Epic European Capitals

Join RTT on this epic overnight adventure to visit two of the most fascinating eastern European Capitals and the beautiful countryside that surrounds them. Highlights on this tour include Ljubljana/Slovenia, Zagreb/ Croatia, Maribor one of the most beautiful and oldest wine growing regions and Bled, famous for its stunning blue glacier lake and gorgeous castle.

Day 1: An early morning departure by bus takes us south, passing the alpine mountain region of Austria where we cross into Slovenia through the majestic Karawanken tunnel. We will check in to our Hotel and spend the evening feasting on some delicious Slovenian cuisine providing the perfect first opportunity to indulge in local flavors.

Day 2: After breakfast at the Hotel we meet our local guide and start exploring Ljubljana and all the highlights this beautiful city has to offer. Slovenia's capital is referred to as being a green capital of a green country famous for picturesque bridges and squares. We stroll through the city passing beautiful house-facades from renaissance and baroques times, crossing stunning bridges and marvel at the beautiful cathedral of St. Nicholas.

With a wealth of suggestions from our local guide in your pocket, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps follow the city’s urban heart beat into a more alternative part of town shaped by art and sustainability.

Day 3: After breakfast at the Hotel we meet our local guide for a full day excursion into the picturesque wine region surrounding the medieval towns of Maribor and Ptuj. Our excursion starts with a stroll through the quaint narrow streets of Maribor passing stunning cathedrals, city hall, beautiful squares but most importantly the world’s oldest grape-vine of 400 years. After some ample free time for a more in-depth exploration, perhaps some shopping or even a traditional snack, we continue on to Ptuj. The town is well known beyond the regions boarders for its special microclimate and fertile soil which makes for excellent wines. Settlements in Ptuj date back to the Stone-Age and after a stroll through the oldest town in Slovenia we find ourselves at a local wine maker where we enjoy a guided tour of the cellars and an introduction to the secret of Slovenian wine making. It is here that we truly taste and feel the passion and love this wine is made with.  

Day 4: After breakfast at the Hotel our excursion takes us beyond boarders into Croatia, where we visit the Capital Zagreb. Here we meet our local guide and immerse ourselves into the cities rich history, cultural flair, coffee-house traditions, street art and countless museums. Zagreb, referred to as the Balkan pearl, is an old city once owned by the Austria-Hungarian empire with a town center dating back at least one thousand years. The relaxed pace of this tour allows us to completely take in the charm of the city and for the classics at heart, the Hotel Esplanade is a must see. Built at the beginning of the 20^th century it is considered a historical icon of art deco glamour with a fairy tale exterior, once solely built for the customers of the famous Orient Express on its way to Istanbul …..       

Day 5: After breakfast at the Hotel we meet our local guide for a excursion to Bled, the famous fairytale glacier lake. The beauty of lake Bled with the mighty Julian Alps in the background is famous beyond borders, especially for its thermal springs which are believed to have special healing powers. On the north bank of the lake, Blejski Castle is nestled on a steep rock that rises above the lake from which you have the most stunning view of the lake, the small island and the surrounding mountains. After a visit to the castle and some ample free to further explore on your own, it is time to return to Ljubljana.

The remainder of the day is yours to spend to your own hearts content. Explore Ljubljana one more time, perhaps even from the river by boat for a different vantage point, rent a bicycle or walk up to the castle.

Day 6: After breakfast it is time to check out and say fare well to this beautiful adventure as our journey takes us north, back to Ramstein for an early evening arrival.