The journey
The Alps, the Adriatic, and the most liveable capital city in Central Europe.
Slovenia is the smallest of the former Yugoslav republics and the one that left first and cleanest — a ten-day war in 1991, then independence, then the fastest economic development in post-communist Europe. Today it has the highest quality of life in the Western Balkans, a capital city of spectacular elegance, and a natural landscape that rivals Switzerland.
Six nights takes you through Ljubljana's baroque riverbanks and dragon bridges, up to Lake Bled in the Julian Alps, through the Soča valley's extraordinary turquoise river, and to the Karst caves at Postojna. A gentle, beautiful tour — the contrast to the heavier histories elsewhere in the Legacy Balkans portfolio.
Day by day
The itinerary
Ljubljana
Ljubljana — The Dragon City
Ljubljana is repeatedly named the most liveable city in Europe and it is easy to understand why: a medieval castle above, a baroque old town below, the Ljubljanica river running between them, and a mayor who turned the city centre car-free in 2007. Two days: the Dragon Bridge, the Triple Bridge, the covered market, the Museum of Modern History.
Julian Alps
Lake Bled — The Island Church
Lake Bled is one of the most photographed places in Europe — a lake in the Julian Alps with a island church in the middle and a medieval castle on the cliff above it. The pletna boats to the island, the kremna rezina cake (cream slice), the early morning before the crowds arrive.
Julian Alps
Bohinj & Vintgar — The Quieter Lake
Lake Bohinj is bigger, quieter, and less visited than Bled — the serious hikers' lake, with Triglav above it. The Vintgar Gorge: a 1.6km wooden walkway above the Radovna river, through tunnels and over bridges, between walls of vertical rock.
Karst Region
Postojna & Predjama Castle
Postojna Cave: 24km of underground passages carved over 2 million years, home to the olm (the "human fish" — a cave-dwelling salamander that lives for 100 years). Then Predjama Castle, built into the mouth of a cave in a 123-metre cliff.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana — Farewell
Final day in Ljubljana. The National Gallery, with its collection of Slovenian Impressionist painting. The Sunday antiques market on the banks of the Ljubljanica. A farewell dinner in the old city.
