Excursion programmes by Ljubljana Tourism

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Region of Central Slovenia

Dear colleagues Slovenia is an attractive tourist destination, which is primarily suitable for shorter weekend excursions for closed groups. Especially for you, organisers of trips and excursions, we have prepared interesting excursion programmes, which consist of three parts: they all begin in the capital of Slovenia, in Ljubljana, which has gone through considerable changes in the past several years, becoming a real magnet for lovers of culture, experience and the relaxed atmosphere of a beautiful city by the river. The programmes include visits to tourist points of the Central Slovenia region, which are merely a few tens of kilometres away from Ljubljana. At the very edge of the city there is great natural beauty, a rich historical heritage and broughtto-life castles with their stories. At the end of a two or three-day excursion, you can easily add to it some of the very well-known Slovene pearls, such as Bled Lake, Postojna caves, Piran or Portorož… Ljubljana is certainly worth visiting, as it has history, style, art and culture, as well as the atmosphere of both Central-Europe and the Mediterranean. Those who know us better, to all of this, would also surely add the adjectives: multilingual and hospitable. We are ready to share with you the most beautiful things that we experience in our everyday lives and to encourage you to discover one of the smallest and most charming European capitals, the city whose name means »beloved«.

Get to know Ljubljana – city sightseeing tours You can order a two-hour sightseeing tour of the city throughout the whole year. Apart from the regular ones, you can also order somewhat different sightseeing tours: • Thematic sightseeing tours: Antique Ljubljana, Baroque Ljubljana, Ljubljana from the Secession period, Plečnik’s architecture, visit to the Botanical garden, etc. • Boat ride on the river Ljubljanica (realisation of this programme is subject to weather conditions) • At the time of Advent, a special experience is meeting Santa Claus; just imagine what a great time you would have if taken for a walk around festively decorated Ljubljana by Santa Claus himself … • The tourist train links the centre of the city with the Ljubljana castle; it departs on the hour from the Stritarjeva street. The ride to the castle lasts 15 minutes. The train returns from the castle to the Stritarjeva street after 1 hour and 20 minutes. • The panoramic cable car links the old part of the city with the hill which is adorned by the Ljubljana castle. Starting point: Krekov trg.

Information and booking of sightseeing tours Ljubljana Tourism, www.visitljubljana.com Contact person: Mrs Alenka Štular T +386 1 306 12 30, E alenka.stular@visitljubljana.si

www.visitljubljana.com

Ljubljana

FOLLOWING PLEČNIK’S HERITAGE We number the architect Jože Plečnik among the most renowned Slovene architects. He mostly created in Ljubljana and Prague and a large amount of his work can also be found elsewhere, throughout the whole of Slovenia and former Yugoslavia. The Slovenes are particularly proud of his work as the architect used local environment materials for his work and cooperated with local people and his work is full of symbolism. During the excursion, we will visit numerous monuments which Plečnik created in the capital city of Ljubljana and in the surrounding locations.

Day 1 Ljubljana–Črna vas–Trzin–Domžale During the morning hours, we will go for a sightseeing tour of Ljubljana’s landmarks with a local guide. We will visit the capital’s landmarks with the emphasis on Plečnik’s heritage: Tromostovje, market, one of the oldest bridges – Čevljarski most, Križanke and his most significant piece of work, the National and University library – NUK. Following the sightseeing of the city landmarks and a one-hour break, we will leave for Črna vas na Barju, to visit the St. Michael’s church. We will then drive to Trzin and have lunch in a local tavern, following which we will visit St. Florijan’s church which contains more of Plečnik’s work. In nearby Domžale, we will visit the church of Resurrection of Virgin Mary, with Plečnik’s singing choir. We will then visit the Lenček gallery; known for its products made of decorative honey-biscuits and raised dough. Possibility of purchase of souvenirs. We continue our excursion with a tour of Menačenk’s estate, which reflects the way of living of at least three generations of the family of peasants and craftsmen. Dinner and overnight in a nearby hotel.

St. Michael, Črna vas

Lenček Gallery

Day 2 Domžale–Kamnik–Kamniška Bistrica valley–Komenda–Mengeš In the morning, drive to Kamnik, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Slovenia. Sightseeing of the main town landmarks: Small castle, Franciscan monastery and St. Jacob’s church with Plečnik’s chapel of god’s tomb, Main square, Šutna street. At the Lectar’s old town house, candle and honey-making traditions have been nurtured for several centuries. There, we will visit the museum room with its well-preserved candle-making workshop, Plečnik’s family room and the workshop for candle decorating according to Plečnik’s drawings. Free time for coffee and purchase of souvenirs. We will then take a ride towards the Kamniška Bistrica valley and have a break by natural landmarks: the river source, Big and Small Predaselj, followed by a walk to King Aleksandar’s castle, built according to Plečnik’s drawings. Lunch at the nearby tavern. In the afternoon hours, we will visit St. Peter’s church in Komenda, where Plečnik designed the tabernacle and appointed the church square. In Mengeš, we will visit St. Michael’s church, containing one of the last of Plečnik’s works – the baptismal font - and end our two-day excursion with a visit to Peter Krušnik’s workshop, a local man who, still today, makes interesting products according to Jože Plečnik’s drawings. We will conclude the day with dinner at Mengeška koča. Best time for excursion:

all year round

Excursion duration:

2 days

Lectar’s House

Minimum number of persons: 5 Programme organiser:

Agencija za šport in turizem Kamnik: www.kamnik-tourism.si

Jablje Castle 3

GREEN WORLD ON THE DOORSTEP OF THE CAPITAL We will discover the natural and cultural specifics of the geometrical centre of Slovenia in the green world of the Kamniško-Savinjske Alps.

Day 1 Ljubljana–Velika planina–Kamniška Bistrica valley–Kamnik– Terme Snovik With a local guide, we will pass by Trzin, Mengeš and Kamnik, to the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, to the Kamniška Bistrica valley. We will climb to the top of the Velika planina plateau by cable car or, if you wish, by ski-lift. This mountain lives all year round and, predominantly in the summer, when shepherds bring their flocks for grazing, thus creating a special cultural landscape. We will take a walk passing by shepherds’ wooden huts, visit Preskar’s museum and Mary of the Snow chapel. Following a warm snack (possibility of cheese tasting) and, with lungs full of fresh air, we will descend to the Kamniška Bistrica valley. After a brandy tasting session in the first Slovene Žganjeteka (a place where one can taste and purchase locally made brandy), we will take a sightseeing tour of the natural landmarks in the upper course of one of the cleanest Slovene rivers – Kamniška Bistrica. In the afternoon hours we will visit Kamnik, a picturesque medieval town at the foot of the mountains. During the walk, we will acquaint ourselves with landmarks, climb to the Small castle, where we will see a unique two-storey chapel. There is also a legend going around about the castle and the count’s bewitched daughter Veronika. The most beautiful view to Kamnik and magnificent Kamnik-Savinja Alps spreads from there. At the local tavern, we will enjoy a late lunch. In the afternoon, in Tuhinjska dolina, we will visit a spa on the highest sea level altitude in Slovenia – the spa Terme Snovik. Its healing water has a beneficial effect on bones, skin and digestion. Bathing and enjoyment in swimming pools and saunas follows, with overnight in the apartment resort, which was first awarded with a daisy for tourist accommodation – the European Union symbol for the environment.

Velika planina

Kamnik

Day 2 Spa Terme Snovik–Motnik–Trojane–Vače–Bogenšperk–Ljubljana After breakfast, we will take a ride over the mountain saddle Kozjak, to Motnik. This place lies in the very east of the Kamnik municipality and has the characteristic architecture of provincial houses. In the centre, there stands a “pranger” – public humiliation post. We continue our excursion with a ride to the point where the counties of Kranjska and Štajerska join together, to Trojane. Here, if we wish, we can order a well-known Trojane doughnut, which represents the tavern’s trademark. After Trojane, we take a ride passing by Izlake, upriver Sava, to Spodnja Slivna, where the geometrical centre of Slovenia is located – GEOSS. Here we can also find the symbol of Sloveneship and the many-centuries struggle for survival and development of the root of the Slovenes in these areas. In Vače, we will follow the Alley of Creation, to Klenik, where we will view the enlarged copy of a bronze dish from the Iron Age – situla. We will then descend to Litija and have lunch at a local tavern. In the afternoon, we will visit the Bogenšperk castle, where, in the 18th century, lived a Kranj nobleman, a great explorer and researcher of landscapes, nature, animals and the people of his times – Janez Vajkard Valvasor. Arrival in Ljubljana in the late afternoon hours. Best time for excursion:

all year round

Excursion duration:

2 days

Spa Terme Snovik

Minimum number of persons: 5 Programme organiser: 4

Agencija za šport in turizem Kamnik: www.kamnik-tourism.si

Bogenšperk Castle

RELAXING WALK AROUND THE HEART OF SLOVENIA On our walk around the heart of Slovenia, we will familiarise ourselves with interweaving of modern and traditional lives on holiday. Here, a rich history left its traces, especially by crossroads and by the rivers. Intact nature and well preserved cultural heritage beckon you to visit.

Day 1 Ljubljana–Trzin–Mengeš–Kamnik–Budnar’s Museum House– Domžale Accompanied by a local guide, we will depart towards the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Our first stop will be in Trzin, which, for Slovenia, is known by an exceptionally important battle – on 27th June 1991, by the Pšata bridge, the Yugoslav Army and the Slovene Territorial Defence forces fought. We will view the St. Florijan’s church, where Jože Plečnik, in cooperation with his student, Anton Bitenc, arranged the church furnishings. On the way to Mengeš, we will call at the Renaissance castle Jablje, built in the 14th century, which is, still today, very well known for its beautiful Franc Jelovšek’s frescoes. We continue with a visit to the St. Michael’s church in Mengeš, with renowned Plečnik’s baptismal font, followed by a ride to the village of Zgornje Palovče above Kamnik, where, at the entrance to the village, there is the 350-year old Budnar’s Museum House. At the estate gates, we will be greeted by the hostess, who will, as a sign of welcome, offer us a four-ounce flask of brandy, accompanied by bread and salt. Once there, we will view the black kitchen and its central area – the house in which, on a maple-tree table, there will be a spread of home-made food and drinks waiting for us. We will then head for the small medieval town at the foot of the mountains, Kamnik. We will take a stroll to the unique two-storey chapel at the Small Castle and tour the Franciscan monastery, the St. Jacob’s church and the chapel of God’s tomb, Main square and Trg svobode. Break for purchase of souvenirs or coffee, Dinner and overnight.

St. Florijan, Trzin

Budnar’s Museum House

Day 2 Kamnik–Arboretum Volčji Potok–Domžale–Moravče– Lukovica–Ljubljana Our first station on the trip is Arboretum Volčji potok, the largest horticultural institution in Slovenia. We will take a walk among a rich plantation of versatile flowers and over 3,000 kinds of trees from all over the world. We will then drive to the castle Tuštanj from the 17th century and, via Moravče, to Lukovica near Domžale, known for magnificent coachmen’s houses from the times of transport by horsedriven coaches and “rokovnjači”, robbers of its own kind, characteristic of the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Sightseeing of the central Stari trg (Old square). We will enjoy our late lunch at the nearby tavern and we will also taste the domestic beer Rokovnjač. We continue our excursion with a visit to Brdo pri Lukovici, the birthplace of Janko Kersnik, a Slovene writer, notary public and politician and the Bee-farming Centre, in which, from a short film, we will familiarise ourselves with bee-farming in Slovenia and throughout the world. Tasting session and possibility of purchase of souvenirs. Best time for excursion:

all year round

Excursion duration:

2 days

Arboretum Volčji potok

Minimum number of persons: 5 Programme organiser:

Agencija za šport in turizem Kamnik: www.kamnik-tourism.si

Bee Centre Lukovica 5

NURSERY OF THE SLOVENE LANGUAGE AND DOLENJSKI KRAS In 16th century, the protestant priest Primož Trubar published the first printed books in the Slovene language. His task of standardization of the language of a small nation in the 19th century was later to be continued by Levstik, Jurčič and Stritar. This excursion will take us through the birth paces of these great people. We will also visit the beautiful world of the Karst underground and observe the mysterious disappearance of water on the Karst field and the birth of a new river.

Day 1 Ljubljana–Raščica–Velike Lašče–Županova jama cave– Radensko polje From Ljubljana, we head towards Trubar’s estate on Raščica. Guided viewing of the exhibition about the father of the Slovene written word and reformation in Slovenia follows. We can also agree on a demonstration of binding of the first printed books – book binding workshop. We continue with the excursion towards Velike Lašče, where we will visit the memorial room of Fran Levstik and Josip Stritar, important Slovene writers from the 19th century. There is a well-known tavern Pri Kuklju, where we will be served the specialities of the traditional Slovene cuisine. We will then proceed towards Županova jama cave. The guided tour of underground wonders in seven halls lasts about one hour. The Karst nature will also follow us during our ride around Radensko polje, whose specific particularity is “retje”, an area where the surface water disappears into the Karst underground. Visit to hill Kopanj, with the church. Here, in the rectory, France Prešeren, the greatest Slovene poet of the 19th century, also stayed during his schooling years. Possibility of a walk around Radensko polje. Ride to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Trubarjevina – Trubar’s House

Županova jama cave

Day 2 Ljubljana–Višnja gora–Muljava–Izvor Krke–Stična We leave by coach towards Višnja Gora, where we will acquaint ourselves with the satirical short story Kozlovska sodba (“Kid trial”) in Višnja Gora. Its author is writer Josip Jurčič, who was born in a peasant family in nearby Muljava. Viewing of his birth house, which preserved its original appearance from the mid-19th century. We will have lunch at a farm tourism facility in the vicinity of the source of the green river Krka. We continue our trip towards Cistercian Monastery Stična. We will tour the Museum of Christianity in Slovenia and, should we feel like some additional activities, we can take part in the calligraphy workshop, which is organised at the monastery. On the way back, we will call at BTC city, where you will have enough possibilities to do the evening shopping, see a film at the multi-screen cinema Kolosej, have a swim at the water city Atlantis, or, simply, to enjoy yourselves in one of the restaurants. Overnight in a selected hotel. Best time for excursion:

all year round

Excursion duration:

2 days

Minimal number of persons:

Programme organiser:

Županova jama, TOD Grosuplje, www.zupanovajama.si

Krka river source

Cistercian Monastery Stična 6

KARST CAVES AND CASTLES NEAR LJUBLJANA A breath of mystery is equally connected with the beauty of the Karst underground as it is with the medieval castles. Županova jama cave will enchant you with its glimmering dripstones, while Krška jama cave represents the birthplace of the Krka river. The magnificent castle Turjak used to be the home of one of the most influential families of noblemen of the Duchy of Kranjska, while Janez V. Valvasor from the castle Bogenšperk was the first who systematically described this region. We have also included the traditional Slovene culinary art in this excursion.

Day 1 Ljubljana–Županova jama cave–Cerovo–Turjak

Županova jama cave

We will drive to Županova jama cave near Grosuplje. The sightseeing tour of the beauty of pearls of Dolenje Karst world lasts a little over one hour. We continue by visiting tabor Cerovo, a fortress from the times of the Turkish invasion. In nearby Gradež, we will visit a traditional fruitdrying plant and the ethnographic collection will take us to the times of our grandparents. Our lunch will be prepared in a typically Slovene tavern. We will then tour the castle Turjak and tomb chapel of its owners. We will return to our hotel via most beautiful karst field Radensko polje. There, we will make a short stop by the ruins of the Boštanj castle, which, since the 17th century, has been owned by the counts Ursini-Blagaj, a family which moved there from the Sana river region. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 2

Turjak Castle

Ljubljana–Višnja gora–the Krka river source–Stična– Bogenšperk Drive by the Praproče castle (birth house of the American and Slovene writer Louis Adamič), through Višnja Gora. A short break for sightseeing of the small town (a fountain on the main square). We then continue our ride towards Krka. By the Krka river source, we will visit Krška jama cave. Then, we will head towards the Cistercian Monastery Stična; an hour-long viewing of the Museum of Christianity in Slovenia follows, as well as of the church and monastery shop with teas prepared with medicinal herbs. For lunch, we will go to a farm tourism facility in Pristava nad Stično, from where a beautiful view spreads across the valley. After lunch, we depart for the castle Bogenšperk, a former home of the historian Janez Vajkard Valvasor. During the animated tour of the castle and the collection with baroness Ana Maksimila Valvasor and Jurij, court footman, we will easily go back to the times of the first Slovene historian. On our return journey to Ljubljana, we will stop at BTC city, where you will have enough possibilities to do the evening shopping, see a film at the multi-screen cinema Kolosej, have a swim at the water city Atlantis, or, simply, enjoy yourselves in one of the restaurants. Best time for excursion:

all year round

Excursion duration:

2 days

Cistercian Monastery Stična

Minimum number of persons: 8 Programme organiser:

Županova jama, TOD Grosuplje, www.zupanovajama.si

Bogenšperk – Countess Maksimiljana 7

Central Slovenia region in figures: • 26 municipalities • 930,439 overnights and 486,965 arrivals in 2011 • 9.6% share in overnights in Slovenia (this region is in 5th place) • Ljubljana represents 87.7% arrivals and 86.1% overnights in the region • The region has 11,438 beds (Ljubljana has a 71.57%-share), of which 4,489 in hotels • Average period of stay in the region is 1.91 days • In 2010, Central Slovenia recorded the largest increase in overnights (6.4 %) among all regions • The region with the largest share of foreign overnights (91.28 %) and Ljubljana is a municipality with the largest share of foreign overnights (95.3 %) 8

FOLLOWING COUNT BLAGAJ’S PATHS The Blagaj counts moved from Croatia to Kranjska in the 16th century. They were a branch of the peer family Babonić and their headquarters was in the castle Blagaj, on the Sana river. As refugees, fleeing the Turks, they entered the most important Kranj noblemen circles and the family acquired the title of counts, later re-named Ursini-Blagaj. This excursion will take us through their parts.

Day 1 Ljubljana–Polhov Gradec–Ljubljana Arrival in Ljubljana, accommodation in a hotel in Ljubljana, light lunch. In the afternoon hours, we will depart towards Polhov Gradec. We will take a walk along the Blagaj’s pedestrian path and visit the Museum of Post and Telecommunications. We will be taken to the times of old noblemen by an animated tour of the castle – “Tea at count Blagaj’s”. We will then return to the capital. In one of the oldest Ljubljana’s taverns, there will be organised the “Slovene evening”, which, apart from excellent food, also includes live music and a folk tradition programme. Return to the hotel.

Tea at Count Blagaj’s, Polhov Gradec fortress

Day 2 Ljubljana–Grosuplje–Županova jama cave–Boštanj– Ljubljana In the morning, we leave for the sightseeing tour of the Slovene capital. We will take a walk around the historical centre of the city and maybe even climb up to the Ljubljana castle. After this, there is a possibility of individual exploration of the market. We will then have lunch at a typical Ljubljana tavern and, if desired, you can have a river - boat ride to the Botanical garden, founded in 1810. Possibility of touring the tropical greenhouse. We continue our excursion towards Grosuplje, to the ruins of the castle Boštanj, which, since the second half of the 17th century, has been owned by the family Ursini-Blagaj. The guide will present us their story. A view to the karst field Radensko polje will open up to us from the panoramic road. A visit to the karst cave Županova jama follows. During the viewing, we will acquaint ourselves with plush underground Karst phenomena in seven halls. On our way back to Ljubljana, we will call at BTC city, which offers enough possibilities to do the evening shopping, see a film at the multi-screen cinema Kolosej, have a swim at the water city Atlantis, or, simply, enjoy yourselves in one of the restaurants.

Županova jama cave

Day 3 Ljubljana–Stična–Ljubljana Following breakfast, we will have our morning coffee on the banks of the Ljubljanica river. Namely, on Sunday mornings, Breg turns into a large flea market, which you should not miss. We will then drive to the Cistercian Monastery Stična. The monastery was founded in the 12th century and after that, for several centuries, it served as a spiritual and economic centre of that part of Dolenjska. We will visit the monastery museum and, maybe even take part in the calligraphy workshop. Late lunch will be served to us at a farm tourism facility in Pristava nad Stično, from where a beautiful view spreads on the valley. Best time for excursion:

all year round

Excursion duration:

3 days

Cistercian Monastery Stična

Minimum number of persons: 8 Programme organiser: 10

Županova jama, TOD Grosuplje, www.zupanovajama.si

Ljubljana - Antiques fair

TO THE REAR OF LJUBLJANSKO BARJE AND ITS CULTURAL HERITAGE On our excursion, we will be discovering the treasures of cultural and ethnological heritage of Ljubljansko barje and its rear. We will look for the pearls of the cultural heritage of this part of Slovenia, stop for tea at count Blagaj’s and discover corners, which have, to date, been hidden from our sight.

Day 1 Ljubljana–Vrhnika Arrival in Ljubljana in early afternoon hours. Guided sightseeing tour of Ljubljana, a walk around the newlyreconstructed Baroque centre: the Cathedral, Town House, Secession town following the earthquake, touring of architect Jože Plečnik’s masterpieces (Tromostovje, river bank, Cobbler’s bridge, National and University Library) through to the latest architectural achievements of the capital (Breg, Congress Square, Opera). Possibility of touring of the castle and tower with a viewing point, or ride in a river boat. Free time for individual sightseeing and shopping. Dinner at a typically Slovene restaurant, accommodation at a hotel in Vrhnika.

Sunny path

Day 2 Vrhnika–Bistra–Podlipa–Vrzdenec–Polhov Gradec–Vrhnika We begin our day with a tour of the birth house of Ivan Cankar in Vrhnika, followed by a trip to the Technical Museum of Slovenia in Bistra. Permanent and temporary exhibitions from the fields of agriculture, traffic, forestry, hunting, fishing, textile, electronics and printing crafts are set up among the monastery walls and halls. Our attention will surely be drawn to the collection of Tito’s cars and waterpowered machines, such as the tool forgery, reconstructed veneering plant and Venetian saw. We return to Vrhnika and from there we continue our trip towards the village of Podlipa. Here, we will see the beehive yard and taste honey brandy. After lunch in a typical Slovene tavern, we continue our excursion along the panoramic road, to the village of Vrzdenec. There, we will take a look at the workshop and museum of the craftsman who builds characteristic Slovene diatonic accordions – “frajtonarica”. We continue our trip as far as Polhov Gradec, where count Blagaj will receive us and, in his palace, offer us some tea, take us around the castle and its surrounding area and invite us to view the collection of the Museum of Post and Telecommunication and the Local Museum. Dinner in a typical Slovene tavern or at a farm tourism facility.

Best time for excursion:

all year round

Excursion duration:

2 days

Technical Museum, Bistra

Barje mosaic

Minimum number of persons: 20 Programme organiser:

www.visitljubljana.com

Tea at Count Blagaj’s, Polhov Gradec castle 11

MYSTERIOUS PEARLS OF LJUBLJANSKO BARJE We will acquaint ourselves with unknown parts of the edge of Ljubljansko barje, climb up to the sub-alpine plateau Rakitna and continue our trip towards the location Logatec and, until now, hidden archaeological and ethnological pearls.

Day 1 Ljubljana–Vrhnika Arrival in Ljubljana in early afternoon hours. Guided sightseeing tour of Ljubljana, a walk around the nicely reconstructed Baroque centre: Cathedral, Town House, Secession town following the earthquake, a tour of architect Jože Plečnik’s masterpieces (Tromostovje, river bank, Cobbler’s bridge, National and University Library) through to the latest architectural achievements of the capital (Breg, Congress square, Opera). Possibility of a visit to the castle and tower with viewing point or a boat ride. Free time for individual sightseeing or shopping. Dinner at a typically Slovene restaurant, accommodation at a hotel in Vrhnika.

Boat ride on the Ljubljanica river

Day 2 Vrhnika–Ljubljansko barje–Rakitna–Logatec–Hotedršica– Vrhnika We start the day with a visit to Ivan Cankar’s birth house in Vrhnika and continue our excursion towards the park of nature Ljubljansko barje, around which we will be driven in horse-drawn carriages. We will then take a panoramic drive around the edge of Barje and climb to Rakitna, a sub-Alp plateau, well-known for its healing climate. A walk around the lake. Lunch at a hotel located by the lake. We continue our tour passing by Logatec, towards Hotedršica, where we will take a walk along the circular road. The first calling point is the black kitchen, from which smoke still rises and then we proceed by St. Janez Krstnik’s church (St. John the Baptist), village centre with characteristic houses of Notranjska and Jože Plečnik’s influence, the statue of St. Janez Nepomuk, cemetery and the monument commemorating the World War II fallen soldiers, sod houses, collection of old objects, constructed “notranjski kozolc” (hay drier made of wooden planks, characteristic for Slovenia) ending this tour with the viewing of over three hundred years-old and still functioning, Tomažin’s mill. This mill is built over a chasm, which represents a world-level rarity. We then proceed towards Lanišče on Hrušica, where we will see the only Slovene reconstruction of the Roman architecture from the 3rd century, a part of a wall of the prison called Claustra Alpium Iuliarum, which, at the time, represented the last obstacle before entering the heart of the Roman Empire. Dinner at a typical Slovene restaurant or at a farm tourism facility. Best time for excursion:

from April to October

Excursion duration:

2 days

Rakitna, lake

Tomažin’s mill

Minimum number of persons: 20 Programme organiser:

www.visitljubljana.com

Lanišče on Hrušica 12

LJUBLJANICA, THE SECRETIVE RIVER Ljubljanica represents something special among Slovene rivers. It is not only a river which flows under the well-known Plečnik’s Tromostovje and whose source is near Vrhnika; this slow and quiet river has won its course through Karst fields and valleys on its way to the Sava river estuary. In the places where the river flow is no longer possible on the surface, Ljubljanica disappears into secretive underground flows. As it disappears underground on its course several times, only to surface again and again, we often poetically call it a river with seven names.

Day 1

Ljubljanica

Ljubljana Arrival in Ljubljana, accommodation at hotel. A river boat ride to Podpeč follows. A picnic lunch will be served on the boat, return to the city, free time for sightseeing of Ljubljana. In the evening, accommodation at a hotel in Vrhnika.

Day 2 Vrhnika–Bistra–Borovnica–Pekel–Vrhnika In the morning, a local guide will take us on a tour of the landmarks of Vrhnika, a town which, according to legend, was founded by Argonauts, who, led by Jason, arrived from the Black sea sailing on the river Sava and Ljubljanica. When they reached the source of the Ljubljanica river near Vrhnika, they had to dismantle their ship and carry it overland to the Adriatic sea. We will continue our excursion with a visit to the Ljubljanica river source (Močilnik, Retovje and Bistra) and the Technical Museum of Slovenia in Bistra, where, within monastery walls and halls, there are exhibited numerous interesting collections. Our attention will certainly be drawn to the collection of Tito’s cars and water-powered machines, such as a tool forge, a reconstructed veneering plant and the Venetian saw. After lunch, we will proceed towards Borovnica, where we will visit the Pekel (hell) gorge. Most probably the gorge was named after old folk customs, which often called on incomprehensible and frightening natural phenomena »peklenščkova domovanja« (devil’s homes). A panoramic ride around Barje, followed by a dinner in a typical Slovene restaurant or farm tourism facility, return to the hotel, overnight.

Technical Museum, Bistra

Day 3 Vrhnika–Ljubljana After breakfast, we will head for Ljubljana and tour the Cathedral, Town House, Secession town following the earthquake, architect Jože Plečnik’s masterpieces (Tromostovje, market, river bank, Cobbler’s bridge, Narodna i univerzitetna knjižnica) and all the latest architectural achievements of the capital (Breg, Congress square, Opera). Possibility of a visit to the castle and tower with a viewing point, free time for a visit to a shopping centre. Best time for excursion:

from April to October

Excursion duration:

3 days

Technical Museum, Bistra

Minimum number of persons: 20 Programme organiser:

www.visitljubljana.com

Močilnik, Ljubljanica river source 13

LJUBLJANA, EMBRACED BY POLHOGRAJSKI DOLOMITI HILLS During our day-long discovery of Ljubljana’s tourist, culinary and shopping pearls, we will also treat ourselves to a jump through the capital’s green door, back to nature, to the confluence of the Sava and Sora rivers, into the embrace of the Polhograjski Dolomiti hills, through the black kitchen and beehives with delicious honey, to an original Slovene lunch with a magic view onto the Ljubljana valley and tea at count Blagaj’s, in a strong Polhov Gradec Castle.

Day 1 Ljubljana Arrival in Ljubljana and accommodation at the hotel. Guided sightseeing around the centre of the city. Free time for individual exploration of landmarks, shopping and lunch, or a ride to the largest shopping mall in Slovenia - the BTC shopping city, where you can shop until late in the evening, see a good movie at the Kolosej cinema, bathe at the Atlantis water world, or abandon yourselves to gastronomic enjoyment at one of the restaurants.

Ljubljana

Day 2 Ljubljana-Medvode-Žlebe-Dol-Topol-Polhov Gradec In the morning, we will take a ride from the hotel, passing through the green door of the capital, for a breakfast at Medvode. We will reach the library and the famous confluence of the Sora and Sava rivers on foot. We will then take a walk around the hamlet of Žlebe, where we will visit the famous Gothic church of St. Marijeta from the 16th century, rest a little by the wooden dragon, drink some water from the dwarf’s spring and visit the Bukovšek family bee farm, where poducts made from home-made honey and honey itself can be purchased. In nearby Dol, we will visit Dolinček Farmhouse, see old working tools, as well as the black kitchen, where we will taste bread, baked in a bread oven. We will climb up to the top of Polhograjski Dolomiti hills, with a magic view across the Ljubljana valley. In an excellent tavern in the area called Topol, a typically Slovene lunch in accordance with our wishes will be prepared. We will continue our excursion with a visit to Polhovog Gradec, where we will be greeted by count Blagaj, who will offer us some tea on his estate, take us around the estate and the surrounding area and invite us to see the collections of the Post and Telecommunications and Local museums. Return home. Best time for excursion: All year round Excursion duration: 2 days Minimum number of persons: 30 TIC Medvode, www.tzm.si and Turizem Ljubljana, Programme organiser: www.visitljubljana.com majda.pleskovic@visitljubljana.si Booking: Tel. +386 1 306 12 44

Hotel accommodation*** --Lunch / dinner in a typically Slovene tavern + warm snacks / tasting sessions Entrances

Visits with a local guide Price per person Possible surcharges

Farmhouse Dolinček

Polhov Gradec Castle

LJUBLJANA, EMBRACED BY POLHOGRADSKI DOLOMITI HILLS 1x 1x breakfast • Visit to the bee farm Bokovšek with honey tasting • Visit to the Dolinčkova’s Farmhouse • Visit to the museum in Polhov Gradec • Tea at count Blagaj’s 1 x 2 hours, 1 x whole day From € 88.00 • Lunch at Dobnikar tavern in Topol

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES IN LJUBLJANA AND ACROSS THE SAVA RIVER Would you like to experience the European capital on foot and enjoy the fresh air of its green embrace, spoil yourself with its gastronomy and have a successful shopping trip, or, perhaps, feed the swans and make your first golf stroke? You will experience all this and more in Ljubljana and in its green embrace across the Sava river…

Day 1 Ljubljana Arrival in Ljubljana and a guided sightseeing around the city centre. Free time for individual exploration of landmarks, shopping and lunch, or a ride to the largest shopping mall in Slovenia - the BTC shopping city, where you can shop until late in the evening, see a good movie at the Kolosej cinema, bathe at the Atlantis water world, or abandon yourselves to gastronomic enjoyment at one of the restaurants.

Ljubljana

Day 2 Ljubljana-Zbiljsko jezero-Smlednik After breakfast we will take a ride out of Ljubljana, to the Zbilje lake, where we will take a walk around Zbiljska Dobrava, or go for a boat ride, enjoy ourselves surrounded by magical nature while having a coffee or feeding the swans. At the Smlednik village, we will be greeted by Smledniški pritrkovalci – people, who produce original sounds by striking church bells. We will then taste homeproduced juice and dried apples at the farm estate Jeraj and, if desired, even purchase some home-produced seasonal products. We will then climb up along the holy road - through 14 Baroque chapels, to the top of the Old city – fortress, from where beautiful panoramic views spread before us, following which we will descend to the valley and have lunch at the luxurious restaurant at the golf course Club house at Smlednik. Possibility of a short course in golf, upon agreement. Return home. Best time for excursion:

From April to October

Excursion duration:

2 days

Zbilje Lake

Minimum number of persons: 30 Programme organiser:

TIC Medvode, www.tzm.si and Turizem Ljubljana, www.visitljubljana.com

Booking:

majda.pleskovic@visitljubljana.si Tel. +386 1 306 12 44

Hotel accommodation*** + breakfast Lunch / dinner in a typically Slovene tavern + warm snacks / tasting sessions Entrances Visits with a local guide Price per person Possible surcharges

Golf course Club house at Smlednik

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES IN LJUBLJANA AND ACROSS THE SAVA RIVER 1x 1x lunch • Tasting of home-produced apple juice and dried apples at the farm estate Jeraj 1 x 2 hours, 1 x whole day From € 78.00 • Dinner 1st day • Zbiljsko lake boat ride • Swan feeding • Short course in golf

Pricelist of excursion programmes - Central Slovenia region

Regija Centralna Slovenija

FOLLOWING Plečnik'S HERITAGE 2 days

2 days

RELAXING WALK AROUND THE HEART OF SLOVENIA

NURSERY OF THE SLOVENE LANGUAGE AND DOLENJSKI KRAS

KARST CAVES AND CASTLES NEAR LjubljanA

GREEN WORLD AT THE DOORSTEP OF THE CAPITAL

2 days

Hotel accommodation *** + breakfast

Lunch/dinner at typically Slovene taverns + warm snacks/tasting sessions

Entrances

• Lenček gallery, Domžale • Menačenk's estate, Domžale • Small Castle • Lectar's house – Stele candle-making workshop

• Cable car to Velika planina • Tasting of one brandy at Žganjeteka • Visit to Preskar's house on Velika planina • Entrance to Small Castle • Castle Bogenšperk

• Entrance to castle Jablje • Tasting of home-made dishes at Budnar's estate • Entrance to Budnar's estate • Entrance to Small Castle • Entrance to Arboretum Volčji Potok • Entrance to Bee-farming centre • Entrance to castle Tuštanj

• Županova jama cave • Trubar's estate • Memorial room in Velike Lašče • Museum of Christianity in Stična • Caligraphy workshop

• Županova jama cave • Krška jama cave • Tabor Cerovo • Castle Turjak • Museum of Christianity in Stična • Animated visit to castle Bogenšperk

Visit with local guide

2X whole day

Price per person

€120.00

€105.00

€102.00

€126.00

€135.00

Possible surcharges

• Workshop of candledecorating according to Plečnik's ideas • Visit of the Franciscan library in Kamnik

• Cable car to Velika planina • Cheese tasting at the tavern Zeleni Rob

• Bread baking workshop at Budnar's estate

• Book binding workshop • Caligraphy workshop

• Louis Adamič's memorial room

Pricelist of excursion programmes - Central Slovenia region 3 days

TO THE REAR OF LJUBLJANSKO BARJE AND ITS CULTURAL HERITAGE

MYSTERIOUS PEARLS OF LJUBLJANSKO BARJE

Ljubljanica,THE SECRETIVE RIVER

Hotel accommodation *** + breakfast

Lunch/dinner at typically Slovene taverns + warm snacks/tasting sessions

1X lunch, 2X dinner

2X lunch (lunch on the boat includes self-service drinks), 1X dinner

Entrances

• Animated visit to Polhov Gradec • Županova jama cave • Museum of Christianity in Stična

• Cankar's birth house • Technical museum of Slovenia in Bistra • Visit to bee-farm and tasting of honey brandy • Demonstration of accordion building • Court tea-party with visit to the Local museum and the Museum of Post and Telecommunication (TMS collection) in Polhov Gradec • Walk along Count Blagaj's paths

• Horse carriage ride • Hotedršica circular road • Tasting of tea and fruit bread in the black kitchen • Tasting of home-made bread and brandy

• River boat rental, • Technical Museum of Slovenia in Bistra • Guided visit to Močilnik • Guided visit to Pekel gorge • Guided visit to the source of the Ljubljanica river in Bistra

Guided sightseeing tours with local tourist guide

2X half day 1X whole day

Guided sightseeing tour of Ljubljana with a local tourist guide, second day

Price per person

€189.00

€123.00 (minimum 20 persons)

€125.00 (minimum 20 persons)

€179.00 (minimum 20 persons)

Possible surcharges

• Ljubljana castle • Boat ride • Caligraphy workshop

• Single room • Lunch 1st day • Extra charge for guided visit to the Technical Museum in Bistra • Extra charges for bread baking and blaksmith's craft workshops, ride in vintage cars, etc. • Extra charges for changes and amendments according to clients's wishes • Extra charge for visit to a private ZOO in Vrzdenec • Extra charge for guided visit of the Museum of Post and Telecommunications collection

• Single room • Lunch 1st day • Visit to Cankar's birth house

• Single room • Lunch 3rd day • Extra charge for guided visit of the Museum of Post and Telecommunications in Bistra • Extra charges for bread baking and blacksmith's workshops, ride invintage cars, etc. • (Supplements for visits to Postojna caves and Cerknica lake)

FOLLOWING COUNT BLAGAJ'S PATHS Regija Centralna Slovenija

2 days

• Note: Court tea party is organised every Friday at 3.30 p.m..

2 days

3 days

The Central Slovene region is an excellent starting point for visits to other Slovene destinations places, which are ideal for half-day and whole day excursions. The most well-known places include Bled, Postojna Caves with Predjamski castle and the Slovene coastline, with Piran. All these jewels are between 50 and 120 km away from the Central Slovene region.

BLED Bled is one of the most beautiful alpine summer destinations, characterised by its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The beauty of the surrounding mountains reflects on the surface of the lake and the sun, peace and fresh air evoke extremely pleasant impressions for visitors throughout the year. Among the largest landmarks which we will notice immediately upon our arrival in Bled is certainly the Bled Island in the lake. The island is covered with plush vegetation so much so that it almost conceals from view the island buildings: bell tower, church, chapel, provost residence and a small gunsmith store. Bled castle rises above the lake, from where an unforgettable view spreads before you across the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Apart from the museum, you can also visit the court printers shop, court cellar and court herbal gallery, the restaurant, or watch multivision. While visiting Bled, you must not miss the famous Bled cream slices, which, for over half a century, have represented the symbol of the Bled gastronomy.

Bled

POSTOJNA CAVE Postojna lies between the Slovene capital and the Adriatic Sea, with one of the most famous Slovene landmarks – Postojna cave. Postojna cave is a labyrinth of 20 kilometrelong limestone passages, galleries and halls, through which experienced guides, over nearly two hundred years, took over 33 million visitors. Apart from the olm, the most famous inhabitant of the Postojna cave, there are some 83 other animal species which have found their permanent habitat in the cave. You can visit the cave every day throughout the year. The visit starts with a 10-minute cave train ride, which will take you towards Velika gora, followed by a onehour walk around well-appointed tourist halls. The cave temperature is between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity ranges between 90 and 100 %, so we would recommend that you wear suitable clothes for this excursion.

SLOVENE COASTLINE – PORTOROŽ AND PIRAN

Postojna cave

The Slovene coastline stretches over a little more than 40 km and can boast several very nice tourist destinations. In Koper, Izola and Piran, we will encounter the most interesting old town centres. The jewel among them is certainly Piran. The Tartini Square, with numerous Venetian palaces, is the centre of the town, from where picturesque small narrow streets lead us in different directions. At the top of the hill, we can visit the St. Jurij’s church, or climb the town walls, from where a beautiful view over Piran and its surrounding area spreads before us, including the Piran and Koper bays. We can additionally embellish our visit by a sail in a tourist boat to Portorož.

Piran 14

Tourist information Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre - TIC Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 2, tel. +386 1 306 12 15 e-address: tic@visitljubljana.si, www.visitljubljana.com Open: 01.06. - 30.09.: every day, from 8.00 a.m. to 9 p.m. 01.10. - 31.05.: every day, from 8.00 a.m. to 7 p.m. (in December until 8 p.m.)

Slovene Tourist Information Centre - STIC Krekov trg 10, tel. +386 1 306 45 75, +386 1 306 45 76 e-address: stic@visitljubljana.si, www.visitljubljana.com Open: 01.06. - 30.09.: every day, from 8.00 a.m. to 9 p.m. 01.10. - 31.05.: from 8.00 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: from 8.00 a.m. to 3 p.m. (in December until 7 p.m.)

Tourist Information Office Trg OF 6 (na Željezničkom kolodvoru), tel. +386 1 433 94 75 e-address: ticzp@visitljubljana.si, www.ljubljana.com Open: 01.06. - 30.09.: from 8.00 a.m. to 10 p.m. 01.10. - 31.05.: from 10.00 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays: from 8.00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Office closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Tourist Information Centre Kamnik Glavni trg 2, 1241 Kamnik, tel: +386 1 831 82 50 e-address: tic@kamnik-tourism.si, www.kamnik-tourism.si Open: working days: from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays: from 10.00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tourist Information Centre Grosuplje Adamičeva c. 15, 1290 Grosuplje, tel. +386 1 786 25 74 e-address: tic@gro.sik.si Open: April to October: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays: from 9.00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tourist Information Centre Vrhnika Tržaška cesta 9, 1360 Vrhnika, tel.: +386 1 755 10 54 e-address: tic@zavod-cankar.si, www.zavod-cankar.si Open: working days: from 8.00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays: from 8.00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Information Office of the Park of Nature Ljubljansko barje Podpeška cesta 380, 1357 Notranje Gorice, tel. +386 08 205 23 50 e-address: info@ljubljanskobarje.si, www.ljubljanskobarje.si Open: working days: from 8.00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Programme preparation for guests You can entirely entrust the preparation of several-day excursion programmes to us. Sightseeing of Ljubljana, overnights, excursions around the Central Slovenia region and, maybe, a visit to some of the pearls of the tourist offer of Slovenia you can book at the e-address: majda.pleskovic@visitljubljana.si or on tel. +386 1 306 12 44.

www.visitljubljana.com Issued and edited: Ljubljana Tourism, Krekov trg 10, SI-1000 Ljubljana, tel: +386 1 306 45 83, e-address: info@visitljubljana.si, www.visitljubljana.com Prepared for printing: Studio DTS Photographs: Š. Arh, Archive of the Institute for Tourism and Sport Kamnik, O. Dolenc, A. Fevžer, P. Jerin, T. Jeseničnik, A. Korenč, J. Kovačič, M. Martinšek, B. Petauer, D. Račič, M. Trobec, V. Vodopivec, D. Wedam, A. K. Ziherl Print: Printers Collegium graphicum d.o.o. Ljubljana, September 2012 We care about the environment and that is why we print on recycled paper. Follow our example and share this printed issue with your friends.