When I’m working on a guidebook, I can barely scribble fast enough to capture all of the insights that tumble out of Marijan… The Kluže Fort keeps vigil over the narrowest part of the valley, which leads from Italy, through Slovenia, toward Austria. In 1916, an avalanche thundered down the mountainside, killing hundreds of these workers. Swimmers frolic, while sunbathers claim more than their share of the national coastline. Valleys that just a generation ago were industrial wastelands are green and getting greener. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | I can see how it would make people just want to wave a flag. Tina: Well, probably his magic ability was that he was a mix of all the nationalities that included Yugoslavia. The Triple Bridge — where the town square joins the river — is both a popular meeting place and a beloved symbol of the city. Springy suspension bridges offer a memorable roadside stop. Predjama is a hit with tourists for its striking setting, exciting exterior, and romantic legend. We were never inside the Warsaw Pact. This version dates from the 16th century. Rick: And his heritage lives on today as the people enjoy his city. Rick Steves' Europe. Tina's mom: Dober dan. Rick: Whoa. The cave finally widens, sunlight pours in, and visitors emerge — like lost creatures seeking daylight — into a lush canyon. But we can also be really laid back, relaxed, mellow about certain things. Afterwards you will enjoy the view of the lake from the top of Bled castle.On to Lake Bohinj where a cable car will take us to the top of Mt. Until next time, keep on travelin'. Sašo: …Anže is his name. This modest but world-class museum offers a haunting look at the tragedy of the Soča Front. It is, with only about a quarter-million people. Rick Steves' Europe | Episode | The Best of Slovenia. In the grand cavern, the sound of a mighty river crashes through the mist. Locals still build their pletnas by hand with larch wood from a design passed down from father to son for centuries. Sašo: Built-in babysitters. Tiny Slovenia — with just two million people — is one of Europe's most unexpectedly delightful destinations. This is quite a surprise. Rick: Half kilo. Bag measures about 17” long and 12” wide. But one thing that's constant is the warmth and hospitality of its people. Vendor: Yes. We begin in the capital city, Ljubljana. The bridge seems almost Venetian. The market is a perfect opportunity to connect with the locals. Locals claim that you're not a true Slovene until you've climbed Triglav. Rick: What would you tell me? Since the Habsburg days, this is where Slovenes take their guests — whether kings or cousins — to show off their natural wonders. 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. We've got 57 tours going to Slovenia, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 11 days. Rick: Anže will have a roommate. You can email Rick at rick… Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a free online video library for teachers, students, and parents. Natalija: Absolutely. The tasteful exhibits, with fine English descriptions and a pacifist tone, take an even-handed approach to the fighting — without getting hung up on identifying the "good guys" and the "bad guys." Bad things about Yugoslavia was maybe because there was no good stimulation for good workers. ▲▲ Ljubljana Slovenia's vibrant yet relaxing capital, with a fun-to-browse riverside market, scintillating architecture, and inviting riverside promenade. The main attraction is a guided two-mile hike through the caves. Slovenes are particularly fond of their famous local pastries. Get inspired with Rick Steves’ recommended places to go and things to do, with tips, photos, videos, and travel information on Slovenia. Lake Bled retains an aura of the Romantic Age. Dec 22, 2014 - Slovenia & Croatia Itinerary: Where to Go in Slovenia and Croatia by Rick Steves | ricksteves.com For good or bad workers, the wage was all the same. 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! The art in the Lady of the Rocks church was special, the one Euro tour a bargain and the guide refused a tip. 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. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most number of tour departures. These wines, from the northeast, are considered some of the country's best. In this unpredictable climate, hay is hung on the rack to stay dry. Rick: Yes, they look good. It was all over Eastern Europe, and if you look at the picture, you can see the proud workers, you know, carrying their tools. see our FAQ. Rick: Gorazd, you grew up with Tito. Nearby, wedged into another Karst-region cave, is Predjama — one of Europe's most photogenic castles. 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. This is our living room. Tina: Here we are. Vogel for some amazing views of the Alps. As an 18-year-old, Rick began traveling on … During one winter alone, some 60,000 soldiers were killed by avalanches. 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. Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with more of the best of Europe. 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. In the center of this region is Mount Triglav, Slovenia's symbol and tallest mountain. 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. Natalija: No, he was married to the architecture. The Austro-Hungarians knew if their enemies could break through this front, it was a straight shot to their capital, Vienna. Also enjoying dramatic lake views are handsome villas, mostly from the 19th century. Fancy facades and whimsical bridges ornament daily life with a Slovenian twist. 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). 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. We'll enjoy the playful architecture and lively café culture of its capital city, row to a church-capped island, explore the Julian Alps, descend into a grand, underground canyon, and sunbathe with Slavs on the tiny but inviting Slovenian coast. Dates & length Places Filters. Rick: This is great! This time, it's beaches, caves, and Alps — enjoying a cultural workout…in Slovenia. At the crest of the 5,000-foot-high pass, there's snow even in late May — and a commanding view. 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. Vendor: Pol kilo. My favorite was once the vacation villa of Yugoslav president-for-life, Marshal Tito. Tito, a larger-than-life, strong-arm dictator, was the only leader who could hold that troubled union together. 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. 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. In this tiny country, it seems like everybody knows each other. Sašo: Anže. Prolific Plečnik essentially remodeled his hometown with his distinctive classical-meets-modern style. Rick: Dober dan. While the valley is a favorite for nature-lovers today, it has its dark side. Rick: Anže. As if turning its back on its hard-fought history, the city playfully straddles its sleepy river. Sašo: Sašo, yeah. In this land of stout hill towns and rugged farmers, grapes for the full-bodied local red wine thrive in the iron-rich soil. Gorazd: Good for bad workers, yes. Ljubljana remains a treasure trove of engaging architecture. Sašo: We are almost halfway through. Vendor: Our farm, yes. It's a world where a thousand evil Wizard of Oz monkeys could comfortably fly in formation. Tina's having us over for dinner to meet her family. An earthquake leveled the city in 1895. Sašo: It's a secret compartment of our house. There's no keel, so the skilled oarsmen work hard to steer the flat-bottomed boat with each stroke. Škocjan offers fantastical cave formations and a spectacularly vast canyon with a raging underground river. The house can be toured only with a guide, whose enthusiasm brings the place to life. We’ve been playing host to an invasion of more than a hundred tour guides from all over Europe and beyond, in town for our annual guide summit and reunion — 10 solid days of strategy sessions, business meetings, reconnecting with tour members, and, of course, parties. And guests can use Tito's personal desk for something I bet he never imagined: sending an email. Like the more famous Alps of Austria and Switzerland, the Julian Alps are busy with nature-lovers, both winter and summer. Rick Steves Travel Gear Day Pack - Lightweight Backpack - Black. Vendor: Pol kilo. Get exclusive mini-episodes on Our Patreon Account For more, find us:Chris MitchellFind him at travelingmitch, Ultimate Ontario, & His Writer's Portfolio. After a lifetime of exploring Europe - and inspiring Americans to see Europe as the springboard for world exploration - Rick Steves shares his reasons why. Rick: And today, capitalism has changed — good for good workers. 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 After the Nazis bombed Belgrade and took over their country, the ragtag gang of Yugoslav patriots, inspired by charismatic commanders, formed a resistance army. 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. There in former Yugoslavia, there were good things and also bad things. Ninety-nine steps lead from the dock up to the summit — and the Church of the Assumption. A fortress has capped Ljubljana's hill since Roman times. Some kind of a muse, you know. The unique roofed hayrack is recognized as part of the national heritage. The traffic-free harborfront — lined with Slovenes enjoying fresh seafood — is made-to-order for a stroll. This was unimaginably difficult warfare — waged in the harshest of conditions. Rick Steves, Cameron Hewitt. ▲▲▲ 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. This time it's beaches, caves, and Alps and enjoying a little cultural workout in Slovenia. 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. 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