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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.«
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.
