Fitting snugly between Italy, Hungary, Austria and Croatia, the capital of Slovenia is a study of contrasts from its more boisterous and grittier siblings of the former Yugoslavia. Ljubljana, which means “the beloved” in the Slovene language, has always been the quieter but seemingly more graceful child and it’s plain for all to see once you step foot onto its pedestrian-only city centre. Here, a fairytale mix of Italian Renaissance and Baroque, and Austro-Hungarian Art Nouveau buildings line up after one another while greenery proliferates throughout its manicured streets making Ljubljana one of the leafiest capital cities in the whole of Europe. Also, did we mention the otherworldly Lake Bled is just a stone’s throw away? Take a trip to this unassuming European gem with Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours in your very own customised Ljubljana and Slovenia tour package and fall in love with a city that, aptly, has beloved for a name.
A view from the river
To get a real sense of the ebb and flow of Ljubljana, though it is likely to be all highs, a boat ride down the emerald-green Ljubljanca River is a highlight not to be missed. Sail along picturesque embankments decorated with willow-lined pathways, cruise under famous bridges such as the iconic Triple Bridge, look up either side and marvel at the city’s distinctive buildings from a completely different angle, and sneak a look at well-dressed locals enjoying a spot of socialising along the countless riverside cafes.
Army barracks turned centre of cool
There are few places in the world like Metelkova, Ljubljana’s coolest district. Originally created by street artists in a 19th-century military barrack that once served the Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav armies, this alternative culture headquarter is where you’ll find pop-up street festivals, niche museums and galleries, unique public art and the best nightlife in town. Several boutique hotels have also heeded the call for a stake in this achingly-hip commune and one of the most interesting is Hostel Celica which was reincarnated from a military prison of the communist Yugoslavia army. Fancy booking a room in a former prison cell? Why not but go for the vibe and not for the luxury.
Spellbinding Bled Slovenia’s undeniable poster child of beauty is the magical Lake Bled, a wondrous aquascape situated 50 kilometres away from the nation’s capital. Drawing everyone from romantic lovebirds to adventure travellers, Lake Bled is an extremely popular destination but that doesn’t make it any less special. The sparkling lake of reflection, picture-perfect church rising from an islet, medieval cliffside castle complete with folkloric legends of the ancient Slavs, and the backdrop of towering alpine mountains all compete for your absolute attention, and one of the most relaxing way to take these all in is to cruise around the lake on a Pletna, a boat that is unique to the area. That said, whichever way you decide to enjoy Bled, you are bound to come away spellbinded.
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Fall in love with the unassuming but captivating charms of Slovenia with a customised Ljubljana tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Upon arrival to Zagreb Airport, your driver will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name on it. Enjoy a 1-way private transfer to hotel. After check-in, meet your private local guide at the hotel lobby for 2 hours walking tour to explore the Zagreb – capital of Croatia.
After the breakfast, check out hotel and get ready to travel to Ljubljana- Slovenia's capital and largest city! Ljubljana is considered to be a yet undiscovered gem of Europe. It is often compared with Prague due to its beautiful architectural appearance. In Ljubljana, your local guide will take you on a 2 hours walking tour of the center of this charming city.
Optional:
You may want to enjoy a cable car ride to the hill top to view the breath taking scene of Ljubljana Castle – a historical key landmark in the city.
Today, go on a day trip to Bled, a breathtaking small city on a beautiful lake. Get to enjoy the extraordinary scenery of two famous lakes of Ljubljana the Bohinj and Bled Lake. Visit Bohinj Lake which is known to be the largest natural lake in Slovenia. Head to Bled Lake, a lake in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region of north-western Slovenia, where it adjoins the town of Bled. The historical Bled Castle can be seen from the lake which will make a magnificent view.
Optional:
If you wish to take a step further, you can chose to take a cable car ride up the Vogel Mountain. The cable car ride is at a height of 1537m which will be a one of a kind experience.
After breakfast, make a visit to the Rastoke falls for an afternoon sightseeing. Spend some leisure time around the area before heading back.
In the morning, enjoy a walking tour at Plitvice Lakes, known for a chain of 16 terraced lakes, joined by waterfalls that extend into a limestone canyon. The place is a great place for nature lovers to come for a visit! Then after, head to Split with a stopover at Zadar. At Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, you get to enjoy your own leisure time for sightseeing and lunch. This afternoon, you may explore the Sea organs and Roman Heritage of Zadar. After the day trip, proceed to Split to end the day.
Today, we will go on a full day trip to Trogir, a town on the central Adriatic coast of Croatia. Its a preserved old town, known for its mix of Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque buildings. A local guided tour will be arranged to bring you to UNESCO tour sites of both Split and Trogir. After which, we will return to Split to end of our day.
We will drive from Split to Dubrovnik with stopover in Ston. Ston is a place in Croatia famous for Ston wall. There, you may enjoy their local oysters and witness their wine growing hills. Then after, we will drive to Dubrovnik to end off our day.
This morning, go on a walking tour in Dubrovnik, Enjoy a panoramic view from Srdj mountain. You may enjoy your lunch in Cavtat – coastal town near Dubrovnik. Spend time at leisure to marvel at the coast before heading back to Dubrovnik.
The last day of the trip, we will arrange a 1-way private transfer from hotel to Dubrovnik airport depending on your flight departure time.