Description
Mini Vacation in Slovenia with Italy & Croatia
Slovenia’s crème de la crème awaits your discovery! Packed, yet comfortable, our mini vacation in Slovenia is a dream for anyone short on time but with a great ambition to learn and explore. We will also pay a visit to our neighbours and hop across the border to Zagreb and Venice. Bringing a camera with you is advisable – and a big smile on your face is guaranteed!
Our multi-day tour package Mini Vacation in Slovenia includes a selection of the most precious places to visit in the area in only 5 days. Apart from Slovenia’s winning trio Ljubljana, Lake Bled and Postojna Cave, we are also taking you to the elegant Croatian capital Zagreb and Venice, the magical city of marble palaces. Fasten your seatbelt and prepare to be amazed!
Slovenia is a country full of natural treasures, as nearly one third of Slovenia is under natural protection and 60 % of it is covered with forest. Wherever you go, you will be surprised to find the sea so near the Alps and the Karst, the Pannonian Plain will soon change into vast forests, and the cultivated fields will transform into hills, covered with vineyards and fruit trees. The inhabitants of the “Green Heart of Europe” are hospitable, kind and hardworking. Slovenian towns are relatively small and never more than one step away from nature.
Highlights: Ljubljana, Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Lake Bled, Zagreb, Venice
Send us your request:
- Duration: 4 nights / 5 days
- Price includes:
- Pick-up and drop-off at Jože Pučnik Airport Ljubljana,
- Transportation per program,
- Sightseeing per program,
- Entrance fees to: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Vintgar Gorge,
- Private vehicle with driver,
- English-speaking guide,
- 4 breakfasts,
- 4 overnight stays on twin/double sharing basis in a 3* or 4* hotel,
- All applicable tolls, fees and taxes.
TOUR DETAILS
Day 1: Arrival, Ljubljana
Our agent will welcome you at the Jože Pučnik Airport Ljubljana and take you to your hotel for check-in (after 14:00). You will have time for unpacking and lunch and in the afternoon, our tour guide will take you on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Ljubljana, proclaimed by the European institutions the »European Green Capital 2016«. To feel its cosy urban vibe, we will walk through the scenic Old Town and see its main attractions, from Prešeren Square and Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) to Town Square with its baroque fountain and Town Hall. We will walk up the Ljubljana Castle Hill and admire its panoramic view of this lovely city. Overnight stay in Ljubljana.
Day 2: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Lake Bled
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.
In the afternoon, we will drive to another part of Slovenia – Gorenjska (Upper Carniola) Region – to the most renowned tourist place in Slovenia, Lake Bled. En route, we will visit the magnificent Vintgar Gorge nearby (typically open April – November). Bled is a place for relaxation and enjoyment and you can decide how you want to spend the next few hours at the resort by choosing from the possibilities you will learn about. Our guide can take you on a tour of the majestic Bled Castle (optional), which is located on a steep 139 m high cliff overlooking the lake and offers a heavenly view of Lake Bled, as well as the surrounding alpine mountaintops and valleys. Bled Castle, first mentioned in 1011, is one of the oldest Slovenian castles. You can admire the old wooden Gutenberg printing press and the castle’s smithy, while Bled Castle is also famous for being one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Europe. Alternatively, you can take 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 “kremљnita” (cream cake), which has been made in Bled for over 60 years. Return to Ljubljana in the evening, overnight stay in Ljubljana.
Day 3: Zagreb
After breakfast, we will leave Slovenia and drive to Zagreb. After check-in, you will have time for unpacking and lunch, which will be followed by a light walk downtown with a panoramic city tour. We will see Donji grad, Kaptol with the Zagreb Cathedral, the largest church in Croatia, Gornji Grad, Bloody Bridge, Stone Gate and St. Mark’s Square. Overnight stay in Zagreb.
Day 4: Venice
After breakfast, we will visit Venice and enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of this wonderful lagoon port, which is also the capital of the Veneto Region. You will get to see the famous St. Mark’s Square and Basilica with its exceptional gold mosaics, the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, the Doge’s Palace and the evocative Bridge of Sighs, and much more. While walking to St. Mark’s Square and around the town, you will get to feel the romantic Venetian ambience and admire its attractions along the way. While it can be hard sometimes to find your way around the narrow streets of Venice, our guide will make it a piece of cake to navigate them! We will of course also find some time to enjoy high-end shopping, delightful coffee and delicious tiramisu. Return to Ljubljana in the evening, overnight stay in Ljubljana.
Day 5: Departure
Check-out, transfer to Jože Pučnik Airport Ljubljana.
PLEASE NOTE:
In the case of unexpected events (traffic conditions, weather conditions or other inconveniences that we cannot influence), we can change the order of trips and sometimes the contents to make the tour as logistically convenient as possible.
What to see in Ljubljana
Our tour guides can take you on sightseeing tours 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. Another thing you cannot go without is climbing the Ljubljana Castle Hill and admiring its panoramic view of this lovely city.
What to see in Bled
As the most photogenic place you can visit in Slovenia, Bled offers breathtaking panorama. The best view is inarguably from the Bled Castle, but there is a lot to see down by the lake, too. The traditional pletna boats are known as the “gondolas of Bled”, beautifully crafted by the locals. If you are in a pampering mood, you can take a lovely ride with the coachmen Fijaker – a special Bled tradition on its own.
What to see in/near Postojna Cave
The illuminated trail leads through the Great Mountains (Kalvarije) across the Russian bridge, built by Russian prisoners during World War I in 1916, to the beautiful Tubes’ Hall, White Hall and Red Hall – until Brilliant Passage, where the most famous stalagmite Brilliant, the symbol of the Postojna Cave, is located. In a large concert hall, you can see an aquarium with human fish, the most famous cave animals in the world.
What to see in Zagreb
Must-see attractions in Zagreb are Donji grad, Kaptol with the Zagreb Cathedral (the largest church in Croatia), Gornji Grad, Bloody Bridge, Stone Gate and St. Mark’s Square. As Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb has a lively urban, cultural and art scene full of lovely cafés, events, gallery and other exhibitions.
What to see in Venice
Venice is a true feast for the eyes that never disappoints! Definitely a must-see when in Venice, the Grand Canal (Canal Grande) amazes with its reflections of the glorious Venetian architecture situated by its banks. Doge’s Palace is one the most prominent attractions, which captures its visitors with intriguing history, architecture and heavenly views from the Bridge of Sighs.
What to do in Ljubljana
Visiting Tivoli Park is a must! You can walk under the oak trees, see an open-air exhibition and feel the care-free urban vibe there. You can take a Ljubljanica Boat Cruise, go SUP-ing or treat yourself to some gelato in one of the ice-cream shops. The best cafés and restaurants are found in the Old Town, laid-back during the day and full of life and lights during the night.
What to do in Bled
After the initial amazement, you can take a closer look at the lake, watch the peaceful sailing of the swans, chill on the beach, look out for local craft and have a delicious lunch. You can go rowing on Lake Bled or swimming during warmer months. The best way (or the only way?) to conclude your visit is by tasting the Bled cream cake, one of the symbols of Bled!
What to do in/near Postojna Cave
Guided tour of Postojna Cave includes walking and driving by an underground train, where you can admire 5 km of tunnels, passages and spectacular halls. By Hotel Jama in front of the cave, you can visit the souvenir shop and get a baby dragon of your own. Inquire about additional experiences and activities in the area!
What to do in Zagreb
For the best cultural experience of Zagreb, you must visit its colourful markets, starting with “Britanski trg” (British Square), the oldest open-air market only 10 min walking distance from the main square. If you wish to escape from the city rush, you can stroll through the Maksimir Park, visit the Botanical Gardens or take a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
What to do in Venice
To discover the world-famous Venetian culture, there are numerous museums, art galleries, palazzos and palaces you can visit. The heart of Venice is by St. Mark’s Square with its Basilica and Campanile San Marco, with cafés and restaurants nearby. If you wish to ride a bit further away than the canals, you can take a trip to the lagoon islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.