Discover Slovenia - AbcTour

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.