While no motorized boats disturb the tranquility of Lake Bled, it does have its human-powered speed boats. Natalija: Absolutely. ▲ 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. During most of the 20th century, Yugoslavia was on the other side of what was called the "Iron Curtain." Our first stop is the country's top alpine resort: Lake Bled. As if turning its back on its hard-fought history, the city playfully straddles its sleepy river. It is, with only about a quarter-million people. Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with more of the best of Europe. The cave finally widens, sunlight pours in, and visitors emerge — like lost creatures seeking daylight — into a lush canyon. A museum in the town of Kobarid tells the story of the Soča Front, and humanizes the suffering of this horrific but almost forgotten corner of World War I. In 1916, an avalanche thundered down the mountainside, killing hundreds of these workers. That's why maybe the faces are a little happier. Rick: So, Plečnik is very important to the Slovenian people. 57 Slovenia holiday packages with 82 reviews View Map. Vendor: Pol kilo. Tina: Yeah, this is a very typical socialist realism propaganda. But, we're right in the middle…Italy, Germany. Karel: Don't stick your bloody pinky in the air! Over the centuries, different castles were built here, and they gradually moved out to the mouth of the cave. While the valley is a favorite for nature-lovers today, it has its dark side. Bad things about Yugoslavia was maybe because there was no good stimulation for good workers. 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. The house of Ljubljana's favorite son is on an unassuming street. May 30, 2018 Today we left beautiful Lake Bled in Slovenia and traveled to Italy. 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. In Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia you'll find in-depth Rick-tested information on: Croatia Dubrovnik and nearby (including Cavtat, Mljet National Park, Pelješac Peninsula, and Trsteno Arboretum) Split and nearby (including Trogir and Krka National Park) Korčula; Hvar Tina's mom: Dober dan. In this high-end suite, you can actually sleep in the dictator's bed. Before independence, before Yugoslavia, Slovenia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Condition is "Pre-owned". Every ridge was strategic. Guides, passionate about his work, give meaning to his home. Stroll Dubrovnik's ancient walls, hike the idyllic Julian Alps, and set sail on the glimmering Adriatic: with Rick Steves on your side, Croatia and Slovenia can be yours! Rick’s Best Two-Week Croatia/Slovenia Trip (by Car) Day 1: Arrive at Ljubljana's airport, go to Lake Bled (sleep in Lake Bled) Day 2: Relax at Lake Bled (sleep in Lake Bled) Day 3: Pick up car, drive through Julian Alps, end in Ljubljana (sleep in Ljubljana) Day 4: Ljubljana (sleep in Ljubljana) Dec 22, 2014 - Slovenia & Croatia Itinerary: Where to Go in Slovenia and Croatia by Rick Steves | ricksteves.com The "side trips" Rick recommended "made" our trip. This land has seen lots of change. This striking bank building was designed by an ambitious local architect, hoping to forge a uniquely Slovenian style. In its relaxed pedestrian center, it seems all roads lead to the main square. Gorazd: Good for bad workers, yes. By the 16th century, Predjama had become a castle for hunting more than for defense — explaining its current ­picturesque-but-impractical design. Sašo: …Anže is his name. Bag measures about 17” long and 12” wide. Thanks for joining us. The statue of France Prešeren, Slovenia's greatest poet, reminds locals that their language and culture are both distinct and worthy of pride. During one winter alone, some 60,000 soldiers were killed by avalanches. Rick: I find this propaganda so stirring. Rick: Nice to meet you. Half a kilo — it's just right. Inside Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more in Croatia and Slovenia, with side trips to Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Villages gather around Baroque bell towers amid rich farmland. Slovenia was one of six republics united to make Yugoslavia — a country that existed basically from just after World War I until the 1990s. But the Soča Front was 60 miles wide, and many of the defenses were more crude and remote. Still furnished with unique, Plečnik-designed furniture, one-of-a-kind inventions, and favorite souvenirs from his travels, the house paints an unusually intimate portrait of an artist. In the center of this region is Mount Triglav, Slovenia's symbol and tallest mountain. Tina's having us over for dinner to meet her family. Tiny bits of limestone — the geological equivalent of sawdust around here — reflecting under the brilliant blue skies gives the river its rich turquoise color. Crossing a breathtaking footbridge 150 feet above the torrent gives you faith in Slovenian engineering. And how does that affect your culture? When I’m working on a guidebook, I can barely scribble fast enough to capture all of the insights that tumble out of Marijan… In this minisode, we each share our favorite travel movies.Join Us! You can see them with shovels. Piran clusters around its showpiece square, Piazza Tartini. Tina: These are my mom and dad. You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling to Croatia and Slovenia. Plus you'll get all this, too. Locals still build their pletnas by hand with larch wood from a design passed down from father to son for centuries. The Triple Bridge — where the town square joins the river — is both a popular meeting place and a beloved symbol of the city. This fascinating and offbeat corner of Europe is one more example of the Continent's many hidden charms. 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. Ljubljana is laid back — the kind of place where crumbling buildings seem elegantly atmospheric, rather than shoddy. He left such a strong mark, not only in Vienna and Prague, but definitely in Ljubljana, because all the land accesses and river accesses are designed by Plečnik. The social system was good… Over time, shoppers develop friendships with their favorite producers. But behind the gate, in his garden, the creative world of Plečnik opens up. It feels made-to-order for conviviality — enjoying a drink or observing the market action. 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. Vendor: Pol kilo. Rick: And…? (37:02), Little Pleasures in Slovenia When to Go to Croatia and Slovenia At the height of the tourist season, Split, Croatia, is jammed with daytime cruise ship visitors. He was famous by that hat. Natalija: No, he was married to the architecture. Because he loved his town, walked to work each day, and had to live with what he designed, Plečnik was particularly thoughtful about incorporating aesthetics, nature, and people's needs into his work. These scales allow buyers to immediately double-check the arithmetic…just in case. Rick: That's your worst? Rick: Anže! Rick: Anže will have a roommate. Slovenia Travel Guide by Rick Steves For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, see our FAQ . 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. Rick: And a single bed — was he never married? In this tiny country, it seems like everybody knows each other. Exploring the Slovenian countryside, you get the feeling that things work. Seriously. Rick Steves Travel Talks 16,344 views 17:25 Piazza Armerina, Sicily: Villa Romana del Casale - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite - Duration: 2:55. See the Travel Details above for recommendations highlighted in bold, excerpted from Rick's guidebooks. With this guide, you'll explore charming towns and undiscovered natural wonders. The unique roofed hayrack is recognized as part of the national heritage. This is where we spend rainy afternoons. In the 15th century, the Italians had a fort here to defend against the Ottomans. Rick: Pol kilo… This is your farm? 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. Today it's decorated exactly as it was the day Plečnik died in 1957, containing much of his equipment, models, and plans. At the intersection of the Slavic, German, and Italian worlds, Slovenia is an exciting mix of the best of each culture. ▲ Piran Slovenia's adorable Adriatic resort town — a Back Door gem. ▲ Logarska Dolina and the Northern Valleys Remote mountain valleys with grand vistas and traditional farming lifestyles. When Tito ran Yugoslavia, he huddled with foreign dignitaries — from Indira Gandhi and Nikita Khrushchev to Kim Il Sung — right here. Škocjan offers fantastical cave formations and a spectacularly vast canyon with a raging underground river. Are you nostalgic about Yugoslavia? Just above town, a somber memorial to the Italian attackers was built in the stern Fascist style under Mussolini. Apparently the other three people had an early flight and did not want to wait for the 9AM ferry so … There's really no better way to get to know a place than a meal with a local family. This lively market area in the Old Town — with produce, clothing, and souvenirs — is best in the morning, especially on Saturdays. The room is soon going to be shared by another baby, which is due in four and a half months. The island has been a special gathering point through the ages. The Soča continues to cut its way deeper and deeper into this gorge. ▲▲ 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. The most romantic route to the island is to cruise on one of the distinctive pletna boats (catch one at several spots around the lake — most convenient from in front of Grand Hotel Toplice or just below Hotel Park, replaced by enclosed electric boats in winter — unless the lake freezes). Create custom playlists with more than 400 educational clips featuring the best of European history, art, culture, and experiences (plus topics beyond Europe) . Lake Bled retains an aura of the Romantic Age. On top, catch your breath by enjoying views of Piran and nearly the entire Slovenian coastline. One of Ljubljana's most insteresting sights is the house of the architecht who redesigned much of his city. I can see how it would make people just want to wave a flag. Thanks for joining us. Dates & length Places Filters. In this land of stout hill towns and rugged farmers, grapes for the full-bodied local red wine thrive in the iron-rich soil. A fortress has capped Ljubljana's hill since Roman times. Get exclusive mini-episodes on Our Patreon Account For more, find us:Chris MitchellFind him at travelingmitch, Ultimate Ontario, & His Writer's Portfolio. Natalija: That is the most important. I hope you've enjoyed Slovenia. And then you can see here the true representative of a strong woman carrying a child and proudly waving the flag. Rick: You wouldn't know, looking up here. ... Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. Rick Steves' Europe. Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a free online video library for teachers, students, and parents. Lake Bled's little island (Otok) is capped by a super-cute church that is pretty to look at from afar but also fun to visit. If this city works for its people and fits their character, it's at least in part thanks to Jože Plečnik. Sašo: Sašo, yeah. Tito, a larger-than-life, strong-arm dictator, was the only leader who could hold that troubled union together. This time it's beaches, caves, and Alps and enjoying a little cultural workout in Slovenia. It’s great that Switzerland has become it’s own tour and we can’t wait to go but a twelve day Best of Slovenia and we’re there. His mom was a Slovene, his dad was a Croat, and his wife was a Serb, so he was the only true Yugoslav there was. 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. And Slovenia, tucked away where Germanic, Mediterranean, and Slavic worlds meet, is one of Europe's most fascinating, yet least visited corners. Springy suspension bridges offer a memorable roadside stop. 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. Vastly outgunned, they fought back valiantly, eventually defeating the German invaders. And guests can use Tito's personal desk for something I bet he never imagined: sending an email. I read the section in my Rick Steves travel book about the Julian Alps (named for Julius Ceasar) which are in the NW part of Slovenia. The art in the Lady of the Rocks church was special, the one Euro tour a bargain and the guide refused a tip. Sašo: We are almost halfway through. Tina: Here we are. Terms of Service | Privacy, Lake Bled, Slovenia: Exploring a Dictator's Villa, Slovenia: Julian Alps and Soča River Valley. He left such a strong mark, not only in Vienna and Prague, but definitely in Ljubljana, because all the land accesses and river accesses are designed by Plečnik. Rick: What would you tell me? After a lifetime of exploring Europe - and inspiring Americans to see Europe as the springboard for world exploration - Rick Steves shares his reasons why. A short drive south takes us into a totally different landscape: Slovenia's Karst region — a high, fertile, and windblown plateau. Some farmers still use wooden carts to bring veggies in from their garden patches. The mouth of the cave provided a strategic place for some feudal lord to stick his fortified manor house. With over a million casualties, it was nicknamed the "Valley of the Cemeteries.". On summer Saturdays, a steady procession of brides and grooms, cheered on by their entourages, heads for the island. At the crest of the 5,000-foot-high pass, there's snow even in late May — and a commanding view. Tina: I will say I was happy that I could live a part of Yugoslavia, but I am happy to be living in European Union as well now. The museum's focus isn't on the guns and heroes, but on the big picture of the front and the stories of the common people who fought and died here. Rick Steves, Cameron Hewitt. Locals claim that you're not a true Slovene until you've climbed Triglav. Mostar and the Bay of Kotor were Highlights of our trip. Rick: Dober dan. This is our living room. The first half of the experience is the "Silent Caves" (so called for the lack of running water), with a wide array of wondrous formations and what seem like large caverns. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Rick: That's worse than "Your mother wears army boots.". Sašo: Yes. Five hundred years later, during World War I, Austrians used it to keep Italians out of their territory. He was always wearing it and always dressed in black. Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. We've got 57 tours going to Slovenia, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 11 days. ▲▲▲ Lake Bled Photogenic lake resort huddled in the foothills of the Julian Alps, with a church-topped island, cliff-hanging castle, lakefront walkway, tasty desserts, and appealing side-trips. Vendor: Dober dan. Be warned: Everyone I've met who's visited Slovenia wishes they'd allotted more time for this endearing, underrated land. All the bridges are crowded, you know. Italy. The most dramatic cave to tour is Škocjan. Rick: And his heritage lives on today as the people enjoy his city. We will take the small boats named “pletna” across the lake to the church on the island. 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. Tina: Well, we chose our way. The market is a perfect opportunity to connect with the locals. Vogel for some amazing views of the Alps. My friend and Slovenian tour guide Tina Hiti is joining us to help sort out the Yugoslav puzzle. Sašo: We will curse. The decadent kremšnita artfully sandwiches layers of cream and vanilla custard between sheets of delicate crust. Also enjoying dramatic lake views are handsome villas, mostly from the 19th century. Rick: Cherries? Slovenes are particularly fond of their famous local pastries. The defenses included a web of tunnels that went all the way to the tops of the mountains. This is quite a surprise. Predjama is a hit with tourists for its striking setting, exciting exterior, and romantic legend. While Grandma and Grandpa take care of him, Tina and Sašo are giving us a peek at their apartment. Sašo: That's the usual thing around here. Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. Stroll atop the walls that encircle romantic Dubrovnik, wander through the Roman ruins in the heart of bustling Split, and set sail to the islands of Korcula and Hvar on the glimmering Adriatic. Rick: This is great! The main attraction is a guided two-mile hike through the caves. My favorite was once the vacation villa of Yugoslav president-for-life, Marshal Tito. There's been a castle here for nearly a thousand years. 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. Nearby, market vintners proudly share their wines. These wines, from the northeast, are considered some of the country's best. Crews stroke rhythmically through glassy waters, merging natural and human grace. ▲▲ Ljubljana Slovenia's vibrant yet relaxing capital, with a fun-to-browse riverside market, scintillating architecture, and inviting riverside promenade. We were never inside the Warsaw Pact. But on the other hand, you have here a gilded sculpture on the top of the ceiling. This time, it's beaches, caves, and Alps — enjoying a cultural workout…in Slovenia. Tina: Well, probably his magic ability was that he was a mix of all the nationalities that included Yugoslavia. Along with the Triple Bridge and market colonnade, Plečnik's brilliance for urban design — the ability to connect Ljubljanans to their city and river — is evident in his Cobbler's Bridge. Strolling the three miles around the lake, visitors enjoy ever-changing views. Join our Facebook Group: Rick Steves Over Brunch Podcast Listeners. But it's by far the country's largest city, cultural capital, and a charming place to kick off any Slovenian trip. Architecture really lives, even nowadays. Read More. Then they flip over the cart to turn it into a sales stand. While there's little reason to go inside, the castle makes an ideal spot for a scenic drink — and a great capper for our visit to the Karst region. But the big name in local architecture and urban planning is Jože Plečnik. There are very few barriers, so you are in direct contact with the world of the architect. The film about the bridge was a good tip. Sašo: I would say, "may you get kicked by a horse." 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 … Rick: If you're angry what would…? These days, Piran's walls are inviting rather than defensive, and the town is simply an enjoyable place in which to relax. Edmonds resident Rick Steves writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. Get ready for the open house tour of a lifetime as Rick Steves guides us through this French region's most evocative castles and palaces. 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. It was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles so popular in Vienna, the empire's capital at the time. Rick: So, Yugoslavia was good for bad workers. While the two families live separately, they share lots of dinners. Prolific Plečnik essentially remodeled his hometown with his distinctive classical-meets-modern style. see our FAQ. A local superstition claims that if you ring this bell three times, your wish will come true. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, We end at the Adriatic resort of Piran. It's a world where a thousand evil Wizard of Oz monkeys could comfortably fly in formation. In fact, the town's officially bilingual: Slovene and Italian. While neighboring Croatia is famous for its coastline, Slovenia enjoys its own 29-mile stretch of Adriatic seafront — that's about one inch per resident. Rick: Sašo. Like Gaudí shaped Barcelona and Bernini shaped Rome, Plečnik shaped Ljubljana. Rick: And his heritage lives on today as the people enjoy his city. 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.