Once in a Lifetime Overseas Adventure to Enchanting Slovenia and Beautiful Venice
Discover Slovenia, one of the most picturesque countries in the world, as you join us for a tour presented in cooperation with the Embassy of Slovenia. Experience Slovenian landscapes, nature, cuisine, wine and discover one of Europe's finest travel destinations.
Please note that the cost of the trip is subject to increase as we approach the date of the trip due to increasing airfare costs. Please reserve your tickets now to take advantage of the currently offered pricing for the trip.

Event Date

Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 4:30 PM

Event Address

Departure to Slovenia from Dulless Airport (IAD)
 1 Saarinen Cir
Dulles VA 20166

Requested Attire

Please bring a variety of spring and summer attire and check the expected weather in Slovenia when packing.

Event Description

Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience enchanting Slovenia and beautiful Venice by joining us for an overseas adventure presented in cooperation with the Embassy of Slovenia. The picturesque scenery, with an abundance of natural beauty all around, Slovenia is the is the perfect destination for a relaxed and luxurious holiday! You will be in the care of one of Slovenia's finest tour operators so you can sit back and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the serene landscapes that make up Slovenia.



Your 6 Day Trip includes the Following Experiences:
All hotel stays during the 6 day trip to Slovenia
Airport transfers as well as all ground transportation to the included excursions and attractions
Breakfast at the hotel for each day of your visit, excluding the day of arrival
Dinner on each day of your visit, with the exclusion of the date of your departure and the visit to Venice
lunch at the Otocec Castle
Welcome drink with your tour guide and program presentation
Ljubljana private city tour:
“Under the bridges” Ljubljanica river boat ride
Emona 2000 private guided tour
Ljubljana old town walk with guide
Cable Rail car ride to Ljubljana castle
Private tour of Ljubljana castle 
Lake Bled private tour:
Visit Bled Castle
Private boat ride to the island on Lake Bled
Visit church on the island
City tour of Venice
Private city tour of Piran
Private entry to UNESCO Škocjan Caves
Time to explore Goriška Brda (private tour with guide)
Private wine tasting

The Trip includes the following Gourmet Meals:
Welcome dinner - Traditional Slovenian dinner in JB restaurant
“President TITO” style dinner in hotel Toplice restaurant Julijana
Wine Tasting
Homemade dinner in Goriška Brda
Late lunch at Otocec castle
Farewell dinner in hotel Balnea

Receive a VIP greeting upon arrival before being transferred to your hotel with easy access to visiting world famous caves, swimming in glacier lakes, climbing in the mountains, exploring the Julian Alps or relaxing beside the Adriatic Sea.

Ljubljana, the Capital of Slovenia, is a spectacular starting point to explore the country. The diversity
of Slovenia offers you Mediterranean coast, Karst region, Alpine region, 3 wine regions, and much more.

Unique and Exclusive
Gorgeous scenery. Total relaxation. Unforgettable adventures.
Gourmet dinning. Boutique accommodation. Designed just for you....

Welcome to Slovenia
Upon arrival at the airport, you will meet your tour guide who will also be your personal concierge to guide you through your trip and arrange for your transfer to the hotel.

  

Ljubljana
Ljubljana’s unique character is mainly due to the mixture of two very different but complementary features: on one hand, the city is famed for its historical heritage and traditions; on the other, it is a relatively young city with a modern lifestyle (the average age of its residents is only slightly above 30). Ljubljana is visited by scientists attracted by the international reputation of its university, world renowned artists fascinated by its vibrant and creative spirit, business-men attending business meetings and trade exhibitions, and international experts attracted by the conferences held in the city.



Boat ride
No trip to Ljubljana is complete without taking a boat tour, and the hand-made wooden boat operated by the young team at Laker Craft is easily the most attractive of all the crafts plying the waters of the Ljubljanica. A ride lasts just under an hour, and offers views of most of the old town’s major sights from a unique vantage point.

Your tour guide will take a tour of Ljubljana’s streets, squares, and buildings where the remains of 2000 years old Emona have survived to the present day. At a restaurant located in the vicinity of the former Roman forum you will have an opportunity to taste a Roman drink and dessert. The tour will include the remains of Emona’s northern city gate and burial ground.During this guided tour of Roman Ljubljana you will put on Roman attire and get to know the daily life and customs of the residents of Emona, who lived on the site of Ljubljana 2,000 years ago.

JB restaurant
Located in downtown Ljubljana, Slovenia, it is S.Pellegrino’s Top 100 World’s Best Restaurant. It’s the closest interpretation of a sophisticated pallet you’ll ever experience in this region. Welcome to the world of culinary
art of world renowned chef Janez Bratovz. His menu is based on the relationship between the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, representing four tastes – sweet, salty, sour, and bitter.

 

Ljubljana old town walk
During the tour you will see most of Ljubljana top attractions. The guide will explain Ljubljana’s history and show you some of the nicest corners of Slovenia’s capital: The Town Hall, a walking tour of Plecnik’s architectural masterpieces, Križanke open-air teather, the Napoleon monument, Central Food market, Prešern square, Congress
Square, Three Bridges, Dragon bridge and all the other prominent Ljubljana’s bridges in old part of Ljubljana ... The old city centre of Ljubljana is remarkable for its unique architecture, owes its appearance to Baroque and Art Nouveau masters and, most of all, the architect Jože Plecnik.

Ljubljana Castle tour
You will access the castle by rail car ride up to the castle. Ljubljana’s most prominent landmark is Ljubljana Castle, which has undergone numerous changes over its rich and dynamic history. Time Machine: Six time stations, six costumed character, a Castle guide – more than just a classic guided tour of the Ljubljana castle.

Strelec Restaurant
Perched high up in the archer’s tower, Ljubljana castle’s new restaurant overlooks the city from a grand position. A combination of the Roman Emona, Medieval and modern in terms of both cuisine and ambiance, the menu was created with the help of top ethnology professor Dr. Janez Bogataj. Historically reminiscent dishes of slick gourmet modernity are crafted with ingredients from Ljubljana’s famed market by the star of the show: chef Igor Jagodic. Recognized as one of the top three chefs in Slovenia, he was previously at the renowned Vila Bled, and now takes care of the sublime offerings at Strelec.

 

Bled
With immense natural beauty, Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The beauty of the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air arouse pleasant feelings in visitors throughout the year, guaranteeing an ideal
base or a relaxing break or an active holiday. Bled attracts businessmen, artists, athletes, explorers, sport enthusiasts, the old and the young, from all over the world, enchanting them to return again and again! In the
middle of the lake there is an island with a beautiful church.

Bled Castle
The Bled Castle offers the finest view of the Bled Island, the town of Bled and of the wider countryside of the Gorenjska region. Experience the picturesque architecture of the castle and the museum collection, representing the historical development of Bled, its culture and its population. Get familiar with the traditional manual technological
procedures of printing in the castle printing shop, order a small bottle of wine and seal it with sealing wax in the castle cellar, and allow yourself to be healthy, feel better and delight yourself with natural products from
the herbal gallery. Recover your strength in the castle restaurant.

 

Pletna boat ride
Take a trip across the lake in the traditional Pletna boat and relax in the atmosphere. You will experience a boat ride with Pletna to the Island of Bled. What is the Pletna boat? It is a traditional boat made by locals which is only known at Bled – the Pletna boat. The origins of the Pletna boat go back to 1590. The Pletna boat is a wooden flat-bottom boat with a pointed bow and the stern widened with a step to enable passengers to enter.

 

Bled Island
The most recognizable symbol of the lake is island and 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. 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.



Juliana Restaurant in Grand Hotel Toplice
The Julijana Restaurant is situated in Bled’s oldest hotel, the elegant Grand Hotel Toplice. Thanks to its intimate atmosphere and enchanting views of the lake, the Julijana Restaurant is one of the most popular fine dinning restaurants on Bled. The restaurant has one of the best locations in Bled. Enjoy the breathtaking view over the lake and you will feel like you can touch the surface of the water. Chef of a restaurant is Simon Bertoncelj. He is one of the younger generation of Slovenian chefs. He strives for perfection and harmony of dishes and lavours. Simon
Bertoncelj is a member of the Slovenian Culinary Olympics team.



Venice
A world famous city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. It is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon which stretches along the shoreline, between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. The city in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon. Venice is one of the most important tourist
destinations in the world for its celebrated art and architecture. In this tour you will have to see the top Venice attractions, especially if you are irst-time visitor. You’ll visit St Mark’s Basilica in St Mark’s Square along-
side other famous highlights, and discover the ‘real Venice’ as you enter a labyrinth of narrow passageways and alleys.

 

Piran town
The old seaport of Piran lies at the end of the Piran peninsula, which gradually narrows between the bays of Strunjan and Piran. The peninsula reaches Cape Madona, ending with the Šavrini hills. The town has preserved the medieval layout with narrow streets and compact houses, which rise in steps from the coastal lowland into the hills and give the whole area a typical Mediterranean look.

Škocjan Caves
The most beautiful part of the Škocjan Caves Park is undoubtedly a set of eleven caves, collapsed dolines, ponors and natural bridges known as the Škocjan Caves. They are the most important underground phenomena of the Karst and on the opinion of international experts one of the most beautiful pearls on Earth.



Goriška Brda
Are the most western part of Slovenia. Brda region is known of wines, olives and fruit. The region offers you many opportunities for wine testing and local gastronomy experiences. Wide range of high-quality wines, tempting flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, healthy, fresh and home-made Brda food, high-quality olive oil and fruit, the Brda region also offers numerous opportunities to spend active leisure time in the nature.

Otocec castle
The country’s only castle completely surrounded by water is Home to the de Werde noblemen in the 13th century, who were also known as the Knights of Otocec, this castle is the only one in Slovenia that sits on a river island.The magniicent castle on the river Krka was for centuries both a stronghold and a gracious home to numerous noble families.




Please note that the cost of the trip is subject to increase as we approach the date of the trip due to increasing airfare costs. Please reserve your tickets now to take advantage of the currently offered pricing for the trip.

Event Agenda (May change)

Day 1
Let’s go
• Departure to Slovenia from Washington International Airport (IAD)

Day 2
Welcome to Slovenia and Day at Coast
• Arrival to Ljubljana International Airport (LJU)
• Meet & Greet by Imperial City Concierge at the airport
• Private transfer to Piran
• Free time for lunch
• Private tour with a guide in Piran
• Free afternoon for leisure
• Time for yourself and relax
• Overnight in hotel in Portorož

Day 3
Venice
• Early morning Breakfast at the hotel
• Drive to city of Piran to board Speed boat to Venice
• Boat ride to Venice
• City tour of Venice
• Time for lunch (option Aman Hotel Venice)
• Boat ride back to city of Piran
• Drive to Ljubljana
• Overnight in hotel in Ljubljana

Day 4
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Ljubljana old town walk with guide
• “Under the bridges” Ljubljanica river boat ride
• Funicular ride to Ljubljana castle
• Visit castle multimedia museum
• Private tour of Ljubljana castle
• Optional Lunch in gourmet restaurant in the castle
• Free afternoon for leisure
• Overnight in hotel in Ljubljana

Day 5
To the Lake Bled & “President Tito” style dinner
• Drive to lake Bled
• Visit Bled Castle
• Private boat ride to the island on Lake Bled
• Visit of the church on the island
• “President TITO” style lunchin hotel Toplice restaurant Julijana
• Drive back to Ljubljana
• Free afternoon for leisure
• Overnight in hotel in Ljubljana

Day 6
UNESCO protected Škocijan Caves and Goriška Brda wine region with farewell dinner
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Drive to UNESCO Škocjan Caves
• Private entry to caves
• Drive to Goriška Brda wine region
• Time to explore Goriška Brda
• Private wine degustation
• Home made dinner
• Overnight in hotel in Goriška Brda

Day 7
Time to say goodbye
• Early breakfast at the hotel
• Departure to the airport
• Arrival to Washington International airport (IAD)

We Are Grateful for Your Support

We greatly appreciate your contribution towards the International Club of DC Inc by making your reservation. Your support makes it possible for us to present diverse cultural events to our members. Kindly note that your contribution is unrelated to the embassy or venue the event is being presented at and all proceeds from the event are used solely by International Club of DC Inc. to cover expenses related to presenting cultural events to our members.

Map/Parking

We will meet as a group at Dulles International Airport at 4:30 PM. Please make sure you arrive at the airport on time. If you miss your flight, no refunds can be offered. Minimum trip participation count applies.
Please note that the map is enclosed below as a courtesy to you and for your convenience but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the map or the directions provided by Google. It is your responsibly to arrive safely and on time at the address of the event disclosed above.

Parking is limited to street parking in the vicinity of the venue. Kindly note that, as is the case in most major cities, the availability of street parking in Washington DC is limited and beyond our control. Due to the limited availability of parking, we highly recommend a cab, Uber/Lyft or other transportation option. The event start at the designated time so please allow sufficient time for traffic/travel/transportation and parking as these factors are beyond our control.

Event Notes

Trip to Slovenia: Trip Details and Inclusions

Flight Details Updated here shortly.

Accommodations:
3x Grand Union Hotel **** (Bed & Breakfast)
1x Hotel Balena **** Superior (Bed & Breakfast)
1x Hotel San Martin, Eco Friendly hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Gourmet Meals (drinks not included, except where specified):
Welcome dinner - Traditional Slovenian dinner in JB restaurant
“President TITO” style dinner in hotel Toplice restaurant Julijana
Wine Tasting
Homemade dinner in Goriška Brda
Late lunch at Otocec castle
Farewell dinner in hotel Balnea Included in Trip:
Welcome drink with your tour designer and program presentation

Trip Includes
Private city tour of Ljubljana
"Under the bridges" Ljubljanica river boat ride
Emona 2000 private guided tour
Ljubljana old town walk with guide
Ride to Ljubljana castle
Visit castle multimedia museum
Private tour of Ljubljana castle
Lake Bled private tour
Visit Bled Castle
Private boat ride to the island on Lake Bled
Visit of the church on the island
City tour of Venice
Private city tour of Piran
Private entry to UNESCO Škocjan Caves
Time to explore Goriška Brda
Private wine tasting Transfers & services:
Meet & Greet by Imperial City Concierge at the airport
All transfers with bus between locations in Slovenia
Boat ride to Venice
English speaking guide Price per Person (including Handling Fee, minimum 12 guests)

Room Rates:
Double Room, double occupancy, 1 bed, 2 guests sharing $2.989,00
Twin Room, double occupancy, 2 beds, 2 guests sharing $2.989,00
Single Room, single occupancy, 1 bed, 1 guest $3.239,00
Suite, double occupancy, 1 bed, 2 guests sharing $3.339,00

The package price does not include:
Other optional excursions
Personal extras & Tips
Drinks where not specified
Certain trip excursions are subject to change
What not clearly mentioned in "the package price includes"