The tasteful exhibits, with fine English descriptions and a pacifist tone, take an even-handed approach to the fighting — without getting hung up on identifying the "good guys" and the "bad guys." Rick: Anže will have a roommate. Fancy facades and whimsical bridges ornament daily life with a Slovenian twist. ©2021 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | His mom was a Slovene, his dad was a Croat, and his wife was a Serb, so he was the only true Yugoslav there was. As if turning its back on its hard-fought history, the city playfully straddles its sleepy river. Ptuj Charming-if-sleepy historic town topped by a castle. Plus you'll get all this, too. Vendor: Our farm, yes. The "side trips" Rick recommended "made" our trip. These days, Piran's walls are inviting rather than defensive, and the town is simply an enjoyable place in which to relax. In this unpredictable climate, hay is hung on the rack to stay dry. Škocjan offers fantastical cave formations and a spectacularly vast canyon with a raging underground river. There's no keel, so the skilled oarsmen work hard to steer the flat-bottomed boat with each stroke. When to Go to Croatia and Slovenia At the height of the tourist season, Split, Croatia, is jammed with daytime cruise ship visitors. Ninety-nine steps lead from the dock up to the summit — and the Church of the Assumption. With this guide, you'll explore charming towns and undiscovered natural wonders. On top, catch your breath by enjoying views of Piran and nearly the entire Slovenian coastline. Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a free online video library for teachers, students, and parents. The defenses included a web of tunnels that went all the way to the tops of the mountains. On summer Saturdays, a steady procession of brides and grooms, cheered on by their entourages, heads for the island. This special episode is a sonnet to travel - an introspective love story, set in Europe, that vividly celebrates the rewards of exploring our world and the joy that awaits those who travel. The Soča continues to cut its way deeper and deeper into this gorge. But it's by far the country's largest city, cultural capital, and a charming place to kick off any Slovenian trip. I can see how it would make people just want to wave a flag. There are very few barriers, so you are in direct contact with the world of the architect. The cave finally widens, sunlight pours in, and visitors emerge — like lost creatures seeking daylight — into a lush canyon. Here in what was Tito's ballroom, a mural survives, telling of WWII heroics. You can email Rick at rick… You can see them with shovels. In this high-end suite, you can actually sleep in the dictator's bed. Rick: So, Plečnik is very important to the Slovenian people. Rick: This is very comfortable and very spacious, really. Day 05: Tuesday, June 1 – Bled. Rick: This is great! Rick Steves' Europe | Episode | The Best of Slovenia. After a lifetime of exploring Europe - and inspiring Americans to see Europe as the springboard for world exploration - Rick Steves shares his reasons why. An earthquake leveled the city in 1895. Sašo: It's a secret compartment of our house. It was all over Eastern Europe, and if you look at the picture, you can see the proud workers, you know, carrying their tools. In this land of stout hill towns and rugged farmers, grapes for the full-bodied local red wine thrive in the iron-rich soil. May 30, 2018 Today we left beautiful Lake Bled in Slovenia and traveled to Italy. It is, with only about a quarter-million people. After a lifetime of exploring Europe - and inspiring Americans to see Europe as the springboard for world exploration - Rick Steves shares his reasons why. The mouth of the cave provided a strategic place for some feudal lord to stick his fortified manor house. This time it's beaches, caves, and Alps and enjoying a little cultural workout in Slovenia. And guests can use Tito's personal desk for something I bet he never imagined: sending an email. But one thing that's constant is the warmth and hospitality of its people. While there's little reason to go inside, the castle makes an ideal spot for a scenic drink — and a great capper for our visit to the Karst region. “Slovenia — for my money, the most underrated country in Europe”. The statue of France Prešeren, Slovenia's greatest poet, reminds locals that their language and culture are both distinct and worthy of pride. But the Soča Front was 60 miles wide, and many of the defenses were more crude and remote. Because he loved his town, walked to work each day, and had to live with what he designed, Plečnik was particularly thoughtful about incorporating aesthetics, nature, and people's needs into his work. But behind the gate, in his garden, the creative world of Plečnik opens up. Bag measures about 17” long and 12” wide. The most dramatic cave to tour is Škocjan. Tito, a larger-than-life, strong-arm dictator, was the only leader who could hold that troubled union together. Tina: I will say I was happy that I could live a part of Yugoslavia, but I am happy to be living in European Union as well now. Like Gaudí shaped Barcelona and Bernini shaped Rome, Plečnik shaped Ljubljana. Tito and his Partisan Army booted the Nazis without Soviet help. As Yugoslavia broke up into separate countries in the 1990s, Slovenia became independent after a 11-day war. They quickly took this valley, driving Austro-Hungarian troops high into these mountains — from where the Austro-Hungarians fended off 10 bloody and uphill Italian offensives. Before independence, before Yugoslavia, Slovenia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. And how does that affect your culture? I'm Rick Steves. ▲▲ Ljubljana Slovenia's vibrant yet relaxing capital, with a fun-to-browse riverside market, scintillating architecture, and inviting riverside promenade. Ljubljana remains a treasure trove of engaging architecture. The house of Ljubljana's favorite son is on an unassuming street. A local superstition claims that if you ring this bell three times, your wish will come true. There's really no better way to get to know a place than a meal with a local family. Natalija: So, this is Plečnik's room, where he worked, and he slept here. Along with the Triple Bridge and market colonnade, Plečnik's brilliance for urban design — the ability to connect Ljubljanans to their city and river — is evident in his Cobbler's Bridge. Guides tell the story as, drip by drip, stalactites grow from spaghetti-thin strands to mighty sequoia-like stone pillars. Stroll Dubrovnik's ancient walls, hike the idyllic Julian Alps, and set sail on the glimmering Adriatic: with Rick Steves on your side, Croatia and Slovenia can be yours! And the hearty local food provides a good foundation for a lively conversation. Rick: Nice to meet you. ▲▲▲ Lake Bled Photogenic lake resort huddled in the foothills of the Julian Alps, with a church-topped island, cliff-hanging castle, lakefront walkway, tasty desserts, and appealing side-trips. Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with more of the best of Europe. After Tito died in 1980, his villa was converted into a classy hotel, offering guests a James Bond ambience. We end at the Adriatic resort of Piran. Rick: Anže. The museum's focus isn't on the guns and heroes, but on the big picture of the front and the stories of the common people who fought and died here. And Slovenia, tucked away where Germanic, Mediterranean, and Slavic worlds meet, is one of Europe's most fascinating, yet least visited corners. 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