Best of Slovenia & Venice

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Ljubljana with Lake Bled & the Julian Alps, Portoroz with Piran & Goriska Brda, Venice

This tour includes comprehensive private touring of the cultural, scenic and culinary highlights of Slovenia and Venice.

Begin in Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. During private touring, explore the Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture in the historic center; enjoy a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city; visit Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views over the capital from a forested hilltop; tour the National Gallery of Slovenia; browse local markets and shops; and enjoy leisure time to relax at local cafes and restaurants.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the beautiful Julian Alps. At iconic Lake Bled, ride in a private pletna (flat-bottomed wooden boat) to a tiny island with a picturesque church and bell tower. Also see Bled Castle, which perches atop rocky cliffs overlooking the water. Continue to Lake Bohinj, a picture-perfect mountain lake surrounded by the rocky peaks of Triglav National Park. Perhaps opt for a scenic walk on a lakeside trail, or ride a cable car for incredible bird's-eye views over the lake and mountains.

Next, transfer to Portoroz. En route, see the incredible stalactites and stalagmites inside Postojna Cave or the dramatic karst chambers inside Skocjan Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps also visit Lipica Stud Farm, where Lipizzaner horses have been bred for centuries, or Predjama Castle, a medieval fortress built into high stone cliffs. Continue to Portoroz, a resort town on the Adriatic Sea, and enjoy private excursions in the region. One day, explore picturesque Piran, a walled Venetian port town on a small peninsula. Also visit Secovlje Salina Nature Park to see salt pans that have produced salt for centuries and a fish farm that raises sea bass and mussels in Piran Bay.

Continue to Venice. En route, visit the beautiful Goriska Brda wine region to see charming medieval hill towns and sample Slovenian wines at top wineries tucked into the rolling landscape. Also enjoy regional culinary highlights such as olive oil and seasonal fruit. During flexible private touring in Venice, visit favorite local neighborhoods, museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and specialty shops. Also, take a private cruise through the fascinating Venetian lagoon to visit islands such as Murano, which is famous for its glass, Burano and Torcello. Your expert guide will ensure that you discover the best of Venice including learning about the origins of Venice's unique architecture and cityscape, discovering hidden neighborhoods, and sampling local food and wine at Venetian bacari (bars). Also enjoy a gondola ride with musicians through the narrow canals and a "secret itineraries" tour of the Doge's Palace. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange activities such as shopping for high-quality glass and silks, a private Venetian mask-painting lesson, special access to museums and art sites, and much more.