Fly & Drive De contrasten van Slovenië

About the destination: At first glance, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, seems almost too good to be true. Tucked up against the town’s e-topped hill, the baroque and folk-painted buildings of the old town are like something out of a fairytale. In fact, Ljubljana is very much a part of the real world; industry and the arts flourish here, and commerce is booming lively, lovely, and oh-so-easy for the foreign visitor, modern, sophisticated Ljubljana may well be one of the most pleasant city in Europe. Ljubljana has plenty of places to visit whether they be the city's castle which offers great views over the area from its hill top position, the fine museums and art galleries or taking in the local culture with good local food and drinks, especially beer. The hill with Ljubljana castle is situated in the city centre and narrow river Ljubljanica is slowly circulating around it. The old city centre is situated below this hill on the banks of Ljubljanica River. The focus of the city is Preseren square with its 3 bridges, Tromostovje. From there walk down Stritarjeva street to reach old Ljubljana and Ljubljana castle. Stroll down Copova street to reach Tivoli Park, a gorgeous park, famous for its boulevards, its flower garden and lake. Inside the park we have the International Centre of Graphic Arts. But to really enjoy Ljubljana walk along the Ljubljanica river banks in the evening, listen to the street music, sit in one of the numerous restaurants and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

About the destination: The most recognizable symbol of the lake is the Church of the Assumption with its long and diverse history, however the lush greenery also hides other interesting island buildings, like the bell-tower, church, chaplain's house, provost's house, small hermitage and some mysterious legends. The most renowned symbol of the island is the Church of the Assumption which demands a climb up the 99 stone-step staircase. In case you visit the island in just the right time, make time to witness a wedding in the romantic environment. As far as the wishing bell is concerned. Don't just watch it. Ring it.

About the destination: Portorož/Portorose is an Adriatic coastal town in the Municipality of Piran/Pirano in south-western Slovenia. Its modern development began in the late 19th century with appearance of first health resorts. In the early 20th century it became one of the grandest seaside resorts in Central Europe, along with Opatija/Abbazia, Lido and Grado, then as part of the Austrian Littoral. Part of Italy from 1918 and 1947, it is now one of the country's major tourist areas. Located in the centre is the Hotel Palace, once one of the most important resorts for the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, and currently one of the finest hotels between Venice and Dubrovnik.

About the destination: The region of Lower Carniola is home to Otočec Castle, built on an island and surrounded by Krka River. Romance and fairy-tales are words that come to mind when you see a wooden bridge, the broad expanse of the blue Krka River bustling with swans and ducks, mighty trees, and an island surmounted by a Gothic and Renaissance building. Otočec Castle is the only island castle in Slovenia, and is surrounded by a 200-year old park filled with indigenous and exotic tree species. It dates to the 13th century when it was occupied by the Knights of Otočec, vassals of the Bishops of Freising. After that it had several owners from the Tirolean Villanders family at the beginning of the 16th century, to the Margheri de Commadona family, who owned Otočec up to the end of the Second World War. The natural conditions, which are created at Otočec by the Krka River with its numerous islets, tufa shelves, river channels and exuberant vegetation, represent one of the most picturesque and attractive stretches of river. It has a great variety of aquatic habitats, which are characterized by 32 species of fish, including many rare and endangered species. For bird watchers, Mute Swans, Mallard Ducks, Grey Herons, Great Mitterns, Moorhens, and Kingfishers, with a greater variety of bird species in the winter, favour the Castle environs. Otočec castle was burnt during WWII and the castle furniture was destroyed or dispersed. Both wooden bridges were also damaged. Luckily, the castle was renovated under the supervision of the heritage protection service in the 1950’s, the only castle in the Lower Carniola region to be renovated of the many that were burnt during the WWII. The Castle Park was laid out during the period at the turn of the 18th century. The oldest trees in the park are around 100 years, but the majority were planted after the renovation of the castle the 1950’s. Native tree species are black alder, white willow, black poplar and oak. Today the Castle houses a world-class restaurant and a luxurious hotel, a member of the Relais & Châteaux chain. Weddings and other important events are staged here. A golf course and a health resort are close by.

About the destination: At first glance, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, seems almost too good to be true. Tucked up against the town’s e-topped hill, the baroque and folk-painted buildings of the old town are like something out of a fairytale. In fact, Ljubljana is very much a part of the real world; industry and the arts flourish here, and commerce is booming lively, lovely, and oh-so-easy for the foreign visitor, modern, sophisticated Ljubljana may well be one of the most pleasant city in Europe. Ljubljana has plenty of places to visit whether they be the city's castle which offers great views over the area from its hill top position, the fine museums and art galleries or taking in the local culture with good local food and drinks, especially beer. The hill with Ljubljana castle is situated in the city centre and narrow river Ljubljanica is slowly circulating around it. The old city centre is situated below this hill on the banks of Ljubljanica River. The focus of the city is Preseren square with its 3 bridges, Tromostovje. From there walk down Stritarjeva street to reach old Ljubljana and Ljubljana castle. Stroll down Copova street to reach Tivoli Park, a gorgeous park, famous for its boulevards, its flower garden and lake. Inside the park we have the International Centre of Graphic Arts. But to really enjoy Ljubljana walk along the Ljubljanica river banks in the evening, listen to the street music, sit in one of the numerous restaurants and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.