Description
Golfing in Slovenia
with sightseeing in Slovenia and Italy
INTRODUCTION TO SLOVENIA
Slovenia is a small, green, clean and safe country sitting comfortably between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. It charmes its visitors with many natural treasures and vibrant towns full of history, as well as good wine and local culinary specialties. Due to its compact size, you can chill in the Alpine area in the morning and enjoy dinner overlooking the sunset above the Adriatic Sea. We offer you a program combining scenic rounds of golf with sightseeing of Slovenia’s and Italy’s highlights.
Highlights: Ljubljana, Smlednik, Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Piran, Lipica Stud Farm, Karst plateau, *optional: Arboretum Volčji potok, Velika Planina, Vintgar Gorge, Trieste, Palmanova
Send us your request:
- Duration: 5 nights / 6 days
- Tour package includes:
- Pick-up and drop-off at Jože Pučnik Airport Ljubljana,
- Private transportation per program (car or van),
- Professional English-speaking guide on days 2 & 4,
- Entrance fees to: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Lipica Stud Farm,
- Green fee and golfing equipment (balls, clubs, trolley) for 9 holes in Lipica and Bled,
- 5 breakfasts,
- 5 overnight stays on twin/double sharing basis in a 4* hotel in Ljubljana,
- All applicable tolls, fees and taxes.
TOUR DETAILS
Day 1: Arrival & Ljubljana
Our driver will welcome you at Jože Pučnik Airport Ljubljana and take you to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, our tour guide will take you on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Ljubljana to show you its main attractions, from Prešeren Square and Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) to Town Square with its baroque fountain and Town Hall. We will climb the Ljubljana Castle Hill and admire its panoramic view of this lovely city (optional: castle funicular). You will take a look around the castle area and have one hour free for visiting the castle (optional), exploring the souvenir shop or enjoying a coffee break.
Evening is free to explore Ljubljana and enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants downtown - possibility to book the traditional Slovenian folklore evening with dinner if the event is scheduled for that day (*optional). O/N in Ljubljana.
Day 2: Golf in Smlednik
After breakfast, we will go for a round of golf near Ljubljana.
The CUBO Golf Course Ljubljana (Smlednik) is well known for its modern design and flat terrain without trees or other natural obstacles, which allows an extremely dynamic play.
- Number of holes: 18
- Course length: 5872 m
- Par: 72
For those who do not play golf, we can organize a fun day nonetheless.
Option 1: Arboretum Volčji potok
This is the most visited botanic garden in Slovenia boasting tulips and other flowers, rhododendrons, roses, water lilies, and a rich assortment of trees and shrubs, alongside the natural forest and wet meadows for nature lovers. The spacious landscape park with gravel paths offers the possibility of taking long walks and a peaceful rest in tranquility and greenery.
Option 2: Velika Planina
High in the mountains (1,600 m above sea level) you will find these scenic shepherds' huts. If you want to relax, if you like mountains, if you like silence, if you like hiking or skiing, Velika Planina in the Kamnik Alps is the right place to visit.
Option 3: Exploring Ljubljana
You can visit the Old Town, Tivoli Park, galleries and museums, go swimming at a water park or shop at Ljubljana’s largest shopping center. Alternatively, you can rent an e-bike and take a ride around Ljubljana along the Trail of Remembrance and Comradeship.
At the end of the day, we will have dinner at Slovenia Eco Resort Ljubljana. O/N in Ljubljana.
Day 3: Lake Bled & Golf Under the Alps
After breakfast, we will drive to the most renowned tourist place in Slovenia. Bled golf course is the oldest in Slovenia, dating back to 1937. It is said by many to be one of the most beautiful courses in Europe. Covering more than 100 hectares with two courses designed by Donald Harradine, it is also the biggest in Slovenia. It is a challenge to new golfers and professionals alike, while Bled’s unique natural environment, and the special nature of the course offer plenty of excitement for everyone. As well as two courses, the 18-hole King’s Course and the 9-hole Lake Course, Bled Golf Course also features a driving range for long and short play and a pitching and putting green.
LAKE’S COURSE
- Number of holes: 9
- Course length: 3047 m
- Par: 36
Optional: KING’S COURSE
- Number of holes: 18
- Course length: 6563 m
- Par: 72
While the players are playing, others can visit Vintgar Gorge or spend some time by Lake Bled (perhaps taking a walk around the lake or visiting Bled Castle).
Afterwards, we will all go to Bled for lunch. Lake Bled is a place for relaxation and enjoyment, so you can decide how you want to spend your afternoon at the resort by yourself and choose from various possibilities. We recommend taking a pleasant walk around the lake or join a “pletna” boat ride to the island in the middle of the lake, which is named after the town of Bled and is, in fact, the only island in Slovenia. You can take a look at an impressive medieval church and its “wishing bell”. After that experience, you can take some time to treat yourself to a good cup of coffee, enjoying the beautiful view of the lake at the foot of Pokljuka and tasting the traditional local dessert “kremšnita” (cream cake), which has been made in Bled for over 60 years. Transfer to Ljubljana in the evening. O/N in Ljubljana.
Day 4: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Piran
After breakfast, we will visit the Postojna Cave, one of the largest Karst landmarks in the world. An electric train will take us through the tunnels of the cave, which is with its 20 km long cave system the most impressive and the most visited cave in Europe. We will be able to spot human fish, the most famous cave animals in the world that used to be believed to be dragon offspring. We will continue with a tour of the mighty Predjama Castle from the 12th century, mounted on a 123 m high cliff above the Lokva River. There are many mysterious tales and legends about the castle and its knights. The most famous of them all is the story of Knight Erazem of Predjama, who rebelled in the 15th century against the emperor and became the first Slovenian Robin Hood. Today’s castle is from the Renaissance period and incorporates a museum.
To experience the Mediterranean fairy tale, we will continue our day by visiting the beautiful seaport town of Piran, also known as “small Venice”. This is a picturesque place of ancient tales, legends and mysteries that we will help you discover. We will walk through its narrow streets and beautiful squares up to the church of St. George to see the view of three countries – Slovenia, Italy and Croatia, as well as nearby salt fields. The salt there is acquired from the sea in a unique, traditional and natural way: with the help of the sun, petola mud and wind. We will have dinner by the sea before returning to Ljubljana in the evening.
O/N in Ljubljana.
Day 5: Lipica Stud Farm & Golf in the Karst
After breakfast - transfer to Lipica. The golf course Lipica was built in 1989 in accordance with the designs of Donald Harradine, a worldwide known designer of golf courses. Situated in the midst of scenic karst countryside, it is the only golf course in Slovenia which invites you to its greens throughout the whole year. It boasts picturesque fairways and a practice range where the Academy of Golf without Borders is located. The course features nine holes, a driving range, and two practice greens.
- Number of holes: 9
- Course length: 3163 m
- Par: 37
Option 1: Lipica Stud Farm
Lipica Stud Farm - home of the famous Lipizzaner horse - is one of Slovenia’s top attractions by being the oldest European stud farm continuously breeding one of the oldest cultural horse breeds – Lipizzaners a.k.a. “Lipicanci” (Slovene). The history of the Lipica estate dates back to the 16th century, while the Lipizzan breed, such as it is known today, was developed in the times under the Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century. The hippodrome was built in 1977 and it often hosts Classical Riding School performances of the Equestrian Club Lipica to show off the gracious and elegant movement of Lipizzaner horses, which has been practised to perfection. When taking a walk around the property, you will see why the stud farm is such a popular venue for picnics, weddings and protocolar events. It is also possible to visit the casino.
Option 2: Italy
Those who will skip the golfing session can visit the marine town of Trieste. It was one of the oldest parts of the Habsburg Monarchy from 1382 until 1918. In the 19th century, the monarchy was one of the Great Powers of Europe and Trieste was its most important seaport. Its role as an important Habsburg city and harbor was accentuated with the construction of the railway Vienna-Trieste. You will see the city center and the beautiful Miramare Castle, built by Archduke Ferdinand Maximillian I for himself and his wife Charlotte of Belgium. It is especially known for excellent coffee and Aperol spritz. For some shopping, we can continue to the Palmanova Outlet Village.
O/N in Ljubljana.
Day 6: Departure
Check-out, transfer to Jože Pučnik Airport Ljubljana.
*Optional: Additional golfing session in Ljubljana.
PLEASE NOTE:
We reserve the right to change certain aspects of the program in the case of unexpected traffic or weather conditions or other inconveniences that we cannot influence to logistically optimize the program.
What to see in Slovenia
With its breathtaking landscapes, green forests, emerald rivers, deep blue Alpine lakes, exciting mountain tops, scenic historical towns and castles, Slovenia is like a real size postcard! It also boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Škocjan Caves, Idrija and the Ljubljana Marshes, where great mysteries unravel.
What to do in Slovenia
Take time to enjoy a city tour of Ljubljana, discover Slovenia’s natural treasures, listen to our tour guide’s interesting stories about Slovenia’s historical and cultural heritage, taste the local cuisine and exquisite wine, relax or try some exciting activities, such as rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking and SUP-ing.
Where to go in Slovenia
Since Ljubljana can be used as a hub to explore other exciting locations around Slovenia, major Slovenian tourist attractions, cities, castles and famous landmarks can be included in our day trips from Ljubljana. Discover Lake Bled, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, Piran and Portorož, Trieste, Venice, Zagreb, Klagenfurt and more!