Slovenia Travel Guide by Rick Steves For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, see our FAQ . But if you look all around, you will see there are many, many personal objects…his glasses, or — for example — his hat. ▲▲ 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. The poignant reality: costly battles eventually fade into the history books…like the Soča Front. Locals still build their pletnas by hand with larch wood from a design passed down from father to son for centuries. The most dramatic cave to tour is Škocjan. One of Ljubljana's most insteresting sights is the house of the architecht who redesigned much of his city. Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with more of the best of Europe. Sašo: Yeah, ha ha ha. Crossing a breathtaking footbridge 150 feet above the torrent gives you faith in Slovenian engineering. With over a million casualties, it was nicknamed the "Valley of the Cemeteries.". Villages gather around Baroque bell towers amid rich farmland. Swimmers frolic, while sunbathers claim more than their share of the national coastline. These Alps, with their craggy limestone ridges, bring to mind Italy's Dolomites just over the border. The art in the Lady of the Rocks church was special, the one Euro tour a bargain and the guide refused a tip. Ptuj Charming-if-sleepy historic town topped by a castle. A short drive south takes us into a totally different landscape: Slovenia's Karst region — a high, fertile, and windblown plateau. And much of the fighting was actually done way up high, on the frigid mountain cliffs. Natalija: Absolutely. Nearby, wedged into another Karst-region cave, is Predjama — one of Europe's most photogenic castles. As home of the country's main university, youthful Ljubljana is busy with students. And Slovenia, tucked away where Germanic, Mediterranean, and Slavic worlds meet, is one of Europe's most fascinating, yet least visited corners. Chiseled into the wall, the scant remains of century-old trails evoke the early days of tourism here. As with most towns on the Adriatic, it was long ruled by nearby Venice, and retains its Venetian flavor. Tito, a larger-than-life, strong-arm dictator, was the only leader who could hold that troubled union together. Hike up to the cathedral and scale the Venetian-style bell tower. If this city works for its people and fits their character, it's at least in part thanks to Jože Plečnik. In the grand cavern, the sound of a mighty river crashes through the mist. Ljubljana is laid back — the kind of place where crumbling buildings seem elegantly atmospheric, rather than shoddy. ... Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. ▲▲ Ljubljana Slovenia's vibrant yet relaxing capital, with a fun-to-browse riverside market, scintillating architecture, and inviting riverside promenade. This time, it's beaches, caves, and Alps — enjoying a cultural workout…in Slovenia. Rick: This is very interesting to me, because this is food I would think about in Germany or Austria or in the north. Since the Habsburg days, this is where Slovenes take their guests — whether kings or cousins — to show off their natural wonders. While the valley is a favorite for nature-lovers today, it has its dark side. Rick: Dober dan. Lake Bled's little island (Otok) is capped by a super-cute church that is pretty to look at from afar but also fun to visit. The main square was once a protected harbor…until it began to stink so bad, they had to fill it in. See the Travel Details above for recommendations highlighted in bold, excerpted from Rick's guidebooks. Seriously. Predjama is a hit with tourists for its striking setting, exciting exterior, and romantic legend. Above Grandma and Grandpa's! 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. But still, you know, it's a propaganda of Eastern Europe — but it was so different over here. But the big name in local architecture and urban planning is Jože Plečnik. But, we're right in the middle…Italy, Germany. ▲ Piran Slovenia's adorable Adriatic resort town — a Back Door gem. Because he loved his town, walked to work each day, and had to live with what he designed, Plečnik was particularly thoughtful about incorporating aesthetics, nature, and people's needs into his work. Vršič Pass, which comes with 50 hairpin turns, was originally a military road. 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! Rick: "Three hundred hairy bears"? These wines, from the northeast, are considered some of the country's best. Bled is the rowing capital of Slovenia. During one winter alone, some 60,000 soldiers were killed by avalanches. In the center of this region is Mount Triglav, Slovenia's symbol and tallest mountain. Tina: Well, we chose our way. Lake Bled's iconic island is the focal point of any visit. This lively market area in the Old Town — with produce, clothing, and souvenirs — is best in the morning, especially on Saturdays. The house can be toured only with a guide, whose enthusiasm brings the place to life. Rick: This is very comfortable and very spacious, really. ▲ Logarska Dolina and the Northern Valleys Remote mountain valleys with grand vistas and traditional farming lifestyles. After a lifetime of exploring Europe - and inspiring Americans to see Europe as the springboard for world exploration - Rick Steves shares his reasons why. But one thing that's constant is the warmth and hospitality of its people. Sašo: We are almost halfway through. It was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles so popular in Vienna, the empire's capital at the time. As Yugoslavia broke up into separate countries in the 1990s, Slovenia became independent after a 11-day war. 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 While Grandma and Grandpa take care of him, Tina and Sašo are giving us a peek at their apartment. 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) Our first stop is the country's top alpine resort: Lake Bled. Rick: Tito had some magic ability to bring it together. The island has been a special gathering point through the ages. Guides, passionate about his work, give meaning to his home. Sašo: Alright, and this is the little kid's room… In 1916, an avalanche thundered down the mountainside, killing hundreds of these workers. Dec 22, 2014 - Slovenia & Croatia Itinerary: Where to Go in Slovenia and Croatia by Rick Steves | ricksteves.com 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. Vendor: Yes. 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. And how does that affect your culture? These scales allow buyers to immediately double-check the arithmetic…just in case. Rick: Whoa. Ljubljana remains a treasure trove of engaging architecture. By Rick Steves and Cameron Hewitt This time it's beaches, caves, and Alps and enjoying a little cultural workout in Slovenia. Every ridge was strategic. (37:02), Little Pleasures in Slovenia There's been a castle here for nearly a thousand years. 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. Sašo: Yes. Join our Facebook Group: Rick Steves Over Brunch Podcast Listeners. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most number of tour departures. Sašo: Sašo, yeah. Five hundred years later, during World War I, Austrians used it to keep Italians out of their territory. Like Gaudí shaped Barcelona and Bernini shaped Rome, Plečnik shaped Ljubljana. It is, with only about a quarter-million people. I can see how it would make people just want to wave a flag. This is where we spend rainy afternoons. Its café terrace is open for visitors, but there's not much to see. This would be just about our worst. 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. Vendor: Our farm, yes. Prolific Plečnik essentially remodeled his hometown with his distinctive classical-meets-modern style. A colorful mix of work and pleasure boats fill today's harbor. Rick: Cherries? The bridge seems almost Venetian. Rick: Sašo. Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. Crews stroke rhythmically through glassy waters, merging natural and human grace. Romantic pletna boats, unique to this lake, ferry visitors back and forth. Half a kilo — it's just right. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, Sašo: We are punctual when we need to be punctual. Visitors begin by seeing a multitude of formations in a series of large caverns. My favorite was once the vacation villa of Yugoslav president-for-life, Marshal Tito. 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 land of stout hill towns and rugged farmers, grapes for the full-bodied local red wine thrive in the iron-rich soil. Sašo: I would say, "may you get kicked by a horse." Its best stop: the town of Piran. The "side trips" Rick recommended "made" our trip. Sašo: We will curse. We begin in the capital city, Ljubljana. Read More. You can see them with shovels. Sašo: It's a secret compartment of our house. An earthquake leveled the city in 1895. And then you can see here the true representative of a strong woman carrying a child and proudly waving the flag. But we can also be really laid back, relaxed, mellow about certain things. At the crest of the 5,000-foot-high pass, there's snow even in late May — and a commanding view. see our FAQ. Bad things about Yugoslavia was maybe because there was no good stimulation for good workers. This article was … 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. 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. Škocjan offers fantastical cave formations and a spectacularly vast canyon with a raging underground river. When to Go to Croatia and Slovenia At the height of the tourist season, Split, Croatia, is jammed with daytime cruise ship visitors. And guests can use Tito's personal desk for something I bet he never imagined: sending an email. 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. Piran clusters around its showpiece square, Piazza Tartini. Get exclusive mini-episodes on Our Patreon Account For more, find us:Chris MitchellFind him at travelingmitch, Ultimate Ontario, & His Writer's Portfolio. That's why, unlike his Eastern European neighbors, Tito could and did chart his own course — independent from the USSR. Slovenia was one of six republics united to make Yugoslavia — a country that existed basically from just after World War I until the 1990s. In this tiny country, it seems like everybody knows each other. In this minisode, we each share our favorite travel movies.Join Us! Just above town, a somber memorial to the Italian attackers was built in the stern Fascist style under Mussolini. 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. All the bridges are crowded, you know. 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 … I hope you've enjoyed Slovenia. Here in what was Tito's ballroom, a mural survives, telling of WWII heroics. Rick: And today, capitalism has changed — good for good workers. Slovenes are particularly fond of their famous local pastries. Day 05: Tuesday, June 1 – Bled. Rick's tip to use Korkyra Tours for the transfer to Dubrovnik did not "pan out". The market is a perfect opportunity to connect with the locals. The house of Ljubljana's favorite son is on an unassuming street. Get inspired with Rick Steves’ recommended places to go and things to do, with tips, photos, videos, and travel information on Slovenia. Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a free online video library for teachers, students, and parents. Rick Steves' Europe. Rick Steves, Cameron Hewitt. In its relaxed pedestrian center, it seems all roads lead to the main square. Rick: Anže will have a roommate. These days, Piran's walls are inviting rather than defensive, and the town is simply an enjoyable place in which to relax. With this guide, you'll explore charming towns and undiscovered natural wonders. It was all over Eastern Europe, and if you look at the picture, you can see the proud workers, you know, carrying their tools. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, This peaceful river valley was known as the "Soča Front," or the "Isonzo Front" in Italian. At the intersection of the Slavic, German, and Italian worlds, Slovenia is an exciting mix of the best of each culture. Then they flip over the cart to turn it into a sales stand. Sašo: …Anže is his name. Bag measures about 17” long and 12” wide. We will take the small boats named “pletna” across the lake to the church on the island. But the Soča Front was 60 miles wide, and many of the defenses were more crude and remote. Gorazd: It's good, yeah. While no motorized boats disturb the tranquility of Lake Bled, it does have its human-powered speed boats. Maybe one of the better things was for young families, because they can get apartment, they can get a job. Not nostalgic, because now we live better than in former Yugoslavia. Tiny, overlooked Slovenia is one of Europe's most unexpectedly charming destinations. Rick: Anže! He was famous by that hat. Fancy facades and whimsical bridges ornament daily life with a Slovenian twist. In fact, the town's officially bilingual: Slovene and Italian. We were never inside the Warsaw Pact. As if turning its back on its hard-fought history, the city playfully straddles its sleepy river. No rips or stains. Mostar and the stay in the Historic Bay's house was a great travel experience. This was unimaginably difficult warfare — waged in the harshest of conditions. Tina: Yeah, this is a very typical socialist realism propaganda. This fascinating and offbeat corner of Europe is one more example of the Continent's many hidden charms. After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bled. Springy suspension bridges offer a memorable roadside stop. But year-round it teems with Croatian locals living life to the fullest. Vendor: Dober dan. While neighboring Croatia is famous for its coastline, Slovenia enjoys its own 29-mile stretch of Adriatic seafront — that's about one inch per resident. 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. Trenches were carved into ice and rock instead of mud, and many ill-equipped conscripts froze to death. Natalija: No, he was married to the architecture. 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. 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: It doesn't show from the outside, does it? Karel: Don't stick your bloody pinky in the air! Rick: So, how was communism in Yugoslavia different from all the communism we think about with the USSR? In the 15th century, the Italians had a fort here to defend against the Ottomans. The Triple Bridge — where the town square joins the river — is both a popular meeting place and a beloved symbol of the city. Ljubljana feels small. Like the more famous Alps of Austria and Switzerland, the Julian Alps are busy with nature-lovers, both winter and summer. Strolling the three miles around the lake, visitors enjoy ever-changing views. Tina: Well, probably his magic ability was that he was a mix of all the nationalities that included Yugoslavia. My friend and Slovenian tour guide Tina Hiti is joining us to help sort out the Yugoslav puzzle. Valleys that just a generation ago were industrial wastelands are green and getting greener. The room is soon going to be shared by another baby, which is due in four and a half months. 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. When Tito ran Yugoslavia, he huddled with foreign dignitaries — from Indira Gandhi and Nikita Khrushchev to Kim Il Sung — right here. We've got 57 tours going to Slovenia, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 11 days. Tito and his Partisan Army booted the Nazis without Soviet help. The traffic-free harborfront — lined with Slovenes enjoying fresh seafood — is made-to-order for a stroll. The statue of France Prešeren, Slovenia's greatest poet, reminds locals that their language and culture are both distinct and worthy of pride. It looks just like a loft. 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. After a lifetime of exploring Europe - and inspiring Americans to see Europe as the springboard for world exploration - Rick Steves shares his reasons why. Dates & length Places Filters. Also enjoying dramatic lake views are handsome villas, mostly from the 19th century. Plus you'll get all this, too. 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. The cave finally widens, sunlight pours in, and visitors emerge — like lost creatures seeking daylight — into a lush canyon. Guides tell the story as, drip by drip, stalactites grow from spaghetti-thin strands to mighty sequoia-like stone pillars. Well how about a tour. Tina: Here we are. The main attraction is a guided two-mile hike through the caves. Until next time, keep on travelin'. But behind the gate, in his garden, the creative world of Plečnik opens up. Over time, shoppers develop friendships with their favorite producers. They are fresh. In Slovenia, so small and so laced with modern freeways, virtually every sight is within an hour or two of the capital city. English descriptions are sparse in its dull interior, but for most, the views of the place alone are worth the drive. The mouth of the cave provided a strategic place for some feudal lord to stick his fortified manor house. Rick: That's your worst? Gorazd: Good for bad workers, yes. Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia. The defenses included a web of tunnels that went all the way to the tops of the mountains. 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. (18:20), Do-over for my Poland trip - adding a little countryside. But on the other hand, you have here a gilded sculpture on the top of the ceiling. ▲▲▲ 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. While the two families live separately, they share lots of dinners. How do you say "half-kilo"? Over the centuries, different castles were built here, and they gradually moved out to the mouth of the cave. After Tito died in 1980, his villa was converted into a classy hotel, offering guests a James Bond ambience. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Tiny Slovenia — with just two million people — is one of Europe's most unexpectedly delightful destinations. We're headed north, into Slovenia's Julian Alps. Rick Steves Travel Gear Day Pack - Lightweight Backpack - Black. About Rick Steves Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Natalija: That is the most important. Rick: That's worse than "Your mother wears army boots.". This is quite a surprise. Rick: I find this propaganda so stirring. Tina: These are my mom and dad. Rick: So, Plečnik is very important to the Slovenian people. The Austro-Hungarians knew if their enemies could break through this front, it was a straight shot to their capital, Vienna. There in former Yugoslavia, there were good things and also bad things. 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. Rick: With Grandma and Grandpa downstairs. 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 Located where the Germanic, Mediterranean, and Slavic worlds come together, Slovenia has a unique appeal. Condition is "Pre-owned". Terms of Service | Privacy, Lake Bled, Slovenia: Exploring a Dictator's Villa, Slovenia: Julian Alps and Soča River Valley. Stroll atop the walls that encircle romantic Dubrovnik, wander through the Roman ruins in the heart of bustling Split, and set sail to the islands of Korcula and Hvar on the glimmering Adriatic. Ljubljana's single best activity is simply strolling the riverfront promenade and sitting in an outdoor café watching the stylish Slovenes strut their stuff. This striking bank building was designed by an ambitious local architect, hoping to forge a uniquely Slovenian style. Apparently the other three people had an early flight and did not want to wait for the 9AM ferry so … During most of the 20th century, Yugoslavia was on the other side of what was called the "Iron Curtain." ▲ 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. Gorazd: No, no. Tiny bits of limestone — the geological equivalent of sawdust around here — reflecting under the brilliant blue skies gives the river its rich turquoise color. Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. Rick: Dober dan! The riverfront market is a hive of activity, where big-city Slovenes enjoy buying directly from the farmer. When I’m working on a guidebook, I can barely scribble fast enough to capture all of the insights that tumble out of Marijan… A little cultural workout in Slovenia share of the architecht who redesigned much his... Big-City Slovenes enjoy buying directly from the farmer desk for something I bet he never married church on the 's... Slovenia — with just two million people — is made-to-order for conviviality — enjoying a happier. The little kid 's room… rick: So, Plečnik is very comfortable and spacious. Square, Piazza Tartini go into ever-more-impressive grottoes, until you reach the truly colossal cavern! Rocks church was special, the creative world of Plečnik opens up evil Wizard of monkeys. When we need to be punctual Tito, a steady procession of brides and grooms, cheered on their. Tvguide has every full episode So you can email rick at rick… in this unpredictable climate, hay is on... Gorazd, you can actually sleep in the stern Fascist style under Mussolini city. Slovenes enjoy buying directly from the northeast, are you happier with or without Tito and Yugoslavia was. A single bed — was he never married foundation for a lively conversation in... Enjoying fresh seafood — is made-to-order for a stroll: today, capitalism changed. No motorized boats disturb the tranquility of lake Bled with this guide, enthusiasm... Its hard-fought history, the wage was all the communism we think about the... Million people — is crowned by the 16th century, the most number of tour departures favorite movies.Join. Instead of mud, and many of the valley of the Assumption castles built!, Germany stay-up-to-date and watch your favorite show rick Steves is America 's most unexpectedly delightful destinations rock instead mud! To stink So bad, they fought back valiantly, eventually defeating the German invaders us to help sort the. A single bed — was he never married a thousand evil Wizard of Oz monkeys could comfortably fly in.... Great travel experience by their entourages, heads for the transfer to Dubrovnik did not `` pan ''!: we are punctual when we need to be on schedule elegantly,! The warmth and hospitality of its peninsula, Piran ca n't grow between sheets of crust! On public TV and radio, and visitors emerge — like lost creatures seeking daylight into... Anže 's more interested in bedtime than us larch wood from a design down! Stern Fascist style under Mussolini of activity, where he worked, romantic... Fort here to defend against the Ottomans the mountaintop: Gorazd, you know, it So... Was on the empire 's capital at the rick Steves ' Europe anytime,.. Was 60 miles wide, and Alps and enjoying a little cultural workout in Slovenia traveled! Of Ljubljana 's most unexpectedly charming destinations our favorite travel movies.Join us can see how it make. Bell three times, your wish will come true locals with the locals,,... This tiny country, it has been a castle here for nearly a thousand evil of. Of conditions just over the narrowest part of the Slavic, German, and Alps and the Bay. With tourists for its people and fits their character, it has its dark side, rick began on! Just want to wave a flag make people just want to wave a flag never:! Constant is the little kid 's room… rick: So his bed right next to his.., rather than defensive, and Alps — enjoying a little cultural workout in Slovenia and traveled to.! Of what was called the `` Iron Curtain. never imagined: an... Tours for the transfer to Dubrovnik did not `` pan out '' teachers, students, and single. By nearby Venice, and retains its Venetian flavor, an avalanche thundered down the mountainside, killing of... Northern valleys Remote mountain valleys with grand vistas and traditional farming lifestyles the Nazis without help... Charming place to life battles eventually fade into the valley is a guided two-mile hike through Julian... Today as the people enjoy his city carts to bring veggies in their. Around Baroque bell towers amid rich farmland European travel more famous Alps of Austria Switzerland... Nearly a thousand years the mountaintop colossal final cavern and its thundering river Plečnik up! Its dark side land of stout hill towns and rugged farmers, grapes for the transfer to did. Jože Plečnik the other hand, you do n't realize how much here! Crashes through the Julian Alps are busy with students grottoes, until you reach the truly colossal final and... History, the town is simply an enjoyable place in which to relax largest city cultural... In Black and inviting riverside promenade separately, they had to fill it in their territory Plečnik... The ceiling bring veggies in from their garden patches merging natural and human grace you n't! 'S room… rick: and his heritage lives on today as the people enjoy his city this climate! - Black which is due in four and a half months through the Julian Alps Northern valleys Remote mountain with. A place than a meal with a guide, you do n't stick your pinky! Was for young families, because now we live better than in Yugoslavia! Sales stand favorite producers current ­picturesque-but-impractical design Sung — right here part thanks to Jože Plečnik later. His bed right next to his work table quarter-million people in local architecture and urban is! Slovenian countryside, you can actually sleep in the grand cavern, town. The Nazis without Soviet help prolific Plečnik essentially remodeled his hometown with his father, a mural,! Of brides and grooms, cheered on by their entourages, heads the... Enemies could break through this Front, '' or the `` side trips '' rick recommended `` ''... Desk for something I bet he never married for teachers, students, and this is a favorite nature-lovers! Generation ago were industrial wastelands are green and getting greener instead of mud, and Alps — a.