Stunning Slovenia & the Treasures of Trieste Italy

Welcome to the charming city of Ljubljana! A representative will be at the airport to take you to the Hotel Cubo, a stylish boutique retreat in the city's heart. This hotel promises an ideal base for our Slovenian adventure.

Later today, we'll meet in the hotel lobby to get to know each other better. 

Following our meet-and-greet, we'll take a leisurely ten-minute stroll to the pier, where a riverboat awaits. Step aboard for a relaxing cruise along the serene waters of the Ljubljanica River. Gliding through the city center, you'll be treated to stunning views of Ljubljana's picturesque landscapes and architectural marvels, sipping a welcome cocktail. 

As evening sets in, we'll disembark and head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner. Here, we'll taste Slovenia's finest cuisine, an ideal introduction to the rich culinary traditions that await. After dinner, we'll return to our hotel and retire for the night.

After breakfast, we'll take a guided walking tour of Ljubljana's city center. 

We recommend comfortable walking shoes as we'll wander through charming landmarks, like Preseren Square, Triple Bridge, and the open-air markets, tasting local flavors. 

Our stroll continues through the city's historical heart, visiting Congress Square, the quaint Old Town with its town hall, and the charming Cobblers' Bridge. 

Ending our city tour, we'll discover Republic Square and take in views of the Slovenian Parliament with our guide sharing insights that bring these landmarks to life.

Lunch awaits at a local inn restaurant, where traditional Slovenian dishes provide a hearty and authentic dining experience.

In the late afternoon, a cultural treat is in store at one of Ljubljana's main Baroque churches. Here, we'll learn more about the history of the Baroque era—the city's golden age and enjoy a live organ concert featuring classical music.

The evening concludes with a food tour of Ljubljana, followed by a dinner showcasing various local cuisines and culinary innovations. This 2.5-hour dining experience includes a meal and a journey through the flavors that define this region. 

After breakfast, our day begins with a scenic drive to the enchanting Lake Bled, a jewel of the Julian Alps. Arriving at the lake, we'll take a rowing boat to visit the charming island in the center of Lake Bled. There, we'll explore the island’s church and ring the wishing bell, a local tradition that is said to make wishes come true. 

After a brief uphill walk, we will reach Lake Bled Castle. The castle is perched atop a cliff, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We'll explore centuries of Slovenian history inside while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

For lunch, we'll dine at the elegant Rose Restaurant. Afterward, we'll enjoy a Slovenian delicacy—a kremšnita custard slice—with afternoon tea or coffee, ending our lakeside adventure on a sweet note.  

In the evening, we'll visit Ljubljana Castle, accessible by a funicular ride and offering another stunning city view. Tonight, we'll dine at the renowned Strelec Restaurant in the castle's 16th-century tower. Here, medieval charm meets modern cuisine which has been awarded one Michelin star. Get ready for a treat!

Begin the day with breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Then, we'll depart for Domžale, a small town renowned for its straw hat museum. Here, we'll discover the art of traditional and fashionable straw hat-making with a guided tour and presentation. We'll meet one of the designers at the museum. Choose a handmade hat to take home as a unique souvenir.

Continuing our journey, we'll drive to Celje, an important archaeological site and historical seat of the Counts of Celje. We'll have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the Regional Museum of Celje, where we'll learn more about the fascinating life and travels of Alma Karlin and the famous Celje ceiling. 

After our visit, we'll drive for one hour and a half to the Grad Otočec Castle Hotel, a luxurious retreat where history blends with modern elegance. Situated on the banks of the Krka River, this hotel is our home for the next few days.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll drive to Kostanjevica, a charming village on an island in the Krka River. The village is known for its flourishing art scene, supported by the legacy of the annual Forma Viva artists' colonies.

During our visit to Kostanjevica, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the Božidar Jakac Art Museum in a former Cistercian monastery. We'll learn more about the various modern art pieces that reflect the region's cultural heritage.

Then, we'll experience an inspirational collage workshop led by a renowned female artist. The workshop will focus on adventurous travel themes, reflecting on Alma Karlin's incredible journeys and our own travel experiences. This will be a time for creative expression and personal connection, enriching our understanding of Slovenian culture and travel aspirations.

We'll then have lunch at a local restaurant in Kostanjevica that offers traditional Slovenian fare in a cozy setting. In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in a hands-on baking workshop at a local Kostanjevica home, where we'll learn to make Potica, a traditional Slovenian festive bread. 

We’ll conclude our day with dinner back at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart for a day filled with natural wonder and culinary experiences. 

Today, we'll explore the renowned Postojna Cave, a highlight among karst formations. We'll take a private electric train deep into the heart of the cave, gliding past awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites.

Following our cave exploration, we'll have lunch at Zemono Manor, a Michelin-starred and Gault & Millau-recognized restaurant. This extraordinary culinary experience will last about three hours. 

If time allows, we’ll visit the Lipica Stud Farm. This visit to the historic home of the Lipizzan horses is a delightful interlude, time permitting.

In the late afternoon, we'll arrive in Trieste, the enchanting city by the sea. We'll check into the hotel Savoia Excelsior Palace. Depending on the cultural events available, we may attend an opera or classical music concert in the evening, immersing ourselves in Trieste’s vibrant cultural scene.

We’ll enjoy a selection of exquisite seafood dishes for a dinner celebrating rich Adriatic flavors.

We'll start our day with breakfast, preparing for a fascinating city tour. Trieste’s unique charm lies in its varied history as a bustling Habsburg seaport, which has left an indelible mark on the city’s architecture and culture. Our walking and bus tour will take us through the main square, Piazza Unita, and past the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church.

We'll also visit one of the largest Eastern European synagogues and have coffee at an old Austrian-style café, experiencing the cultural blend that defines Trieste.

We'll have lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying dishes that reflect the city’s diverse culinary influences.

In the afternoon, we'll visit the romantic and wonderful Miramare Castle. It's perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The castle, surrounded by a lush garden and with a dramatic love story, is a testament to the architectural and historical grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty.

We'll end our day with a special farewell dinner that promises delightful cuisine and a chance to reminisce over our shared experiences.

After enjoying our final breakfast at the hotel, we'll prepare for our departure. We have individual transfer services available for those wanting to get to Ljubljana Airport. 

Alternatively, we can arrange transfers to other nearby airports for an additional charge. Our concierge will be happy to help you with this. 

This marks the end of our unforgettable journey through Slovenia and Trieste. We hope you enjoyed the cultural insights, historical explorations, culinary delights, and new friendships you gained along the way!