TOUR DETAILS

Day 1: Arrival, Klagenfurt, Lake Wörthersee

Our tour guide will welcome you at Jože Pučnik Airport Ljubljana and you will start your journey with a trip to Klagenfurt (Austria). Heading towards the Alpine Region, the road will lead us to the beautiful southern Austrian state of Carinthia, where we will pass through the old border with Austria, and arrive in Klagenfurt, an extended excursion point in between the mountains in the south and north. Once in the city, we will visit the Old and New Market with the Dragon Fountain (Lindworm Fountain), which is the symbol of the city. The Old City with its Alter Platz (Old Square) and the interesting Renaissance buildings are Klagenfurt’s main attraction. We will also go on a tour of Minimundus, the “small world on Lake Wörthersee”. It is a miniature park in Klagenfurt and of the most popular attractions in the area, which has welcomed more than 15 million visitors since its opening in 1958. It displays over 150 miniature models of architecture from around the world, among which are the Eiffel Tower, White House, Taj Mahal, Atomium, Sydney Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Statue of Liberty, the Space Shuttle and its launch pad, and many others. We will head to Ljubljana in the afternoon for hotel check-in. Overnight stay in Ljubljana.

*Minimundus closes on 06 November 2023.

*For private tours: We can drive to the viewing point – the Pyramidenkogel (optional), which is known for its roller coaster and a breathtaking view of the surroundings. One of the most beautiful things you can see from there is Lake Wörthersee, which it is a true jewel among the alpine lakes. Due to its clean, warm waters (reaching 25 °C in July and August) and a pleasant Mediterranean climate, Lake Wörthersee is a popular summer tourist destination. The region around the lake is sometimes referred to as the “Austria’s Monte Carlo” and offers high quality tourism niches such as family tourism, golf and horseback riding vacations. Another option is taking a boat ride on Lake Wörthersee (optional) if the weather conditions are favourable.

Day 3: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Portorož

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. Our day comes to an end in Portorož, the modern capital of Slovenian tourism, where the remaining afternoon is free for exploring the town. With its mediterranean climate, unforgettable sunsets over the Adriatic Sea, spa and wellness centres, this is the place to visit when you want to relax and be pampered. Overnight stay near Portorož.

Day 4: Piran, Trieste

To experience the Mediterranean fairy tale, we will start the 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. Piran is also known for its excellent seafood – what better place to have your lunch? In the early afternoon hours, we will cross the Italian border and drive to Trieste. This is a city with rich history and excellent coffee, which used to be of great importance for the Habsburg dynasty and ruled by many more throughout history, and boasts Italy’s second largest port. We will visit the city centre and the mesmerising Miramare Castle (entrance optional), built by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian I for himself and his wife Charlotte of Belgium. It shows its visitors an example of a luxurious aristocratic residence, which has preserved its original furnishings. On Trieste’s main square – Piazza Unità d’Italia – we can appreciate the beauty and architecture around the Fountain of the Four Continents and the Town Hall and learn about Trieste’s unique history. We will continue to Venice in the evening. Overnight stay near Venice.

Day 5: Venice

After breakfast, our guide will take you to Venice for a panoramic city 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 bridge Rialto, visit 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 ambiance 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! Overnight stay near Venice.

Day 6: Departure

Check-out, transfer to Marco Polo Airport Venice.

*For private tours: If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, we can go on a 2-hour-long shopping trip to the outlet village Noventa di Piave near Venice to enjoy high-end shopping (optional).

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/near Klagenfurt & Lake Wörthersee

Klagenfurt’s main attraction is the Old City with its Alter Platz (Old Square) and the interesting Renaissance buildings. Other famous landmarks are Lindworm fountain, Klagenfurt City Hall (Rathaus), Baroque cathedral, the Kreuzbergl nature park with a viewing tower and observatory, Tentschach and Hallegg castles, Hypo-Arena Football stadium, and Hochosterwitz Castle nearby.

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 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/near Klagenfurt & Lake Wörthersee

Klagenfurt is a small town that is easy to get around for sightseeing. If you have a few hours left to spare, you should go buy some local goods at Benediktinermarkt! Located on the Benediktinerplatz, this market offers a wide selection of fresh food and produce, found on stands from Austria, Slovenia and Italy with their respective specialties.

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.

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.