Slovenia and Northern Italy – 14 days

Explore the lively city center and saunter down the main street along the banks of the Ljubljanica river, stopping in whatever small boutique, outdoor cafe, or wine bar terrace strikes your fancy as you breathe in the fresh air of one of the continent’s greenest cities. A classic European castle, parks, and churches are all on offer as you wind your way around by foot or bicycle.
You’ll notice the legacy of modern architect Jože Plečnik around the city at worthwhile stops such as the National Library, Central Market, Triple Bridge, and Plečnik’s own home turned museum, all under the watchful eyes of the city’s many signature dragons. The Central Market is also a key site for sampling local cuisine at its many stalls.

Start your day with the best cup of coffee by the Ljubljanica river and finish it with fresh seafood dinner in coastal towns of Piran and Portoroz.
Piran is the cultural pearl of the Slovenian riviera. The most iconic features of the town include Tartini Square, the Venetian House (Benecanka), St. George’s Cathedral above the town center, and the town walls. The city walls of Piran were mentioned as early as the 7th century when they were built surrounding the old city core in Punta. Explore a number of cultural attractions, enjoy the waves of the sea, and finish your day with a stroll along narrow cobbled roads towards one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the bay from the Piran walls.

Secovlje reserve is the biggest wetland on the coastline. In the northern part of the reserve called Lera, people harvest salt using a 700 year old method – they use wooden tools and look after the so-called petola, the base of the salt pans that functions as a bio filter. That ensures that the salt doesn’t mix with silt from the sea, and allows it to remain white and clean. The quality of the salt and salt flower, a very thin, topmost layer in the ponds is famous and cherished all over the world.
Unwind yourself at Thalasso Spa Lepa Vida. It is a unique open field spa in the midst of the saltpans, offering various treatments using natural products (salt mud, brine and sea water) acquired within the Sečovlje Salina Nature Reserve.

Visit the highlights of the Slovenian Karst region: Lipica and Skocjan Caves.
Visit Lipica, one of the oldest stud farms in Europe. Since the 16th century, this farm has been breeding the beautiful Lipizzaner horses. On the farm tour, you will get familiar with the history of the breed, visit the horse’s stables, and can watch a display by the Classical riding school.
Go underground with a stroll through the stunning canyons of the limestone Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boardwalks will lead you through the specialized ecosystem of one of the world’s largest known underground caverns. The caves are believed to have been visited by humans drawn to their majesty since the Iron Age.

Nestled in a valley between the Julian Alps and surrounded by pristine alpine landscapes of lush woods and green meadows, Bohinj is Slovenia’s largest glacial lake. You can explore the lake’s waters and shores and visit nearby attractions such as the Savica waterfall.
Return to Bled in the evening.

Take breathtaking journey from Bled to the emerald Soca river Valley, over the mountain pass of Vrsic.
Feel the holiday bustle of the small alpine town Bovec, taste the reason for Kobarid to be among the highest ranked places on the culinary map of the world, or simply become re-energised in the picturesque nature. The Soča Valley will thrill you with various possibilities of an active holiday in nature in a relatively small area.

Verona is known for its settings for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. This city on the Adige River is home to well preserved Ancient Roman landmarks. Walk through the vibrant ancient center of Verona, sit back with a cocktail overlooking the Adige at Terrace Bar al Ponte or watch opera inside Verona’s own Colosseum.

Take a scenic train from Verona to Bolzano.
Bolzano, often referred to as “The Gateway to the Dolomites” offers an incredible cultural mix of Italian and Germanic influences, delicious and varied food, beautiful architecture, and–the highlight–absolutely stupendous natural scenery.
Optional Tour: South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is home Ötzi the Iceman, the famous natural mummy. Besides the 5300 year old body, his original clothes and equipment, the museum displays numerous topics providing new insights in life at copper age, research findings, the criminal case and curiosities surrounding the man.

Visit one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Dolomites, as well as one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. The beautiful colours of the lake, the forest, and the mountains that surround it, make the walk feel utterly magical. The lake is located at 1,520 meter (4,985 ft.) above sea level and is about 300 meters (984 ft.) long and 140 meter (460 ft.) wide.
Return to Bolzano at night.

The Seceda mountain (2,500 m) located in Val Gardena makes some of the essential stages during a road trip in the Dolomites, the view there is simply magnificent. To reach Seceda you have the choice between:

• Take the gondola and the cable car from Ortisei which will take you to the summit in fifteen minutes.
• Taking the hiking trail and its 1,275 m drop is the best way to discover the landscapes of the Puez-Odle natural park.
Sleep in charming village of Ortisei (1,236m). The village is characterized for its pedestrian shopping streets and its many remarkable buildings (including woodcarvings).

Majestic drive through Dolomites.
The Gardena Pass is an incredible windy road with stunning views of the Dolomites mountain range. Continuing on to the Sella Pass, another amazing windy ride with sharp hairpin turns. It is one of the most famous passes in the Dolomites, connecting Val di Fassa to Val Gardena. Continue to be awed by the majestic Dolomites, as you pass the Sella Towers.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the perfect place to wander and discover this uniquely beautiful world of immense vertical walls, spires and pinnacles, green valleys, high mountain pastures, forests, streams, alpine lakes, canyons and waterfalls. Professional mountain guides are available to help visitors get to know the Dolomites, the stories, and the flora and fauna that live here.

Early breakfast in Cortina d’Ampezzo and then drive to Venice.
In Venice, full day dedicated to the discovery of Venice or its lagoon. You can take a guided walking tour through the most famous places in the city (Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, Campo Santa Maria Formosa) and others less known; or a skip-the-line guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, with the Doge’s luxurious apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Alternatively, you can go on a boat trip to the islands of the Venice lagoon: Murano, known all over the world for its famous glass craftmanship; Burano, famous not only for its lace, but also for the picturesque fishermen’s houses all painted in bright colours; and Torcello, the first settlement centre in the lagoon. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out, and end of the tour. Possibility to book a private transfer to the airport as an additional service, or to continue the journey by joining another tour of ours. Meals included: Breakfast.

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