#337: The Caves of the Karst Plateau (2nd Ed, pg 332)

Oct. 2024

We decided we didn't have time in our itinerary for both the Skocjan caves and the Postojna caves, so we decided to do the Postojna caves since it is Europe's most expansive cave at 67,487 feet long and 377 feet deep and because it was in such close proximity to Predjama Castle, which we also wanted to see.

Upon arrival, you get a timed entry ticket, which you should reserve ahead of time (Tip #1:  I suggest you save time and money by buying the combination ticket 41.90 Euros which will get you into both the Postojna caves and the Predjama Castle).

Your admission to the massive Postojna caves includes a high speed (think Thunder Mountain RR at Disneyland, only with no drops or roller coaster antics) train which takes you deep into the cave.  Then you are given an audio guide (also included; this isn't extra) to listen to as you explore the belly of the cave by foot.

So much to see and explore!

The ceiling, in parts, looked like tiny icicles or spaghetti noodles by the thousands hanging from the ceiling.

When we finally emerged from the cave, we made our way to Predjama Castle, just a short drive away.

Predjama castle is burrowed into the side of a mountain, making it one of Europe's most scenic castles.

Me peering out of this 16th century window.

Verdict: Yes, this was worth it!  Slovenia, which wasn't on my radar at all before this trip - I literally don't know anyone who has been there - was full of surprises in all the very best ways.  I highly recommend visiting this country and adding the Karst region to your itinerary when you go!

#336: Bled and the Julian Alps

 

Oct. 2024

When we first got to Lake Bled, we hiked all the way to the top of Bled Castle for incredible views.

Tip #1:  It's pricey to pay for admission to the castle (17 euros/adult).  We paid it and walked around for ~15 minutes and took some great pictures, then started making our way back down...

And realized we could get very similar views and pictures for free!  So, if you're only going to the castle to see the view from above, save yourself some dough and just walk around the outskirts of the castle.

Of course no trip to Lake Bled is complete without rowing out to the island in the middle.  There are several ways of doing this at various price points.  We rented a row boat (that fit six people) for 30 euros/hour (which is plenty of time to row to and from the island and have a quick look around), so it was only 5 euros/person.

Keep on rowing, keep on rowing...

Then you find yourself a nice parking spot.

And then you climb to the top of the 16th century church belfry and you ring the bell while making a wish!

Then make your way back to the lake perimeter.

And head over to the alpine slides where you can take a gondola to the top and a super fun alpine slide all the way down for just 10 euros/person!

And then wrap up your afternoon with some Bled cake!

The kremma rezina was delish!

Verdict: Yes!!  You should absolutely go here!  It was beautiful!  You can be as active (lots of hikes, walks, rowing, etc) or as inactive (you can easily drive to the top of the Castle) as you want to enjoy all the beautiful scenery and sites in and around this area.  It's beauty is all around and totally unique - I've never seen anything else quite like it, which is why it definitely deserves a spot in the 1000 Places to see Before You Die!  Of note, this wasn't in the first edition, so I'm glad it was discovered and added to it's well-deserved spot in the 2nd edition!

#335: Ljubljana's Old Town And Castle (2nd Ed., pg 331)

 

October 2024

Tip #1, Check yourself into Heritage Hotel, a 400-year old building by Cobblers' Bridge with a view of the castle!  There are only 20 rooms, so make sure to reserve in advance.  It includes a delicious breakfast (the best we had of the whole trip!)  Cost: ~200 euros/night

Tip #2:  Try to plan your itinerary to be here on a Friday evening, when the entire city comes out to enjoy their "Open Kitchen" street-food festival.  This festival starts in the Spring, runs through the summer and early fall (October).  All the locals are out enjoying good food, good drink, music and atmosphere.  It's so fun!

Paella!

Ljubljana's Old Town is worth exploring during the day and the night as there are two different, but equally enjoyable, vibes.

Dragon Bridge

The dragon has been a symbol of Ljubljana ever since Jason (from Argonauts and Golden Fleece) slew a dragon in a nearby swamp.

A view from the castle!

You can walk up to the castle (for free) or take the funicular up (~3 euros/person). 

St. Nicholas Cathedral

The Bronze door outside the church is quite impressive. I'm rubbing the nose of the man on the bottom right of the door which is supposed to bring good luck, as you make a silent wish while rubbing his nose.

Town square and the Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers.

Tip #3:  End every evening with dinner in Old Town followed by gelato and a walk along the river.

Verdict: I loved Ljublijana.  But I don't know that I loved it any more than any other European city.  So, while I don't know that you have to experience this particular European city before you die, you may as well, because it's the perfect home-base from which to do several day trips to some other must-see destinations and sites!

#334: Plitvice Lakes National Park (2nd Ed. pg. 286)

 

Oct. 10-11, 2024

Some of the views from our pre-dinner evening stroll.

Plitvice has 16 terraced lakes connected by hundreds of waterfalls that you can see from every direction and angle.

So many different vantage points!

There aren't any hotels or restaurants in the park, which adds to its charm.  We stayed here at Plitvice Creek, a cute little bed and breakfast.  A family (mom, dad and their adult son) ran the place and they were extremely hospitable.  For an extra charge, they will feed you dinner and breakfast as well.  The rooms were clean, well-appointed and cozy.  It was great!

For 23 euros a person, admission includes boat rides and shuttle rides throughout the Park.

Plitvice became Croatia's first National Park in 1949.

Of note, it was also here, on Easter Sunday in 1991, that the first shots of Croatia's war with Yugoslavia were fired.

Plitvice tip:  There are a lot of day-trippers to this area.  So, if possible, travel by car and spend the night so that you can explore the park in the morning before the day-trippers arrive, or in the evening after they leave. Its beauty will overwhelm you regardless, but when seen in the quiet away from the crowds, it is absolutely captivating. 

I love how close to the water you can walk and explore.

Every bend in the walk-way brings you to another breathtakingly beautiful site.

Waterfalls everywhere you look!

A map of the area.

Cost: 23 euros per person

Verdict: Yes!!!  I had never even heard of this place prior to planning this trip.  And now, I consider it to be one of the most amazingly beautiful places I have ever seen!  It's worth going to Croatia just to see this National Park!  Rick Steves describes it as "Niagara Falls diced and sprinkled over a heavily forested Grand Canyon."  That's a pretty accurate description.  He goes on to say "Countless cascades and water that's both strangely clear and full of vibrant colors make this park a misty natural wonderland." And I concur.  So, that description alone should make you put this on your bucket list!