The Caves are accessed with a guide and it takes about two hours from start to finish. There were no pictures allowed so I borrowed these from the Slovenia website.
One of the most exhilarating parts was having to cross a narrow bridge over the river that runs below
Another day we took the bus for two hours north of Lublijana to visit another very popular area called Lake Bled. As we drove out of the city the landscape changed fairly quickly to a lovely rural view...
We again were fortunate to have a beautiful day to enjoy the area and decided to walk around Lake Bled which is about 6 or 7 kms on a very easy trail.
There were lots of people out enjoying the day...
One of the most interesting things about the lake is the island in the middle...our first glimpse...
Spring was everywhere
Some of the views of the beautiful homes around the lake...
Most of the Path was paved, one of the easiest walks we have done this winter...
Another view of the lake...
Many shades of blue...
There are various ways to take a trip across the lake or to the island. One of them includes a trip with the traditional boat made by locals which is only known at Bled – the Pletna boat. The origins of the Pletna boat go back to 1590, while it's size allows safe transportation of 20 persons.
The Pletna boat is operated by the Pletna oarsman. This profession is very respected as it cannot be performed just by anyone. The title of the Pletna oarsman was handed down from generation to generation, which is why the profession of “Pletnarstvo” remained in individual families throughout the centuries.
Our oarsman was quite young and handsome, he told us he loves his job and when the season is over he gets to ski and skateboard to stay in shape. This is not an easy job.
When you arrive on the island there are 99 steps to climb to the Church of the Assumption built in the 15th century.
Some people decided to row themselves...
A view from the island...
As we were walking around the rest of the lake we came across this artist who told us he has been in the same spot fir 30 years! He was selling little water colours for 4 Euros so we talked awhile and as we were talking he turned over his water colour and started sketching us! So we now have a double sided piece of art from Slovenia!
One last view of the lake...
We had a wonderful visit here and would highly recommend it.
Not really wanting to leave Lublijana but it was time to move on so we took the bus from there to Piran about a three hour ride. The scenery along the way was quite beautiful...
As we got closer to Piran which is on the sea the scenery changed to very green vineyards...
Piran is a small town located on the Adriatic Sea and belonged to Italy until after WW11 so it still feels somewhat like an Italian town especially it's architecture.
It has a small harbour...
The main square is named after the violinist Giorgio Tartini and is where a lot of the locals hang out...
And tourists, loved this woman's outfit...
We were there on Easter weekend so lots of families with children were out and about...
Again there is a great cafe culture here...
Behind the Main Square is the Market Square where we stayed in a very small apartment, with our view looking down on the market stalls...
Though the prettiest views are out toward the peninsula...
Another view with the red lighthouse in the foreground...
Here you can walk around to the end which is filled with outdoor cafes right on the edge of the water...
The architecture here is reminiscent of Venice
Piran is also a great destination for foodies, especially seafood...
Taking in the beautiful seascapes one day we walked on a paved promenade to the next town called Portoroz which is much bigger and a resort town. The walk took about 45 minutes one way. Here are some scenes along the walk...
Lots of restaurants with scenic views...
Some old fading houses which I really like to take pictures of and when Don complains about how many times I stop with my camera!
But also lots of big ones in the hills overlooking the bay...
That weekend there was a regatta taking place so lots of sailing on the bay...
Also big pleasure boats...
Some people were swimming...
Others sunning themselves...
It was a very pretty walk...
We stopped for lunch where we shared a pizza and some really delicious Slovenian wine.
We decided to go to Mass on Good Friday which was held at 7pm in St. George's Church on top of the hill overlooking the town. The church was built in the 15th century and has undergone some restoration in the past few years.
The views from the top...
The interior of the church with beautiful art displays...
Not many in church and we didn't understand the language, but the choir who sang unaccompanied was unbelievably beautiful. It was the best part of the service.
A cloudy sky
A few random shots...
Piran was a very nice stop and we could see why it is one of the top tourist destinations in Slovenia. We wished we could have seen and explored more of this diverse country, but feel fortunate to have experienced what we did. Now on to Croatia.
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