Plus you'll get all this, too. The house of Ljubljana's favorite son is on an unassuming street. Rick: Whoa. By the 16th century, Predjama had become a castle for hunting more than for defense — explaining its current picturesque-but-impractical design. Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. There's no keel, so the skilled oarsmen work hard to steer the flat-bottomed boat with each stroke. The house can be toured only with a guide, whose enthusiasm brings the place to life. Rick: And his heritage lives on today as the people enjoy his city. Until next time, keep on travelin'. Ljubljana's single best activity is simply strolling the riverfront promenade and sitting in an outdoor café watching the stylish Slovenes strut their stuff. Vendor: Pol kilo. The island has been a special gathering point through the ages. Rick: What would you tell me? With over a million casualties, it was nicknamed the "Valley of the Cemeteries.". (18:20), Do-over for my Poland trip - adding a little countryside. This modest but world-class museum offers a haunting look at the tragedy of the Soča Front. Fancy facades and whimsical bridges ornament daily life with a Slovenian twist. Rick: So, Plečnik is very important to the Slovenian people. Sašo: Anže. Sašo: Yes. Rick: And…? And much of the fighting was actually done way up high, on the frigid mountain cliffs. But still, you know, it's a propaganda of Eastern Europe — but it was so different over here. I read the section in my Rick Steves travel book about the Julian Alps (named for Julius Ceasar) which are in the NW part of Slovenia. Rick: Anže! An earthquake leveled the city in 1895. Rick: Today, are you happier with or without Tito and Yugoslavia? Natalija: Absolutely. Rick Steves' Europe | Episode | The Best of Slovenia. ▲▲ Ljubljana Slovenia's vibrant yet relaxing capital, with a fun-to-browse riverside market, scintillating architecture, and inviting riverside promenade. Sašo: We are almost halfway through. Rick's tip to use Korkyra Tours for the transfer to Dubrovnik did not "pan out". The main attraction is a guided two-mile hike through the caves. This is our living room. But one thing that's constant is the warmth and hospitality of its people. But if you look all around, you will see there are many, many personal objects…his glasses, or — for example — his hat. Inside Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more in Croatia and Slovenia, with side trips to Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The cave finally widens, sunlight pours in, and visitors emerge — like lost creatures seeking daylight — into a lush canyon. This version dates from the 16th century. (37:02), Little Pleasures in Slovenia The traffic-free harborfront — lined with Slovenes enjoying fresh seafood — is made-to-order for a stroll. Five hundred years later, during World War I, Austrians used it to keep Italians out of their territory. But year-round it teems with Croatian locals living life to the fullest. The main square was once a protected harbor…until it began to stink so bad, they had to fill it in. Like Gaudí shaped Barcelona and Bernini shaped Rome, Plečnik shaped Ljubljana. These days, Piran's walls are inviting rather than defensive, and the town is simply an enjoyable place in which to relax. These Alps, with their craggy limestone ridges, bring to mind Italy's Dolomites just over the border. ▲▲ Julian Alps Cut-glass peaks easily conquered by a twisty and scenic mountain road over the Vršič Pass, ending in the tranquil Soča River Valley, with the fine WWI museum in Kobarid. Stroll atop the walls that encircle romantic Dubrovnik, wander through the Roman ruins in the heart of bustling Split, and set sail to the islands of Korcula and Hvar on the glimmering Adriatic. Rick: So, how was communism in Yugoslavia different from all the communism we think about with the USSR? Mostar and the Bay of Kotor were Highlights of our trip. Now, I still can't get over that, because — I've got to say — in America, there is a stigma about people in their 30s still with their mom and dad, raising their kids upstairs. For good or bad workers, the wage was all the same. When to Go to Croatia and Slovenia At the height of the tourist season, Split, Croatia, is jammed with daytime cruise ship visitors. But behind the gate, in his garden, the creative world of Plečnik opens up. Rick: That's worse than "Your mother wears army boots.". With this guide, you'll explore charming towns and undiscovered natural wonders. Bag measures about 17” long and 12” wide. But the Soča Front was 60 miles wide, and many of the defenses were more crude and remote. This is quite a surprise. It was all over Eastern Europe, and if you look at the picture, you can see the proud workers, you know, carrying their tools. Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a free online video library for teachers, students, and parents. Tito and his Partisan Army booted the Nazis without Soviet help. Natalija: That is the most important. The first half of the experience is the "Silent Caves" (so called for the lack of running water), with a wide array of wondrous formations and what seem like large caverns. Rick Steves' Europe. No rips or stains. Exploring the Slovenian countryside, you get the feeling that things work. Some farmers still use wooden carts to bring veggies in from their garden patches. Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. Rick: With Grandma and Grandpa downstairs. Škocjan offers fantastical cave formations and a spectacularly vast canyon with a raging underground river. As Yugoslavia broke up into separate countries in the 1990s, Slovenia became independent after a 11-day war. One of Ljubljana's most insteresting sights is the house of the architecht who redesigned much of his city. Lake Bled's little island (Otok) is capped by a super-cute church that is pretty to look at from afar but also fun to visit. Rick: Pol kilo. He left such a strong mark, not only in Vienna and Prague, but definitely in Ljubljana, because all the land accesses and river accesses are designed by Plečnik. Rick: Dober dan! Italy. Rick Steves takes a cultural voyage through this charming, former Yugoslavian country, starting at its lively capital then heading toward the Julian Alps and to the Slovenian … During one winter alone, some 60,000 soldiers were killed by avalanches. “Slovenia — for my money, the most underrated country in Europe”. Natalija: That is the most important. It memorializes 7,000 Italian soldiers — victims of just one battle. You can email Rick at rick… Here in what was Tito's ballroom, a mural survives, telling of WWII heroics. Edmonds resident Rick Steves writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. Rick: Anže will have a roommate. I hope you've enjoyed Slovenia. Dates & length Places Filters. He was always wearing it and always dressed in black. We will be on schedule when we need to be on schedule. Read More. In the 15th century, the Italians had a fort here to defend against the Ottomans. Gorazd: Good for bad workers, yes. Vendor: Dober dan. And Slovenia, tucked away where Germanic, Mediterranean, and Slavic worlds meet, is one of Europe's most fascinating, yet least visited corners. This is where we spend rainy afternoons. Villages gather around Baroque bell towers amid rich farmland. Sašo: We will curse. Rick Steves Travel Talks 16,344 views 17:25 Piazza Armerina, Sicily: Villa Romana del Casale - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite - Duration: 2:55. Hike up to the cathedral and scale the Venetian-style bell tower. Sašo: Built-in babysitters. ▲ Logarska Dolina and the Northern Valleys Remote mountain valleys with grand vistas and traditional farming lifestyles. In this unpredictable climate, hay is hung on the rack to stay dry. A small, friendly group of 24 people — half the size of most tour groups; The services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Eastern Europe come alive for you; All group transportation from Prague to Lake Bled, Slovenia; 14 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels The Kluže Fort keeps vigil over the narrowest part of the valley, which leads from Italy, through Slovenia, toward Austria. 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