from 140€/person

min 4

The region of white Lipizzaner horses, picturesque stone villages, pristine caves and fierce bora winds that dries tasty pršut and gives flavour to the famous Teran wine.« 

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Description

Karst is a special type of landscape that is formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, including limestone and dolomite. Karst regions contain aquifers that are capable of providing large supplies of water. Slovenia is a karstic land, and it was the Slovenian Karst that lent its name to karst landscapes and phenomena across the world, for it was here that scientists first explained numerous karst features. Speleologists discover new caves in Slovenia every year, which amount to more than 8,000 to date, but only about 20 of them are caves we can visit. Many visitors looking to enjoy authentic local food are drawn to the Karst. Try the traditional jota hot pot, made from sauerkraut or pickled turnips, beans and potatoes, a frtalja omelette and many other seasonal dishes served in inns across the Karst. Discover the wine region praised by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Program

The tour begins with a visit to the Škocjan caves, considered one the world’s most extraordinary Karst caves. The reason for is popularity is not limited to the presence of the planet’s largest underground canyons – the Škocjan Caves Park has a beauty and unique geology that impresses all that visit. For these reasons the Škocjan Caves were added to UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites in 1986.

After, we leave the caves behind and head to Lipica and see the famous Lipizzaner horses in full gallop. The town and its equine traditions were closely intertwined with the Habsburgs who ruled for as many as 650 years over an extensive part of baroque Europe.  The Lipizzaner horse originated from Spain and were considered the ideal breed of military horse, thus were of outstanding importance and a crucial strategic advantage to the Habsburgs during their reign. 

The soil and climate of the Karst are very similar to that of Spain, which is why the Archduke Charles chose to build the royal stud farm there in 1578, which was an abandoned summer residence of the Bishop of Trieste.

All true horse fans can arrange a majestic carriage ride through Lipica’s numerous alleys and streets and experience the magic once reserved for royalty and high society.

For lunch you will be served a taste of the local flavours, including kraški pršut (an air dired Karst ham which is perfected by the region’s unique bora wind) and a sip of a delicious, full bodied red wine called Teran.

After lunch we will venture to the village of Štanjel, one of the oldest settlements in the Karst, which enchants visitors due to its unique panoramic views. The village is built on the picturesque terraces of Turn Hill, and remains eye-catching due to its famous stone buildings. The castle complex, the defence walls, the Church of St. Daniel with its lemon-shaped bell-tower, the neatly packed village with Ferrari Garden are just some of the best architectural features of this ancient settlement. Although the town has gradually continued to alter its image over the centuries, it has succeeded in retaining its true Karst soul.

The stone houses in Karst villages stand so close together that they seem to whisper the stories of their inhabitants. The narrow streets are interwoven between the high walls of Karst properties and collect in a complex pattern, bearing the trace of countless steps.

All authentic Karst homesteads are made of stone; sometimes large and mighty and sometimes modest, but always in line with the environment and natural laws. 
The hardworking local people have created significant architectural elements that are nowadays still considered a model of artistic creativity.

The tour concludes here.

from 140€/person

min 4

Did you know that Western Slovenia was the epicenter of the famous Isonzo Front during the Great War (1914-18). Learn the history of this battlefront and why it gave inspiration to the 20th Century’s best writers including Ernest Hemingway and Erwin Rommel.

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Program

Our journey starts at the foot of the Julian Alps and we’ll take a scenic drive to the Vršič pass, the highest road in Slovenia, which connects Upper Carniola with the Trenta Valley in the Slovenian Littoral.  The scenic road across the pass, now known as Russian Road, was originally built for military purposes and completed in the early part of the 19th century. On the way, admire at the Russian chapel, dedicated to Saint Vladimir, built by Russian prisoners of war engaged in forced labor in the area during World War I.

During the drive, glance at the oldest Alpine botanical garden in a natural  setting and also pass by  Military Cemeteries in the area, reminding us of the many fallen soldiers who fought so bravely on the Isonzo Front.

After a lunch break in Bovec, we’ll continue onto Kobarid, the place of a famous siege during WWI. The bloody aftermath of Caporetto (Kobarid) was vividly described by Ernest Hemingway in his novel A Farewell to Arms, and we will learn more with a visit to one of the world’s best museums dedicated to the Great War.  The mission of the Kobarid Museum is to protect this story for generations to come and house museum materials related to and originating from the Isonzo Front.

Afterwards we will head to an Italian Ossuary, where the remains of 7000 known and unknown solders who fought in the valley now lay rest.

The tour concludes and we will drive back to starting point.

As this tour leads us to places which are not well connected with other places in Slovenia, we strongly recommend a 2 day tour. We would be glad to help you book accommodation in a local 3* hotel.

If you do book a 2 day tour we will additionally visit:

• an Ossuary dedicated to German soldiers, who were killed on the battlefield around Tolmin during the 12th Battle of the Isonzo,
• The Church of Holy Spirit in Javorca, which was built by Austro-Hungarian soldiers, who were masters of various crafts. It stands as a symbol of a call for reconciliation. The exterior is adorned with the coats of arms of the twenty lands which formed then Austria-Hungary. The interior is decorated with oak panels, which symbolize pages of a memorial book, featuring 2,564 names of fallen Austro-Hungarian soldiers who died in the nearby battlefields
• Kluze fortress  an important monument to the defense against the Turkish invasions, Napoleon's army and attacks during World War I.

from 140€/person

min 4

Description

Not many cities have been as successful in preserving their medieval architectural design as Ptuj. A walk through the oldest Slovenian city will take you past Roman monuments and magnificent medieval facades. Cobbled streets and squares will lead you to one of the most majestic castles in Slovenia that offers a view over the roof tiles of medieval monasteries, churches, and the town’s other countless buildings. Ptuj is also know as a wine center; the region’s exceptional potential for wine growing was recognized by the Romans, and several Ptuj based merchants made their fortune trading wine. This long established vinoculture is reflected in the fine wines offered by Ptuj’s many wine cellars and bars. The city that boasts the oldest wine cellar and oldest history of wine in Slovenia is a real discovery for wine connoisseurs and foodies alike. Ptujska Gora is located in the western, wooded part of Haloze, and hides a true Gothic treasure; the basilica of the Virgin Mary the Protector. It is surrounded by hiking trails, and we recommend you end an exhausting day with a slice of delicious haloška gibanica cake.

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Program

Our tour leads us to the oldest town in Slovenia, Ptuj. We will first head to the one of the most magnificent castles in Slovenia, the Ptuj Castle, which offers a picture-perfect view over the tiled roofs and cobbled streets of the town. Inside the castle there is a lovely museum, famous for the number and variety of traditional carnival masks.

Afterwards we will descend into  the old town and see the most impressive sights including the Orpheus Monument, the Town hall and the main parish church dedicated to St. George. At the end of the walking tour we will give you some time for lunch & photos. No visit to Ptuj is complete without a visit to a wine cellar, where we will try a few local wines.

Next we will venture to Ptujska Gora, where we will see the Basilica of the Virgin of Mercy, a dominant landmark of the area. The church itself is one of the best-known pilgrimage churches in Slovenia.

On the way back we will stop at Štatenberk castle, to marvel at an example of a lovely baroque mansion.

from 140€/person

min 4

This excursion explores Slovenia’s Freising heritage, explains the Škofja Loka passion play, puts you on the trail of Slovenian poet Prešern and gives an experience of regal spirit in a stately park complex complete with castle. 

Our first stop will take us to Škofja Loka, a picturesque medieval town, known for its Škofja Loka Passion Play. Three hundred years later the picturesque streets of this perfectly preserved medieval town of Škofja Loka still makes the best stage and worthy of UNESCO World Heritage list status.

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The tour begins in the old town and after a visit to the town hall, we’ll continue upwards and visit the town’s castle. Today the castle is home to one of the most interesting museums in Slovenia, with archeological, historical, cultural, artistic, natural science and ethnological collections housed within. Our tour in the city ends with a coffee break at the famous historical Homan’s guesthouse.

Next we head to Kranj, the unofficial capital of Gorenjska and we will explore its grand old town. We’ll visit the graves of old Slavonic tribes and visit the main Gorenjska museum before ending up at Pungart, a picturesque lookout. After gazing out over the valley of Sava & Kokra we will head to a local restaurant for lunch.

We continue after our meal to Brdo, once a private residence of Prince Regent Paul of Yugoslavia, now a Slovenian state owned property. Here we will be free to enjoy the area’s lush natural surrounds, much like the countless international politicians who visit the place during their official state visits to Slovenia.

Our last stop will be Preddvor, the site of a beautiful alpine lake and a wonderful spot to enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps.