Holidays in Slovenia

Other Attractions

"Makes you feel as if you've stepped onto a set from Lord of the Rings. It should be heaving with tourists."
- The Times

The Lipica Stud Farm - breeding ground of Lipizzaner horses - is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Because of the country's size, everywhere is a manageable day-trip.

You wouldn't expect a country about the size of Wales to have this much to offer but because it straddles four very different geographical regions, Slovenia really does. What's more, because it's so small, almost every inch of the country can be part of a manageable day-trip. So on top of the splendour of Bled, Bohinj, Ljubljana and the Soca valley there are heaps of other places to explore. Splendid.

The Karst

The English word Karst- meaning an area rich in sharp, jagged limestone ridges and peaks- actually comes from the German word for South eastern Slovenia. Not surprisingly therefore the region is rich in impressive limestone towers and and even more impressive caves. Postonja and Skocja offer the largest tourist-accessible underground caves in Europe and the deepest vertical cave in the world (600 metres, or three times the height of the London Eye). Truly spectacular, they have been visited by pilgrims since the Greek empire when they were thought to have strong connections to the afterlife. Check their website in advance to see if your trip coincides with one of the regular music events to take place in Postonja's 10,000 capacity underground concert hall. It's an experience not to be missed.

Tours of Postojna caves cost €18 for an adult, the Skocjan caves are €11 and you can get more information about them on their websites: www.park-skocjanske-jame.si and www.postojna-cave.com

Lipica Stud Farm

Not far from Postonja is the renowned Lipica stud farm, the original home of the world famous Lipizzaner horses. The horses were bred over centuries using a combination of Arabian, Andalusian and local Karst horses to have tremendously strong hind legs. This trait allows them to perform dramatic leaps and controlled stances, developed originally to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield and now preserved as equine ballet. Lipica is where the tradition of classical riding and the principals of the Spanish riding school are maintained.

The display is a must-see for any riding enthusiast or animal lover. Performances are held daily at Lipica and are included as part of a tour of the stud. The discipline and skill of both the riders and the horses is a marvel to behold while the brood mares and their foals are the friendliest and most charming horses you will ever meet.

Visitors tour the farm by foot or, of course, by horse drawn carriage and the adventurous, or more experienced can take lessons with a member of staff; a remarkable experience. It is a unique and astonishingly good value day out with tours and performances starting from just €16 per person. Visit their website for more photos, information and a full price list.

The Coast.

Slovenia has a small but perfectly formed coastline along it's south-eastern most tip. Joining Croatia's beaches to Italy's, it is no surprise that Slovenia's most popular coastal town of Piran is very, very beautiful. Architecturally it feels more like a beach front mediaeval museum with its winding streets and wonderful old buildings. Getting lost here is more of a pleasure than a problem. The town sits on a peninsula and the sparkling blue sea surrounding the terracotta topped white buildings is picture postcard stuff. Just two hours drive from the Retreat or two and a half from the Farmhouse, Piran makes for a great day out during the summer.

Predjama Castle

Built into the side of an over hanging cliff, Predjama castle is one for the romantics. The castle in the rock which deserves a place in every decent fairy tale is as just as much fun to speculate about from the outside as it is to learn about on the inside. It's only minutes from both Postojna and Lipica, making it very accessible as a day trip or an excellent detour on the way back to either the Retreat or the Farmhouse. Have look at their website for information on tours, prices and exact location.