Christmas in Ljubljana Tour

Our second new Christmas tour for 2024 takes us to the little known country of Slovenia and its atmospheric capital, Ljubljana, one of the best cities in Europe to see Art Nouveau architecture as well as a charming old town that is almost entirely pedestrianised, making it a joy to explore on foot from our very central base. As well as free time to explore Ljubljana, this tour also includes excursions to Lake Bled, Predjama Castle, a train ride through Postojna caves, and a guided walking tour around Radovljica, plus a boat cruise in the city combine for a festive tour to linger long in the memory.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Ljubljana.
On arrival, transfer to the city centre for check in for 7 night stay.   Cold plate on arrival.

Day 2 Ljubljana guided walking tour and visit to Castle.
This morning we will enjoy a guided walking tour (the best way to see the city) of Slovenia’s charming capital. Highlights include the 900 year old castle (entrance included), Dragon Bridge, Presernov Square, flanked by lovely classical, Baroque and Art Nouveau Buildings, Piecnik designed Market and 18th century cathedral. Evening free.

Day 3 Lake Bled and Castle.
A wonderfully scenic day as we head into the Julian Alps to visit Lake Bled and its castle. We’ll start with a visit to medieval Bled Castle, perched atop a cliff 130 metres above Lake Bled with wonderful views.  Time free for lunch and afternoon to explore Bled’s tiny one-acre island with its 17th century church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, accessible by a traditional wooden boat, known as a Pletna.  Or, for the energetic, a 6km circular walk around the lake offers wonderful lake and mountain views.  Evening free.

Day 4 Predjama Castle and Postojna Caves with lunch.
A full day out of the city takes us to the spectacular cave 24km long formations at Postojna, explored on an underground railway. Above ground, the castle at Predjama has been perched in the middle of a 123-metre high cliff for more than 800 years. Built into the cliffside, the castle has a series of secret tunnels and was home to the rebellious knight Erazem in the middle ages, who withstood the imperial army’s siege of the castle for over a year.  Our day will include a traditional Slovenian lunch.  Evening free.

Day 5 Boat cruise, afternoon free and Christmas Eve festive dinner with wine at the hotel.
This morning a boat trip along the city’s eponymous river will show you the sights from a different angle.  The afternoon is free to continue exploring this beautiful and under-rated city before a festive Christmas Eve dinner at our hotel.

Day 6 Day free with Christmas Day dinner.
Day free to relax or enjoy a wintry stroll before dinner at an atmospheric local restaurant a short walk from the hotel.

Day 7 Radovljica with guided walking tour.
We head out of the city today to Radovljica, a picturesque medieval town with a moat and views of the Karavanke Alps and the Julian Alps, where we will enjoy a guided walking tour to show us the main sights.  It is often referred to as Sweet Radovljica (Radol'ca), thanks to its tradition of beekeeping and honey, which has now been supplemented with chocolate makers – and it is host to an annual Chocolate Festival.  Evening free.

Day 8 Transfer to the airport for return flight to Gatwick

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Ljubljana
• Seven nights bed and breakfast at the four star Grand Hotel Union, based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Cold plate at the hotel on arrival
• Festive Christmas Eve dinner with wine at the hotel
• Christmas Day dinner
• One lunch
• Transfers, tours and entrance fees as detailed  
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Grand Hotel Union, Ljubljana
Traditional four-star hotel dating back to 1905, located in the heart of the city and constructed in Secession style, which has been welcoming distinguished guests including the British Queen for more than a century.  The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool, wellness centre, historic café, restaurant and atmospheric Art Nouveau bar as well very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, telephone, air-conditioning, minibar, safe and hairdryer.

Hotel Website