Walk & Discover: Slovenia & Lake Bled

Wander in wonder through the storybook scenery of Lakes Bled and Bohinj in the Julian Alps, get to know the lively capital city of Ljubljana, the Adriatic town of Piran with its long pier, and marvel at the white Lipizzaner horses.

Ljubljana

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Ljubljana

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Ljubljana. We transfer by coach to stay for five nights, with breakfast, at a centrally located hotel in Ljubljana.

DAY 2 – Discover: Ljubljana

This morning we enjoy a walking tour of Slovenia’s picturesque capital with a local guide. See Prešeren Square where national icon, France Prešeren, has been immortalised in bronze, and the fine salmon-hued baroque facades of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Crossing the Triple Bridge, we enter the pedestrianised Old Town with its many Baroque buildings, piazzas graced by attractive fountains and cobbled alleys, all with a distinct Italian flavour. Within the lattice of red-roofed buildings is the Renaissance Town Hall, which towers over the Central Market, whose stalls sell a variety of tempting goods, from souvenirs to local produce. You have free time this afternoon so you may wish to walk up the hill to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views. A boat cruise along the river is a tranquil way to see more, or stroll along its leafy banks, with inviting cafés offering alfresco dining. (B) + Included Experience – Guided walking tour of Ljubljana

Hotel Lev – Ljubljana HHHH The elegant four-star Hotel Lev enjoys a privileged position just a few minutes’ walk from Ljubljana’s old town and close to the major sightseeing attractions. The spacious and inviting lobby leads to the hotel bar and breakfast room. The executive rooms are modern and tastefully decorated in a neutral palette, offering wonderful views of Ljubljana Castle or the city centre. Every room is equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, a safe and air conditioning.

DAY 3 – Walk: Lake Bled

Today we drive through undulating forested hills scattered with quaint villages before arriving at Lake Bled. The first thing you’ll notice are the dazzling waters, stretching over a mile in length and width. A tear-shaped island sits almost at the lake’s centre, crowned by a fairy-tale church. Your eyes are then drawn to the forested hills, where a medieval castle stands atop a craggy cliff. We offer a choice of walks with local guides. Easy walk – Duration: 2 hours (3.7 miles) / Altitude gain: 427 feet / Terrain: mostly flat paths We begin in the dramatic Vintgar Gorge, which weaves through rocky hills accompanied by the swirling Radovna River. A wooden walkway makes it easy to criss-cross the river over gushing waterfalls and limpid pools all the way to the 52-foot-high Šum waterfall. We continue through charming villages and wildflower-filled meadows to the scenic shores of Lake Bled. Moderate walk – Duration: 2.5 hours (5.6 miles) / Altitude gain: 656 feet / Terrain: country roads, paths and boardwalks With the majestic Alps in the distance, we follow a circular route from Lake Bled through inviting villages, verdant forest and mountain pastures dotted with colourful flowers until we arrive in Vintgar Gorge. After time to admire the crystalclear waters, we return to Lake Bled. The rest of the day is yours to explore Bled at leisure. Take a relaxing ride to Lake Bled’s islet on a pletna, a traditional canopied boat. Or visit atmospheric Bled Castle, perched close to the edge of a jagged cliff with the most captivating views. (B) + Included Experience – Guided walk around Lake Bled.

DAY 4 – Walk: Lake Bohinj

Today is devoted to one of Slovenia’s loveliest gems. Nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj is the quieter but equally beautiful sister of Lake Bled. Framing the blue-green waters are emerald forests peppered with a string of idyllic villages. You have a choice of walks with our specialist guides. Easy walk – Duration: 2 hours (3.1 miles) / Altitude gain: 803 feet / Terrain: Steps and steep gradients to the waterfall, then gentle paths towards the lake We ascend through the forest along a paved route of more than 500 steps under a canopy of trees, pausing at the midway point to catch a glimpse of the lake. Once at the top, we are rewarded with a gorgeous view of the lake to the mountains beyond, and of course, the magnificent Savica waterfall, Slovenia’s most famous. After some time to admire the vivid colour of the clear waters, we begin our gentle descent along the riverbank to Ukanc. This pretty hamlet sits on the western shore, enclosed on three sides by towering peaks. There’s time for a drink or lunch at your leisure before we return to our hotel. Moderate walk – Duration: 3 hours (5.7 miles) / Altitude gain: 1,021 feet / Terrain: Steps and steep gradients to the waterfall, then gentle paths towards the lake We begin on the western shore with wonderful views across the lake. Following a track through pristine meadows scattered with alpine houses, we then continue into the forest past beaches and scented pine trees. At the end of the lake, a trail takes us up to the entrance to Savica waterfall. (B) + Included Experience – Guided walk around Lake Bohinj

DAY 5 – Discover: Piran & Lipica

The stunning Adriatic Coast is our destination this morning with a visit to Piran, which seems to mirror Venice across the Gulf of Trieste. The old town is centred on Tartini Square, named after local composer Giuseppe Tartini, whose statue stands proudly as its focal point. You have free time to explore its VenetianGothic architecture, take an easy climb up to Saint George’s Cathedral or stroll the promenade and perhaps try one of the delicious seafood restaurants.

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Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus hotel transfers • Five nights in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful Tour Manager throughout

(B) Daily Breakfast Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 2 guided walks including Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj • 2 guided tours including Ljubljana on a guided tour and the Lipica

Classical Riding School with demonstration • Visit Piran

Piran

Later, we take a short drive to the Lipica Stud Farm, where the legendary Lipizzaner horses have been bred for over 400 years. We enjoy a guided tour and wonderful presentation by the Classical Riding School as the elegant white stallions perform their complex dressage routines. (B) + Included Experiences – Visit Piran and guided tour of Lipica Stud farm with presentation

DAY 6 – Return flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

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