, Gibanica (layers of filo pastry and sweet cheese).

Day 10 – Flight from Graz to London

Transfer to Graz Airport for afternoon flight via Amsterdam to London

Due to the limited number of rooms in guesthouse accommodation, this tour will be limited to 15 persons.