16-Day Stay & Explore: Slovenia & Northern Italy – Ljubljana, Bled, Padua, Venice & Beyond

DAY 1 | Tuesday – Depart for Slovenia

Start your memorable European adventure! Fly to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s picturesque capital, nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic, and prepare to explore centuries-old castles, charming squares, and stunning natural scenery.

DAY 2 | Wednesday – Arrive in Ljubljana

Arrive in Ljubljana and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure to unwind or take a short stroll along the Ljubljanica River. At 6 PM, meet your Slovenian Tour Manager for a welcome orientation and reception.

Overnight: Ljubljana

DAY 3 | Thursday – Ljubljana Walking Tour

Explore Ljubljana’s vibrant Old Town on a guided walking tour:

• Open-Air Market brimming with local produce and crafts

• Preseren Square, the city’s iconic hub

• City Hall & Robba Fountain

• Three Bridges & Parliament

Afternoon free to explore at your own pace.

Overnight: Ljubljana | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 | Friday – Bled Castle & Lake Bled

Discover Bled Castle, an 11th-century fortress perched dramatically above Lake Bled. Explore the castle museum, chapel, and scenic grounds. Continue to Lake Bled aboard a traditional pletna boat to visit the island church, home to a remarkable art collection. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Bled’s lakeside charm before returning to Ljubljana.

Overnight: Ljubljana | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 | Saturday – Full Day in Ljubljana or Optional Trieste, Italy

Enjoy a leisurely day in Ljubljana, or opt for a Full Day Tour to Trieste, Italy:

• Wander historic streets blending Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences

• Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest squares

• Miramare Castle, overlooking the Gulf of Trieste

• Lunch at a traditional trattoria

Overnight: Ljubljana | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 | Sunday – Predjama Castle & Postojna Caves

Visit the dramatic Predjama Castle, built into a limestone cliff, with its stately rooms, chapel, and dungeon. Then, explore Postojna Caves, Europe’s largest and most visited show cave. Board the special cave train and marvel at sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Optional dinner in the medieval town of Radovljica featuring traditional Slovenian cuisine and wine.

Optional: Radovljica Dinner | Overnight: Ljubljana | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 | Monday – Full Day in Ljubljana or Optional Maribor Tour with Lunch

Relax in Ljubljana or join the optional Maribor City Tour:

• Scenic drive through Slovenia’s rolling hills and vineyards

• Historic Old Town, Town Hall, Gothic St. John the Baptist Cathedral, and medieval Maribor Castle

• Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore local wines and specialties like štruklji and potica

Optional: Maribor City Tour with Lunch | Overnight: Ljubljana | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 | Tuesday – Full Day in Ljubljana or Optional Slovenian Coast: Piran & Portoroz

Leisure day in Ljubljana or choose the optional Slovenian Coast Tour:

• Explore Piran, known for Venetian architecture, Tartini Square, and Cathedral of St. George

• Walk historic city walls for panoramic views of the Gulf of Trieste

• Relax in Portoroz, famous for sandy beaches, spas, and the Adriatic Sea

• Farewell dinner with your Slovenian Tour Manager

Optional: Slovenian Coast – Piran & Portoroz | Overnight: Ljubljana | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9 | Wednesday – Travel to Padua

Depart Ljubljana and journey to Padua, Italy, a city rich in history dating back to 12th century BC. Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time. Orientation meeting with your Italian Tour Manager at 6 PM, followed by a reception.

Overnight: Padua | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10 | Thursday – Padua Walking Tour

Discover Padua’s historic highlights:

• Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest squares

• Basilica of Saint Anthony, blending Romanesque and Byzantine architecture

• Medieval city center, Piazza dei Signori, Palazzo della Ragione, Palazzo del Comune, and Loggia del Consiglio

• Free time to stroll through the Jewish Ghetto

Overnight: Padua | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11 | Friday – Explore Verona

Take a day trip to Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of Romeo & Juliet. Highlights include:

• Ancient Roman ruins

• Medieval palaces

• Renaissance architecture

• Optional culinary exploration: Risotto all’Amarone paired with regional wines
  Return to Padua in the evening.

Overnight: Padua | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12 | Saturday – Full Day in Padua or Optional Treviso & Prosecco Tour

Enjoy free time in Padua or join an optional Treviso & Prosecco Wine Tour:

• Walk through Treviso’s picturesque canals and Piazza dei Signori

• Visit Prosecco-producing vineyards, learn traditional winemaking, and enjoy wine tasting
  Return to Padua in the afternoon.

Optional: Treviso & Prosecco | Overnight: Padua | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13 | Sunday – Venice & Murano Island

Travel by train to Venice and explore Murano Island, famous for colorful glasswork. Witness live glassblowing demonstrations. Continue to Venice Island for a walking tour of narrow alleys and bridges, ending at St. Mark’s Square:

• Doge’s Palace

• Basilica of San Marco
  Optional: Gondola ride through Venice’s canals before returning to Padua.

Optional: Gondola Ride | Overnight: Padua | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14 | Monday – Full Day in Padua or Optional Bologna & Food Tasting

Leisure day or explore Bologna, the food capital of Italy:

• Quadrilatero food market with tastings of local specialties

• Piazza Maggiore, Neptune Fountain, St. Petronio Basilica

• Two Towers, Archiginnasio Palace, and Santo Stefano Square
  Return to Padua in late afternoon.

Optional: Bologna Tour & Food Tasting | Overnight: Padua | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15 | Tuesday – Villa Pisani & Brenta Riviera

Drive along the Brenta Riviera to visit Villa Pisani, a magnificent Palladian villa:

• Explore the villa’s Baroque architecture

• Admire Tiepolo frescoes in the grand ballroom
  Farewell dinner with your Tour Manager to conclude your journey.

Overnight: Padua | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16 | Wednesday – Depart Italy

Transfer to Venice Airport for your departure flight, concluding a luxurious and immersive cultural journey through Slovenia and Northern Italy.

Meals: Breakfast

Package Highlights

• Discover Ljubljana Old Town, blending Baroque & Art Nouveau architecture

• Explore Bled Castle and Lake Bled on an authentic pletna boat

• Marvel at Postojna Caves and dramatic Predjama Castle

• Walk historic streets in Padua, Verona, Venice, and Bologna

• Experience Murano glassblowing and Venetian treasures

• Taste Prosecco and regional culinary specialties

• Optional coastal excursions to Trieste, Maribor, and the Slovenian Adriatic

Tour Includes

• Flights: New York–Ljubljana / Venice–New York (other departure cities available)

• 14 nights First Class accommodations: 7 nights Ljubljana, 7 nights Padua

• 16 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 dinners

• Hotel porterage, taxes, and fees

• Transfers with airfare purchase

• Two English-speaking tour managers & local guides

• Sightseeing with entrance fees included

• Wireless earphones for guided touring

Special Features

• Authentic cultural immersion with a Stay & Explore travel style

• Flexibility with optional tours to Trieste, Maribor, Slovenian Coast, Treviso & Prosecco, Venice Gondola Ride, and Bologna

• Experience Baroque castles, historic squares, Venetian architecture, and Italia