KSKJ Life, Spectacular Slovenia
Featuring: Lake Bled, Goriska Brda, Portoroz, Karst, Maribor, Ptuj, Dolenjska, Ljubljana
June 20 - July 2, 2011
Itinerary
Day 1, (Mon) Depart USA
Depart home cities for Slovenia
Day 2, (Tue) Arrival to Bled
Upon arrival in Slovenia you will have a transfer to our hotel in Lake Bled. If your arrival time is too late for the group transfer we can arrange a private transfer for you (additional cost) or you can meet up at the hotel before we leave for dinner. Tonight our welcome dinner will be at local restaurant. (D)
Day 3, (Wed) Bled and Bohinj
An 'Image of Paradise', as it is often described, Bled has been attracting visitors with its breathtaking beauty for centuries. The calm and inviting waters of its lake spurred the tradition of making the typical 'pletna' boats back in the 12th century. We will board one of these wooden beauties to reach the island. Sightseeing continues with a visit to the impressive castle. Later travel to the Bohinj Valley. The picturesque lakeside boasts the frescoes of the Church of St. John the Baptist. You will have time to discover the legend of Zlatorog (Goldhorn), and enjoy a stunning view over Mount Triglav. You will end your day with the visit of Sheppard's museum and taste of typical regional cheeses. Dinner at Avsenik's with typical Slovenian dishes and music will be a perfect end to our day. Returning later to our hotel in Lake Bled. (B, D)
Day 4, (Thu) Bled - Kranjska Gora - Kobarid - Goriska Brda
In the morning travel north to Kranjska Gora, popular tourist resort and have some free time for a short walk or coffee, then continue via Predil pass to Log pod Mangrtom and Bovec to Kobarid, home of the word famous WW1 museum. Next on wine growing region of Goriska Brda and enjoy a fantastic dinner accompanied by wines in a local tourist farm. Overnight at your hotel in Goriska Brda. (B, D)
Day 5, (Fri) Goriska Brda - Portoroz
Discover the charming hilly region by taking a drive through the narrow streets and visit the picturesque town of Smartno. We will stop at the view point before continue to Portoroz. This afternoon enjoy a boat ride along the Slovenian Adriatic coast. (B)
Day 6, (Sat) Slovenian Coast
Today we visit Tonina Hisa, a splendid museum illustrating the life of Istrians and revealing the secrets of making virgin olive oil. We follow in the footsteps of the saltpan workers and visit a splendid museum house between the main canal and the romantic salt fields, which have been granted the status of a Natural Park. We stop in a typical Istrian village with its characteristic stone houses, courtyards, stables and barns, and hospitable residents. On a tourist farm, we visit a wine cellar, taste the excellent wines of the region and before relishing Istrian dishes in a typical 'kantina,' we make a toast with a glass of home-made brandy. Returning to our hotel for a free evening. (B, L)
Day 7, (Sun) Karst
Start our day with the visit of Lipica Stud Farm, the place where the breeding of the magnificent white horses called Lipizzaners started, over 400 years ago. Nowadays, the stud farm is recognized as a cultural monument, and local guides will proudly show you around the estate - the stables, green pastures, the church and, of course, the marvelous horses of all ages and specializations. Later pay a visit to unique natural phenomenon Skocjan caves, created by Reka River, and recognized as UNESCO World Heritage site. The fine spaghetti-like stalactites, imposing pipe organs, and brilliant stalagmites thrusting from the ground, will long remain in your memory. Then continue to Razdrto and enjoy lunch at one of the tourist farms before continue to Ljubljana for overnight. You will be able to try one of the many restaurants in the city this evening. (B, L)
Day 8, (Mon) Ljubljana - Ptuj - Maribor
Travel to Ptuj this morning. Ptuj is the oldest town in Slovenia. Upon arrival we will visit the mighty Ptuj castle above the town, take a walk through its neat medieval centre and finally descend to the underground, to its fascinating wine cellar. Then continue to Maribor for a walking tour of the city, the second largest in Slovenia. Its character is completely different from that of Ljubljana and the western part of the country. We reveal the city's most interesting spots and stories: the monumental Maribor Castle, the mighty Gothic Cathedral and the remarkable Franciscan church, built with red bricks. Tonight dinner in one of the numerous "gostilna" in the region. (B, D)
Day 9, (Tue) Maribor - Ptujska gora - Rogatec - Bizeljsko
Our first stop today will be at Ptujska Gora and then we continue to Rogatec and visit the open air heritage museum. Later continue to the wine region of Bizeljsko and have our first stop in the traditional "repnica" underground cave that is in use for the storage of wines before ending our day with wine tasting with a snack at a popular winery. Overnight at your hotel in Dolenjske Toplice. (B, D)
Day 10, (Wed) Dolenjska region
Your morning is free to enjoy one of the Spa facilities of your hotel. Around noon travel to Novo Mesto and take a ride with a wooden raft on the Krka River. You will enjoy entertainment on board and typical light lunch (barley soup) with a glass of wine. After the ride continue to Matjaz's Cottage, a 150-year-old cottage. You will be welcomed by the whole family, wearing the national dress of Dolenjska region. They will serve you a taste of tarragon potica. You will end your day with tasting of the ingredients of cvicek and a snack of buckwheat bread with walnuts and home-made cheese. Return to your hotel and enjoy a free evening. (B, L)
Day 11, (Thu) Dolenjska Region - Ljubljana
Depart Dolenjska Region and head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Enjoy the morning walking tour of Ljubljana. Visit the most significant sights of the old city centre: the picturesque Central open-air Market and the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall and Robba's Fountain. Rest of the day is at leisure for individual activities. Free evening in the city and overnight Ljubljana. (B)
Day 12, (Fri) Ljubljana
Full day free at leisure in Ljubljana for individual activities on your. own. We will finish our Slovenian adventure with farewell dinner on a boat while cruising the Ljubljanica river and return to our hotel in the city. (B, D)
Day 13, (Sat) Depart Slovenia
Transfer to Ljubljana airport for your flight home. (B)
Departure Dates and Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Per Person in Twin | Single Room Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Jun 2011 | 02 Jul 2011 | $ 2,550 | $ 500 |
Included Features
- 11 nights 1st class Hotel Accommodations
- Private Motorcoach Transportation for Sightseeing and Transfers
- Knowledgeable English-speaking Tour Manager
- Buffet Breakfast daily (B), Lunch (L) and Dinner (D) as indicated
- Expert local city guides for sightseeing
- Sightseeing as described in the detailed itinerary including entrance fees
- Comprehensive Travel Documentation prepared by Kollander World Travel
- Meetings with local experts
- Baggage Handling at hotels
- All Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
Notes
- Early Deposit Bonus: $100.00 off if deposited by September 1, 2010
- Airfare, travel insurance and tips are not included
