Sigthseeings

Bled.

HIDDEN GEM.

Bled is the most recognizable tourist destination in Slovenia and the symbol of Slovenia’s beauty in general. It is recognizable by its picturesque lake, the only natural island in Slovenia with a picture-postcard church, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and surrounding Karavanke mountains.

Bled is nominated as one of the seven new wonders of the world. The island in Lake Bled, which a world-renowned paradise for centuries, impressing visitors with its natural beauty, houses a 17th-century church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. You can reach the island on a traditional »pletna« boat and get to the church and ring the wishing bell by climbing the beautiful Baroque staircase of 99 stone steps. It is considered good luck for the groom to carry his bride up the stairs on their wedding day.

You can admire the most beautiful view of the lake and its island from a medieval castle towering over the lake on a cliff. The castle has been the location of important diplomatic and state protocol meetings. In addition to the picturesque architecture, this 12th-century castle is also home to a museum collection. In the summer months, you can meet a castle lord or experience an archery tournament.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Lake Bled was considered to be the most beautiful health resort in Austria-Hungary. After World War II, this was the location of one of the most important state protocol residences. Vila Bled has retained this function to the present day.

Bled is also widely known for its culinary excellence and a famous dessert, the Bled Cream Cake “kremšnita” made using an original recipe from over 60 years ago. More than 12 million pieces of this dessert have been sold in Lake Bled so far.

Venice.

THE CITY ON WATER.

Venice is the capital of the Veneto region in Italy and it is situated on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. Its biggest canal is the Grand Canal, which divides Venice into two regions and it is lined with 170 buildings.

This outstanding and romantic city with a population of nearly 60 thousand in the historic part used to be the capital of the Republic of Venice from 697 to 1797, a major financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and an important centre of commerce and art. It is considered to have been the first real international financial centre which made Venice a wealthy city throughout most of its history. The name Venice derives from the ancient Veneti people who inhabited the region by the 10th century BC. After being annexed by the Austrian Empire it became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.

Venice is famous for 350 gondolas and 400 gondoliers serve as city taxi drivers. Venetian folklore says that if a couple in a gondola kiss as they pass underneath each bridge they will remain in love forever.

Venice is home to more than 450 palaces. One of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture is the Palazzo Vendramin, a prestigious example of Venetian late Gothic architecture is the Ca’ d’Oro palace. Other »must-see« palaces are The Doge’s Palace, Palazzo Fortuny, Ca’ Rezzonico, Ca’ Pesaro that today serve as museums and universities. Important to mention is also the world-renowned 100-metres tall San Marco bell tower.

Interesting to mentions is that the first woman in the world to graduate was born in Venice in 1646 and also the first public casino in the world was opened in Venice in 1638. The city itself is believed to be sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimetres each year.

The tour starts in front of the Vic dorm. It takes about two and a half hours to reach the city. You will start with a city walking tour visiting the most important attractions like St. Mark’s square, Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace. You will be able to discover the city on your own with some free time. You will return to Ljubljana in the late afternoon.