Cultural landscapes of Slovenia

Fly to Ljubljana. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Ljubljana where you will spend the next two nights.

Get to know the pretty centre of Ljubljana on a morning walking tour with private guide. This compact capital city is a delight to explore, peppered with fine examples of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and easily discovered on foot. Walk from Presernov Square overlooked by statues and over the city’s iconic Triple Bridge to the central market, which bustles daily with people selling fresh produce. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, taking the funicular railway up to Ljubljana Castle for sweeping views across the town. (B)

You will be met at the hotel by your driver/guide and driven out to Slovenia’s Karst region, known for the Postojna Caves – an infamous 20km long network of passages and chambers cut through by a train that takes you deep into the belly of the caves. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Predjama Castle, perched high over a cliff edge, before continuing to Piran; a Venetian town nestled on Slovenia’s 43 kilometre long coastline. Overnight in Piran. (B)

Spend the morning touring Piran and the popular coastal resort of Portoroz before continuing on to the Secovlje Salt-Pans to discover the centuries old tradition of salt-production in the region. Continue your journey with a drive through the vineyard region of Goriska Brda, where you will have the chance to sample local cuisine and wines. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Goriska Brda before departing for Lipica for an overnight stay. (B,D)

Take a walk around the Lipica Stud Farm this morning, to see where the famous Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School are bred. Continue the drive westwards, following the emerald green Soca River upstream, through Kobarid (mentioned in Hemingway’s 'A Farewell to Arms') to visit the interesting WW1 museum. Your journey will then take you over the highest pass in the country, the Vrsic Pass (1611m) for some of the most magnificent views of the holiday. On the other side of the pass lies the high mountain town of Kranjska Gora, synonymous with alpine activities. The final destination of the day is the iconic lakeside town of Bled, your base for the next few days. (B)

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Bled to explore the charming town, the stunning lake shore and imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. Continue on to Slovenia’s other Alpine beauty – Lake Bohinj- for a slightly quieter pace of life and fantastic walking trails. Return to Bled in the afternoon and say goodbye to your driver/guide. (B)

Spend the day exploring Bled at your leisure. Take a relaxing walk around the perimeter of the great lake (approx 6km- 1.5 hours) before returning to the town to try the famous local Bled Cream Cake – a custard and cream slice delicacy. Head to the Hotel Park for the traditional version. (B)

Transfer back to Ljubljana airport for your flight to the UK. (B)