6-Nights Highlights of Ljubljana and Lake Bled

Ljubljana

This charming, inexpensive city with its relaxed pace, active cafe life and fondness for poets could be "the next Prague" with its own distinctive character. Several remaining structures show Roman and Baroque influences. The heart of the city lies on both sides of the Ljubljanica River. Over time, architects have used the Ljubljanica as an opportunity to build a handful of tasteful bridges. On one side of the river are the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, which sits in the shadow of Ljubljana Castle. On the other side of the Ljubljanica is Tivoli castle, a graphic arts center, and the main shopping streets, lined by graceful art-nouveau buildings. The ultramodern Cultural and Congress Center, near the neo-rococo Opera House, is the setting for cultural performances. Worth seeing are the Franciscan Church and the Baroque town hall, with its monumental fountain. Hike to the top of 3,600-ft Mt. Katarina from Ljubljana. A trail begins in the suburb of Podutik before winding through spruce forests and up to a small church at the mountain's peak.

Bled

Bled became an independent, self-governing municipality in 1995. Its natural beauty, points of interest, and advantageous location south of the Alps, make Bled ideal for tourism. The castle, the lake, and the island in the middle of the lake are sights by which Bled is known world-wide. Bled Castle, a silent witness to its former power, stands watch over the town perched on a rock high above the lake. Lake Bled is renowned for exceptional beauty. The forested slopes of the Jelovica and Pokljuka, the Julian Alps with their highest peak Triglav - the simbol of the Slovenian nation - and the Karavanke Mountains, serve as the background to this heavenly spot. In the middle of the lake lies the island with the Church of the Assumption - both of which have a rich history. Inside the church there is the wishing bell from 1534. Bled and its surroundings provide a number of interesting sights worth a visit.