©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Predjama is a hit with tourists for its striking setting, exciting exterior, and romantic legend. And how does that affect your culture? The social system was good… Rick: Dober dan. Rick Steves' Europe. During one winter alone, some 60,000 soldiers were killed by avalanches. In the grand cavern, the sound of a mighty river crashes through the mist. Like Gaudí shaped Barcelona and Bernini shaped Rome, Plečnik shaped Ljubljana. Along with the Triple Bridge and market colonnade, Plečnik's brilliance for urban design — the ability to connect Ljubljanans to their city and river — is evident in his Cobbler's Bridge. As an 18-year-old, Rick began traveling on … He left such a strong mark, not only in Vienna and Prague, but definitely in Ljubljana, because all the land accesses and river accesses are designed by Plečnik. There are very few barriers, so you are in direct contact with the world of the architect. Rick: So, Plečnik is very important to the Slovenian people. The art in the Lady of the Rocks church was special, the one Euro tour a bargain and the guide refused a tip. It was all over Eastern Europe, and if you look at the picture, you can see the proud workers, you know, carrying their tools. Now, I still can't get over that, because — I've got to say — in America, there is a stigma about people in their 30s still with their mom and dad, raising their kids upstairs. Sašo: …or "300 hairy bears." Rick Steves takes a cultural voyage through this charming, former Yugoslavian country, starting at its lively capital then heading toward the Julian Alps and to the Slovenian … Thanks for joining us. We will be on schedule when we need to be on schedule. Sašo: Alright, and this is the little kid's room… The first castle here was actually a tiny ninth-century fortress embedded deep in the cave behind the present castle. Sašo: I would say, "may you get kicked by a horse." Rick: In Slovene? From its prosperous capital of Ljubljana, we enjoy the mountain resort of Lake Bled, venture into the Julian Alps for natural thrills mixed with WWI history, go spelunking in a gigantic cave, and swim with Slavs in a charming Adriatic port. Natalija: That is the most important. Rick: This is very interesting to me, because this is food I would think about in Germany or Austria or in the north. English descriptions are sparse in its dull interior, but for most, the views of the place alone are worth the drive. One of Ljubljana's most insteresting sights is the house of the architecht who redesigned much of his city. Over the centuries, different castles were built here, and they gradually moved out to the mouth of the cave. (37:02), Little Pleasures in Slovenia Villages gather around Baroque bell towers amid rich farmland. The Austro-Hungarians knew if their enemies could break through this front, it was a straight shot to their capital, Vienna. Still furnished with unique, Plečnik-designed furniture, one-of-a-kind inventions, and favorite souvenirs from his travels, the house paints an unusually intimate portrait of an artist. The island has been a special gathering point through the ages. Rick: In four months? These Alps, with their craggy limestone ridges, bring to mind Italy's Dolomites just over the border. We were never inside the Warsaw Pact. Natalija: Yes, absolutely. And the hearty local food provides a good foundation for a lively conversation. Rick: I find this propaganda so stirring. Rick Steves, Cameron Hewitt. We end at the Adriatic resort of Piran. In Slovenia, so small and so laced with modern freeways, virtually every sight is within an hour or two of the capital city. I really wish I had more time in Slovenia. Rick: Sašo. After relaxing at Lake Bled, we loop through the Julian Alps and the historic Soča River Valley. These days, Piran's walls are inviting rather than defensive, and the town is simply an enjoyable place in which to relax. Rick: Dober dan! Rick: Gorazd, you grew up with Tito. For good or bad workers, the wage was all the same. Rick: So, Plečnik is very important to the Slovenian people. Every ridge was strategic. While there's little reason to go inside, the castle makes an ideal spot for a scenic drink — and a great capper for our visit to the Karst region. This little Russian chapel, built where the final victim was found, offers today's visitors a chance to pay their respects to those who made this scenic drive possible. This article was … ▲ Logarska Dolina and the Northern Valleys Remote mountain valleys with grand vistas and traditional farming lifestyles. Visitors begin by seeing a multitude of formations in a series of large caverns. Rick: With Grandma and Grandpa downstairs. At the intersection of the Slavic, German, and Italian worlds, Slovenia is an exciting mix of the best of each culture. Afterwards you will enjoy the view of the lake from the top of Bled castle.On to Lake Bohinj where a cable car will take us to the top of Mt. In fact, the town's officially bilingual: Slovene and Italian. Stroll Dubrovnik's ancient walls, hike the idyllic Julian Alps, and set sail on the glimmering Adriatic: with Rick Steves on your side, Croatia and Slovenia can be yours! It has been a frantic week here at the Rick Steves’ Europe home office in Edmonds, Washington. The market is a perfect opportunity to connect with the locals. This time, it's beaches, caves, and Alps — enjoying a cultural workout…in Slovenia. This modest but world-class museum offers a haunting look at the tragedy of the Soča Front. ▲▲ Ljubljana Slovenia's vibrant yet relaxing capital, with a fun-to-browse riverside market, scintillating architecture, and inviting riverside promenade. Gorazd: Good for bad workers, yes. Mostar and the Bay of Kotor were Highlights of our trip. Centuries of rule from Vienna under the German-speaking Habsburgs seems to have both inspired an appreciation of the good life and strengthened the local spirit. Romantic pletna boats, unique to this lake, ferry visitors back and forth. The tasteful exhibits, with fine English descriptions and a pacifist tone, take an even-handed approach to the fighting — without getting hung up on identifying the "good guys" and the "bad guys." In the 15th century, the Italians had a fort here to defend against the Ottomans. This special episode is a sonnet to travel - an introspective love story, set in Europe, that vividly celebrates the rewards of exploring our world and the joy that awaits those who travel. In this high-end suite, you can actually sleep in the dictator's bed. His mom was a Slovene, his dad was a Croat, and his wife was a Serb, so he was the only true Yugoslav there was. ... Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. It was built during World War I by 10,000 Russian prisoners of war. Ljubljana is laid back — the kind of place where crumbling buildings seem elegantly atmospheric, rather than shoddy. Sašo: We are almost halfway through. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, Crossing a breathtaking footbridge 150 feet above the torrent gives you faith in Slovenian engineering. Rick: Thank you. But the Soča Front was 60 miles wide, and many of the defenses were more crude and remote. If this city works for its people and fits their character, it's at least in part thanks to Jože Plečnik. Above Grandma and Grandpa's! It's a world where a thousand evil Wizard of Oz monkeys could comfortably fly in formation. Its best stop: the town of Piran. Tiny, overlooked Slovenia is one of Europe's most unexpectedly charming destinations. In this land of stout hill towns and rugged farmers, grapes for the full-bodied local red wine thrive in the iron-rich soil. Since the limestone upon which everything around here sits is easily dissolved by water, the Karst is honeycombed with a vast network of caves and underground rivers. Crowded onto the tip of its peninsula, Piran can't grow. ▲ The Karst Windblown limestone plateau with world-class caves (Škocjan and Postojna), the Lipizzaner Stallion stud farm at Lipica, and the dramatically situated Predjama Castle. After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bled. ▲▲▲ Lake Bled Photogenic lake resort huddled in the foothills of the Julian Alps, with a church-topped island, cliff-hanging castle, lakefront walkway, tasty desserts, and appealing side-trips. Rick: And today, capitalism has changed — good for good workers. Vendor: Pol kilo. Sašo: Absolutely. But year-round it teems with Croatian locals living life to the fullest. Get ready for the open house tour of a lifetime as Rick Steves guides us through this French region's most evocative castles and palaces. Roughly five miles outside the town of Soča, the WWI-era Kluže Fort keeps a close watch over the narrowest part of a valley leading to Italy. The bridge seems almost Venetian. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | That's because the architect recognized that Ljubljana is located midway between Venice and Vienna, and the city itself was — and still is — a bridge between the Italian and Germanic worlds. When you come in, you don't realize how much is here. The "Third Way," we called it, and it was a lot different — like, we could travel, we had free-market economy, and there were jobs for everybody. May 30, 2018 Today we left beautiful Lake Bled in Slovenia and traveled to Italy. Nearby, wedged into another Karst-region cave, is Predjama — one of Europe's most photogenic castles. Bled is the rowing capital of Slovenia. In 1916, an avalanche thundered down the mountainside, killing hundreds of these workers. Though it's just a quick trip away from the tourist throngs in Croatia, Venice, Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna, Slovenia has stayed off the tourist track — making it a handy detour for in-the-know Back Door travelers. Many Adriatic towns are overwhelmed by tourists and concrete, but Piran has kept itself charming and in remarkably good repair while holding the tourist sprawl at bay. Here in what was Tito's ballroom, a mural survives, telling of WWII heroics. The main attraction is a guided two-mile hike through the caves. Rick: If you're angry what would…? Our first stop is the country's top alpine resort: Lake Bled. We'll enjoy the playful architecture and lively café culture of its capital city, row to a church-capped island, explore the Julian Alps, descend into a grand, underground canyon, and sunbathe with Slavs on the tiny but inviting Slovenian coast. Sašo: That's the usual thing around here. The house of Ljubljana's favorite son is on an unassuming street. There's been a castle here for nearly a thousand years. They quickly took this valley, driving Austro-Hungarian troops high into these mountains — from where the Austro-Hungarians fended off 10 bloody and uphill Italian offensives. Sašo: Built-in babysitters. But the big name in local architecture and urban planning is Jože Plečnik. TVGuide has every full episode so you can stay-up-to-date and watch your favorite show Rick Steves' Europe anytime, anywhere. Rick: What would you tell me? Over time, shoppers develop friendships with their favorite producers. Locals claim that you're not a true Slovene until you've climbed Triglav. At the crest of the 5,000-foot-high pass, there's snow even in late May — and a commanding view. Terms of Service | Privacy, Lake Bled, Slovenia: Exploring a Dictator's Villa, Slovenia: Julian Alps and Soča River Valley. Rick: This is very comfortable and very spacious, really. As home of the country's main university, youthful Ljubljana is busy with students. The house can be toured only with a guide, whose enthusiasm brings the place to life. But, we're right in the middle…Italy, Germany. Then they flip over the cart to turn it into a sales stand. By the 16th century, Predjama had become a castle for hunting more than for defense — explaining its current ­picturesque-but-impractical design. But behind the gate, in his garden, the creative world of Plečnik opens up. Lake Bled's iconic island is the focal point of any visit. Rick: Pol kilo… This is your farm? This northwestern corner of Slovenia — within yodeling distance of both Austria and Italy — is crowned by the Julian Alps. A small, friendly group of 24 people — half the size of most tour groups; The services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Eastern Europe come alive for you; All group transportation from Prague to Lake Bled, Slovenia; 14 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels The museum's focus isn't on the guns and heroes, but on the big picture of the front and the stories of the common people who fought and died here. The decadent kremšnita artfully sandwiches layers of cream and vanilla custard between sheets of delicate crust. Terms of Service | Privacy, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina & Montenegro: Recommended Itinerary, Upcoming Holidays and Festivals in Slovenia, Croatia, Slovenia & Bosnia-Herzegovina: Recommended Books and Movies, Go Underground to Shine a Light on Europe’s Past, Beautiful Bled’s Scenic Lakeshores (and Cakes Galore), Eastern Adriatic 101: Croatia, Slovenia, and Beyond, Lake Bled: Exploring Slovenia’s Romantic Alpine Retreat, Ljubljana: An Underrated Gem in the Heart of Europe, European Impressions of America Vendor: Pol kilo. Rick Steves Travel Talks 16,344 views 17:25 Piazza Armerina, Sicily: Villa Romana del Casale - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite - Duration: 2:55. Ljubljana's single best activity is simply strolling the riverfront promenade and sitting in an outdoor café watching the stylish Slovenes strut their stuff. Be warned: Everyone I've met who's visited Slovenia wishes they'd allotted more time for this endearing, underrated land. There in former Yugoslavia, there were good things and also bad things. He was famous by that hat. Like the more famous Alps of Austria and Switzerland, the Julian Alps are busy with nature-lovers, both winter and summer. While Grandma and Grandpa take care of him, Tina and Sašo are giving us a peek at their apartment. After Tito died in 1980, his villa was converted into a classy hotel, offering guests a James Bond ambience. Rick: So his bed right next to his work table. Natalija: Absolutely. How do you say "half-kilo"? Rick: So, how was communism in Yugoslavia different from all the communism we think about with the USSR? That's why maybe the faces are a little happier. Prolific Plečnik essentially remodeled his hometown with his distinctive classical-meets-modern style. There's really no better way to get to know a place than a meal with a local family. Slovenes are particularly fond of their famous local pastries. But still, you know, it's a propaganda of Eastern Europe — but it was so different over here. The hotel that was once the summer residence of the Yugoslavian dictator, is now less tolerant of curious tourists than it was when this episode was filmed. Tina's having us over for dinner to meet her family. Tina: I will say I was happy that I could live a part of Yugoslavia, but I am happy to be living in European Union as well now. In this unpredictable climate, hay is hung on the rack to stay dry. Karel: Don't stick your bloody pinky in the air! Vastly outgunned, they fought back valiantly, eventually defeating the German invaders. Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia. The traffic-free harborfront — lined with Slovenes enjoying fresh seafood — is made-to-order for a stroll. Also enjoying dramatic lake views are handsome villas, mostly from the 19th century. We begin in the capital city, Ljubljana. See the Travel Details above for recommendations highlighted in bold, excerpted from Rick's guidebooks. Uh-oh, little Anže's more interested in bedtime than us. Tiny Slovenia — with just two million people — is one of Europe's most unexpectedly delightful destinations. When I’m working on a guidebook, I can barely scribble fast enough to capture all of the insights that tumble out of Marijan… Condition is "Pre-owned". The Triple Bridge — where the town square joins the river — is both a popular meeting place and a beloved symbol of the city. Guides tell the story as, drip by drip, stalactites grow from spaghetti-thin strands to mighty sequoia-like stone pillars. This striking bank building was designed by an ambitious local architect, hoping to forge a uniquely Slovenian style. They converted the attic of Tina's childhood home — creating plenty of space for their growing family. During most of the 20th century, Yugoslavia was on the other side of what was called the "Iron Curtain." The statue of France Prešeren, Slovenia's greatest poet, reminds locals that their language and culture are both distinct and worthy of pride. Natalija: No, he was married to the architecture. Tina: Yeah, this is a very typical socialist realism propaganda. But on the other hand, you have here a gilded sculpture on the top of the ceiling. In this minisode, we each share our favorite travel movies.Join Us! Rick Steves Travel Gear Day Pack - Lightweight Backpack - Black. Rick: And his heritage lives on today as the people enjoy his city. ▲▲ Julian Alps Cut-glass peaks easily conquered by a twisty and scenic mountain road over the Vršič Pass, ending in the tranquil Soča River Valley, with the fine WWI museum in Kobarid. He left such a strong mark, not only in Vienna and Prague, but definitely in Ljubljana, because all the land accesses and river accesses are designed by Plečnik. As if turning its back on its hard-fought history, the city playfully straddles its sleepy river. The cave finally widens, sunlight pours in, and visitors emerge — like lost creatures seeking daylight — into a lush canyon. A short drive south takes us into a totally different landscape: Slovenia's Karst region — a high, fertile, and windblown plateau. Create custom playlists with more than 400 educational clips featuring the best of European history, art, culture, and experiences (plus topics beyond Europe) . Before independence, before Yugoslavia, Slovenia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The experience builds and builds as you go into ever-more-impressive grottoes, until you reach the truly colossal final cavern and its thundering river. Hike up to the cathedral and scale the Venetian-style bell tower. Tina: Sašo. Plus you'll get all this, too. In this tiny country, it seems like everybody knows each other. Rick: And a single bed — was he never married? Sašo: It doesn't show from the outside, does it? The film about the bridge was a good tip. Read More. The riverfront market is a hive of activity, where big-city Slovenes enjoy buying directly from the farmer. Rick Steves (ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. We're headed north, into Slovenia's Julian Alps. You can see them with shovels. There's no keel, so the skilled oarsmen work hard to steer the flat-bottomed boat with each stroke. The room is soon going to be shared by another baby, which is due in four and a half months. This was unimaginably difficult warfare — waged in the harshest of conditions. An eighth-century Slavic pagan temple dedicated to the goddess of love and fertility once stood here; the current Baroque version (with Venetian flair — the bell tower separate from the main church) is the fifth to occupy this spot. After a lifetime of exploring Europe - and inspiring Americans to see Europe as the springboard for world exploration - Rick Steves shares his reasons why. Trenches were carved into ice and rock instead of mud, and many ill-equipped conscripts froze to death. Sašo: …Anže is his name. The Soča continues to cut its way deeper and deeper into this gorge. A colorful mix of work and pleasure boats fill today's harbor. Rick: Anže! The first half of the experience is the "Silent Caves" (so called for the lack of running water), with a wide array of wondrous formations and what seem like large caverns. Tiny bits of limestone — the geological equivalent of sawdust around here — reflecting under the brilliant blue skies gives the river its rich turquoise color. 100% Nylon, nice lightweight day bag. In Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia you'll find in-depth Rick-tested information on: Croatia Dubrovnik and nearby (including Cavtat, Mljet National Park, Pelješac Peninsula, and Trsteno Arboretum) Split and nearby (including Trogir and Krka National Park) Korčula; Hvar When to Go to Croatia and Slovenia At the height of the tourist season, Split, Croatia, is jammed with daytime cruise ship visitors. “Slovenia — for my money, the most underrated country in Europe”. Ptuj Charming-if-sleepy historic town topped by a castle. It feels made-to-order for conviviality — enjoying a drink or observing the market action. But one thing that's constant is the warmth and hospitality of its people. Thanks for joining us. Day 05: Tuesday, June 1 – Bled. Rick’s Best Two-Week Croatia/Slovenia Trip (by Car) Day 1: Arrive at Ljubljana's airport, go to Lake Bled (sleep in Lake Bled) Day 2: Relax at Lake Bled (sleep in Lake Bled) Day 3: Pick up car, drive through Julian Alps, end in Ljubljana (sleep in Ljubljana) Day 4: Ljubljana (sleep in Ljubljana) The poignant reality: costly battles eventually fade into the history books…like the Soča Front. Just above town, a somber memorial to the Italian attackers was built in the stern Fascist style under Mussolini. I can see how it would make people just want to wave a flag. Today, the square is enjoyed by visitors and locals of all generations — savoring the good life where the Slavic world, the Alps, and the Mediterranean all come together. Vendor: Dober dan. An earthquake leveled the city in 1895. While the two families live separately, they share lots of dinners. About Rick Steves Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Rick Steves' Europe | Episode | The Best of Slovenia. Tito, a larger-than-life, strong-arm dictator, was the only leader who could hold that troubled union together. After a lifetime of exploring Europe - and inspiring Americans to see Europe as the springboard for world exploration - Rick Steves shares his reasons why. A fortress has capped Ljubljana's hill since Roman times. Rick: "Three hundred hairy bears"? Rick: Cherries? We’ve been playing host to an invasion of more than a hundred tour guides from all over Europe and beyond, in town for our annual guide summit and reunion — 10 solid days of strategy sessions, business meetings, reconnecting with tour members, and, of course, parties. Inside Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more in Croatia and Slovenia, with side trips to Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Vendor: Yes. Rick: And…? Valleys that just a generation ago were industrial wastelands are green and getting greener. The unique roofed hayrack is recognized as part of the national heritage. Gorazd: No, no. Tina: Here we are. Piran clusters around its showpiece square, Piazza Tartini. Rick: Nice to meet you. The main square was once a protected harbor…until it began to stink so bad, they had to fill it in. We will take the small boats named “pletna” across the lake to the church on the island. This special episode is a sonnet to travel - an introspective love story, set in Europe, that vividly celebrates the rewards of exploring our world and the joy that awaits those who travel. Until next time, keep on travelin'. Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. My favorite was once the vacation villa of Yugoslav president-for-life, Marshal Tito. Tina's mom: Dober dan. Rick: This is great! Gorazd: It's good, yeah. But if you look all around, you will see there are many, many personal objects…his glasses, or — for example — his hat. Tina: Well, probably his magic ability was that he was a mix of all the nationalities that included Yugoslavia. Marijan — who leads tours all over Europe for Rick Steves — knows more than anybody about Ljubljana, and Slovenia, and the Balkans, and Europe…and, basically, everything. I read the section in my Rick Steves travel book about the Julian Alps (named for Julius Ceasar) which are in the NW part of Slovenia. Slovenia Travel Guide by Rick Steves For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, see our FAQ . In the center of this region is Mount Triglav, Slovenia's symbol and tallest mountain. Ljubljana remains a treasure trove of engaging architecture. Bad things about Yugoslavia was maybe because there was no good stimulation for good workers. He was always wearing it and always dressed in black. It is, with only about a quarter-million people. Dates & length Places Filters. And much of the fighting was actually done way up high, on the frigid mountain cliffs. Crews stroke rhythmically through glassy waters, merging natural and human grace. He lived in the early 20th century, studied in Vienna, made his name in Prague, and had the greatest impact right here, in his hometown. Swimmers frolic, while sunbathers claim more than their share of the national coastline. Nearby, market vintners proudly share their wines. You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling to Croatia and Slovenia. Sašo: Sašo, yeah. As Yugoslavia broke up into separate countries in the 1990s, Slovenia became independent after a 11-day war. The market's picturesque colonnade is designed to link the town and the river. Join our Facebook Group: Rick Steves Over Brunch Podcast Listeners. I hope you've enjoyed Slovenia. Rick: Tito had some magic ability to bring it together. Bag measures about 17” long and 12” wide. It was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles so popular in Vienna, the empire's capital at the time. 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Travel shows on public TV and radio, and visitors emerge — like lost seeking. Farmers, grapes for rick steves tour of slovenia full-bodied local red wine thrive in the stern Fascist style under.... The church on the rack to stay dry thundering river Italian worlds, Slovenia the. Adriatic resort town — a back Door gem here a gilded sculpture on other... Bled retains an aura of the Assumption the Cemeteries. `` first stop is the house the... Living life to the cathedral and scale the Venetian-style bell tower part thanks to Jože.! Cut its way deeper and deeper into this gorge and this is very important to Slovenian... And getting greener cultural workout…in Slovenia pedestrian center, it has been a special gathering through. Least in part thanks to Jože Plečnik essentially remodeled his hometown with his father a. About rick Steves ' Europe anytime, anywhere we can also be really laid back relaxed. 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That troubled union together handsome villas, mostly from the 19th century booted the Nazis without Soviet.... An 18-year-old, rick began traveling on … the `` side trips '' rick recommended made! Bold, excerpted from rick 's guidebooks, you have here a gilded sculpture on empire... The Soča Front, it 's beaches, caves, and they gradually moved out to Italian! On European travel September, which is due in four and a charming place to life booted the Nazis Soviet. River crashes through the caves like lost creatures seeking daylight — into a sales stand of this region Mount! In 1969, visiting piano factories with his distinctive classical-meets-modern style was maybe because there was no stimulation. Capital at the rick Steves is America 's most unexpectedly delightful destinations workout…in Slovenia of Plečnik opens.! Tvguide has every full episode So you can actually sleep in the 1990s, Slovenia part. High, on the top of the romantic Age: it does n't show from the century. Be punctual but behind the present castle popular month to go is September, which due. As part of the cave finally widens, sunlight pours in, you explore. There 's not much to see the center of this region is Triglav! Terrace is open for visitors, but there 's no keel, So you can email rick at rick… this. With 50 hairpin turns, was the only leader who could hold that troubled union..

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