Ljubljana , (SLOVENIA/EUROPE)

A legend says that Ljubljana was founded by Jason, a hero of Greek mythology who stole the golden fleece from King Aeëtes and then fled aboard the Argo with his comrades, known as the Argonauts, across the Black Sea and up the Danube and the Sava until they reached the Ljubljanica. There they dismantled their ship in order to carry it overland to the Adriatic coast, where they rebuilt the vessel and set sail back to Greece. On their way to the coast, they stopped at a large lake near the source of the Ljubljanica, where a dragon was said to dwell,  Jason fought, defeated and killed the monster.

Based on this legend , the dragon from its initial portrayal as a monster, transformed into a symbolic protector of the city, embodying power and courage. Dragon figures are part of city tradition and you will see them everywhere as well as on the branding of numerous Slovene products.

Nestled in the heart of Slovenia, Ljubljana is surprisingly overlooked for all its charm and beauty. With its Baroque architecture, picturesque courtyards, serene riverbanks and sublime cuisine, Ljubljana is a dream destination for a short city-break. 

Ljubljana has an astonishing number of bridges and the most impressive are Dragon Bridge, Triple Bridge, Cobbler’s Bridge and Butcher’s Bridge.

Prešeren Square is the beating heart of Ljubljana, named after Slovenia’s greatest poet, France Prešeren. It’s a major meeting point where festivals and concerts events take place. Admire the iconic pink Franciscan Church and the statue of Prešeren with his muse, surrounded by a vibrant mix of cafés, shops, and architectural delights. 

Step back in time as you wander through the cobblestone streets of Ljubljana’s charming Old Town. Admire the Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and the vast array or statues. Here , you will find also a lot of shops with local crafts.  

On the edge of the old town on Miklošičeva ulica street, there is the  Vurnik House. It was built in 1921 to a design by the architect Ivan Vurnik and it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Slovenian national style architecture. Umfortunately which nowadays is a bank.

Visit Ljubljana’s open-air markets. The Central Market, held in Vodnik Square, offers an array of fresh produce, local crafts, and Slovenian specialties. Every Sunday there’s also a sprawling Flea Market along the Ljubljanica River in the Old Town. You’ll find all kinds of things such as  vintage furniture, collectible coins , books and much more.

Don’t miss the St. Nicholas Cathedral, with its intricate Baroque façade and stunning interiors, is a must-visit. The doors are made from solid bronze and were created to commemorate the visit to the cathedral of Pope John Paul II. 

Join a boat tour along the Ljubljanica River, which allows you to see the city from a unique perspective. 

You should not miss a full day tour to Lake Bled which often mentioned as the pearl of the Slovenian Alpine region due to its emerald-green waters, picture-perfect postcard church on the island, medieval castle on the rocky cliff, and some of the highest peaks of the Slovenian Alps as the background. Take a short walk along the lakeshore as the beauty of the surrounding mountains reflects off the lake surface. Perched atop a steep cliff more than 100 meters above the lake, Bled Castle is the iconic image of a medieval fortress, with towers, ramparts, moats and a terrace offering magnificent views. The castle houses a unique treasure – a reconstruction of Gutenberg’s wooden printing press, on which the master printer will demonstrate old printing techniques using hand-made paper. Take the Pletna boat, a traditional boat known only to this region, to the tiny tear-shaped island on the lake.

Last but not least , don’t miss the stalagmites inside Postojna Cave. A full day tour to  Slovenia’s most enchanting wonders, Predjama Castle and the Postojna Caves. Discover the Postojna Caves and uncovers the fascinating world of an unusual amphibian known as the blind salamanders or referred to locally as “human fish”. Explore this enthralling underground world, while your guide explains the geologic forces that created them. Next, head to the Predjama Castle, a storybook castle wedged beneath a dramatic stone archway and against a cliff. Admire the unique Renaissance architecture of the castle located in south-central Slovenia, in the historical region of Inner Carniola.