www.slovenia-holiday.com
Discover Slovenia
Dear Sir or Madam, Tourist Agency ABCTOUR has been dealing with the organisation of excursions around Slovenia for several years. Our catalogue is presented on the following pages. This time, our aim is to introduce ourselves. The catalogue is prepared on the basis of our experiences in tourism, which have shown that guests have very different requirements and needs. The catalogue introduces some most common excursions, whereas each of them can be adjusted to a group if required. In case you decide to cooperate with us, we assure you that we will prepare unique programmes for your clients and best prices at the same time. The later are defined on the basis of individual products.
Wien 245 km
Therefore, we are presenting some products from our offer, while the final product depends on you and your clients.
Munich 358 km Zagreb 33 km
Ciril Frlan Venice 183 km
Head office:
Retail office:
ABCTOUR, TRANSPORT AND SERVICES D.O.O.
ABCTOUR d.o.o., Tourist agency
Mrharjeva ulica 19, 1210 Ljubljana – Šentvid, Slovenia
Celovška cesta 71, 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
Telephone: Fax: GSM: E-mail:
Telephone: Fax: GSM: Email:
+386 1 512 87 00 +386 1 512 87 04 +386 41 661 250 prevozi@abctour.si
www.abctour.si
+ 386 1 431 43 14 +386 1 518 17 62 + 386 40 334 363 info@abctour.si
BLED-BOHINJ-VINTGAR GORGE Price:
from 6 to 8 people 90 € per person from 9 to 15 people 80 € per person from 16 to 25 people 60 € per person over 26 people 50 € per person
KOPER – PIRAN – PORTOROŽ Price: from 6 to 8 people 70 € per person from 9 to 15 people 60 € per person from 16 to 25 people 45 € per person over 26 people 30 € per person OPTIONAL TOUR • SEČOVLJE SALT-PANS price 15 € per person • VINA KOPER price 13 € per person • WINE CELLAR VIPAVA price 15 € per person • CASTLE DOBROVO price 15 € per person
LJUBLJANA MARSHLANDS Price:
from 6 to 8 people 70 € per person from 9 to 15 people 60 € per person from 16 to 25 people 45 € per person over 26 people 30 € per person PTUJ AND MARIBOR
THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES – LIPICA – ŠTANJEL Price:
from 6 to 8 people 100 € per person from 9 to 15 people 90 € per person from 16 to 25 people 75 € per person over 26 people 60 €
Price: from 6 to 8 people 70 € per person from 9 to 15 people 60 € per person from 16 to 25 people 45 € per person over 26 people 30 € per person OPTIONAL TOUR • PTUJ WINE CELLAR price 12 € per person • PTUJ CASTLE price 10 € per person • MARIBOR WINE CELLAR price 13 € per person • BOTANICAL GARDEN MARIBOR price 8 € per person • BOTANICA GARDEN TAL 2000 price 6 € per person • CELJE price 10 € per person
MURSKA SOBOTA - LENDAVA POSTOJNA - PREDJAMA CASTLE - LIPICA Price:
from 6 to 8 people 100 € per person from 9 to 15 people 90 € per person from 16 to 25 people 80 € per person over 26 people 70 € per person
Price: from 6 to 8 people 70 € per person from 9 to 15 people 60 € per person from 16 to 25 people 45 € per person over 26 people 30 € per person OPTIONAL TOUR • THE ISLAND OF LOVE price 5 € per person • FILOVCI price 6 € per person • TROPICAL GARDEN price 6 € per person
Julian Alps
A view of the Soča and the upper Sava river
lin challenges. Here, numerous water sports
Castle with its museum collections.
valleys spreads below Mount Triglav, Slove-
are available (kayaking, canoeing, rafting,
The Posočje region, where every step reveals
nia’s highest mountain. Lying between the
canyoning). Visitors can also experience the
exceptional nature, also holds emotional
two rivers is Triglav National Park, which pro-
valley with parachutes, hang-gliders, and
memories of the most terrible battles of
tects numerous endemic animal and plant
mountain bikes.
species in a region of high rocky mountains,
Slovenia’s highest ski center on Mount Ka-
World War I (presented in the Kobarid Museum). In the north side of Mount Triglav’s kingdom is the Upper Sava Valley. Popular tourist destination Kranjska Gora attracts summer visitors with opportunities for recreation and sport in nature, and winter visitors with its
deeply cut river gorges, high-mountain karst
nin is accessible from the valley where the
excellent trails for different kinds of skiing.
shafts, and attractive low mountains as well
majority of accommodations and restau-
Guests in Kranjska Gora also enjoy its casino
as the traditions of the once difficult life of
rants are to be found in Bovec, Kobarid, and
and wellness programs. In nearby Planica,
mountain farmers and alpine dairymen.
Tolmin. Roads lead along the Idrijca River
the best ski jumpers in the world compete
To the south lies the Soča Valley and the
toward Cerkno and Idrija. Idrija is the home
each year in the shelter of two-thousand-
gorges of its tributaries. The spots beside
of a famous bobbin lace tradition, and visi-
meter mountains.
the emerald river attract seekers of tran-
tors are also invited to tour the once world-
The Julian Alps are bejewelled by two pictur-
quillity as well as those looking for adrena-
important mercury mine and Gewerkenegg
esque lakes. Bled and Bohinj.
BLED - BOHINJ – VINTGAR GORGE Departure from Ljubljana on Gorenjska highway towards »the jewel of Slovenian Alps«, the city of Bled. After arrival we take a short drive around lake Bled and take a guided walk up to the castle above Bled which dates back to the eleventh century (A.D.). The mighty castle dominates the Bled skyline and displays a majestic view on the Slovenian landscape below. After the castle tour we’ll head down to the lake and take a ride with a »Pletna«, which is a typical boat in Bled and take a look at the island in the middle of the lake with a church on it. The tour continues to the biggest glacier lake in the heart of the Julian Alps, lake Bohinj, above which dominates the highest Slovenian peak Triglav (Threeheaded). After a fifteen minute long walk, we’ll arrive at the spring of the river Sava Bohinjka, there we take a stroll around the lake. After the walk, lunch break follows at one of the local inns. After lunch, we head off to Vintgar, couple of kilometers away from Bled, where we’ll take a walk along one point six kilometer long beautiful river valley, which was shaped by the river Radovna. Our tour ends at the waterfall Šum (Noise). Gathering at the bus and drive back to Ljubljana.
BLED
BLED VINTGAR GORGE
BOHINJ
Bled was introduced in the mini guide
Bled Vintgar Gorge is one of the most
The Bohinj region with its unspoiled
»101 Romantic Getaways«, because
popular natural features in Slovenia. The
high-mountain lake inspires visitors not
there exists no such traveller, who would
gorge has been arranged for visitors for
not fall in love with this Slovenian alpine
more than a hundred years. Along the
pearl.
narrow passage, where the Radovna
Bathing tourism started to develop in
river thrashes loudly against its rocky
Bled in 1854 and since then visitors have
confines, there are paths, galleries and
observed with enthusiasm the sight of
bridges constructed in the rock. The trail
the Bled castle, rising in its mightiness
runs through the 1600m long gorge. The
above lake Bled, in the middle of which
Radovna flows over cascades and rapids,
only with the beauties of nature and ski
there is an island with a church in the
and in clear pools it finds peace for a few
centers Vogel, Kobla, and Soriška plani-
middle. Boat ride on the lake is very ro-
moments. The Vintgar Gorge ends at
na, but also with its rich ethnological
mantic, and so is ringing the bell of wish-
the delightful Šum waterfall, the high-
heritage and many interesting cultural
es in the church.
est river fall in Slovenia. At the waterfall,
and sacral sites.
After the tour there is a »must be« taste
the trail leaves the Radovna and rises
of the unique desert – a culinary sym-
up, heading south-east to the chapel of
bol of Bled. Bled cream cake can also
St Catherine above Zasip. There you can
be bought elsewhere, but the real, Bled
experience one of the finest views over
one, can only be tasted in Bled.
the entire area of Bled.
In the last 40 years 7 million cream cakes were sold in Bled.
Photos:; Sourse:www.slovenia.info; Author of the photographs in order: Klemen Kunaver, J. Skok, K. Kunaver,UN, Matej Vranič, B. Kladnik, Lenarčič, Bobo, Matej Vranič, Matej Vranič, Matej Vranič
Ljubljana and its surroundings
A city by the river, on which the mythological
na Castle has a lively cultural life, created by
the city, a visit to the Botanical Garden with
Argonauts carried the Golden Fleece, a city
numerous theatres, museums and galleries,
more than 4,500 plant species, a walk in the
by a moor where the crannog dwellers once
one of the oldest Philharmonics in the world,
Ljubljana Zoo or a guided tour of Plečnik’s
lived, a city with the rich heritage of Roman
cinemas, more than ten thousand cultural
Ljubljana. One can also enjoy the trails to
Emona, a city that was once the capital of
events each year and as many as ten inter-
nearby Rožnik Hill, Šmarna gora, or many of
the Province of Carniola, and the capital of
national festivals.
the other friendly peaks in the city surround-
Napoleon’s Illyrian Provinces. City of Renais-
At every step, there are friendly cafes, pastry
ings.
sance, Baroque, and especially Art Nouveau
shops and restaurants, many offering dis-
facades, a city that boasts the greatest exhi-
tinctly Slovene cuisine, as well as those with
bition of the architecture of the master Jože
the offer of international horizons.
Plečnik—all this is Ljubljana.
Daily life in the city is marked by a challeng-
The capital of Slovenia is a political, cultural,
ing and lively youthful character and also by
scientific, educational, business, and trans-
the charm of enjoying a tranquil and relax-
portation center.
ing boat ride on the river Ljubljanica, a stroll
The city nestling below the hill with Ljublja-
through Tivoli Park close to the very center of
LJUBLJANA MARSHLANDS can be arranged. Price for the boat is 12€ per person for groups over 16 people. By request, some of the suggested visits can be left out and Botanical garden can be included instead.
BOTANICAL GARDEN LJUBLJANA Botanical garden in Ljubljana was estab-
Anyone, who visits Ljubljana marshlands,
temporary church, which is proved by its
lying only few steps from the last city
construction - completely wooden, apart
lished in 1810 and as such represents the
streets and surrounded by highways, will
from the bottom part. Therefore, later on
oldest cultural, scientific and educational institution in Slovenia. In the same year the first tree was planted, a lime tree still growing. Nowadays it has a function of presenting local, as well as foreign vegetation suitable
be pleasantly surprised. It seems as if black
the stone part could remain and the wood-
soil of the marshes has absorbed the noise
en could be reconstructed.
from the city, while fog has lifted a spell of
We will embark on a boat and sail between
the presence of humans in these places.
the banks of the river Ljubljanica towards
Wheels of everyday life stop here.
the Botanical garden, or continue our boat
for our climate. Plants, which require high-
Tour can begin at the technical museum,
ride to the city center. In case you decide
er moisture in the air and relatively steady
once a Carthusian monastery and a man-
to visit the Botanical garden, you will have
temperatures, are located in the green-
sion, now inviting to observe objects
a chance to see local and foreign veg-
house. Over 4,500 different vegetal species,
hidden between its walls, from cars of
etation suitable for our climate. After the
subspecies and shapes from around the
Tito - the former president of Jugoslavia,
visit, you will embark back on the boat
Europe and other continents grow within
to the basics of electricity. Outside you
and continue towards Plečnik’s embank-
the area of 5 acres.
can take a walk through a beautiful park
ment, pass the »Špica« - an important
The greenery of the garden provides a
surrounding the castle. You have not re-
pile-dwelling settlement and nowadays
pleasant opportunity to take a walk or re-
ally seen Ljubljana marshlands, if you have
popular gathering place for the inhabit-
lax under a tree. Its image changes in every
not visited Plečnik’s church in Črna vas.
ants of Ljubljana – towards the city centre.
season, therefore it is worth visiting more
This church, constructed by the famous
If requested, guided tour of Ljubljana and
than once and thus getting to know all its
architect, has initially been meant as a
some free time for autonomous research
beauty and richness.
Photos:; Sourse:www.slovenia.info; Author of the photographs in order: D. Wedam, Dunja Wedam, Dunja Wedam, B. Jakse, S.Jercic, Ciril, B.Jakse, S.Jersic, Ciril, Ciril
Coast and Karst
Karst region is planted with olive trees and
rich funds of marl and sandstone, and the
ied offer of summer cultural, entertainment,
vineyards, with peach orchards and cherry
unique, eighty-meter high Strunjan cliff, the
and sport events. Not far from the coast, the
trees. Some of the most beautiful under-
highest flysch wall on the Adriatic coast. Here
beauties of Slovene Istria with its picturesque
ground worlds of our planet lie below their
are salt-pans in Sečovlje, first mentioned in
villages await for you.
roots. There are more than eight thousand
the 13th century, and nearby is a sanctu-
Behind the Slovene coast is the Karst region.
karst caves and sinkholes in Slovenia, where-
ary for more than 150 bird species. Here the
In the cellars of the stone houses excellent
as twenty of these limestone masterpiece
towns of Piran, Izola, and Koper draw visitors
wines are poured and sold, and in the at-
treasuries, created by disappearing karst
with their medieval image, while Portorož,
tics excellent “pršut” (Karst ham) matures,
rivers, have been adapted and opened for
though mentioned as early as 1251, offers
exposed to Bora (northern to north-eastern
tourists.
numerous contemporary hotels with con-
katabatic wind).
Every kilometer of the Slovene coast is a new
gress halls, a fully equipped marina, a sport
surprise. The region is a nature reserve with
airport, thermal baths, a casino, and a var-
THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES - LIPICA - ŠTANJEL Departure from Ljubljana towards Divača on the highway to the protected park Škocjan Cave park, where the local guide takes us into the underground world of the majestic Škocjan caves, which are listed as a Unesco world heritage site. With the size of their halls and underground streams, Škocjan caves hold a special place among seven thousand of Slovenia’s caves. The structure of Škocjan caves consists of eleven caves, sinks, natural bridges and cuttings. When we reach the surface, the tour continues to Lipica, a place well known for the unique breed of horses, namely Lipizzaners. In Lipica, we’ll take a peak in the breed house, admire the noble stallions and watch them in their elegant performance. Our road leads from Lipica to the old city of Štanjel, situated at the top of Turn hill. Štanjel is an ancient medieval city with the city walls still intact. A walk around the small town will be perfect to end the trip, as Štanjel is full of romantic narrow streets, the old castle above and the church of Saint Daniel. A degustation of fine Slovenian wine will be in place to end the day and return to Ljubljana.
THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES
LIPICA
The Škocjan Caves with spaciousness of their halls and underground gorge have a special place among more than seven thousand caves in Slovenia. Namely, they consist of eleven caves, sunk Karst valleys, sinkholes, natural bridges … Due to their unique natural and cultural
Lipica is a cultural monument of European
estate and mated at the wish of the Vienna
heritage, they have been listed as a Unes-
and global reputation. Over four centuries
court with Andalusian, Italian, Danish, and
co world heritage site since 1986. They
old famous stud farm, the cradle of Lipiz-
later Arab stallions. The result was the Lipiz-
are situated in the Karst region, where
zan breed is situated by the Slovene-Italian
zaner, a unique horse breed of medium size
the name Karst has made its way to the
border, with paths surrounded by 60 to 100
about 160 centimeters in height. It has lively
world. The caves are beautified by many-
years old trees on both sides. It was estab-
eyes and an intelligent look, a muscular neck
coloured, also giant stalactites of various
lished in 1580 by archduke Karel II.
carried high, and a thick tail. The legs are
remarkable shapes, curtains, and big wa-
Today, Lipica is a tourist and recreational
strong and muscular, and the hooves firm
ter-filled hollows.
centre. It is not interesting only because of
for movement on the rocky karst terrain.
The main attraction is the Great Water –
the stud farm and its white beauties, de-
A settled and gracious gait, a long life span,
the river Reka with its waterfalls and roar-
scribed even by Vlavasor (the founder of
and a great learning ability distinguish the
ing rapids, which eventually calm down in
scientific literature on Slovenian territory),
Lipizzaner from other horse breeds, and as
pools and lakes. Calm water reflects inter-
but can also boast of with the variety of ac-
such it is more suitable for haute école train-
esting and surprising cave images.
tivities. Classical dressage riding school per-
ing. Its beauty can best be observed in mo-
formances are an unforgettable experience.
tion, namely its charm is hidden in the har-
Even before the establishment of the stud
mony of movements.
farm, Carst mares were bred on the Lipica Photos:; Sourse:www.slovenia.info; Author of the photographs in order: Ubald Trnkoczy J. Skok, UN, Leon Hmeljak, B. Kladnik; Bobo
ŠTANJEL
BOTANICAL GARDEN SEŽANA
Štanjel is a picturesque karst settlement,
The beginnings of the park reach back to
arranged in a terraced manner towards
the year 1848. The park grew and expand-
the 363m high hill Turn. The features of the
ed through time, since it had been con-
settlement are narrow streets with stone
tinuously planted with various plants and
built houses characterised by stonecutting
seeds from different parts of the world. It
products, such as stone made gutters, en-
is a home of 198 tree species and several
trance portals, fountains ... Due to its geo-
hundred species of exotic potted plants.
graphical and strategic position, it was of
Reigning among the most beautiful trees
great importance already back in the Iron
in the park are the Azure Lebanon cedar,
age. It achieved its greatest prosperity in
Bornmuller fir tree, Spanish fir tree, Mam-
the Roman times, when it started expand-
mut tree, ... The park is attractive for older
ing towards the top of hill Turn. In the 11th
visitors and nature lovers, as well as for
and 12th century, the hill was fortified and
school groups, since it offers opportunities
the remains of the towers can still be seen.
to learn about pretty rare representatives
At the end of the 15th century (until the
of local and foreign plants. It is especially
middle of the 16th century), in times of
suitable for school education days, be-
Turkish invasions, the whole settlement
cause a guided tour includes a multivision
was fortified with a defence wall. Today’s
about the park in a special multimedia
image is characterized by the renaissance-
room, and a visit of photographic exhibi-
baroque castle and the church of St. Dan-
tion (park from the times of Scaramanga
iel with its typical bell tower. A popular
family), plants in the park, archaeologi-
sight is also the Ferrari Garden, designed
cal collections and a collection Dinosaurs
by a famous architect
from Kozina.
Maks Fabiani
POSTOJNA – PREDJAMA CASTLE - LIPICA Departure at 9 am from Ljubljana towards Postojna, where the most famous underground cave is situated. In Postojna we will visit Postojna cave, which is known to be the biggest cave in Slovenia and one of the biggest in the world. Postojna cave is a twenty-seven kilometer long maze of halls, galleries and pillars. In 185 years experienced guides have escorted over thirty-million visitors. A part of Postojna cave is observed from an electrical cave train, while the rest of the tour is guided by an experienced guide. Visitors of the Postojna cave witness profound sights of beautiful cave formations or speleothems (stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, etc.) resulting from deposits of calcium carbonate in different colours, shapes and sizes. When we reach the surface, the tour takes us to a site just a couple of kilometers away to Predjama, where the Predjama castle stands. The castle dates to the middle ages and is known for its location (it is built in front of a cave) and its myths about Erazem, the knight who opposed the czar and his army. We continue to Lipica, a place well known for the unique breed of horses, namely Lipizzaners. The breed house in Lipica is not only one of the oldest breed houses, but also the main source of Lipizzan breed. In Lipica we’ll take a peak in the breed house, admire the noble stallions and watch them train in their elegant performance. After the horse performance we gather at the bus and head back to Ljubljana.
PREDJAMA CASTLE
THE POSTOJNA CAVE The Postojna Cave is a 20-km long karst
pillars, creased as curtains and lined up
For more than 700 years it has perched
cave system, a web of underground pas-
in all kinds of fantastic forms. The cave
proudly in a rocky cliff over 100 metres high: powerful and defiant – an impreg-
sages, galleries and chambers, visited by over 33 million people in almost 200
is easily accessible without any stairs or
nable fortress. Today’s castle dates back
years. It is both, the largest cave of the
to the Renaissance period, but the date
classical carst and the show cave with
of its construction (1583) is confirmed
the largest numbers of visitors in Eu-
by a coat of arms of its owners - the Ko-
rope. In 1872, railway tracks were laid
benzl family. Concealed behind it is an
in the cave and in 1884 electricity was
older nucleus – the original cave castle.
installed. Nowadays visitors can satisfy
The most famous inhabitant of Pred-
their curiosity by learning about how
jama castle is a symbol of defiance, the
the caves came to existence, by having a
any strenuous uphill walking. A part of
refugee of the bold, wilful and rebellious
look at the passages and chambers, and
the visit to the cave is done on the train
knight Erazem of Predjama.
above all by looking at stalagmites rising
and a part on foot.
Old depictions and descriptions – par-
up from the cave’s ground and stalac-
ticularly from the last 200 years – prove
tites hanging down from its roof. They
that Predjama Castle was even then vis-
can observe how they are joined as
ited and admired by large numbers of travellers. It is still worth a visit today.
Photos:; Sourse:www.slovenia.info; Author of the photographs in order: B. Kladnik ,B. Kladnik, Tomo Jeseničnik, Ciril, Arhiv Postojnske jame, Arhiv Postojnske jame; B. Bajželj ,Miha Krivic
EXCURSION TO KOPER, PIRAN AND PORTOROŽ Departure at 9 am from Ljubljana towards the coast. Arrival to Koper and sightseeing (Pretorian Palace, palace Loggia), a walk across the city centre. Afterwards we continue towards the oldest Slovenian seaside town Piran, where we admire beautiful Tartini Square and town church, take a walk around the town and then have a lunch break at one of the local restaurants. After lunch we depart towards Portorož, the most popular Slovenian coastal destination, where you will be able to take a walk along the main promenade and take some time for coffee at one of the numerous cafes and bars by the sea. In the late afternoon departure back to Ljubljana.
VINAKOPER
SEČOVLJE SALT-PANS remained, therefore their testimony is even more precious. They represent ethnological, technical, historical, urban, and landscape heritage of extreme importance. Immovable cultural heritage includes salt
Typical Istrian wine cellar is built of the typ-
Cultural heritage of the salt-pans reflect
fields (active and abandoned), channels
ical Istrian limestone. The largest portion of
the life and work of salters from the
and banks with stone walls, stairs and
the cellar has been built inside the slope of
North-East Adriatic coast in the last cen-
barriers (only stone parts are preserved),
the Hill of Škocjan, while the ground floor
tury. The oldest heritage can be seen in
salt-pan houses with the surrounding
has been completely entrenched into the
the basins called Fontanigge, where the
(also their ruins and locations), paths,
soil. Natural construction materials offer
ruins of salt-pan houses, traces of salt
bridges, pumps etc.
many advantages; the most important of
fields, banks and channels testify of once
Sečovlje salt-pans are the only salt-pans
all is the relatively constant temperature in-
existing Piran salt-pans, active until the
along the east coast of the Adriatic sea,
side the cellar. Annual temperature swings
1960s. Mobile cultural heritage of the old
where they use traditional approach in
therefore do not exceed 10°C. Summer
Piran salt-pans is preserved, protected
the whole process and produce salt by
temperatures are never higher than 18°C,
and presented at the Museum of Salt-
daily harvesting in salt water where the
while in winter they never fall below 8°C,
making by the channel Giassi. From once
salters cultivate so called petola - a spe-
thus creating the best conditions for age-
numerous salt-pans in the Gulf of Trieste
cial type of biosediment.
ing and storing the wines.
only those in Sečovlje and Strunjan have
Photos:; Sourse:www.slovenia.info; Author of the photographs in order: Ubald Trnkoczy Ubald Trnkoczy, UN, Ubald Trnkoczy Ubald Trnkoczy, Ubald Trnkoczy
PIRAN Densely built-up old seaport town and nowadays a sea resort is situated at the end of Piran peninsula, which is slowly narrowing between the Gulf of Piran and the Gulf of Strunjan. The town preserved its medieval image with narrow streets and continuous houses rising from the coastal level up towards the top of the ridge, thus giving the entire environment typical mediterranean character. Sights not to be overlooked in the town include Tartini square, Venetian house, municipality palace and many churches.
PORTOROŽ Portorož is a worldly tourist centre in Slovenian Istria. Development of this tourist place by the Gulf of Piran began in the 19th century, when they discovered beneficient effects of salt mud from the nearby salt-pans. The place has visitors all around the year due to its well developed tourist infrastructure. Fbulous surroundings with pleasant climate, numerous modern hotels, covered and heated sea water pools, casino,… are a good ground for relaxed vacation and also for lively congress activity. The nearby airport enables fast access from all parts of Europe, while nearby marine offers a safe shelter and starting point for nautical tourism.
Maribor and Pohorje with surroundings
Wherever travellers come from, the Po-
into the city, attracts visitors with the Snow
oldest city Ptuj invites visitors to this part of
horje region - a green specialty of Slovenia’s
Stadium – a venue for international skiing
Slovenia. This city of Kurenti (typical carni-
mountain world, greets them with remark-
competitions and romantic night skiing, and
val mask) and other original traditions also
able peat moors with lakes, extensive grassy
the challenging Adrenalin Park. Especially in
boasts Slovenia’s oldest wine cellar with its
plains and slopes that in winter become at-
summer, destinations by the river Drava are
archived treasures that inspire tourists to
tractive ski areas, mighty forests and gigan-
very attractive, for example the Lent area of
tour the winegrowing regions of Slovenske
tic trees, well-marked mountaineering and
the city that hosts a famous international
Gorice and Haloze. The Ptuj Thermal Spa
hiking trails, hospitable inns, and inviting
summer festival, the landscape park Mari-
promises relaxation.
sporting and tourist centers.
borski otok, and nearby Brestrniško lake, as
From Maribor, a university and cultural cen-
are the numerous wine paths through the
ter with an opera, theatre, museums, art gal-
surrounding area.
leries, and numerous events and many points
From Maribor Pohorje, the view spreads
of interest, it is possible to take the cable rail-
across Dravsko Polje and Ptujsko Polje flat-
way to the top of Pohorje or a city bus. The
lands all the way to the hills of Haloze and
Maribor Pohorje area, with its views of the
Slovenske Gorice. Below the imposing Ptuj
nearby winegrowing hills that reach right
Castle with its regional museum, Slovenia’s
PTUJ AND MARIBOR
at Ptuj we take a walk through the old and
lunch we depart towards the second larg-
narrow city streets where the visitor can re-
est city, Maribor. In Maribor we take a walk
ally feel cities spirit. When we reach the cas-
through the city center and observe the
tle hill we ascent upon it to the Ptuj castle
main attractions (Lent, Slomšek Square, the
where we take a look at the exhibition at the
University). Gathering at the bus and drive
castle’s museum. Visitors can really admire a
back to Ljubljana.
splendid view from the castle on the city be-
Alternative: Visiting Ptuj wine cellar or Mari-
Departure from Ljubljana and drive towards
low and the river Drava. We take time off for
bor wine cellar, or Botanical garden Maribor,
the oldest city in Slovenia, Ptuj. Upon arrival
lunch at one of the local restaurants. After
Botanical garden TAL 2000
CELJE AND PTUJ
Departure at 9 am from Ljubljana towards the
in Slovenia. In Ptuj, we take a walk through the
city of Celje. After arrival in Celje we take a look
old narrow city streets where a visitor can re-
at the ruins of the Celje castle at the top of the
ally feel the spirit of the city and later ascent to
hill. The castle is a symbol of the town and the
the Ptuj castle in which we’ll look at the mu-
dukes of Celje, which lived in it from the four-
seum exhibition and gaze far around the land-
teenth to fifteenth century. After castle sight-
scape, as the castle provides a splendid view
seeing, we head down to the city center from
on the city and the river Drava. We depart in
where the road leads us to Ptuj, the oldest city
late afternoon hours back to Ljubljana.
Celje used to be among the most important
many centuries.
historical Slovenian towns. During the last
A lot of people coming to Celje from the end
Counts of Celje, the town was the only genu-
of the 19th century were so thrilled by the
ine center of humanism and renaissance in
beauty of the town, that it had earned the at-
the Slovenian territory and one of the most
tribute “Pearl upon Savinja” (Biser ob Savinji).
important political centres in Europe of that
The town is really set amidst the outstand-
time.
ing countryside and fabulous, picturesque
Perfect location, picturesque surroundings,
surroundings, which openly invites for trips
glorious history, and kind, open people have
and hikes.
CELJE
been shaping the image of its distinction for
PTUJ
The oldest town in Slovenia (its history
dates back to the Neolitic), which will sure-
Hall, the Orpheus monument, the church
ly impress history lovers. All central part of
of St. George, Prešernova street, and at the
the town is a registered and protected area
end you will go uphill to the Ptuj Castle,
of cultural heritage. Fairs originating from
which had a function for protecting the
the Middle Ages give this town a special
settlement below for centuries. Some free
atmosphere.
time for lunch or a walk follows. Ptuj is also
In a sightseeing tour around the town, you
known for its thermal spa and its wine-
will see the Minorite Square and the Mon-
growing surrounding hills with many wine
astery, The Town Square with the Town
paths and tourist farms.
Photos:; Sourse:www.slovenia.info; Author of the photographs in order:Jurij Pivka, Matej Vranič Matej Vranič, Tomo Jeseničnik, Matej Vranič, Lenarčič, Matej Vranič, A. Fevžer
PTUJ WINE CELLAR
BOTANICAL GARDEN TAL 2000
The oldest wine cellar, where you can listen to the story of wine while passing through its underground passages. In 2007 wines from the Ptuj wine cellar became a trademark, placing its flavours in the arms of expectations of a contemporary consumers in every continent. At the botanical garden TAL 2000 you
big orange-rimmed beetle, water bug
Wine cellar is equipped with sound and
can admire the biggest collection of wild
(backswimmer) and other water insects.
light effects, beautifully blending with the
water and water-bank plants in Slovenia,
Occasionally, garden is visited by some
image of wooden barrels. Wine archive
a collection of medicinal plants, the only
water birds, whereas loud warble from the
hides the treasures of the cellar, such as
public collection of poisonous plants, and
nearby forest can be heard during the en-
the oldest Slovenian historical wine from
a smaller collection of minerals and rocks.
tire year.
1917, made from the Gold Vine.
Pool and moist habitats are inhabited by
In the wine room, guests are welcome to
different animal species. Especially in the
watch a multimedia presentation entitled
spring, a loud frog croaking can be heard.
ÂťWhen a drop sparklesÂŤ. Beautiful photo-
When sunny, many colourful dragonflies
graphs of the hills in Haloze take you for
can be seen flying above the pools. There
a walk through the history and present of
are around 50 different kinds living in
winemaking in Ptuj.
this area. Stopping by the water for a bit longer may bring a chance to observe a
MARIBOR Maribor is the second largest city in Slo-
Did you know that the oldest vine in the
The biggest skiing resort is located not far
venia, the capital of Styria region and the
world grows in Maribor? With its 400 years it
off Maribor, where The World Cup in Alpine
second most important centre in Slovenia.
is recorded in the Guiness Book of Records.
Skiing for women takes place. The river
Lively city centre surrounded by wine-
Annually they produce up to 55 kg of pro-
Drava running through the city offers many
growing hills and green Pohorje hills invites
duce, which is sold as a precious business
opportunities for entertainment, lumber-
passersby.
protocol present in 2,5 decilitre bottles,
rafting being the most popular.
made by famous artist Oskar Kogoj.
Photos:; Sourse:www.slovenia.info; Author of the photographs in order:Bobo, Ciril, Ciril, Ciril, Matej Vranič, Aljoša Videtič, UN, Marko Petrej
Pomurje
The dreamy countryside along the river Mura
which boasts Europe’s first nudist camp-
“gostilnas,” visitors can taste not only excel-
in eastern Slovenia is a land of wide fields
ground beside a thermal spring. New desti-
lent wines but also the characteristic culi-
and rounded hills, storks and wind-rattles,
nations are also linked to the quest for well
nary specialties of the region.
floating mills, healing waters and energy
being with the discovery of numerous energy
points, picturesque winegrowing hills, origi-
points at Ivan spring, the river Ščavnica, St.
nal traditions and dialects, and most of all, a
Vid spring, and Bukovniško lake.
land of hospitable people, who live in Slove-
Driving north from Murska Sobota, we find
nia’s largest agricultural region.
ourselves among the rounded hills of the
The majority of tourists are attracted to this
Goričko region, famous for its storks.
part of Slovenia by its thermal health resorts:
The towns and villages along the river Mura
the Radenci Health Resort with its more than
and its tributaries are linked by excellent cy-
120-year-long tradition and famous mineral
cling, hiking, and walking trails and by sev-
drinking water, Terme 3000 in Moravske Spa
eral wine roads. Day-trip and tourist farms
with its many water attractions, the Lenda-
and numerous ethnographic events enable
va Thermal Spa near the hills of Lendavske
visitors to experience the unique traditions
Gorice region, and Banovci Health Resort,
of north-eastern Slovenia, and in the local
Photos:; Sourse:www.slovenia.info; Author of the photographs in order: D. Mladenovič, Bobo, A. Fevžer, D. Dubokovič, Ciril
MURSKA SOBOTA Murska Sobota is a city in the far north of
thermal and mineral springs as well as
Slovenia. Important cultural features are
healing microclimate), the Castle (mighty
the Regional museum in the castle, Victo-
medieval castle, dating from the 13th cen-
ry square, Peace Park, renaissance manor
tury and the Church of Mary), Lendava (fa-
house, the church of St. Nicholas. Murska
mous spa) and Ljutomer (a place known
Sobota is a starting-point to visit Radenci
for high-quality wine ever since the Mid-
(a spa with international reputation, spe-
dle Ages).
cialised in lung and heart diseases, with
THE ISLAND OF LOVE Through the centuries, the river Mura has
still-existing connections between the left
“floating mill on the river Mura“, which is
been playing tricks with nature and created
and the right river bank. A special experi-
unique in Slovenia and one of a few in this
a natural island, named by the locals the
ence for the visitors is “pajani kruj“, a special-
part of Europe.
Island of Love. The island is known for its
ity of this place and it can be made on open
On the Island of Love you can be served
beauty and intact nature in its immediate
fire by every person on their own.
with another speciality, love potion, which
and wider surroundings. On the Island of
A special dainty is also “riba na batu“, a fish
helps the old and the young to fulfil their
Love life never stops. Throughout the year,
specially prepared on hot coal. The newest
innermost wishes.
visitors can take a boat trip, one of very rare
acquisition of the Island of Love is the
FILOVCI
TROPICAL GARDEN
BOGOJINA
The village of Filovci was known for the
In case you decide to take a trip to Prekmur-
so-called black pottery. Men would make
je, you must certainly visit Bogojina, one of
pottery (spinning the potter’s wheel and
the most beautiful buildings of Slovenian
designing pots) for their own needs, for
sacral architecture, made by Jože Plečnik.
sale on nearby fairs (like home trade) and for wider trade. Women would help their men in various phases of pottery produc-
In the unique tropical garden you can ob-
tion. They would take part in the excavation
serve in an entirely natural environment
and preparation of clay, spin the mill for
tropical plants, which you encounter ever
glaze grinding, polish dried pots and help
day, but may not know them yet – you
loading the kiln.
can learn how the aromatic vanilla, sweet
The village of Filovci continues the rich tra-
banana and pineapple, inebriant cof-
dition of its ancestors and retains the mem-
fee, pepper, the king of spices, nutritive
ory of this activity and the times when each
avocado, mango, ginger and many other
house had its own potter. Today only one
plants grow. A comprehensive collection
potter still works in the village.
of many-coloured Flamingo flowers and a gaudy selection of climbers will fascinate every admirer of rich tropical nature. Yearly, 1.200.000 wonderful orchids are grown in the tropical garden.