TRAVEL
TRAVEL Slovenia By Kathryn Gerken
As an independent travel agent and avid traveller, I have visited many places in Europe. One of the highlights was a three-day visit to Slovenia last October with the American Women’s Club of London. Wow! I could have stayed there for a whole week or more. Slovenia’s natural beauty and friendly people make it one of my top recommendations for places to visit. Coupled with a trip into Croatia, just an hour away by car to the border from the capital of Ljubljana, it would make a great two-week getaway.
Ljubljana: Explore The Markets And Medieval Old Town
With fewer tourists and cooler temperatures, Slovenia was an excellent choice for the fall. We started our trip in Ljubljana, only a 90-minute flight from London or other connecting European cities. Our tour guides picked us up and transferred us to our hotel, where we relaxed before going out to tour the picturesque Old Town. Straddling the Ljubljanica River, the Old Town is a joy to walk around. Head to the local craft and farmers markets and sample some of the honey liquor or any of the honey products, which are outstanding. They also have a Christmas market in December with activities and concerts during the season. The hilltop Ljubljana Castle, with interactive WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM
exhibits for families, provides panoramic views of the medieval streets below. Slovenia became independent in 1997, so it is a new country with an old heritage, language, and tradition. They are immensely
proud of their country and love to talk about it and show it off to travellers. Spending more than the few hours we had would be beneficial. There are concert halls, museums and several other attractions for families.
Slovenia became independent in 1997, so it is a new country with an old heritage, language, and tradition. They are immensely proud of their country and love to talk about it and show it off to travellers
Triglav National Park: An Easy Trek To The Gorge
Ljubljana would make a great home base if you want to only unpack once during your stay. From here you can take day trips to almost anywhere in Slovenia. We chose to travel around and spend the night in different parts of the country, so our next stop was the Vintgar Gorge inside the Triglav National Park. The trail was mainly a boardwalk with some areas of dirt. Thankfully, there is a railing on sections that have a significant drop into the gorge, and at no time was I concerned for our safety. We were there on a Monday and there were quite a few walkers on the trail. We heard it was significantly more crowded over the weekend. At the end of the boardwalk/trail there is a little café with refreshments and a restroom. It had rained earlier in the week and the falls were outstanding. Trout are visible in the crystal clear river and a restaurant up the road near the parking entrance serves it (whole with garlic) for lunch. It was delightful! Cash is recommended for food and beverage in more remote places like this. WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK
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