We're headed north, into Slovenia's Julian Alps. Tiny bits of limestone — the geological equivalent of sawdust around here — reflecting under the brilliant blue skies gives the river its rich turquoise color. We’ve been playing host to an invasion of more than a hundred tour guides from all over Europe and beyond, in town for our annual guide summit and reunion — 10 solid days of strategy sessions, business meetings, reconnecting with tour members, and, of course, parties. Apparently the other three people had an early flight and did not want to wait for the 9AM ferry so … These days, Piran's walls are inviting rather than defensive, and the town is simply an enjoyable place in which to relax. Trenches were carved into ice and rock instead of mud, and many ill-equipped conscripts froze to death. The mouth of the cave provided a strategic place for some feudal lord to stick his fortified manor house. Vogel for some amazing views of the Alps. When you come in, you don't realize how much is here. Rick: So, Plečnik is very important to the Slovenian people. Tina: Very typical. 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. Get exclusive mini-episodes on Our Patreon Account For more, find us:Chris MitchellFind him at travelingmitch, Ultimate Ontario, & His Writer's Portfolio. As with most towns on the Adriatic, it was long ruled by nearby Venice, and retains its Venetian flavor. Crews stroke rhythmically through glassy waters, merging natural and human grace. 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. Architecture really lives, even nowadays. Rick: So, Yugoslavia was good for bad workers. 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. ... Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. My favorite was once the vacation villa of Yugoslav president-for-life, Marshal Tito. As Yugoslavia broke up into separate countries in the 1990s, Slovenia became independent after a 11-day war. Join our Facebook Group: Rick Steves Over Brunch Podcast Listeners. Sašo: That's the usual thing around here. It feels made-to-order for conviviality — enjoying a drink or observing the market action. In Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia you'll find in-depth Rick-tested information on: Croatia Dubrovnik and nearby (including Cavtat, Mljet National Park, Pelješac Peninsula, and Trsteno Arboretum) Split and nearby (including Trogir and Krka National Park) Korčula; Hvar Rick: You wouldn't know, looking up here. All the bridges are crowded, you know. An earthquake leveled the city in 1895. Well how about a tour. 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. Tina: Sašo. (18:20), Do-over for my Poland trip - adding a little countryside. The "Third Way," we called it, and it was a lot different — like, we could travel, we had free-market economy, and there were jobs for everybody. Until next time, keep on travelin'. There's no keel, so the skilled oarsmen work hard to steer the flat-bottomed boat with each stroke. Vendor: Yes. Today, the square is enjoyed by visitors and locals of all generations — savoring the good life where the Slavic world, the Alps, and the Mediterranean all come together. Many Adriatic towns are overwhelmed by tourists and concrete, but Piran has kept itself charming and in remarkably good repair while holding the tourist sprawl at bay. If this city works for its people and fits their character, it's at least in part thanks to Jože Plečnik. After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bled. The castle is striking, as are the views from the castle. And much of the fighting was actually done way up high, on the frigid mountain cliffs. Sašo: I would say, "may you get kicked by a horse." When to Go to Croatia and Slovenia At the height of the tourist season, Split, Croatia, is jammed with daytime cruise ship visitors. Sašo: Yes. By Rick Steves and Cameron Hewitt Get inspired with Rick Steves’ recommended places to go and things to do, with tips, photos, videos, and travel information on Slovenia. 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 Slovenian tour guide Tina Hiti is joining us to help sort out Yugoslav! 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