Slovenia / Austria Walking

Slovenia / Austria Walking Adventure Aug. 31- Sept. 10, 2009

The clear glacial lakes of Bled and Bohinj, set amidst the peaks of the dramatic Julian Alps, are our destinations as we “walk” Slovenia.

Unspoiled nature and authentic charm will welcome us for our active yet relaxing holiday. Slovenia (a part of Yugoslavia from 1918 until the end of the Cold War) is a relatively new destination for most Americans, so don’t miss this opportunity to visit! As an added bonus, we’ll walk the same path our guide, David Gerstel, and his parents used in 1982 to flee the Communist regime in their native Czechoslovakia.

On our first evening in the capital, Ljubljana, we’ll gather for introductions and a welcome dinner. The next afternoon, after we tour the city and learn a bit about Slovenia’s history, it’s off to the breathtaking Lake Bohinj area. The largest lake in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj is part of the vast Triglav National Park. Small hamlets are dotted around the densely wooded lakefront. We’ll be walking here two days.

Next, we transfer to Bled, our base for the following four days. Bled is renowned for being one of the most beautiful alpine resorts in the world. It is the picture postcard image of idyllic tranquility and stunning natural countryside. We’ll take a unique ‘pletna’ boat ride to the enchanting islet in the centre of the lake, where you can climb the steps of the church of St. Mary and ring the wishing bell. An optional horse drawn carriage ride around the lake or up to the cliff-top medieval castle (where we’ll enjoy dinner one evening) is a great way to admire the scenery in a leisurely fashion. Bled is an ideal starting point for exploring the unique beauty of

the Slovenian Alps. Traveling from here, we’ll walk the Gerstel family’s “path to freedom,” and pay a visit to the Franja Partisan Hospital, a hospital maintained by Yugoslav partisans throughout WWII and now a museum.

Finally, we’ll cross the mountains to Austria’s Salzkammergut, a lucrative salt-mining area since the Iron Age. We’ll stay two days in Bad Ischl, where Austrian Emperor Franz Josef liked to spend the summer. While here we’ll visit beautiful Hallstatt and walk scenic trails in the area, including the “Sissi Trail,” a favorite of the emperor’s wife, Elizabeth of Bavaria.

As the trip comes to an end in Hallstatt, we’ll have great memories of new friends and fascinating stories to tell of the new places we’ve been.