Visiting Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Slovakia

Tour overview

Rates are correct at 01 Oct 2011. US$/AU$ rates subject to currency fluctuation

 

 

07 Sep.      Lipica

This is one of the highlights of our tour. We start this morning with a guided tour of the stables during the tour we’ll learn about the history of this renowned breed of horses. Following the tour, there will be a carriage ride through the grounds of the estate. At 3.00pm we’ll enjoy a performance of the stallions in the pavilion, and you have free time to continue exploring the stud, coach museum and art gallery. This evening we travel 20kms to a farmhouse restaurant for a typical Slovenian meal with locally produces wine. (B,D)

08 Sep.      Lipica – Bled

This morning we take an hour's drive to Postojna to visit the 3rd largest cave complex in the world. The tour includes a 3km train ride, a 1 km walk, and a 3km train back to the start point. We then continue our journey to Lake Bled, the "pearl" of Slovenia. Early afternoon check-in at Grand Hotel Toplice. Dinner will be taken in a local restaurant.(B,D)

09 Sep.      Bled

After a leisurely breakfast, we take a “pletna” boat across the lake to Slovenia’s only island. Here you can climb the 99 steps to the church, which legend says a groom must carry his new bride up to ensure a long and healthy marriage. We return to the bank and you have the afternoon at leisure to explore the town or take a walk around the lake. There is an optional visit to Vintgar Gorge for those who would like to take the scenic 1-mile walk (each way) through the spectacular gorge. Dinner at your leisure this evening. (B)

10 Sep.      Bled – Ljubjlana – Bled

Today we have an excursion to the capital of Slovenia. Free time to explore the city - perhaps take a walk up to the castle for panoramic views of the city and surrounds. We'll return to Lake Bled and take dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

11 Sep.      Bled – Koeflach

Today we depart for Austria, stopping in the town of Villach for a while before continuing toward our next destination, the town of Koeflach, near Piber. Afternoon check-in at Hotel Herold and dinner will be taken in the hotel. (B,D)

12 Sep.      Koeflach/Piber

The day most people have been waiting for! We have a VIP Backstage Pass to visit the stable and museum complex. Everything you wanted to know about the famed Lipizzaner stallions you will learn here. You’ll see some new foals, as well as some of the “retired” stallions from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. After a visit to the morning workout arena and time in the Carriage Museum – you’ll have free time to explore the stud. This afternoon we take a drive up into the nearby mountains to see the young stallions in their summer pastures. This will be their last day before their “procession” down the mountain to the town of Koeflach. Tonight dinner is at your own leisure. (B)

13 Sep.      Koeflach – Vienna

It just keeps getting better!! Today we witness the parade of the Lipizzaner stallions from their mountain pastures down to Koeflach town centre. You have the chance to walk with the stallions for their last 2 kms to the town, where they will then be introduced by name to excited on-lookers, and blessed by the local priest. Music and festivities will abound throughout the town for most of the day! We then leave late afternoon for our final stop – Vienna. Late afternoon check-in at Hotel de France. Tonight we take a group dinner in the nearby Melkerstiftskeller. (B,D)

14 Sep.      Vienna

The highlight of our tour! A gala performance in the Spanish riding School!! We have been fortunate enough to secure front-row seats in the VIP Box in order to give you what we believe are the best views of the performance. Following the performance, we have a special guided tour of the stables, where you can meet some of the “stars” of the show. After time for lunch, we take a short journey 70kms to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. We have a guided tour here with “Big George”, then free time to explore and find a local restaurant for the evening meal. We then return to Vienna.(B)

15 Sep.      Vienna.

This morning we have a short city tour followed by a guided tour of the Palace of Schoenbrunn where we visit 22 of the former State Apartments. Free time in the beautiful gardens before we return to our hotel. The afternoon is at leisure for personal sightseeing, visiting the old town or shopping. Tonight we take our farewell meal at the Passauerhof, a “heuriger” in the wine village of Grinzing.(B,D).

16 Sep.      Vienna – onward travel.