• Bled Island - The 6 km trail around the lake is perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. This path also leads to scenic spots like Castle Hill and nearby hills offering stunning views. Relax on one of the benches and take in the sight of the lake with its island and the distant Karavanke mountains, while watching ducks and swans on the water. Rowing is a popular activity here, with Bled having a rich tradition in the sport and hosting international competitions. In summer, visitors can cool off in the lake or enjoy the Castle beach, which attracts many tourists each year. In winter, the lake’s surface can freeze over, offering a unique ice skating experience.

The lake was once a tectonic basin, later shaped by the Bohinj glacier. The glacier encountered a massive rock, which it eroded over time, leaving behind the island we see today. As the ice melted, the basin filled with water, forming Lake Bled, which is 2.12 km long and up to 1.30 km wide, with a maximum depth of 30.6 m, making it ideal for diving.

Must-take picture: Capture the elegant swans, traditional Pletna boats, surrounding hills and their reflections on the lake, the picturesque island with its church, and the romantic sunset. There are several ways to explore the lake or reach the island, including a ride on the traditional Pletna boat, unique to Bled. Originating in 1590, the Pletna boat can safely carry 20 passengers and is easily recognizable by its colorful awning that protects from the sun and weather.

The Pletna boat is operated by a Pletna oarsman, a respected profession passed down through generations. The Pletna oarsmen can be found in the Spa Park, under the Park Hotel Bled, in Mlino, and at the Rowing Centre Bled.

What is the Pletna boat?
The Pletna boat is a wooden, flat-bottom boat with a pointed bow and a stern designed for easy passenger boarding. It is rowed using a special “stehrudder” technique, where the oarsman stands and rows with two oars.

The origin of the name
The Pletna boat is believed to be named after its once-wickered roof, or from the German word “plateboot,” meaning flat-bottom boat.

Must-try: Take a ride on the Pletna boat for a unique experience. There’s a saying that you haven’t truly visited Bled unless you’ve taken a trip on a Pletna boat. You can also rent your own boat, but you’ll need to row it yourself. Bled is also famous for its cream cakes, a symbol of the area. Although available elsewhere, the ones from Bled are considered the best. Ištvan Lukačevič, a former manager of the Hotel Park patisserie, perfected the recipe over many years. These cream cakes, sold at the patisserie and the café opposite the hotel, are renowned.

What is the cream cake?
The secret to Bled’s cream cakes lies in the experience of its bakers. Over the past 60 years, they have sold 12 million cream cakes. The cake features a golden, crispy crust made from butter dough, a delicious vanilla cream with the perfect consistency, topped with whipped cream and another layer of crispy butter dough, finished with a dusting of icing sugar. It’s a must-try treat.

Must-taste: After enjoying a traditional Bled meal, treat yourself to a Bled Cream cake.

• Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) - The history of Bled Castle dates back to 1004 when German Emperor Henry II gifted his estate at Bled to Bishop Albuin of Brixen. Initially, only a Romanesque tower protected by walls stood where the castle is today. The first castle was built around 1011, but the Bishops of Brixen never lived there, so the castle lacks luxurious halls, focusing instead on defense.

In the late Middle Ages, more towers were added, and the fortifications were improved. Imagine entering through the outer walls with a Gothic arch and crossing a drawbridge over a moat. Although the moat is now filled with earth, it still sparks the imagination.

The castle’s distinctive feature is its double structure: the fortified central part for feudal lords and the outer part with walls and buildings for servants. In 1511, an earthquake heavily damaged the castle, but it was later restored to its current appearance. The buildings are adorned with coats-of-arms painted in fresco or carved in stone.

The Bled Castle today
Today, Bled Castle serves as an exhibition space. Rooms next to the chapel showcase Bled’s ancient history, the castle’s development, and period furniture, illustrating historical lifestyles. Although not originally from Bled Castle, these pieces are significant for their historical representation.

During warm months, the castle courtyard hosts various cultural events, with Medieval Days, featuring knights and medieval life, being particularly popular.

• Ljubljana Old Town - Ljubljana’s Old Town, a former fortress on a hill in the city’s center, was the seat of the Spanheim family in the Middle Ages. Between 1220 and 1243, the Duke connected the fort with the settlement of Ljubljana.

In the 14th century, when Ljubljana became the capital of Carniola, the fort housed state dignitaries and served as the emperor’s residence during visits. The fort was damaged during the Turkish wars in the 15th century and was subsequently rebuilt, including the residential area and the chapel of St. George. From the 17th century, the ruler moved to the city, and the fort’s importance declined, eventually becoming a state prison for Carniola and Carinthia in the 19th century.

Between 1845 and 1848, a clock tower was added. Throughout the 20th century, the fortress underwent numerous renovations, with the last major one in the 1970s, repurposing it for cultural uses.

• Private transportation
• Dress code is smart casual
• On-board WiFi
• Bottled water
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Stroller accessible
• All fees and/or taxes
• Local licensed guide for Diocletian Palace and Split downtown
• Infant seats available

LJUBLJANA

1. affordable, 2. easy to reach, 3. offers a special unicorn gin and tonic … For a quick getaway, Ljubljana offers numerous experiences in a single day. Specifically, the all-glass funicular links the old town with Ljubljana Castle. A unique perspective of Ljubljana can be gained by a boat cruise on the Ljubljanica River. The riverboat, named after the river itself, includes an optional meal. The boat trip is 45 minutes long and priced at 10 euros per person, or 75 kuna. A special champagne journey for couples is 30 euros or 223 kuna. If you need a pause from exploring, Šmartinski park is the perfect spot, especially if you’re traveling with kids as it’s equipped with plenty of play structures. The park, which features the Tivoli Castle, reaches all the way to the city’s heart.

BLED

Imagine the idyllic weekend escape immersed in nature’s tranquility. Delectable cuisine and kremšnita are irresistible. Don’t miss out on the ‘Pletna’ boat ride.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.