Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what's left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what!

Central Europe, natural & refined, folksy & cultured, the combination of mountain rusticity & old-world style with its teutonic half-timbered villages, graffiti-decorated Renaissance Squares, medieval walled towns, captivates those looking for old-world appeal,

Cramming in more history, culture & spectacular scenery than seems entirely reasonable for its size, the Balkans, taking its name from the Balkan Mountains, is one of Europe's most intriguing regions

From the world’s smallest town, ancient cities settled in ancient times, all the way to modern centres brimming with life, as well as cultural & culinary treats, Croatian urban destinations are the key to discovering the way this country ticks & the identity of its citizens.

Republika Hrvatska (Croatia) at the crossroads of Central & Southeast Europe, famed for its scenic pebbled beaches, beautifully lapped by crystal-clear waters along the Adriatic coastline, is a country where you can drive around for several hours & discover the diversity of landscape, climate & culture of almost the entire Europe & its urban destinations, from the green Central-European north to the sunny Mediterranean south, that are just as intriguing & eclectic. Rocky mountains & terracotta-roofed towns plunge spectacularly into crystal-clear waters of Adriatic Sea & the crowded Beach Resorts on Croatia's myriad islands provide some nooks of quiet seclusion.

Welcome to Zagreb, Croatia’s Capital, distinguished by its 18^th – 19^th century Austro-Hungarian architecture.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning is at leisure.

Located on the slopes of the Medvednica Mountain along the Sava River, the 900 year old Zagreb lives a rich cultural life & is also the economic, cinematic, sporting & governmental hub of the country. A wonderful bustling city that beautifully captures both a historical past with its medieval architecture & cultural present heavily influenced by the arts.

Far from the scenic coastlines & sandy beaches typically associated with Croatia, Zagreb is completely different than the Islands. And, though the city lacks the big-city vibe of Vienna & Budapest, the charm of its alluring neighborhood is undeniable.

Croatia's political & cultural heart, energetic Zagreb is a popular tourist destination & hosts some of Croatia's best (& quirkiest) Museums, along with a great Shopping, Dining. The Cafe culture here is just one facet of the city's vibrant street life, egged on by a year-round swag of events that bring Music, pop-up Markets & Food Stalls to the Plazas & Parks. Even when there is nothing on, the centre thrums with youthful energy.

Every visitor sees Zagreb differently. Some see it as a lively Capital, while others consider it a city made to measure. Many love it because it maintains its connection to the nature, while others are attracted by the numerous possibilities offered by a large urban center.

Long ago 2 medieval towns, Gradec & Kaptol merged, creating what is today's Zagreb’s historical city center, considered to be one of the most preserved European city centers, built in the Art Nouveau style.

Zagreb is made for strolling. Wander through the Upper Town's red-roof & cobblestone glory, peppered with Church spires. Crane your neck to see the domes & ornate upper-floor frippery of the Lower Town's mash-up of secessionist, neo-baroque & art deco buildings. Search out the grittier pockets of town where ugly-bland concrete walls have been transformed into colourful murals by local street artists.

Walking along the cobbled streets of Gornji Grad (Upper Town), visitors can feel themselves being transported back to medieval times. Not only is the walk around the Old Town a step back in time, it is also home to some of the city’s most visited attractions. Many of the best ‘tourist’ sights are hidden in the lanes & alleys here.

Zagreb boasts beautiful architectural monuments in the Old Town, specifically. There is always a certain detail that may impress visitors, something that makes a street more appealing, a Square more unique. And like every other ancient city, Zagreb is also full of Squares & some are particularly significant & memorable. All in the city centre, close together, a brief stop there will make you feel the pulse of the city & imagine its history. Some are especially worth visiting.

Zagreb is a city filled with impressive Art Galleries & Museums. A must visit is the famous Art Pavilion, the oldest Gallery in Southeast Europe, constructed in 1897. It does not have a permanent display but hosts regular exhibitions showcasing both Croatian & international Artists from all periods & styles. Famous names like Picasso, Warhol, Goldini, Braut & Henry Moore have passed through.

The gastronomic selection in Zagreb comprises a rich combination of many cuisines as History & Geography have had a great impact on menus here. Today’s cuisine is rich & varied with a little bit of something for everyone. Although the people of Zagreb gladly cook at home, there are many places in town where you can find specialities of inland Croatia as well as Mediterranean & International cuisine. There are also Cake Shops & Bakeries on every corner. Visitors should certainly try Zagreb strudel with apples, cheese or cherries & kremsnita, the famous cream-cake made in the nearby town of Samobor & brought in daily.

During the holiday season in December, Croatia's Capital comes into its own. No wonder it was voted 'Europe's Best Christmas Destination' for 3 consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018 by 'European Best Destinations'). With the extensive Christmas decoration, smell of roasted chestnuts & a great variety of live music performances across the town, it is very easy to fall in love with Christmas celebrations in Zagreb.

In time, meet the Tour-guide in the lobby at 03.00 pm & proceed for a 3 hour ‘walking’ orientation tour of the city centre.

Pass by ‘some’ of the more notable Zagreb landmarks & a look at the Yuletide highlights at one of the Christmas Market.

Walking in Gornji Grad (Upper Town), you will see the Gothic Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, formerly known as St Stephen’s Church.

The structure has been transformed many times over, but the sacristy still contains a cycle of 13^th century frescoes. An earthquake in 1880 badly damaged the building & reconstruction in a neo-Gothic style began around the turn of the 20^th century.

The twin Spires - seemingly permanently under repair - are tallest in all of Croatia & date back to 11^th century. The Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece & is also home to one of the top 10 finest Organs in the world! Inside, once can see the baroque marble altars, statues & pulpit, & the Tomb of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac. In 1994, Pope John Paul II conducted the Holy Mass at the Cathedral to celebrate the 900^th anniversary of the Zagreb Archbishopric.

Right next to the Cathedral, is the bustling Dolac Market, Zagreb’s trader-centric Fruit & Vegetable Market that was set up by the city authorities in 1930, on the 'border' between the Upper & Lower Towns. Sellers from all over Croatia descend here daily to hawk fresh produce. One can find fish stalls, butchers, fresh pasta, cheesemongers, florists, bakeries, Croatian souvenirs and the freshest fruit & vegetables in all of the city.

Continue on to one of Zagreb’s most emblematic buildings, the 13^th century St Mark’s Church, famous for its signature colourful tiled Roof, constructed in 1880 by Friedrich Schmidt & Herman Bolle. The tiles were placed / used to create the medieval Coat of Arms of Croatia, Dalmatia & Slavonia on the left side & the emblem of Zagreb city on the right. One of the oldest monuments in, it has been Parish Church of old Zagreb.

The Southern portal is the best looking in all of Croatia. The Gothic portal, sculpted in 14^th century, consists of 15 sculptures (11 stone & 4 wooden baroque) featuring Virgin Mary with the Child, Christ, St. Mark & the Apostles in 11 shallow niches.

The interior contains sculptures by Ivan Mestrovic & frescoes by Jozo Kljakovic & Ljubo Babic. The frescoes were renovated, the ceiling gilded with 22 carat gold leaflets & a new organ has been recently installed. The Church is open only at Mass times. From late April to October there is a Guard-changing Ceremony outside the Church every Saturday & Sunday at noon. Next door, there is Ban’s Palace & the Croatian Parliament.

Nearby is the pedestrian-friendly Tkalciceva Street, lined with outdoor Cafes. There are also Shops, Museums & Parks.

And now on the Christmas Market in Zagreb.

While spectacular European Christmas Markets may be more traditionally associated with Germany, the Croatian Capital has achieved international renown for the sheer spectacle in the city through the advent period. The festive Markets are spread out throughout the city, with incredible lights, decorations & a daily programme of open-air entertainment to amuse shoppers as they browse the deals.

For 2 consecutive years, Zagreb has been voted as the ‘Best Christmas Market Destination in Europe’. The streets around Ban Jelacoc Square are home to numerous Advent celebrations including Markets, Ice Sculptures, elaborate decorations, Ice Skating Rink, Concerts & a Christmas tram with Santa Clause & his Elves!

Advent for Christmas in Zagreb is a spectacular city-wide experience which transforms the Capital into a winter wonderland. More than 25 individual Christmas Markets are spread throughout the city’s main Squares & Promenades, each with its own unique theme & atmosphere, yet blending together to give the feeling of one all-encompassing market.

Charming colorful Stalls present a wide variety of goods, often with a connection to local traditions & culture. They offer Artisan products, decorative Ornaments, Handicrafts, Candles, Ceramics, Jewelry, woolen Scarves, Hats, an array of Toys & more. There is hearty regional cuisine, aromatic mulled wine. Glistening lights, colorful ornaments & seasonal decorations complement a daily program of open-air entertainment & cultural performances, imbuing the atmosphere with holiday magic.

King Tomislav Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square & European Square are some of the main spots to gather.

Visit the Live Nativity Scene & various other beautifully decorated locations scattered throughout the Upper & Lower Towns, take joy in the winter wonderland & the whispers of the Christmas spirit & eventually indulge in a typical Zagreb street-style treat accompanied with a local drink at one of the charming stalls.

The ’walking’ tour concludes but the day is not over yet.

Step back in time & hop into an antique fully electric replica of the legendary Ford model T & drive around town for 30 minutes, uncovering few more historic corners of Zagreb.

The tour concludes & you will be transferred to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration or for ‘optional’ activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 07.00 am & embark on a full day excursion to Lake Plitvice National Park & Salajland.

Arrive at the Park after an approx. 2.5 hour of driving. The name is slightly misleading though, as it is not so much the Lakes that are the attraction here but the hundreds of Waterfalls that link them.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed National Park, is one of the country’s top natural attractions & the absolute highlight of the Croatia's Adriatic hinterland. Within the boundaries, is a glorious expanse of heavily forested hills & 16 beautiful crystalline turquoise Lakes that tumble into each other via a series of Waterfalls & Cascades.

Over thousands of years, the mineral-rich waters of distinctive azure, green & blue color have flown over the limestone, thus depositing travertine barriers, shaping natural dams in continually changing formations, which in turn have created a series of beautiful Lakes & a grand collection of Waterfalls. Clouds of butterflies drift above the 18 km of wooden Footbridges & Pathways that snake around the edges & across the rumbling water.

While the Park is beautiful year-round, Spring & Fall are the best times to visit. In early Summer, the Falls are flush with water, while in Autumn the changing leaves put on a colorful display. Winter is especially spectacular, when covered in snow & ice, the Lakes transform into a real winter wonderland of a fairy-tale setting. Though, snow can limit access & the free Park transport doesn't operate. Various combinations of boat, road train (a tourist bus with carriages) & Hiking are available, depending on the level of fitness & the available time.

Accompanied by the Tour-guide, embark on a 2.5 hour ‘walking’ tour on the well-maintained wooden Walkways traversing through the mesmerizing & everchanging landscape.

Enjoy a panoramic ride with a special Park Train or soak in the unspoiled nature during a Boat ride (may involve an extra fee to be paid directly) on the Kozjak Lake.

End the Lake Plitvice National Park visit with a Lunch at one of the Restaurant (not included – direct payment). 

Hop on the vehicle & proceed to enjoy a unique Christmas experience,2.5 hour drive away.

Arrive at Salajland, the Estate of the wealthy Salaj Family, near the town of Cazma..

You might think that Croatia & Winter Wonderland don’t belong in the same sentence, but Croatia is already a mega popular Christmas destination & Zagreb that has been voted as the best Christmas Market in Europe for the last 3 years in a row.

The Christmas story of the Salaj family has been spreading joy for more than 20 years on their property. The Croatian family opens up their home every year or what is one of the biggest & brightest Christmas lights display.

This traditional event is one of the biggest Christmas manifestations in Croatia & has proudly been a popular place to visit not only by locals but also to tourists from all over the world.

Hundreds of thousand folks visit the Estate to experience a unique Christmas setting, a real fairy land created with 5 million festive lighting (yes, you have read it right), & outdoor Christmas decorations. The large Croatian Ranch is picturesque by default, but with these additions, every year it turns into real Christmas fairy tale delighting visitors year after year.

SalajLand was created 20 years ago, by a single visionary Mr. Zlatko Salaj, as a result of his childhood love for Christmas & on the premise that he wanted to create a holiday he couldn’t have as a child & all children should experience the pure joy of Christmas, while making memorable childhood stories. So, he decided to turn his Estate into a Christmas Theme Park. Entrance is always free for all children.

The 14 acre Estate itself is more than beautiful, surrounded by many Lakes, wooden Bridges, Paths, 2,000+ trees, Mill-wheel & even a Waterfall. Now, imagine all of this being decorated with colorful lights creating all kinds of figures - Santa Claus & the Reindeer, Smurfs, Nativity Scene, Snowmen, Penguins, Bears…

They started creatively decorating their Estate with thousands of colorful lights & in the first year, they managed to put up 70,000 bulbs. With each year, the number of decorations increased & today, around 5 million lights illuminate the Displays, making it the largest holiday light display in Croatia & perhaps, the world.

3 months before the Opening Day, about 15 people commence creating the Displays to make the Estate come alive again.

The Event draws about 120,000 visitors annually, will be open from November 29^th - January 12^th daily from 3.00 pm - 10.00 pm.

There is also entertainment with fireworks lighting up the sky above Cazma village, every day, to add to the magical atmosphere. And, there are Vendors selling crafts & handmade products such as accessories, ornaments & sweet treats.

Upon arrival, spend an hour on your own, enjoying the cheerful lights that will brighten your way over numerous wooden Bridges & around small lakes, over miles of Pathways between 2,000 Christmas trees.

Wander along, see the Smurf village & take a selfie with Santa or your favorite Snowman. Strolling through the beautiful Christmas scenes will surely get you into the festive mood!

Don't forget to stop by a large Nativity Scene & singing Christmas lights which will play traditional songs. For the winter sports lovers, there is also an Ice Rink. If you happen to visit when it is snowing, you will witness a magnificent sight, an experience you will not forget.

After a walk along the Paths & manicured lawns, you may stop by at the small cozy Restaurant or Stands for Coffee, hot Chocolate. Savor a traditional snack over a glass of mulled wine (optional - own expense) & don't miss to take photos!

This year, the Family also opened their Estate for Easter from March to 18^th April, dubbing it as the ‘Easter Story’. There were lit-up decorative eggs with 20,000 lights, large oak wood sculptures of chickens, rabbits, roosters, Easter eggs, baskets & much more.

Finally, it is time to go home.

Drive for an hour & reach the hotel around 07.00 pm.

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration or Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & arrange).

Early morning, Check-out by 08.30 am & depart for Ljubljana, the capital of neighboring Slovenia.

But before leaving Zagreb, you must visit to a very unique Museum of Broken Relationships, illustrating aspects of psycho-analysis, which you would not find anywhere else in the world.

This is definitely a place to come for anyone who have ever had a relationship & if you have patience to read each entry & reflect, it takes you back to your past emotions as you read the stories written by their owners & how they intertwine with the items on display. It makes you think of the value we assign to common objects.

The first privately owned Museum in the city, conceptualised by Olinka Vistica & Drazen Grubisic, it was initially designed to tour internationally & of course, introduce Zagreb to global audiences. The quirky innovative Museum, an emotional rollercoaster of experiences, is now located in the beautiful baroque Kulmer Palace in the Upper Town - a historical part of Zagreb, rich in tourist attractions. It has won a few Awards over the years.

The Museum, dedicated to failed relationships, is the most popular in Zagreb & has amassed an amazing Collection. As a matter of fact, it exhibits personal objects, left over from former owners, accompanied by their stories & emotions.

An amazing concept for a Museum, most of the individual artifacts' stories are compelling, amusing or sad. From romances that withered to broken family connections, this wonderfully quirky Museum explores the mementos left over after a relationship ends.

Displayed amid a string of all-white rooms are donations from around the globe, each with a story attached. Exhibits range from the hilarious - the toaster someone nicked so their ex could never make toast again - to the heartbreaking the suicide note from somebody's mother. In turns funny, poignant & moving, it is a perfect kaleidoscope of the entire gamut of human emotions.It is not about the items you will find. Above all else, it is about the incredible experience & powerful emotions you feel as you walk through the floor.

Make sure, you check out the adjacent store aptly names “Bad Memories Eraser', a best seller for everyone walking in. There is also a cosy Cafe with pavement tables & on Thursdays during Summer & Autumn, they organise Jazz nights, very popular with the crowd.

Depart & drive through picturesque rural landscape for about an hour & a half. You would stop at Border Control & go through the document check.

Reach Ljubljana & Check-in at the hotel.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Relax for 2 hours before embarking on a sightseeing tour.

An earthly paradise of snow-capped peaks, turquoise-green rivers and Venetian-style coastline, Slovenia enriches its natural treasures with harmonious architecture, charming rustic culture & sophisticated cuisine.

Known mainly for its mountains, Ski Resorts & Lakes, Republic of Slovenia is the green heart of Europe, which offers something to everyone, in the ‘tourism’ context. Whether you enjoy walking well-trodden paths or prefer to turn off the beaten track, you will find stunning beauty & boutique experiences, combined into a magnificent symphony that can be felt in culture, gastronomy & natural wonders.

On Lake Bled, a glacial lake fed by hot springs, the town of Bled contains a Church-topped islet & a cliffside medieval Castle. In Ljubljana, the Capital, baroque facades mix with the 20^th century architecture of native Joze Plecnik, whose iconic Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) spans the tightly curving Ljubljanica River.

From the soaring peaks of the Julian Alps & the subterranean magic of Postojna & Skocjan Caves, to the sparkling emerald-green lakes & rivers and the short but sweet coastline along the Adriatic Sea, tiny Slovenia really does have it all.

An incredible mixture of climates brings warm Mediterranean breezes up to the foothills of the Alps, where it can snow even in summer. And with more than half of its total surface still covered in forest, Slovenia does more than simply claim it's 'green', it really is one of the greenest countries on earth.

As Slovenia’s Capital, Ljubljana, a lively green city combining the charm of a small town & the self-confidence of large European cities, always has fun things going on & is extremely friendly to foreigners.

Ljubljana is the political & cultural heart of the Slovenian nation. It is also an important European Commercial, Exhibition & Congress Centre as well as a Slovenia Transport & Education Centre.

Today, Scientists are drawn to the city because of its high-calibre Institutes & University, as are Artists due to its world-famous graphic Biennial, Art Academy & countless Art Galleries. International businessmen, Economists & Experts from all fields frequently attend the city's many Congresses, Meetings, Exhibitions & Trade Fairs.

Its geographical position in the centre of Europe has determined Ljubljana as a natural meeting place for Merchants & Soldiers as well as - and more than once - Peacemakers. The victors of the Napoleonic wars selected this peaceful city as the site of the Holy Alliance Congress, which in 1821 sealed the European political geography for years to come.

You can expect great holiday markets, fantastic restaurants, beautiful buildings lining the streets & a very rustic feel. The area on either side of the river with its picturesque Bridges & the beautiful Central Market as well as dozens of urban design elements such as Pillars, Pyramids & Lamp Posts owes its distinctive appearance to Slovenia's master architect of early-modern, minimalist design, Joze Plecnik who had a great impact on the 19^th century architecture not only in Ljubljana, but also in Prague & Vienna.

In Ljubljana, the old meets the new & it seems that history has spent all of the settlement's 5 millennia preparing it to become the nation's capital. It has managed to retain traces from all periods of its rich history; from the legacy of Roman Emona; through to the Renaissance, Baroque & Art Nouveau periods characterised in the house fronts & ornate doorways of the City Centre, the romantic Bridges, the lopsided rooftops & a Park reaching deep into the city centre. Here, Eastern & Western cultures met & the Italian concept of art combined with the sculptural aesthetics of Central European Cathedrals.

Home to some of Europe's most stunning architecture, Ljubljana (meaning 'beloved' in Slovene language) boasts many Museums, including the National Museum of Slovenia, displaying historic exhibitions & the Museum of Modern Art, home to 20^th century Slovene Paintings & Sculptures.

It also has one of the world's oldest Philharmonics Orchestra.  The first Music Society in Slovenia, the Academia Philharmonicorum, was founded in 1701 as a vehicle for baroque music & also to facilitate the development of musical production in this region. The honorary members included such renowned Composers as Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms & distinguished Musicians such as the Violinist Nicolo Paganini. Between 1881 & 1882, at the very start of his career, Gustav Mahler was its resident Conductor.

The leafy city is a pleasure to explore, with most of its key sights clustered in a compact pedestrianised centre. Car traffic is restricted in the centre, leaving the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city's heart, free for pedestrians & cyclists & roller bladders. The curving Riverfront lined by outdoor cafes, divides the city's Old Town from its commercial hub. It is even possible to see the main sights in a single day.

In 2014, the city celebrated the 2000^th anniversary of its foundation (as the Roman settlement of Emona) & in 2016, was awarded the European Commission's 'European Green Capital' & selected as 'Best European Destination' in 2022.

Attractive cities are often described as 'jewel boxes' & the here the name really fits. Ljubljana’s University population of 50,000+ give it a special vibe. In summer, Cafes set up terrace seating along the river & it almost feels like a nightly street party.

Meet the Tour-guide at 03.30 pm & embark on a 3 hour ‘walking’ orientation tour to discover the enchanting city & its Christmas Markets.

Walk to the Old Town. Most of its key sights clustered in a compact pedestrianised centre. You will pass by ‘some’ of the main landmarks.

Pass by Central Market - the main food market of the city, operating on the same spot for about 120 years. Observe the merchants selling their fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, bread, oils, juices, flowers & other home-made produce brought from different parts of Slovenia. The Market located between 2 Squares, consists of an open-air section, a covered market & a series of small food shops along the river-front, supplemented by catering establishments & street food kiosks. Traditionally, it has also been a place for the locals to meet & enjoy themselves together.

Walk by Stolnica Sv. Nikolaja (Cathedral of St. Nicholas), a Church that has stood here since the 13^th century. But the existing twin-towered building dates from the start of the 18^th century. 2 stunning bronze doors, now blackened, were added in 1996 to commemorate a visit by Pope John Paul II.

The (main) west door facing the Bishop’s Palace recounts the history of 1250 years of Christianity in Slovenia. The images of 6 Bishops on the south door, defines the history of the Ljubljana Diocese. Inside, it is a vision of pink marble, white stucco, gilt & contains a panoply of baroque frescoes. Have a look at the magnificent carved choir stalls, the organ & the angels on the main Altar. You will learn about the history & evolution of the Cathedral and see the 2 famous intricately carved doors - the Slovenian door & Ljubljana door, both depicting the history of the Christianity in Slovenia.

Continue walking & stop to admire the beauty of the Vodnjak Treh Kranjskih Rek (Robba Fountain or Fountain of 3 Carniolan Rivers), one of Ljubljana's best known Baroque monuments, was created  between 1743 & 1751 by the Venetian-born Sculptor & Architect Francesco Robba, who spent most of his life here & is considered to be the city's greatest Baroque master sculptor working in stone. 

Hear the Tour-guide explain its artistic & historical value. The Fountain is modelled on famous Roman fountains. The sculptures of 3 River Gods with their gushing urns, are believed to represent 3 Carniolan rivers: Sava, Ljubljanica & Krka. The Fountain's ground plan is shaped in the form of Ljubljana's ancient 3 leaf town seal. The original Fountain, worn down by time & urban pollution, is now housed in the National Gallery.

The Fountain stands in the Town Hall's (Magistrat or Rotovz) arched courtyard. Check out the Town Hall built in the late 15^th century. Ljubljana Mayors have governed the city from the very building since that time. The outer façade reflects Venetian architectural influences. The Gothic courtyard inside, arcaded on 3 levels, is where Theatrical Performances once took place. The Vestibule provides space for a late Gothic plaque with a coat of arms surviving from the original building & a 17^th century Statue of Hercules with a lion, previously a part of the Hercules Fountain which used to stand the nearby.

Next stop will be Cevljarski Most (Cobblers' Bridge or the Shoemakers' Bridge), a charming pedestrian Bridge connecting 2 major areas of medieval Ljubljana. Formerly, it was a covered wooden Bridge which provided space for Cobblers' workshops - hence the name Cobblers' Bridge. In the Middle Ages, the Bridge was a place for applying punitive punishment & the cheating Butchers & Bakers were dipped in the river.

The 19^th century saw the building of a new, cast iron Bridge, built by the architect Joze Plecnik between 1931 - 1932. At its south end, it was decorated with a Statue of Christ, now kept in the Church of St. Florian. The present Bridge was conceived as a broad balustraded platform connecting 2 different parts of the city & was made of artificial stone like another of Plecnik's creations, the Triple Bridge.

Check out National & University Library whose Collection contains, among other things, a rich collection of medieval Manuscripts, Incunabula & Renaissance prints. 

It was designed & built between 1936 - 1941 by Joze Plecnik & is considered to be the Architect's most important work in Slovenia. It stands on the site of the former Ducal Court (Knezji dvorec), a 17^th century baroque Palace destroyed in the earthquake of 1895.

The building's exterior reflects Italian influences. Its characteristic façade, combining bricks & stone blocks in variable finishes, was modelled on Zuccari Palace (Palazzo Zuccari) in Rome. Each of the 2 handles on the main entrance door is decorated with a head of Pegasus, a winged horse symbolically guiding visitors to the realm of knowledge.

From the vestibule, a door leads to the famous monumental central Staircase with 32 pillars of black Podpec marble & further on to the Library's grand Reading Room which has huge glass walls & some stunning lamps & chandeliers, also designed by Plecnik, allowing light to reach wooden reader desks & books from 2 sides.

The side entrance is surmounted by a bronze Statue of Moses by the Slovenian sculptor Lojze Dolinar. To indicate the course of the Roman & medieval town walls which ran alongside the Library building & continued alongside the Glasbena Matica building across the street, Plecnik erected a line of monuments to famous Slavicists & Slovenian Composers.

The Library is located next to the historical Trg Francoske Revolucije (French Revolution Square) which marks one end of the pedestrianised area in central Ljubljana. The Square has been around since 1793, when it was known as Krizniski trg, named after the Teutonic German Knights who lived there & who founded the Monastery that now houses the Krizanke Summer Theatre, the last major work of Joze Plecnik, as he was responsible for remodeling the Square in the 1930s.

When Napoleon took over Slovenia, he made Ljubljana the Capital of his Illyrian Provinces. The focus of this little Square is the Napoleon Monument which includes a sculpted bust of Napoleon by Lojze Dolinar & Ilirski Steber (Illyrian Column) designed by Joze Plecnik, both erected in 1929 to commemorate his victory. Beside the Monument, there are a couple of Cafes, with outside seating that make them among the nicest spots to sit & watch the world go by in the summer, away from the bustle of the riverside & among a self-selected crowd of culture lovers.

Next door is Kongresni trg (Congress Square). There was already a small Square here back in the Baroque period. The original Square was thoroughly reconstructed for the 1821 Congress of the Holy Alliance & renamed after it. You may even catch an aria sung by an opera diva or some other Concert going on frequently.

Its south end, the site of the former Provincial Mansion, where the Congress took place, is now occupied by the University of Ljubljana. Nearby is the Slovenian Philharmonic building & next to it, the Bidermeyer building housing the oldest Slovenian Publishing House, Slovenska Matica, established in 1894.

The north end of the Square is occupied by the neo-classical Kazina building. The Zvezda Park, which stretches across the central part of the Square, is the site of several historical attractions. On the other side of the Park stands a picturesque Music Pavilion. A Statue of an Anchor on a plinth was placed here in 1954 to commemorate the annexation of the coastal region of Primorje to Slovenia.

Amid the remains of the town walls of the Roman Emona, stands a copy of the gilded bronze Statue of a Roman patrician excavated from this area in 1836. It was buried together with the cremated remains of the deceased & a number of objects indicative of the fact that he was a distinguished citizen living in Emona at the beginning of the 2^nd century AD, during the rule of Emperor Trajan. During Roman times, the area was the site of a burial ground & in accordance with Roman traditions, Emona's Burial Grounds were situated outside the town walls.

In 1927, a copy of the Holy Trinity Column supposedly created by Francesco Robba in 1722 was erected across the road from the Ursuline Church. The original is kept at the City Museum of Ljubljana.

Enjoying a beautiful view of Ljubljana's main attraction, the Ljubljana Castle while standing in the Congress Square, the Tour-guide will explain about the history & purposes the Castle served since it was built at the end of the 15^th century.  

Crowning a 375 metres high hill, east of the Old Town, the Castle, reached by funicular railway, is an architectural mishmash, with most of it dating from the early 16^th century when it was largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake.

The Watchtower & ramparts offer some of the most beautiful views of the city & surrounding areas. The Castle also houses a Slovenian History Exhibition, a Puppet Museum & a historical Chapel of St George & the Prison. It also features unique Video Presentation Room called Virtual Castle & provides space for Art Exhibitions, cultural events & open-air film screenings in the summer. There is a Cafe (Grajska kavarna), Restaurants, a Wine Bar (Grajska vinoteka Strelec) & a Night Club (Jazz Club Ljublanski grad).

The centrepiece of the city’s wonderful architectural aesthetic is the marvellous Preseren Square, a public space of understated elegance that serves not only as the link between the Center district & the Old Town but also as the city's favourite meeting point. Some people prefer to stay in the Square itself - in Preserc, as the locals call it. “Let’s meet at the Statue” a shy young couple might say when arranging their first date.

The Square offers a great view of some of the biggest Art Nouveau architectural masterpieces of Ljubljana - & of course, taking pride of place, is the Statue of Slovenia’s greatest Poet, Dr France Preseren (1800 - 1849), after whom the Square is named. The Poet went on to prove that Slovene language was a suitable vehicle for even the most demanding & complex forms of Poetry, those that are out of the reach of all but the most highly developed languages. The Statue reminds us that Slovenia is a nation founded on books, the written word & language.  

Did you know that the Statue is gazing directly at the window of Preseren’s own beloved, Julija Primic, who still waits for him in her house on Wolfova? Have you spotted her? Just follow the Poet’s gaze. . .

These days the Square is the heart of the city, with routes leading off it in all directions: along busy Copova with its shops & Cafes, across the Triple Bridge & to the left, beneath the arcade of Plecnik’s market & on into the bustling food market, or to the right into the narrow streets of Ljubljana’s picturesque Old Town.

Visitors pop into one of the nearby Bookshops, buy a copy of Preseren’s Poems, then sit at the foot of the Statue with a box of chocolate-covered Fige Presernove (Preseren’s Figs). Nibbling this sweet treat & wandering through the streets, among the women of Ljubljana long famed for their beauty, conjuring up an image of the romantic Ljubljana of the 19^th century and the cultural & culinary will come together once again in another “KulKul moment”.

Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) is one of the one of the greatest works of the superstar architect Joze Plecnik. Learn about its history, its purpose & symbolics that the Architect loved to incorporate in his works. Why 3 Bridges, you ask?

Running south from Presernov trg to the Old Town is the much celebrated Tromostovje, originally called Spital (Hospital) Bridge when it was built as a single span wooden Bridge in 1842.

It was nothing spectacular but between 1929 & 1932 Joze Plecnik removed the metal railings from the old stone Bridge & added 2 pedestrian side Bridges, furnished all 3 with massive stone balustrades & lamps and forced a name change. Stairways on each of the sides of all 3 Bridges lead down to terraces situated just above the river, where poplar trees were planted to contribute to the overall appearance of the Bridge. And thus, created a unique architectural gem. In 1992, the Triple Bridge was extensively renovated.

On the northern side of Presernov trg, you will see the beautiful baroque Franciskanska cerkev (Franciscan Church of the Annunciation) with a salmon-pink façade, that resembles Il Gesu Church in Rome. The 2 buildings - Franciscan Monastery & the Church, contribute significantly to the appearance of the central Square.

Until the end of the 18^th century, the Monastery was the home of Augustine Monks. The Church was built between 1646 & 1660. Its façade, completed around 1700, rebuilt in the 19^th century & renovated in 1993, is adorned with a copper Statue of St. Mary, Ljubljana's largest Madonna statue.

The interior features 6 side Altars & an enormous Choir Stall. The monumental main Altar was designed in the middle of the 18^th century by the Italian sculptor Francesco Robba.  To the left of the Altar is a glass-fronted coffin with the spooky remains of St Deodatus. The inside is painted with frescoes by Matevz Langus in the mid-19^th century & the ceiling was painted with frescoes by Matej Sternen. In a dedicated Chapel, there is a Cross designed by the Joze Plecnik.

See the Ljubljana's ‘new’ Love Bridge called Butcher's Bridge, where countless lovers have symbolically padlocked their love & dropped the keys into the river, which flows underneath. You will get to know why this Bridge is pretty new, why is it so named & what is the meaning of those grotesque Statues on it.

The Bridge built in 2010, connects the Central Market's colonnade with the Petkovskovo nabrezje embankment. It stands on the site where Joze Plecnik envisaged a Bridge almost a hundred years ago. Its concept is to some extent artistic, adorned with statues & sculptures by the renowned Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar.

The Butchers' Bridge occupies the site in the midst of the former butchers' booths & Brdar's creepy but interesting large Statues & small Sculptures of deformed little creatures sitting on the parapet, somehow refer to the story of this past. The large Statue standing on the Petkovskovo nabrezje side of the Bridge depicts Prometheus, while the miniature Statues on the parapet playfully allude to the activity that once went on in the Butchers' vending booths. The striking contrast between Brdar's creepy figures & the love padlocks attached to the bridge's parapet makes one of the most unusual of the many romantic stories of Ljubljana.

And now on to Zmajski Most (Dragon Bridge), one of the most well-known Bridges in Ljubljana & a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. You will get to know why a dragon is the mascot of Ljubljana. 

The much-loved famous Dragon Bridge dating from 1900 - 01, topped with 4 dragons which look slightly terrifying & almost real, on each corner, stands northeast of the Old Town, just beyond Vodnikov trg & appears in the most recognizable images of Ljubljana. The Statues are a masterpiece which has been exciting imagination since the Bridge was built. If you haven't been photographed next to a Dragon here, you can hardly claim that you have visited Ljubljana.

The attraction of the dragons aside, the Bridge is a unique creation considered to be an extraordinary piece of technical heritage & a superb example of Art Nouveau architecture, which flourished at the turn of the 20^th century.

It was Ljubljana's first reinforced concrete structure, paved with asphalt & one of the largest Bridges of its kind to be built in Europe. The Dragon Bridge replaced an old wooden Bridge, which had stood on its site from 1819. The Municipal authorities decided on modern design & reinforced concrete structure mainly for economic reasons as construction in reinforced concrete was far less expensive than construction in the then more common stone.

Dalmatian architect Jurij Zaninovic designed the concrete slabs in which the reinforced concrete structure is clad, the balustrades, & the sheet-copper dragon statues. The Bridge's original decorations also include the parapet lamps, once powered by gas.

At the time of its opening, it was called the Jubilee Bridge of Emperor Franz Joseph I. According to original designs, it was supposed to be adorned with winged lions instead of dragons.

Once the sky begins to dim & the Christmas market stalls glow, the city orientation ‘walk’ finishes & you proceed to the raison d’etre for this journey, one (or more) of the Christmas Markets here. The bright Christmas lights are turned on & so is the festive mood.

The Christmas Markets are collectively called ‘Ljubljana Festive Fair’, known for its vibrancy & cheerful atmosphere. The Fair is considered to be a major venue for what the locals refer to as ‘the merry December in Ljubljana’s Old Town’ & see it as a perfect opportunity to bump into friends & acquaintances whom they may not have seen in a while.

Ljubljana’s way of decorating is a tad different & perhaps a bit unusual. The decorations are a lot more abstract & arty, which have proved to be very popular among visitors. Don’t be surprised if you see a DNA strand, a female egg surrounded by sperm cells or galaxies & planets, comets & geometric shapes.

The creatively designed lights by the artist Zmago Modic are an ever-developing project that makes festive Ljubljana so special. They celebrate the world around us, from the tiniest to the largest. Learn everything about the concept behind the decorations.

Stroll around the Old Town & its festively decorated streets & Squares. Enjoy some mulled wine & roasted almonds, embrace the Christmas spirit as you walk around the beautifully decorated & illuminated city. Learn about miraculous legends of Ljubljana while admiring the countless stalls of food, drinks, arts & crafts.

Enjoy a 45 minute ride (included) on the River in a traditional wooden Boat while sipping a glass of Slovenian wine (included) & eventually take the cable car up to the famed Ljubljana Castle (Cable Car & Admission included) for panoramic city views & a tour of the onsite Museum.

End your Ljubljana walking tour either back at your hotel or at one of the local restaurants for dinner (not included - own expense).

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration or for Optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements).

May be, once you have warmed yourself up a bit, you may want to visit one of many free events. A Concert in front of the City Hall, Street Theatre performances or a Christmas Decoration Workshop at the Magical Forest for the kiddies?

Another fun novelty is the Land of Ice at the Congress Square where fairy-tale images of dragons are created from a crystalline ice, right in the heart of the dragon city.

Between 30 November - 18 December, the Ljubljana Festival traditionally hosts young pupils from selected Slovenian Music Schools. The talented young virtuosi present their Christmas & New Year repertoire to the audience in either instrumental or vocal performances. Some will have their first opportunity to take to the stage in front of a larger audience, others may already be well-established masters of performance.

Another unique experience hosted in the Volcji Potok Arboretum, is a Christmas Lights Walk, designed as a one-way path, several kilometers long. The new elements of this year's lighting will be very attractive for visitors & the light tunnels will conjure up a magical experience.

Ljubljana is truly a great place to be in the happiest season of December. Stay merry, stay warm & enjoy yourself!

Overnight.  B

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.30 am & embark on a half day excursion to visit 2 of the iconic landmarks in the vicinity of Ljubljana.

First stop will be Predjama Castle, a unique, picturesque, defiant & mysterious Castle that has been perched high up in a vertical hill for more than 800 years, in the magical Slovenian 'karst' region - a windblown limestone plateau characterized by uncommon mixture of rolling hills & deep valleys.

Natural elements seamlessly interwoven with manmade ones, the result of man's ingenuity & nature's creativity has created one of Europe's most dramatic Castles, listed as one of the Guinness World Records.

Among the 10 most fascinating & largest Cave Castles in the world, the impregnable medieval marvel teaches a clear lesson: if you want to build an impregnable fortification, put it in the gaping mouth of a cavern halfway up a 123 metre high cliff. Its 4 storeys were built piecemeal over the years from 1202, but most of what is seen today is from the 16^th century. It looks simply unconquerable.

Part of the attraction is the romantic legend about one of its legendary owner, the 15^th century rebellious knight Erazem (Erasmus) Lueger Predjamski, a Robber Baron who, like Robin Hood, stole from the rich to give to the poor.

Mysterious network of secret underground Tunnels connect with the Caves directly beneath & Erazem used these passages to set out on his plundering expeditions. Add a girl’s love & affection & great artfulness - just about everything needed for a compelling story. So romantic, that many couples choose it for their wedding vows.

During the wars between the Hungarians & Austrians, he supported the former. In 1484, the Austrian Army besieged the Castle, but it proved impregnable. Erazem mocked his attackers, even showering them with fresh cherries to prove his comfortable situation. This Robber Knight resisted & withstood the imperial army's siege of the Castle for over a year & continued his daring deeds with the help of the secret passages that led out from behind the rock wall. But the Austrians had the last laugh - finally hitting him with a cannonball as he sat on the toilet. An ignoble fate for a dashing character.

It tells a picturesque story about the times when comfort had to give way to safety & when the clatter of weapons would often drown out troubadours' songs (or the other way round, if we take the Robin Hood legend in account). Its romantic appeal is further emphasized by the idyllic Lokva River which disappears into the underground world deep below the Castle.

The Castle, has been an Inspiration for Filmmakers & has been used as a filming venue for numerous documentaries & feature films. The Castle has also mesmerised George R. R. Martin, author of the best-seller The Game of Thrones who has hosted the Discovery Channel team & supposedly found it to be inhabited by some ‘ghosts’. 

Every summer, Predjama Castle is the location of Erazem’s Knight Tournament, in which Knights, Archers, Swordsmen & Horsemen show their fighting abilities & the historic way of life at a Knight’s encampment. Medieval days, Markets & Camps are replicated. Other Slovenian towns also organise this type of Festivals.

Enjoy a 1 hour ‘guided’ tour when you will be introduced to the rich history & the legend about the Castle’s most famous inhabitant - the compassionate Robin Hood Knight.

Walk through the medieval Armoury, Chapel, Kitchen, Torture Chamber. The Attic boasts a wonderful view of the Valley & houses a rich collection of Plate Armours & medieval weapons, including Lances, Halberds, Swords, Hammers, Bows & Crossbows.

The tour finishes & you proceed drive down 15 minutes to Postojna Caves, the best-known underground Cave in Europe & one of the world’s largest karst monuments, just below the Castle.

The jaw-dropping Cave system, a series of Caverns & Passages, 24 km long & 2 million years old, was hollowed out by the Pivka River, which enters a sub-terranean Tunnel near the Cave’s entrance. Postojna is a less-strenuous option than other Caves in the area.

Main highlights of karst Cave System are its Stalactites, Passages, Chambers & a sensational Concert Hall, which holds approx. 10,000 people.

Postojna Cave is the only one featuring a cave railway, thus allowing its visitors to admire the abundant varieties of shapes, colors, size & age of the unique underground formations including the largest 5 metres high Stalagmite known as 'Brilliant', but also the most famous underground animal (the human fish 'Proteus') & the world's oldest underground Post Office.

At the Entrance, meet an onsite Tour-guide at the Cave entrance & commence your 1.5 hour tour. Visitors get to see 5 km of the Cave - 3.2 km is by a cool electric train & 1.8 km by walking along illuminated underground paths. Postojna Cave has a constant temperature of 8°C to 10°C, with 95% humidity, so a warm jacket & decent shoes are advised.

The train takes visitors to the Great Mountain Cavern, on a trip that is like entering the secret lair of a James Bond villain. From here, the Tour-guide escorts you on foot through Tunnels, Halls, Galleries & Caverns as you listen to the commentary (audio-guides are available).

These are dry Galleries, decorated with a vast array of wonderful ribbon-shaped Stalactites (it takes 30 years to produce 1mm of stalactite) shaped like needles, enormous Icicles & even fragile spaghetti. The Stalagmites take familiar shapes but there are also bizarre columns, pillars & translucent curtains that look like rashers of bacon.

From the Velika Gora Cavern you continue across the Russian Bridge, built by prisoners of war in 1916, through the 500 metre long Halls of Beautiful Caves (official name) the farthest point you will reach. From here, a Tunnel stretches to the Crna Jama (Black Cave) & Pivka Cave.

The tour continues south through the Winter Hall, past the 5 metre snow-white Brilliant Stalagmite (nicknamed ‘Diamond’) & the neighbouring baroque Pillar, which have become symbols of the Cave. Visitors then enter the Concert Hall, which is the largest in the Cave system & can accommodate 10,000 people for Musical Performances.

From at the Concert Hall, board the train & return to the entrance.

From end of November & throughout December the entire Cave system comes alive with the holiday season & visitors get to enjoy festive decorations & Christmas music during the Cave tour.

For those who happen to be there in the week between Christmas & New Year, there is the Christmas Crib (Jaslice) - the Living Nativity Scene performed by miming actors - that takes place in the awe-inspiring setting of the sub-terranean world of the Postojna Cave - an experience unlike any other in Slovenia.

Breathtaking Stalactites, inventive play of light, exceptional acoustics of a harmonious Musical Show performed by over 150 actors, all combined together to create an almost surreal Christmas experience.

There is also a very big Colony of Bats residing in the Caves which are closed in winter so as not to disturb the Colony, during their hibernation.

For those with more time, another adventurous option is to visit the narrow Erazem's Passage, through which the besieged Knight was connected with the outside world (some climbing skills are required for this). A mere few kilometres from Postojna Cave, the karst world offers an unforgettable experience in the fairy-tale world of Knights

The river continues its deep passage underground, carving out several series of Caves & emerges again as the Unica River. There are more Caves in the area a few kms away. Only Skocjan Caves is open to public but the exploration is much more strenuous.

The tour concludes & you proceed to a Restaurant in the village to enjoy a traditional Lunch (not included - direct payment).

Depart on the 1.5 hour drive & reach the hotel by 04.30 pm.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or for Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & / or to make arrangements).

Morning, Check-out at 09.00 am & depart for Julian Alps - one of the most beautiful Slovenian regions & home to one of the world’s 10 most beautiful lakes - Lake Bled (as listed by Tourism Review).

Enroute, after driving for 30 minutes, reach Radovljica or Radol'ca (Sweet Radovljica) - a charming little Slovenian medieval town set at the doorstep of the Julian Alps & Karavanke Alps.

Radol’ca is a land of creative people, who find inspiration in their cultural heritage, wonderful nature & exceptional views always welcomed guests to explore its diverse culture & history.

The town began to develop atop a natural promontory above the Sava river in the 13^th century & in the 16^th century, it reached the peak of its development. In the transition from the 15^th to 16^th century, a wall was built around the old town. Today the town's preserved moat - a former defence ditch, now partly a tunnel - is the only one of its kind in Slovenia. Radovljica enthralls with its beautifully preserved houses & Villas dating back to the 15^th century, rich history, varied selection of authentic architecture, Museums & Galleries.

It has become the Slovenian Capital of Beekeeping & Chocolate. The tradition of Beekeeping & Honey is supplemented with new sweet experiences. Interesting Events throughout the year, including the most popular Chocolate Festival are held every April, which draws crowd from other parts of Europe, too.

On arrival, you will be welcomed by a Tour-guide & proceed on a 1.5 hour ‘walking’ sightseeing tour, along the cobbled lanes & hidden alleyways.

The magnificent Radovljica Manor is home to the Museum of Apiculture & the Municipal Museum & it is also the venue for the annual Radovljica Festival.

Next to the Manor, hidden away in the cellar of the Gostilna Lectar Restaurant, is the Lectar Gingerbread Workshop & Museum, whilst opposite is the Sivec House Gallery. Also of interest in the old town is Magusar's House with its Pottery workshop, mini-shop & a display of the traditional Pottery.

Linhartov Trg named after Anton Tomaz Linhart, who was born in one of the houses in the Square, is Radovljica's colourful main Square is the town’s heart and soul & its leading attraction, lined with well preserved houses from the 16^th & 17^th centuries.

Situated on a promontory above the Sava River, it is akin to an open-air Museum. There is a monument & fountain dedicated to Josipina Hocevar, a wealthy local Philanthropist, who donated a lot of money to charitable causes, especially for children & teachers in the city. In gratitude, the town's citizens erected a monument in the form of a Fountain, in her honour. The Square is separated from the administrative part of the town by the former baroque Park with its contemporary iron lamps.

At the end of Linhartov trg is the gothic Parish Church of St Peter, modelled after the one in Kranj. The 3 portals are flamboyant Gothic, & the sculptures inside were done by Angelo Pozzo in 1713. The building with the arcaded courtyard south of the Church is the Rectory where Art Exhibitions are sometimes held.

At the southern end, a small street beside House # 28 leads to a lovely viewpoint over the Lipnica Valley & wonderful views of the Sava River Valley & Julian Alps, with information boards detailing walking tracks in the area. The backdrop of the charming old Town Centre & the green surroundings add to the exceptional festival experience.

Soak in the magical atmosphere at Linhartov Square, which turns especially fairy-tale like during the festive season. Admire the alluring pastel-hued houses & Slovenia's last-preserved town moat.

Look especially for Thurn Manor, a baroque Palace that is home to Museums & a School of Music & Koman House, identified by a baroque painting of St Florian on its facade. Next door, Mali House has a barely visible picture of St George slaying the dragon while Vidic House painted in red, yellow, green, blue has a corner projection.

You will visit the specialised Museum of Apiculture, unique in Slovenia & Europe in terms of its contents & scope, that has represented the heritage of Slovenian Beekeeping since 1959 & learn about the rich world-renowned Beekeeping traditions, impressive history & how the Bees have a special place in Slovenian traditions & folklore. This is also evidenced by the fact that 20^th May, the birth date of the pioneer of modern Apiculture encompassing Slovenian beekeeping traditions & practice, Anton Jansa, was declared World Bee Day in 2017.  

A permanent Exhibition consisting of nearly 250 hand-painted beehive panels (the oldest dating to 1758), set up in May 2021, entitled 'Living together - Bees & Mankind', places the Carniolan Grey Bee at the centre of Slovenian Beekeeping. The display brings together the legacy of world-famous Beekeepers & reminds us of the importance of preserving Bees & a healthy environment for them.

Carniolan Grey Bee (protected by the State & the 2^nd most widespread breed in the world) impresses Beekeepers with its tameness, adaptability, calmness, productiveness & resilience. The exceptional qualities of Bees, the innovativeness of the Beekeepers & the pristine nature of Slovenia provide the basic conditions for the country's rich tradition in Beekeeping, which has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. The unique methods result in the production of a wide variety & best quality honey types (Slovenia boasts of 3 EU protected types of honey).

From May to October, the Museum organises an Observation Hive where visitors can watch Bees coming & going and carrying out their 'bee' business. It also features video content & special interactive points for children, which allow them to learn about Bees in a fun way.

The ’walking’ tour would end by 11.30 am at 'Lectar Inn', home to the Gostilna Lectar Gingerbread Museum & a super-sweet showroom demonstrating the traditional way of making, shaping & decorating of honey dough into a variety of hearts & lovely shapes.

A house with a tradition, Lectar has been standing on the Square of the medieval town for more than 500 years. In this house, Jakob Krivic opened a lectar workshop making Honey Bread & Candles in 1766. In 1822, the Owners also opened an Inn, which, due to its gingerbread making craft (in Slovenian 'Lectar'), was named Pri Lectarju. The tradition of honey bread making in the house later died away but the Inn retained its original name. In 2006, the current Owners once again revived the tradition.

In addition to the Restaurant & Hotel, there is also a Museum showcasing this old renowned Slovene craft (called ‘Lectarstvo’) where you can see the original process of making this renowned Slovenian product. The presentation of the process is certainly interesting & make you travel back in time. See the traditional equipment & baking implements. Discover some of the very first Lectars made back in 1799 that are on display. You can listen to an explanation about the production process & history of the craft.

One of the country's oldest crafts, its output was highly regarded as a meaningful token of love that was very popular among social elite. Today also, Gingerbread products are a valuable tourist souvenir from Slovenia & popular as a promotional or business gift. The artisan Bakers can make a “lect” of any shape, size, in different colors, or with various inscriptions.

After checking out the Museum for a few minutes, proceed to the Cellar of Gostilna Lectar, where you will be charmed by the enticing smells. We have arranged a 45 minute interactive Workshop where you can you can watch the traditional gingerbread products being made & decorated. The Bakery Workshop recently celebrated its 250 year anniversary. Then, try your hand at lectarstvo - preparing traditional decorative gingerbread products making, shaping, decorating the honey dough into hearts, figures and so on. Start by making your “lect” from gingerbread. Genuine Lectar hearts are still made using original equipment in a traditional way & according to the original recipe. Take pleasure in tasting the warm gingerbread straight out of the oven & personalizing your very own piece to take home as a souvenir.  

Products can also be bought & the Bakers can make a “lect” of any shape, size, in different colors, or with various inscriptions. Your name, or the name of your loved one, can be written onto hearts.

After the Workshop, proceed upstairs to the family run tavern-style Restaurant for an authentic traditional Slovenian lunch (not included - direct payment) served in a homey & rustic setting. Skilled Chefs will make sure that you will enjoy excellent handmade & homemade dishes prepared with local ingredients. You can find many meat & meatless dishes, traditional homemade foods, salads & desserts. In addition to good food, there is also a wide selection of renowned Slovenian wines.

Finish your lunch by 02.00 pm & drive 15 minutes to the town of Bled in Julijske Alpe (Julian Alps) of the Upper Carniolan region of northwestern Slovenia.

This is the Slovenia of tourist posters: mountain peaks, postcard-perfect lakes & blue-green rivers. This alpine region tucked into Slovenia's northwestern corner is packed with natural wonders, many of which are contained within the country's only National Park, Triglav.

The Julian Alps are the highest alpine mountain range, of the Southern Limestone, that stretch from northeastern Italy to Slovenia, where they rise to 2,864 metres at Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Appropriate to their majesty, they were named after Gaius Julius Caesar.

The mighty peaks, vast forests, colourful meadows & crystal-clean waters - the Julian Alps have the abundance of inspiration for your next adventure or relaxing break. 

As well as mountains, the Alps are famous for clear Alpine lakes, including the stunning Lake Geneva, Lake Constance & Lake Como. The Alps are an extremely popular area, attracting over 100 million visitors every year. Prepare to be charmed by Lake Bled (with an Island & a Castle) & be surprised by Lake Bohinj (how does Bled score all that attention when down the road is Bohinj?).

The lofty peak of Mt Triglav, at the centre of a National Park of the same name, may dazzle you enough to prompt an ascent.

On the other side of the breathtaking Vrsic Pass, but still within the confines of Triglav National Park, rivers don't come much more scenic than the Soca (so-cha). This aquamarine-coloured watercourse threads through the Dolina Soce (Soca Valley) from its source in the Julian Alps & gives rise to a smorgasbord of gorges, waterfalls & rapids of blue-green water washing over white rock.

Reach Lake Bled, the poster boy for Slovenia tourism that looks like something Walt Disney wishes he had dreamed up.

Think of Slovenia's Julian Alps & 2 images often spring to mind - the fairy-tale sight of Lake Bled alongside a town of the same name &, if you are a winter-sports fan, the ski slopes of Kranjska Gora.

Bled is Slovenia's most popular resort, drawing everyone from honeymooners lured by the over-the-top romantic setting to backpackers, who come for the hiking, biking, water-sports & canyoning possibilities.

Bled’s greatest attraction is its exquisite blue-green Lake measuring just 2 km by 1.4 km. The Lake is lovely to behold from almost any vantage point & makes a beautiful backdrop for the 6 km walk along the shore. Mild thermal springs warm the water to a swimmable 22°C (72°F) from June through August. The Lake is naturally the focus of the entire town: you can rent rowing boats, splash around on stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) or simply snap countless photos.

The resort town in the foothills of the Julian Alps, is set along the glacial Lake Bled. Perched on a craggy cliff overlooking the Lake is the ominous looking iconic 11^th century Bled Castle, which houses a Museum, Chapel & a Printing Press.

Slovenia only has one official, not only the most popular but the only natural Island & it is in the middle of Lake Bled with its clear glassy blue turquoise water, surrounded by mountains. However, there is more to this lakeside town than meets the eye.

The tiny Island, just under an acre in size, now houses several buildings, including a 17^th century baroque Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, set among pine trees, with its famous steep 99 step staircase & a Bell Tower dating back to 1655. It was / is customary for the Groom to carry the Bride up the steps for good luck!

There have been settlements on the Island & around the Lake for centuries; at one point the Owner wanted to extract the clay from beneath the Lake to make bricks but fortunately this idea was never realised.

It was an enterprising Swiss doctor, Arnold Rikli, who made Bled what it is today. He developed it into a Spa Resort for wealthy Europeans, exploiting the thermal springs. It soon took off & even the Karadzordzevici, the Yugoslav royal family, summered at Bled. When the Railways came, the town’s popularity quickly grew. There are 18^th century Villas, swans & scores of colourfully plumaged ducks & a wonderful canopy of trees.

On the 4^th weekend of every July ‘Bled Days’ takes place; it is an enchanting spectacle where hundreds of floating lights are launched onto the lake, followed by an exhilarating fireworks display. An international Violin Festival takes place at the end of June & a World Music Festival takes place in August.  December starts with the opportunity to buy Christmas presents at the St. Nicholas Fair then on 25^th December, the town celebrates Christmas with a performance of the Legend of the Sinking of the Bell, at the end of which a Christmas tree is sunk in the lake. On New Years Eve, there is the customary fireworks display watched by hundreds from the lakeside.

On arrival, you will be met by a local Tour-guide & immediately proceed for a sightseeing tour.

Highlight of your Bled visit will undoubtedly the ride in the traditional wooden boat called 'Pletna' to visit the Island.

Lake Bled is a beautiful place to visit & the romance factor goes up a few notches when you arrive at the Island on a traditional wooden boat (in summer you can get across to the island by hand-propelled gondola or by a rowing boat). 

You will disembark on a wooden jetty beneath a flight of stone steps which leads up to its legendary baroque Church. Inside, there is a brief exhibition outlining the history of the Island & models show the development of the Church itself. Richly decorated, the ornate Altar is embellished with intricate gold details. Don't forget to ring the ‘wishing Bell’ & honor Virgin Mary. Its rope hangs down into the nave of the Church. It is customary for visitors hoping to be granted a favour to try their hand at ringing the Bell & it is said whoever rings the Bell gets, their wishes come true.

Spend an hour on the Island & get back on the Pletna to go back to town.

Then, proceed on a 10 minute walk to Slovenia's 11^th century clifftop Bled Castle & admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the Alpine scenery.

Bled Castle stands on its rocky perch some 100 metres above the Lake.  It could almost have been lifted from the pages of a children’s fairy-tale book with its Towers, Turrets & a Moat. It should come as no surprise to learn that the Castle is one of the country’s most popular venues for Weddings (as is the tiny Parish Church on the Island).

From the ground there are 2 clearly sign-posted routes up to the Castle. It is quite a steep hike but a road train is a useful alternative for those who prefer not to walk.

Inside, there is an Exhibition which outlines the fascinating history of the Lake & the settlements which surround it. There is also the usual Collection of miscellaneous items typical of such attractions - arms & armour, old coins & archaeological finds from the area.

Visit the Castle Wine Cellar & observe a demo of personal wine bottling from oak barrels including Corking, Waxing & Labeling. You can buy a bottle, a perfect Bled souvenir. See the Printing section housing a reconstructed Gutenberg's Wooden Printing Press which is used to demonstrate the printing on handmade paper with historical blocks & lead letters.

Visit the unique Castle boutique Beehouse for presentation & mini-tasting of high-quality Slovenian honey & honey-based products.

The Summit is the best spot from which to appreciate the breathtaking visual impact of the entire Lake & it certainly is. On the horizon are the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps & on the other side of the Lake in winter you can see Skiers descend the piste at the mini-ski centre at Straza.

Th tour continues. After spending an hour up there, walk down to the city & enjoy the scenic Bled environment.

Take a short but pleasant walk along the lakeside promenade turned into Christmas Market known as the 'Bled Winter Fairy-tale'. Although small in size it boasts an impressive array of wooden stalls offering unique handmade crafts, dazzling decor, various gifts & delicious treats & drinks typical to the Upper Carniolan region. The town is also known for its vanilla & cream Pastry.

After Bled successfully hosted the World Winter Swimming Championships in 2010, the regional Tourist Board decided to launch an annual event in partnership with celebrated Slovenian endurance swimmer Martin Strel & in 2013 sixty-seven swimmers from 9 countries took part, most notably British swimmer Haydn Welch who completed the first ever ice mile swim on the Lake.

After a hard day’s walking, or even without, a spot of rest & relaxation is in order.

The sightseeing ends when you reach the Hotel by 05.00 pm & Check-in.

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration or Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements, if).

You may want to try one of the Spas which use water from the Thermal Springs which average around 22 °C & offer an array of therapies as well as Sauna facilities & Turkish style Baths. 

Castle Baths are an inexpensive public option offering 4 outdoor pools & an enclosed area for swimming directly in the Lake. There are other private bathing places around the lakeside but Castle Baths have the best facilities.

Morning, Check-out at 08.00 am & depart on a 3 hour drive to Salzburg, passing through picturesque villages & lakes.

Cross the border into Austria (there is no Passport Control here).

Welcome to incredible Austria – a landlocked East Alpine country in the southern part of Central Europe, that might conjure visions of wedding-cake-like baroque Churches, dripping with lavish detail, palatial Hapsburg headquarters like Schloss Schonnbrunn & Gothic crowning glories like the Stephansdom.

But the country is more than the sum of its pomp & Palaces. A fresh breath of architectural air & a feel of new-found cool is sweeping through the cities, bringing with it a happy marriage of the contemporary & historic. Austria distills the rich history of continental Europe into a patch of land the size of Maine. One day you are cresting alpine summits, the next you are swanning around imperial Vienna.

The Habsburg Empire, which had its seat in Vienna, spanned a territory from modern Spain to Romania & left the country with iconic cultural treasures. imperial Palaces, grand Opera Houses, courtly Churches, collections of Crown Jewels & Fine Art and Concert Halls are just some of the highlights of the Habsburgs’ grand legacy.

Arrive at the Hotel by 12.00 noon & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

The joke 'If it is baroque, don't fix it' is a perfect maxim for Salzburg: the story-book Altstadt (old town) burrowed below steep hills looks much as it did when Mozart lived here 250 years ago.

Art, culture & a unique history - a city of “outstanding value to humanity”.

Salzburg was very much a melting pot for the cultures & arts of northern & southern Europe. Even in early times, Craftsmen & Artists were drawn to Salzburg. Many of the baroque buildings were created by Italian architects such as Vincenzo Scamozzi & Santino Solari.

Salzburg is known as the “Rome of the North” & this title can be traced back to the special status once enjoyed by the city. The Archbishop of Salzburg was permitted to appoint his own Bishops to his 4 subordinate Bishoprics, just as the Pope did elsewhere. And until 1806, he ruled over the 2^nd largest ecclesiastical state in the world. Only Rome was bigger.

The city’s sacred buildings captivate visitors from around the world with their baroque beauty. The bourgeois homes of the Middle Ages & the broad, Italian-style Plazas are likewise beautiful to look at. These sacred & secular buildings from different centuries have been preserved so well, that Salzburg was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.  

Beside the fast-flowing Salzach River, your gaze is raised inch by inch to graceful Domes & Spires, the formidable clifftop Fortress & the mountains beyond. It is a backdrop that did the lordly Prince Archbishops & Maria proud.

Salzburg is like a film set. Reclining at the foot of wooded cliffs on the banks of a turquoise river, its baroque gone mad Altstadt wings you through a millennium of history, with its jewel box of Churches, lavishly gilded Palaces, Abbeys & Domes.

Beyond Salzburg’s 2 biggest money-spinners - Mozart & The Sound of Music - hides a city with a burgeoning arts scene, wonderful food, manicured parks, quiet side streets where classical music wafts from open windows & Concert Halls, where Mozart once performed, that uphold musical tradition 365 days a year. Everywhere you go, the scenery, the skyline, the music & the history sends your spirits soaring higher than Maria (Julie Andrews) octave-leaping vocals in her The Sound of Music debut.

But, there are ways to find peace in this city - whether it is the Nuns chanting Gregorian chorales at sunrise or a gentle cable car ride up a mountain where the Alps open up like a pop-up book.

Austria currently boasts 10 World Heritage sites & has committed itself to protecting & preserving those sites. The historic Old City center of Salzburg spans 236 hectares & features around 1,000 unique objects. The city mountains shape the face of the Old City, adding to its already captivating charm. No country waltzes so effortlessly between the urban & the outdoors as Austria.

Balance of the morning or early afternoon is free to relax for independent exploration or Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements - we suggest participating in a 1.5 hour Cooking class learning how to make one of Austria’s beloved desserts - the apple strudel).

Visiting Austria during the festive season is a bucket list item for many & whether you do a weekend city-break in Vienna, or a driving tour around the country, the Christmas Markets will leave you dazzled.

Salzburg is home to one of the world's oldest & most magical Christmas Markets featuring an incomparable holiday ambiance. Embellished with festive lights, decorations & crammed full of traditional stalls, the Christkindlmarkt (as it is called by the Austrians), offers plenty to explore & encounter while still retaining the intimacy uncharacteristic to a Christmas Market of this size. Though not as big & busy as in Vienna, wandering around the cobbled streets covered in lights with the Austrian Alps as a backdrop is almost overwhelmingly beautiful.

The most unique things you can find are handmade crafts; wooden toys, nutcrackers, a huge variety of ornaments (glass baubles, potpourri & wood ornaments, fabric animals, for example), beeswax angels, carved wooden candle holders, lanterns & knitted clothes, just to name a few. Some stalls, accept Credit Cards but it is always good to bring cash.

If you get hungry, there are plentiful food & drink options. Some staples you will find at every Market (though often with their own regional take) include mulled wine in souvenir mugs, hot chocolate, candied apples, gingerbread hearts, bread-bowl soups, paper cones filled with warm chestnuts, potato pancakes, roasted nuts & of course, sausages & pretzels.

At 03.30 pm, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & embark on 3 hour ‘walking’ sightseeing tour, discovering the fascinating culture of Old Europe. Salzburg is a fairly walkable city so you will have an easy time walking around the city center.

Although Salzburg is famous for the Sound of Music, there is a lot more to this stunning city with baroque architecture.

Walk through the Altstadt, passing by some if the main ‘landmarks’.

Schloss Mirabell is the belle of the baroque ball in Salzburg, built by Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich to woo his mistress Salome Alt in 1606. 

But it is the gardens that really blow you away. Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun worked his green-fingered magic on them in 1690, going crazy with fountains & muses, parterres & rose gardens, all the while making sure that the gaze was constantly drawn up to ‘high on a hill’ Festung Hohensalzburg.

Visitors (unfortunately, you will not be going inside) keep an eye out for the Tanzerin (dancer) sculpture - a terrific spot to photograph the Gardens with the Fortress in the background. The Gardens also served as a filming location for “The Sound of Music” & fans will recognize the Pegasus Fountain from the movie! & the Gnomes of the Zwerglgarten (Dwarf Garden), where the little von Trapps learned to sing Do-Re-Mi.

Centrally located right in front of the Mirabell Palace, this Christkindlmarkt is much smaller than the other Markets in Salzburg but it is full of amazing handcrafted goods.

Walk past the building which the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart called his home for 8 years of his life before moving to Vienna. The Mozart family moved into the so-called “Dance Master’s House” in 1773. This building at Makart Square was acquired by the Mozarteum Foundation & has been housing the Mozart Residence Museum since 1996.

Mozartplatz is one of the main Squares of the city with a Statue of Mozart in the middle.  Like many Austrian cities, the buildings are beautiful pastel colors, so be sure to stop off for a perfect photo op prior to browsing the shops along Judengasse, one of the great shopping streets in the city. 

See the 17^th century baroque Salzburger Dom (Cathedral), probably the city's most significant piece of Church architecture & its ecclesiastical center of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Salzburg, dedicated to Saint Rupert & Saint Vergilius. 

Saint Rupert founded the Church in 774 on the remnants of a Roman town. Destroyed by fire & rebuilt, enlarged & expanded, it bears witness to the power & independence of Salzburg's Archbishops. The first Cathedral was built on this site by Bishop Virgil who came to Salzburg in 767, on the remnants of the site of Juvavum, a Roman town.

The city was set on fire in 1167 by the Counts of Plain, followers of the Emperor Friedrick Barbarossa, also destroying the Cathedral. It was rebuilt 10 years later, more beautiful & magnificent than before, under the rule of Archbishop Conrad III of Wittelsbach & became the mightiest Romaneque Cathedral north of the Alps, its size even surpassing the Emperor's Cathedral in Speyer.

400 years later another fire raged & destroyed large sections of the Cathedral on December 11, 1598. This afforded Archbishop Wolf Dietrich the opportunity to tear down the damaged Cathedral & to make plans for its reconstruction. The Salzburg residents were extremely outraged at the Archbishop's ruthless actions. Not only were valuable Sculptures & Gravestones destroyed when the Cemetery was plowed but the bones of the dead dumped on the debris.

His quarrel with Bavaria over salt mining rights led to his arrest & imprisonment in the Hohensalzburg Fortress by his nephew & successor, Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, which put a bitter end to the various construction projects Wolf Dietrich had planned.

After Wolf Dietrich's death the Italian architect Santino Solari was commissioned by Archbishop Markus Sittikus to design & rebuild the Cathedral, which became the first early baroque Church north of the Alps. Markus Sittikus did not live to see the festive consecration of the Cathedral by Archbishop of Paris, Lodron during the chaos of the Thirty Years' War on September 25, 1628.

Gracefully crowned by a bulbous copper Dome & twin Spires, the Dom (as it is called by the locals) stands out as a masterpiece of baroque art. Bronze portals symbolising faith, hope & charity lead into the Cathedral. In the nave, both the intricate stucco & Arsenio Mascagni’s ceiling frescos recounting the Passion of Christ guide the eye to the polychrome Dome.

Christkindlmarkts, Weihnachtsmarkts, or Advent Markets - originated in Germany, however Vienna hosted a 'December Market' as early as 1298. The Markets are more than a tourist attraction, they hold a deep cultural & historical significance…& amazing shopping opportunities.

The Christmas Market on Cathedral Square is truly a romantic one with a long history, its origins go back to 1491, making it the oldest Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg. It looks like a scene from the North Pole & is especially amazing at dusk as the mountains fade into the night & the carollers begin singing. The number of Mozart-themed goods here is also out of this world - it is a very musical market! It is right next to the Residenzplatz Christkindlmarkt.

Residenzplatz Square, an especially magnificent forecourt between the archiepiscopal residences in the heart of Salzburg's Old City bordered by the New Residence with its carillon, the Cathedral, the Old Residence & a continuous row of townhouses. 55 medieval buildings were torn down to make room for the Square.

Designed by Italian architect, Vincenzo Scamozzi, 5 Squares were built under Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. Residence Square with its richly decorated baroque Fountain is probably the largest & most beautiful in the entire city. 4 snorting horses seem to spring forth from the spouting rock. Giants rooted in the rock carry the lower basin, in which 3 dolphins balance the scalloped upper basin. The upper basin holds a Triton, a jet of water shooting into the air from his conch-shell trumpet. The Fountain is considered to be one of the most significant baroque monuments in Europe today.  

Today, Residence Square is a popular venue for big sports or music events, including public airings of football games, live concerts & New Year's Eve parties. The Square serves as the setting for St. Rupert's Fair in September & a Christmas Market during the Advent season.

Stroll on the atmospheric Getreidegasse (famous shopping lane mirrored by the ornately designed houses, romantic passageways & courtyards, enticing traditional shops with their unique wrought-iron gild signs), where you can stop by the famed Pattiserie Furst to pick up the original handmade Mozartkugel (own expense).

Make your way through multiple festive Markets decked out in holiday cheer & enjoy a mug of the popular Austrian holiday drink 'Gluhwein' (mulled wine) at one of the Stalls.

Dress for the cold; it dips below freezing in November & December in Austria. Be prepared to stand a lot as well; though many of the Markets will have some seating & firepits near where the food stalls are, it can be difficult to get a space with all the crowds.

Spending the Advent season in Mozart's city is like walking into a fairy-tale. The Fortress sits high above the city & the Cathedral serves as a magnificent backdrop for the Sales Booths while the tempting fragrance of baked apples, incense & cotton candy wafts through the air.

Hear the Tour-guide tell stories about Austria's Christmas traditions while you admire the city's most notable monuments

After stopping by picture-perfect panoramic viewpoints in the Allstadt, for a speedy ride up in the glass Festungsbahn (funicular) to Salzburg's most visible icon, the mighty 900 year old clifftop Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress), one of the biggest & best preserved in Europe.

The Fortress began life as a humble bailey, built in 1077 by Gebhard von Helffenstein at a time when the Holy Roman Empire was at loggerheads with the Papacy. The present structure, however, owes its grandeur to spendthrift Leonard von Keutschach, Prince Archbishop of Salzburg from 1495 to 1519 & the city's last feudal ruler.

You will see the Golden Hall - where lavish banquets were once held - with a gold studded ceiling imitating a starry night sky. The Hall is the backdrop for year round Festungskonzerte (fortress concerts), which often focus on Mozart's works. Also check out Marionette Museum, where skeleton-in-a-box Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich steals the (puppet) show.

See the other Museum which showcases a 1612 Model of Salzburg, as well as medieval instruments, armour & some pretty gruesome torture devices.

Walk around the ramparts for breathtaking picturesque views over the city's Spires, the Salzach River & the surrounding mountains.

Come down & walk to the Hotel around 06.30 pm where the tour ends.

Balance of the evening is at leisure or for Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements).

Morning at 08.00 am, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & depart for another exciting discovery – a full day excursion to Salzkammergut, stopping enroute a couple of interesting & iconic villages.

First stop will be at the ski resort town of Gosau to experience the beauty of the Salzkammergut's idyllic winter wonderland.

Nestled among the majestic Dachstein, the imposing peaks of the Gosaukamm, the Kalmberg & Plassen lies the Gosau Valley at an elevation of approximately 767 metres above sea level.

The lovely much-loved alpine village of Gosau guarantees family-friendly ski fun & snow until spring & as part of the largest ski region in Upper Austria, offers diverse winter sports.

It is also famous for its Lake Gosausee from where visitors can admire the most beautiful breathtaking 360° views of ”King Dachstein“ glacier &  the most scenic summits from Feuerkogel to Hochkonig. The area is well-known for its ancient woodland & lush mountain pastures, & attracts many nature lovers too.

The Gosaulacke is a small body of water between the lower & the upper Lake Gosau, which carries a little more to almost little water depending on the season. At times of snowmelt in winter or during heavy rain, the small body of water shows its full splendor, as it is filled by the overflowing water of the rear Gosausee.

In summer, on the other hand, the small lake can be almost dry. During the hike along Lake, you have here a great resting place to take a little break between the lakes to breathe the fresh mountain air & enjoy the view of the mountains & nature.

Lake Gosau are actually 3 mountain Lakes (Lower Lake Gosau, Gosaulacke, Upper Lake Gosau) in the Gosau Valley along with Hallstatt, are among the top excursion destinations in the Salzkammergut region. The Lakes themselves have no connection to each other, but are all fed by the glacial water of the imposing Dachstein.

The hiking area of the Zwieselalm & the Lockermoss bog are considered alongside the comfortable pick-up train & the pre-historic Forest Park as absolute highlights for a family holiday in Gosau.

Rustic mountain huts & gentle mountain meadows stir the souls of every hiking enthusiast. Over 65 km of ski track cause cross-country skiing fans’ hearts to beat faster. With 84 km of slopes & 37 modern lifts, both beginners & veteran downhill skiers can find ideal conditions in the ski region of Dachstein West.

Romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides, experience-filled snowshoe hikes, adventuresome diving excursions, a plethora of tourism sites throughout the Gosau Valley & a wide selection of activities complete the diverse package of holiday possibilities for both summer & winter.

Wander along in the village & lakeside.  Enjoy a 60 minute horse-drawn sleigh ride (included – but the sleigh ride is weather-dependant; in case of heavy snow fall or rain, the ride would need to be cancelled) through the idyllic snow-covered winter wonderland & experience the beauty of the scenic countryside.

With cozy blankets to keep you warm in the privacy of your own sleigh, you would take joy in a quintessential holiday setting while listening to jingling bells & passing snow-powdered mountains, picturesque meadows, magical woodland, crystal-clear alpine rivers & charming little mountain villages.

End your sleigh ride with a short transfer to the closeby Lake Hallstatt, precisely the village of Hallstatt - a tiny settlement snugly tucked between a mountain range & the translucent lake.

Leaping straight out of a fairy-tale, Hallstatt is said to be the most beautiful village in whole of Austria, so beautiful that in fact there is an exact life-size replica in Southern China.

But, Hallstatt doesn't own its fame exclusively to its natural beauty. Rich findings here (from the Hallstatt period 800 - 400 BC) & the upper valley of Hallstatt gave this Village international recognition; even today, discoveries continue to be made in the Salt mountains.

The picturesque small village with a great history, owes its existence to the rich Salt deposit in the mountains here, discovered by pre-historic humans from Hallstatt, 7,000 years ago. No wonder, the world's first Salt Mine & the Ossuary in Hallstatt, are among the most beautiful places of interest in this area.

Nowhere else will you experience so much natural variety & breadth of experience. With numerous crystal clear lakes & breath-taking mountain scenery, this region of outstanding natural beauty welcomes visitors time & time again.

Perhaps you might like to visit the "5 Fingers Viewing Platform" or spend time at Lake Hallstatt. Climb the "Ewige Wand" for stunning views across the entire UNESCO World Heritage listed Region! Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, a trip to the breathtaking cave world in Obertraun.

Meet the local Tour-guide & embark on a 1 hour sightseeing ‘walking’ tour of the Village, considered to be the oldest still-inhabited village dating back to Iron Age in Europe. You would get to discover Hallstatt's fascinating history & explore the attractions, stroll along the lake to admire stunning views & visit the unique but macabre Charnel House (a collection of 1,200 painted human skulls).

Then, drive for 40 minutes to another interesting Salzkammergut landmarks - Lake Wolfgang - known after its quaint traditional shore village & its authentic Christmas Markets held during the holiday season. 

The alluring Saint Wolfgang im Salzkammergut is a charming town, one of the prettiest towns in Austria, situated on the steep banks of the Wolfgangsee.

Visitors are drawn to Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut for many reasons. One of the main reasons is that the town itself is almost impossibly picturesque. Ferries, including an 1873 paddle steamer, cruise the lake, ringed by mountains. The Schafbergbahn, a steam-powered cog railway, climbs to Schafberg’s summit for panoramic views of the Dachstein range.

Your first impression of St Wolfgang will be “wow” & that feeling stays with you throughout the whole town.  Everywhere you look you will see buildings with beautiful flower boxes & each building more beautiful than the previous.  The mountains form a beautiful backdrop to the picturesque town.  Buildings are lovingly painted like works of art & decorated.  Even the street & shop signs are beautiful.

There are more than enough beautiful shops to browse & buy souvenirs to your heart’s content.  But the Christmas Market is just so nice, especially when the lights come on at dusk.

When the first snow falls & wraps mountains, meadows & paths in a white blanket, then it gets really romantic around Lake Wolfgang. The white winter landscape looks like it is covered with billions of cut diamonds when the sun's rays hit the snow crystals.

The town is named after the Saint who is said to have hidden from persecution in this mountainous area more than 1,000 years ago. Wolfgang (then the Bishop of Regensburg in Germany) is venerated as a patron saint of Carpenters & Wood Carvers and the city of Regensburg. He can be invoked against internal bleeding, paralysis, stomach diseases & strokes. In art, he is usually depicted holding a Cathedral, dressed as a Bishop, or forcing Satan to help him construct a Church. Find signs of this rich religious history scattered all through the town today as you explore. Wolfgang built a Church, packed with art treasures, on the lakeside back in the 14^th century.

We suggest you enjoy Lunch (not included - direct payment) in the ancient Marktplatz (Square), surrounded by traditional Austrian buildings with ornate detailing, before meeting a local Tour-guide & commencing your 30 minute ‘walking’ orientation tour, around the winding streets in the charming festively decorated town.

You will have some free time to soak up the holiday spirit & experience local traditions by strolling through the Christmas Market on your own. 

Walk along the Waterfront & see old-fashioned historic Austrian buildings reflected in the clean waters of Lake Wolfgangsee. Beyond the town, there are mountains, lakes & forests that make the Salzkammergut area a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts & nature lovers.

Don’t miss the most notable landmark in the town, the wonderful Pilgrimage Church, overlooking Lake Wolfgangsee, nearby.

Admire the charming white exterior of this lovely Church, which towers high above the roofs of all the other buildings. Head inside to be overwhelmed by the Baroque intricacy of the interior, which features a fantastically detailed painted ceiling & ornate stonework. Wonder at the marvelous centerpiece, the astonishingly complex, intricately carved winged Michael Pachar Altar which dates from 1481. There is a viewing platform on the side of the Church. Music or dance performances often occur in the evening in the Square next to the Church.

“Radiating far across Lake Wolfgangsee through the dark winter nights, the inviting, peaceful glow of the lantern draws guests from near & far to contemplate in, wonder at, and enjoy the Lake Wolfgang Christmas Market.

Being a place of great character with the most 'Christmassy' atmosphere in whole of Austria, St. Wolfgang enjoys an especially picturesque setting amid snow-topped alpine peaks with pretty painted Chalets & shops that line the narrow cobbled streets & Squares.

There is a joyful anticipation of Christmas in the air & visitors are able to experience fascinating customs still in practice today. The Lake Wolfgangsee Christmas Market is celebrated in St. Gilgen, Strobl & St. Wolfgang annually.

Candles, torchlight & warming braziers lend a cozy atmosphere to St. Wolfgang & the solid, rustically decorated Market stalls meander from the Postplatz Square to the lakeside & visitors can expect a baroque backdrop to the Advent scene. A joi de vivre & joyful anticipation of Christmas are depicted on the Market stall facades - designed by artist Raja Schwahn-Reichmann.

Stop for coffee or browse for souvenirs at the many charming Cafes & stores in the pedestrianized town center.

The Salzkammergut excursion concludes & by 04.30 pm, you hop on the vehicle to begin your 1 hour drive back to Salzburg.

Enroute, you have the Option (not included – extra payment) of stopping at Hellbrunn Palace & delight in its Christmas Market set in the beautiful Palace Gardens. During the Advent season Hellbrunn transforms into a Christmas fairy-tale, featuring hundreds of conifers decorated with some 13,000 light balls & strings. The Castle façade is transformed into an oversized Advent calendar & there are pony & train rides along with Christmas market stalls selling baked goods & hand-crafted works of art.

Reach the Hotel by 05.50 pm.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to for independent exploration or Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements).

Morning Check-out by 08.00 am & depart for Vienna - the Capital of Austria & the beating heart of Europe.

Vienna offers a blend of humongous history, imperial traditions, cultural richness, music & endearing Viennese charm, world-renowned honing of music & art and a captivating character of the city’s coffee culture (recently added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage). A city that inspires with the old & new alike & always has a cosy place available in a coffee house or wine tavern.

Baroque streetscapes & imperial Palaces set the stage for Vienna's artistic & musical masterpieces alongside its coffee-house culture & vibrant epicurean & design scenes. It is the country's artistic, cultural, economic & political centre, known for its high living standards, relaxed yet elegant lifestyle & rich musical life.

Vienna lies in the country’s east on the Danube River & supposedly had a human population since at least the late Paleolithic age as one of the city's most famous artifacts, the 24,000 year old Venus of Willendorf, now in Vienna's Natural History Museum, was found nearby. 

Vienna's own recorded history began with the Romans, who founded the city called Vindobona in the 1^st century CE as one of a line of defensive outposts against Germanic tribes. Vindobona's central Garrison was on the site of what is now the Hoher Markt (the "High Market" so-called because of its relative height over the Danube) in the city centre & you can still see astounding excavations of its foundations there today.

Given its prestige, Vienna hosted the Habsburg Court for several centuries, first as the Imperial Seat of the Holy Roman Empire, then the Capital of the Austrian Empire & later of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Empires also served to make Vienna a very metropolitan city at an early time & especially so through the years of industrialization & fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the turn of the 20^th century, with the abdication of the last Emperor Karl I.

Imperial Austria & Austro-Hungary were multi-lingual, multi-ethnic Empires & although the German speakers normally played the dominant role in Vienna, there has long been ethnic & linguistic diversity in the city.  It was long the largest German-speaking city in the world before being surpassed by Berlin. Proof of Jews in the city dates back to 10^th century.

After World War II, many of the city's minorities had been exiled or killed & much of the city lay in ruin. When Austria was given sovereignty by the Americans post World War II occupation, it was eventually established that the country would be neutral & not join the Eastern Bloc. So, Vienna became more isolated from its previous ties to its Slavic & Hungarian neighbors as the East of Austria was surrounded by the Iron Curtain.

But when the Iron Curtain came down in the early 1990s an influx of immigrants & refugees came to Vienna. In 1995, Austria joined the EU & Vienna became a business hub between Eastern & Western Europe due to its imperial past & location, with many multi-national Companies setting up offices & factories in the city & many Austrian Companies investing in Eastern Europe. These events enabled the city to rise from the ashes. Vienna once more sits at the heart rather than at the edge of Central Europe, with severed connections slowly but surely being re-established.

The royal Court tremendously influenced the culture that exists here even today: Vienna's residents are often overly formal, with small doses of courtliness, polite forms of address & formal dress attire. One distinguishable paradox of the quirky city is that its residents can be equally modern & progressive as they are extremely old-fashioned.

Vienna's imperial grandeur is the legacy of the powerful Habsburg monarchy. Their home for more than 6 centuries, the Hofburg Palace complex, incorporates the Burgkapelle (Imperial Chapel), where the Vienna Boys' Choir sings Sunday Mass & the famed Spanish Riding School, where Lipizzaner stallions perform elegant equine ballet, along with a trove of Museums.

The large historic UNESCO World Heritage listed City Centre is filled with monuments to its imperial past including Schonbrunn - the Habsburgs’ summer residence & many other Palaces. In the Museums Quartier district, historic & contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt & other Artists.

In one of Habsburgs' most dazzling Palaces is the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, which houses the imperial Art Collection, packed with priceless works by Old Masters & other treasures including one of the world's richest Coin Collections.

Behind the Hofburg, the former imperial Stables have been transformed into the innovative MuseumsQuartier, with a diverse ensemble of Museums, showcasing 19^th & 20^th century Austrian Art at the Leopold Museum to often-shocking avant-garde works at the contemporary MUMOK. Meteorites, fossils & pre-historic finds fill the Naturhistorisches Museum, while exquisite furnishings at the applied-arts Museum fur Angewandte Kunst are also among the artistic feasts in store.

A large city, it has always housed a large population & enjoyed a privileged position, being home to many Artists & Intellectuals. It was home to the world's first Psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud.

With a musical heritage that includes Composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss (father & son), Johannes Brahms & Gustav Mahler, among countless others, Vienna is known as the City of Music. Its cache of incredible venues where you can catch Performances today include the acoustically renowned Musikverein, used by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the gold & crystal main Opera House, the Staatsoper & the multi-stage Konzerthaus, as well as the dedicated home of the Vienna Boys' Choir, MuTh. Music comes to life through interactive exhibits at the captivating Haus der Musik Museum.

But Vienna is also a dynamic young city, famous for its (electronic) music scene with independent labels, cult-status underground record stores, a vibrant Monday through Sunday club scene, multitudes of street performers & a government that seems overly obsessed with complicated paperwork.

The Viennese appreciation of the finer things in life extends to its opulent coffee-house 'living rooms' serving spectacular cakes. Pubs & elegant Restaurants.  Fine Austrian wines served in vaulted Vinothek (Wine Bar) cellars & in rustic vine-draped Heurigen (Wine Taverns) in the vineyards fringing the city. Local & international delicacies fill the heady Naschmarkt stalls & creative Chefs are always experimenting with local produce & fresh new flavour combinations in innovative, often repurposed venues.

But Vienna is also a dynamic young city, famous for its (electronic) music scene with independent labels, cult-status underground record stores, a vibrant Monday through Sunday club scene, multitudes of street performers, and a government that seems overly obsessed with complicated paperwork.

On reaching Vienna by 1200 noon, you will head straight to Schloss Schonbrunn where you will be met by the Tour-guide for a 45 minute ‘fast-track-entry’ to enjoy a tour around the Complex & its spectacular courtyards.

One of the city’s most important landmark - the lavish 17^th century UNESCO World Heritage listed Palace is one of Europe’s most impressive architectural, cultural & historic monuments. Initially envisioned to surpass the grandeur of Versailles, Schonbrunn, with its over 1,440 sumptuously decorated rooms & beautifully tended formal Gardens, was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs throughout centuries.

Dig deep into the history & try to visualize some of the important events witnessed at the Palace, such as the very first Concert held by Mozart at the age of 6, the arrival of Napoleon & his troops, the death of Austria’s most beloved Emperor Franz Josef, the signing of the abdication in 1918 by Emperor Karl I, the British soldiers based here during allied occupation of 1945, etc.

End your ‘royal’ tour at the forecourt in front of the Palace, which during the festive season becomes a unique background for an idyllic Christmas village featuring upmarket Stalls run by local Craftsmen & distinguished Artisans. A perfect way to get you into the festive mood for your early evening tour of Vienna’s glorious & most famous Christmas Markets.

End your Palace tour & proceed to a nearby Restaurant for Lunch (not included - direct payment).

After, you will be transferred to the Hotel to Check-in & relax.

Rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration.

In the early evening when the day quiets down & the lights turn on, do as the Viennese do and head to these enchanting markets

Evening around 06.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & get ready to check out the Christmas Markets of Vienna.  

Visiting Europe during the Advent season & not experiencing the magical holiday scene in Vienna is like being in Paris & not stopping by the Eiffel Tower. The Austrian Capital is a dreamy location for holiday hiatus & from mid-November until Christmas, its most beautiful Squares & charming streets are once again transformed into magical Christkindlmarkts. Whether chic, small, loud or contemplative, Viennese Markets are all about the lights, sights, smells & sounds.

The aroma of Christmas baking, hot punch & toasted almonds wafts through the air. The Old City & shopping streets are decorated with festive lights that spread the Christmas cheer. The Weihnachtsmarkts are not so much for shopping as for eating & drinking. From midday until the late hours of the night, locals gather to drink mulled wine, punch & chat. While Vienna can be a delightful place to visit during the Christmas season, on December 25 & 26 the city is largely shut down.

A tall arched gateway with candles welcomes visitors at the entrance to the Christkindlmarkt on City Hall Square. The traditional Market offers Christmas gifts, tree decorations, handicrafts, culinary treats, confectionery & warming drinks.

At the Vienna Ice World at the Market, ice skaters can put on their skates & make rounds through the romantically illuminated City Hall Park. A special attraction for couples in love is the tree of hearts. For kids, there's a 12 meter  high multi-level Carousel & a Reindeer Train, Nativity Scene Trail, Children's Chalet & a designated Skating Rink.

During a 3 hour ‘walking’ tour, get introduced to some of the main Christmas Markets.

Rathausplatz, Vienna’s busiest & most famous, called Wiener Christkindlmarkt, is more of a fairground than a Christmas Market, featuring over 150 Booths that sprawl in front of the dramatic, neo-Gothic City Hall. The roots of this yuletide market go back to the late 18^th century, though it only moved to its present location in 1975. Who knows how many visitors it normally attracts, but estimates have put the number at over 4 million a year. Many years ago, this Christkindlmarkt had one too many Booths selling imported plastic toys. Not anymore: the quality of the Stands is much higher. As a result, the Market has blossomed in recent years. Improved decorative lights have also helped. In 2022, Booths are also required to meet new sustainability criteria.

On the non-food front, Stalls sell more upmarket Christmas decorations often made of glass or wood rather than “ten for a dollar” plastic decorations. And the Arts & Crafts Stalls show off the handiwork of numerous Artisans from Austria & surrounding countries.