Travelmood - Family Adventures

Land of Caves & Castles

8 Days Land of Caves & Castles
The greenest corner of Europe

Introduction
Little Slovenia is big on geography and big on nature! Steep mountain cliffs, punctuated with castles, slice into densely forested valleys. Jurassic lakes are fed by rivers from the glacial peaks of the Alps. Gentle hillsides and vineyards roll towards the warm Adriatic Sea, and on the way are some of the most spectacular cave systems in Europe. This is a great taster of a tiny country.

FORTRESSES, FOLKLORE & FOOD!
The charm and character of ancient Slovenia impress us from the start as we explore the capital Ljubljana, with its tangle of cobbled streets and courtyards, and its mighty castle. A wander through the market will also hint at the influences of neighbouring Italy, Austria, Hungary and the former Yugoslavia - with delicacies such as salamis and hams from the forest, gewürzt 'spicy' wines, rich milk desserts and fruit brandies. Pausing at the lakeside medieval town of Skofja Loka, with its fairy-tale castle, we drive on to one of the most picturesque Alpine lakes: Lake Bled. Our discovery trail offers several options here, including the castle and a boat trip in a traditional pletne across to the wooded island.

IN THE TRIGLAV NATIONAL PARK
Staying on the shores of another lake, Bohinj, we spend the next two days enjoying the natural treasures of the Triglav National Park. As well as the three peaks of Triglav itself (the highest in Slovenia), the area includes Mount Vogel (which we reach by cable car), the Savica waterfalls and forests of larch and pine, all set amidst the crags of the Julian Alps. On the lower slopes, we walk on gentle meadows sprinkled with gentians and poppies. There's also a chance to go rafting or perhaps hire mountain bikes.

DOWN THE ADRIATIC COAST
A scenic train ride through foothills and vineyards takes us down to the rocky coastline. Along our route, we'll visit the amazing network of a 'Thousand Caves' at Skocjan. Piran, with its lively piazza, picturesque harbour and elegant Venetian villas, is an ideal place to relax, soak up the culture or take to the sea for some coastal exploration. Finally, on our way back to Ljubljana, we visit Predjama castle: built into a 123m high cliff face and complete with drawbridge, 16th century Predjama can tell many a grisly tale about its dungeon, secret defences and phantom knight!

TO BOOK CALL 08700 66 45 65