We will take the small boats named “pletna” across the lake to the church on the island. The unique roofed hayrack is recognized as part of the national heritage. Explore the evocative back lanes. Today it's decorated exactly as it was the day Plečnik died in 1957, containing much of his equipment, models, and plans. Strolling the three miles around the lake, visitors enjoy ever-changing views. Locals claim that you're not a true Slovene until you've climbed Triglav. Rick Steves' Europe. There's been a castle here for nearly a thousand years. Rick: In Slovene? And the hearty local food provides a good foundation for a lively conversation. May 30, 2018 Today we left beautiful Lake Bled in Slovenia and traveled to Italy. A fortress has capped Ljubljana's hill since Roman times. With over a million casualties, it was nicknamed the "Valley of the Cemeteries.". There's really no better way to get to know a place than a meal with a local family. Sašo: Yeah, ha ha ha. On top, catch your breath by enjoying views of Piran and nearly the entire Slovenian coastline. The statue of France Prešeren, Slovenia's greatest poet, reminds locals that their language and culture are both distinct and worthy of pride. You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling to Croatia and Slovenia. Tina: These are my mom and dad. Sašo: Anže. The cave finally widens, sunlight pours in, and visitors emerge — like lost creatures seeking daylight — into a lush canyon. Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. 100% Nylon, nice lightweight day bag. In the center of this region is Mount Triglav, Slovenia's symbol and tallest mountain. During most of the 20th century, Yugoslavia was on the other side of what was called the "Iron Curtain." See the Travel Details above for recommendations highlighted in bold, excerpted from Rick's guidebooks. Many Adriatic towns are overwhelmed by tourists and concrete, but Piran has kept itself charming and in remarkably good repair while holding the tourist sprawl at bay. This was unimaginably difficult warfare — waged in the harshest of conditions. Nearby, market vintners proudly share their wines. TVGuide has every full episode so you can stay-up-to-date and watch your favorite show Rick Steves' Europe anytime, anywhere. ▲▲ Julian Alps Cut-glass peaks easily conquered by a twisty and scenic mountain road over the Vršič Pass, ending in the tranquil Soča River Valley, with the fine WWI museum in Kobarid. see our FAQ. Bag measures about 17” long and 12” wide. Since the Habsburg days, this is where Slovenes take their guests — whether kings or cousins — to show off their natural wonders. Rick: "Three hundred hairy bears"? It was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting of World War I. This lively market area in the Old Town — with produce, clothing, and souvenirs — is best in the morning, especially on Saturdays. There's no keel, so the skilled oarsmen work hard to steer the flat-bottomed boat with each stroke. Rick: Dober dan. A local superstition claims that if you ring this bell three times, your wish will come true. That's because the architect recognized that Ljubljana is located midway between Venice and Vienna, and the city itself was — and still is — a bridge between the Italian and Germanic worlds. Since the limestone upon which everything around here sits is easily dissolved by water, the Karst is honeycombed with a vast network of caves and underground rivers. Half a kilo — it's just right. Rick: That's your worst? The house of Ljubljana's favorite son is on an unassuming street. We've got 57 tours going to Slovenia, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 11 days. As if turning its back on its hard-fought history, the city playfully straddles its sleepy river. Sašo: That's the usual thing around here. While no motorized boats disturb the tranquility of Lake Bled, it does have its human-powered speed boats. I really wish I had more time in Slovenia. There in former Yugoslavia, there were good things and also bad things. Sašo: Built-in babysitters. Italy. A short drive south takes us into a totally different landscape: Slovenia's Karst region — a high, fertile, and windblown plateau. It feels made-to-order for conviviality — enjoying a drink or observing the market action. Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. This special episode is a sonnet to travel - an introspective love story, set in Europe, that vividly celebrates the rewards of exploring our world and the joy that awaits those who travel. It has been a frantic week here at the Rick Steves’ Europe home office in Edmonds, Washington. And how does that affect your culture? Day 05: Tuesday, June 1 – Bled. They quickly took this valley, driving Austro-Hungarian troops high into these mountains — from where the Austro-Hungarians fended off 10 bloody and uphill Italian offensives. We begin in the capital city, Ljubljana. ▲ The Karst Windblown limestone plateau with world-class caves (Škocjan and Postojna), the Lipizzaner Stallion stud farm at Lipica, and the dramatically situated Predjama Castle. These Alps, with their craggy limestone ridges, bring to mind Italy's Dolomites just over the border. Marijan — who leads tours all over Europe for Rick Steves — knows more than anybody about Ljubljana, and Slovenia, and the Balkans, and Europe…and, basically, everything. Create custom playlists with more than 400 educational clips featuring the best of European history, art, culture, and experiences (plus topics beyond Europe) . Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia. Dec 22, 2014 - Slovenia & Croatia Itinerary: Where to Go in Slovenia and Croatia by Rick Steves | ricksteves.com Ljubljana remains a treasure trove of engaging architecture. One of Ljubljana's most insteresting sights is the house of the architecht who redesigned much of his city. Mostar and the Bay of Kotor were Highlights of our trip. About Rick Steves Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Over time, shoppers develop friendships with their favorite producers. These days, Piran's walls are inviting rather than defensive, and the town is simply an enjoyable place in which to relax. This fascinating and offbeat corner of Europe is one more example of the Continent's many hidden charms. Rick: Pol kilo… This is your farm? (18:20), Do-over for my Poland trip - adding a little countryside. This version dates from the 16th century. Rick: Anže! After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bled. ▲ Piran Slovenia's adorable Adriatic resort town — a Back Door gem. English descriptions are sparse in its dull interior, but for most, the views of the place alone are worth the drive. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Five hundred years later, during World War I, Austrians used it to keep Italians out of their territory. This little Russian chapel, built where the final victim was found, offers today's visitors a chance to pay their respects to those who made this scenic drive possible. Centuries of rule from Vienna under the German-speaking Habsburgs seems to have both inspired an appreciation of the good life and strengthened the local spirit. With this guide, you'll explore charming towns and undiscovered natural wonders. Sašo: Alright, and this is the little kid's room… Crowded onto the tip of its peninsula, Piran can't grow. Though it's just a quick trip away from the tourist throngs in Croatia, Venice, Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna, Slovenia has stayed off the tourist track — making it a handy detour for in-the-know Back Door travelers. Like the more famous Alps of Austria and Switzerland, the Julian Alps are busy with nature-lovers, both winter and summer. In 1915, neighboring Italy declared war on the empire. Tiny Slovenia — with just two million people — is one of Europe's most unexpectedly delightful destinations. Here in what was Tito's ballroom, a mural survives, telling of WWII heroics. Natalija: Yes, absolutely. Its café terrace is open for visitors, but there's not much to see. In fact, the town's officially bilingual: Slovene and Italian. Sašo: We are punctual when we need to be punctual. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most number of tour departures. The Habsburg days left locals with the old saying, "Trust is good; control is better." At the crest of the 5,000-foot-high pass, there's snow even in late May — and a commanding view. Terms of Service | Privacy, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina & Montenegro: Recommended Itinerary, Upcoming Holidays and Festivals in Slovenia, Croatia, Slovenia & Bosnia-Herzegovina: Recommended Books and Movies, Go Underground to Shine a Light on Europe’s Past, Beautiful Bled’s Scenic Lakeshores (and Cakes Galore), Eastern Adriatic 101: Croatia, Slovenia, and Beyond, Lake Bled: Exploring Slovenia’s Romantic Alpine Retreat, Ljubljana: An Underrated Gem in the Heart of Europe, European Impressions of America The castle is striking, as are the views from the castle. After Tito died in 1980, his villa was converted into a classy hotel, offering guests a James Bond ambience. The hotel that was once the summer residence of the Yugoslavian dictator, is now less tolerant of curious tourists than it was when this episode was filmed. Tina: Sašo. Architecture really lives, even nowadays. And Slovenia, tucked away where Germanic, Mediterranean, and Slavic worlds meet, is one of Europe's most fascinating, yet least visited corners. As an 18-year-old, Rick began traveling on … Vendor: Yes. Maybe one of the better things was for young families, because they can get apartment, they can get a job. 57 Slovenia holiday packages with 82 reviews View Map. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, Join our Facebook Group: Rick Steves Over Brunch Podcast Listeners. In this tiny country, it seems like everybody knows each other. The film about the bridge was a good tip. Now, I still can't get over that, because — I've got to say — in America, there is a stigma about people in their 30s still with their mom and dad, raising their kids upstairs. Natalija: No, he was married to the architecture. Sašo: …or "300 hairy bears." Rick: Cherries? The road switchbacks down into the valley of the Soča River. Above Grandma and Grandpa's! After the Nazis bombed Belgrade and took over their country, the ragtag gang of Yugoslav patriots, inspired by charismatic commanders, formed a resistance army. The experience builds and builds as you go into ever-more-impressive grottoes, until you reach the truly colossal final cavern and its thundering river. Rick: This is very comfortable and very spacious, really. This time, it's beaches, caves, and Alps — enjoying a cultural workout…in Slovenia. In Slovenia, so small and so laced with modern freeways, virtually every sight is within an hour or two of the capital city. Rick: Anže. Rick Steves, Cameron Hewitt. Prolific Plečnik essentially remodeled his hometown with his distinctive classical-meets-modern style. Guides, passionate about his work, give meaning to his home. Today, the square is enjoyed by visitors and locals of all generations — savoring the good life where the Slavic world, the Alps, and the Mediterranean all come together. Tina's mom: Dober dan. In this land of stout hill towns and rugged farmers, grapes for the full-bodied local red wine thrive in the iron-rich soil. This would be just about our worst. All the bridges are crowded, you know. The market's picturesque colonnade is designed to link the town and the river. Villages gather around Baroque bell towers amid rich farmland. By Rick Steves and Cameron Hewitt It looks just like a loft. A small, friendly group of 24 people — half the size of most tour groups; The services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Eastern Europe come alive for you; All group transportation from Prague to Lake Bled, Slovenia; 14 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels In the 15th century, the Italians had a fort here to defend against the Ottomans. This is our living room. This is where we spend rainy afternoons. Mostar and the stay in the Historic Bay's house was a great travel experience. Rick: This is very interesting to me, because this is food I would think about in Germany or Austria or in the north. Rick: You wouldn't know, looking up here. Thanks for joining us. Sašo: Absolutely. The market is a perfect opportunity to connect with the locals. When Tito ran Yugoslavia, he huddled with foreign dignitaries — from Indira Gandhi and Nikita Khrushchev to Kim Il Sung — right here. They are fresh. Tito and his Partisan Army booted the Nazis without Soviet help. All the bridges are crowded, you know. Vendor: Dober dan. Natalija: Absolutely. I can see how it would make people just want to wave a flag. The traffic-free harborfront — lined with Slovenes enjoying fresh seafood — is made-to-order for a stroll. Slovenes are particularly fond of their famous local pastries. Rick Steves takes a cultural voyage through this charming, former Yugoslavian country, starting at its lively capital then heading toward the Julian Alps and to the Slovenian … How do you say "half-kilo"? By the 16th century, Predjama had become a castle for hunting more than for defense — explaining its current ­picturesque-but-impractical design. The "Third Way," we called it, and it was a lot different — like, we could travel, we had free-market economy, and there were jobs for everybody. Rick: Nice to meet you. Ljubljana is laid back — the kind of place where crumbling buildings seem elegantly atmospheric, rather than shoddy. Fancy facades and whimsical bridges ornament daily life with a Slovenian twist. The Triple Bridge — where the town square joins the river — is both a popular meeting place and a beloved symbol of the city. And guests can use Tito's personal desk for something I bet he never imagined: sending an email. The decadent kremšnita artfully sandwiches layers of cream and vanilla custard between sheets of delicate crust. 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