Once upon a time in Slovenia

Day 1: Ljubljana

Arrival at Ljubljana Airport and transfer to your hotel.  The rest of the day at leisure. We recommend you to visits Ljubljana Castle to enjoy the beautiful view of the town. Overnight.

Day 2: Ljubljana-Postojna Caves-Ljubljana

Departure to visit the famous Postojna Caves, recognized as one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. A train ride combined with a walk will allow us to observe the karst (lime stone) phenomena such as stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, stop at the fairytale castle Predjama to emerge in the legend of the knight Erasmus. In the afternoon, return to Ljubljana. The Slovenian capital is an architectural gem. The mixtures of baroque style with the modernist Art Nouveau and the work of the architect Joze Plečnik are among its special treasures. The city boasts several cultural events and an impressive social and nightlife. Overnight.

Day 3: Ljubljana-Ptuj-Maribor

In the morning, depart for the region of Styria located in the eastern part of the country. The area is known for oil pumpkin seeds. Our first stop will be a pumpkin oil mill, where we will learn the process of oil extraction and taste various products made with it. Continue to Ptuj, the oldest Slovenian town, located on a small hill near the river Drava. The medieval and baroque houses are covered with red roofs and gathered at the foot of the castle, representing the old town. The regional museum in the castle has a collection of typical carnival costumes, musical instruments from seventeenth to nineteenth centuries and period rooms, which left here the last owners of the castle. Drive to the Slovenia's second largest city. Maribor as Ptuj is situated next to the Drava River, which favoured the development of the city in the past. Furthermore, it is known for having the oldest vine in the world and for being the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Overnight in Maribor.

Day 4: Maribor- Logar Valley-Lake Bled

Breakfast. The road will take us to Logarska dolina, a valley surrounded by beautiful Savinja Alps and Karavanke Mountains. Lush forests, streams and waterfalls of cold water, hidden little paths and tranquillity characterize the valley. We will have a short walk (15 min) to Rinka Waterfall. Drive to Lake Bled. Upon arrival, we will have a boat ride to the island with a church of the seventeenth century. After ringing the wishing bell, we will climb to the castle to enjoy the stunning view of the lake and its surroundings. Overnight in Bled.

Day 5: Lake Bled-Lake Bohinj-Soča Valley-Goriška Brda-Gorizia

Breakfast. Travel to Lake Bohinj, the largest Slovenian lake. The area is part of the Triglav National Park, famous for crystal clear waters, remnants of virgin forests and rich flora and fauna. Afterwards, we will cross the Julian Alps along a scenic path, contemplating some remains of the First World War and following the picturesque valley of Soča to finally reach Goriška Brda. There wewill  visit the walled town of Šmartno, the lookout tower and one of the wineries to taste some of the best wines. Overnight in Gorizia (Italy).

Day 6: Gorizia-Nova Gorica-Piran-Portorož

Breakfast. We will start the day with an overview of the border cities Gorizia (Italy) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia), visiting the plaza shared by Slovenia and Italy, which was completed in 2004 with the entry of Slovenia into the EU. We will continue to the Franciscan monastery Kostanjevica, where the last of the French Bourbon kings are buried: Charles X and his family. Travel to the coastal town Piran, the birthplace of Baroque composer Giuseppe Tartini. The main square is named after him and is in the place where there was a fishing port in the past. Venetian and Austro-Hungarian buildings surround the square, among which the "Benecanka" house with a beautiful legend about its construction. A walk through the narrow streets will take us to the church of St. George which dominates the city. Overnight.

Day 7: Portorož-Hrastovlje-Lipica-Ljubljana

In the afternoon, stop at Hrastovlje village, known for its small church of the Holy Trinity, whose walls are covered with frescoes, among which is the famous "Dance of Death". Drive to Lipica. The Lipica stud farm is the pioneer, which started breeding Lipizzaner white horses. In 1580 the Archduke of Austria Charles II decided to buy an abandoned palace in the Kras region and to found a stud for the needs of the Viennese court. Spanish horses were mixed with Arabic, Neapolitan and Kladruber breeds to get a robust white horse, at first used for transport and later for the Spanish Riding School. Visit of stables, the modern Lipizzaner Museum Lipikum and the show of classical riding school.Travel to Ljubljana. Overnight.

**Timetable for the show of classical riding school:

• May - August: every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 15.00
• September: Saturday at 11.00, Sunday at 15.00
• April: every Sunday at 15.00 

Day 8: Ljubljana

After breakfast, free time until transfer to Ljubljana airport. End of our services.