Idrija
Day 1
Arrival and check in at Hotel Jožef, a boutique, modern and functionally equipped four-star hotel just a step away from unspoiled nature. In the afternoon we will accompany you through the city centre to introduce you to the story of the origin and the development of Slovenia’s oldest mining town Idrija. You will find out where the tub maker was soaking his tubs and collected mercury for the first time, where the Dog Countess was roaming the paths and more. Sightseeing will be followed by dinner at restaurant in Hotel Kendov Manor. The Kenda Manor is a haven of peace and tranquillity! Upon crossing the threshold of this magnificent manor, time loses importance. Extraordinary tranquillity of the manor together with the mysterious scent of the past, great works of art, beautiful hand-made Idrija laces, careful attention to
the smallest detail, sheer excellence of the Kenda Manor cuisine accompanied by an exquisite selection of wines and soft music tunes will fill you with unforgettable warmth. Overnight.
Day 2
After breakfast, we will visit Lace school Idrija, which houses lace exhibition and we will have the chance to make our own Idrija lace. For lunch at Gostišče Barbara we will be served with aperitif, soup and of course Idrija’s finest,“ Idrijski žlikrofi” – typical Idrija dish. After lunch, we will explore the Idrija Municipal Museum at the Castle Gewerkenegg, which is one of the rare castles in Slovenia that never had a feudal function and mainly served the needs of the mine. In the museum, you can visit the exhibition about the 500-year history of the mercury mine and town, an extensive
geological collection and a lace exhibition with a special exhibit – a 6m2 large lace tablecloth intended as a present to Jovanka Broz, Tito’s wife. Afterwards we will visit the Idrija lace studio. Idrija is the oldest and the most important lacemaking center in Slovenia, having preserved this domestic craft for more than three hundred years. In the afternoon, we will enjoy honey tasting at the bee house. The Idrija Municipal Apiary is an exceptional example of a skillfully crafted, executed and painted apiaryand. Dinner at the restaurant Gostilna Škafar and overnight at Hotel Jožef.
Day 3
After breakfast we depart to Vojsko plateau for guided tour around wetlands in the Gačnik stream valley and Gačnik gorge. Through the valley of Gačnik your attention might be attracted to the numerous special swamp plants and unusually shaped bare, sandy hills. From here there’s just a short way to the beautiful Brdar waterfall, which is the highest lying waterfall in the Gačnik ravine. This will be followed by workshop preparing “idrijski žlikrofi,” a national dish of Slovenia, made from dough with a potato filling and a characteristic shape. In view of their traditional process of elaboration and recipe, in 2002 the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food granted idrijski žlikrofi
traditional product status. After lunch at the ecological farm Naš Raj, we proceed to the Na kupčku estate in a village Čekovnik near Idrija. You will be able to enjoy relaxing massage (Kneipp garden, natural wellness) or sport activities in the surrounding nature. Farewell. Read more:
More information: TIC Idrija, Mestni trg 2, 5280 Idrija, Slovenia, Phone: +386 (0)5 374 39 16; E-mail: tic@visit-idrija.si
River Kolpa
Day 1
Arrival to Metlika, where the group will meet the local guide. First, we will learn how to make belokranjska pogača, a protected dish that is similar to bread. The dish was awarded the status of a protected designation of origin by the
European Community in Brussels. This will be followed by visit of Tri fare (three gothic churches), lunch and some free time for coffee in the camp on the banks of river Kolpa. Drive to Černomelj, where we will join the workshop of
feltmaking with sheep wool and natural soap. Accommodation and dinner at the tourist farm Župančičev hram in Dragatuš.
Day 2
After breakfast we will drive to Lahinja Natural Park, where we will visit traditional mill, saw-mill and Chuch of All Saints. Lunch in a restaurant in beautiful surroundings of river Lahinja. Drive to village of Adlešiči, where we will
attend the workshop at the farm Cvitkovič. Experts will teach us how to make belokranjska pisanica (Easter Egg from Bela Krajina). In numerous parts of Slovenia, the ornaments have been drawn on Easter eggs with molten wax, but this
old way of drawing and the ornaments were preserved mostly in Bela Krajina. Here the ornate Easter eggs are called “pisanice”, which means that they are drawn (written) with ornaments. The wax ornaments are drawn with a special
“pen” in which the wax gets molten above the candle flame. We will also see the presentation of linen weaving and masterpieces of this folk craft. Dinner in the restaurant near spring of river Dobličice, where “black proteus” lives and
can be observed in natural environment. Overnight at the tourist farm Župančičev hram in Dragatuš.
Day 3
After breakfast drive to village Rožanec and walk to Mithreum, a Roman shrine to the sun god Mithras. A likeness of the god doing battle with a bull is hewn into the rock. The relief was commissioned by three brothers from the Aelius
family in 3rd c. AD when Mithraism almost became the state religion of the Roman Empire. Drive to Semič, where a famous local beekeeper will welcome us and we will have a “sweet” degustation of honey and its products. Afterwards
visit of the spring of Krupa, where the water springs from under a 60 m high and steep rock. The water flows together into a lake with an island in the middle, then it falls over the waterfall and at the end it flows into the river Lahinja.
Power of a spring and its biological meaning are ranging Krupa among the most beautiful and the most important Slovene karst springs. Farewell lunch on the tourist farm. Read more:
More information: TIC Črnomelj, Trg svobode 3, 8340 Črnomelj, Slovenia, Phone: +386 (0) 7 30 56 530; E-mail: tic.crnomelj@ricbelakrajina.si
Solcavsko
Day 1
Arrival of the group to the Center Rinka, multipurpose center for sustainable development of Solčavsko. Welcome degustation of local snacks and drinks, which will be followed by short film and exhibition presenting a destination Solčavsko. The mountain-encircled Solčavsko is located at the upper current of the Savinja River. Many customs, traditions and beliefs from the past can still be found in the everyday life of the hospitable locals. Three parallel valleys are the jewels of Solčavsko: Robanov Kot, the Logar Valley and Matkov Kot. There is a meaningful slogan in the Landscape Park Logar Valley: The Logar Valley is not here to be changed, but to change you! After presentation we will experience guided walk through the ethnographic trail in the Landscape park Logarska dolina. Refreshment and accommodation at the tourist farm and some free time. Dinner in the nearby restaurant with local dishes. Overnight.
Day 2
Today we will enjoy guided walking or self guided cycling relaxing tour along Solčavsko panoramic road and there are some surprises waiting for us on the road 1000 m above the see level. Lunch from the travel bundle. In the afternoon we will join feltmaking presentation and short workshop: felting with wool of local Solčava-Jezersko
sheep breed. There are also a lots of possibilities for wellness relaxation or guided joga or meditation at your disposal – as supplement. After some free time dinner in the local restaurant. Overnight.
Day 3
After breakfast easy guided walk around landscape Robanov Kot. This will be followed by the lunch at the tourist farm Govc-Vršnik, one of the oldest tourist farms in Slovenia. Farewell. Read more:
More information: Poseben Dan, Institute for Pure Experiences; Phone: +386 41 467 122; E-mail: info@posebendan.si
North Velebit nationalpark
Day 1
Meeting in front of Northern Velebit NP headquarters, in Krasno. Local guides will present Northern Velebit NP, which is the youngest national park in Croatia. Its beauty consists of untouched nature, wild life and rare plants. Whether we are hikers or nature enthusiasts, local guides promise, we will wish to come back again. We will visit Visitor Center, which thanks to the modern technology, provides an educational and entertaining content of all the natural and cultural
values of the park. Traditional lunch at local bistro. We will continue with the sightseeing of Shelter for young bears Kuterevo, which mission is to provide shelter for bear orphans, protect bear habitat and promoting sustainable life and traditions of the local community. Then we will visit Forestry Museum Krasno, which was opened in 2005 on the 240th anniversary of existence of Forestry Krasno. Traditional dinner at local bistro. Accommodation at Tavern Jure.
Day 2
After breakfast with local products, we will take a short bus drive to the starting point for our hiking tour. Zavižan, one of the most popular localities within the Northern Velebit NP, which views are leaving visitors breathless, will be our first stopping point. Here is also the oldest mountain meteorological station in Croatia, founded in 1953. In close proximity is the Velebit botanical garden, founded in 1967 and located at 1480 m asl. In its central part is the Balinovačka ponikva karst sinkhole surrounded by a 600 m long stone path. After the visit we continue our hike at “The Premužić trail”, which is considered to be a construction masterpiece as it is built of drystone, and laid in such a way as to lead us near the roughest and craggiest parts of the Northern Velebit – Hajdučki i Rožanski kukovi – in a very easy way. At Rossi’s hut (Rosijeva koliba), we will have backpack snack and some time for relaxation. Then we will hike from Rossi’s hut to Shepherd dwellings (huts) at Alan’s. The new huts were made on remains of shepherd dwellings, which were in the past used as a summer destination of shepherds and their families. We will prepare our own traditional dinner with Lika’s potato halves and bacon, like shepherds did in the past. Overnight.
Day 3
After breakfast we will return to Krasno and attend a degustation of local products and a “herbal” workshop, which includes picking and selecting herbs for preparation of our own tea and liqueurs. Then we will take a look of Eco etno house. It is a traditional ethnological collection where we will see the old usable objects, characteristic for Velebit region. Before lunch, we will visit the Sanctuary and Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Krasno. Above the village strands the church from 18th century and is well known place of pilgrimage, where every year, on August 15, a large number of believers from all over the Croatia come here for the celebration of the Assumption Day. Lunch at
Hotel Degenija. Before we say goodbye to Northern Velebit, we will be involved in the wool processing workshop with small degustation of local product. Also the family run dairy Runolist will present their products. They respect the tradition of cheese production, use only the best quality home-made milk from cows and sheep grazing on ecologically clean pasture lands, and apply only traditional recipes. Farewell. Read more:
More information: Northern Velebit NP, Krasno 96, 53 274 Krasno, Croatia, Phone: +385 53 665 380; E-mail: npsv@np-sjeverni-velebit.hr
Steirisches Vulkanland
Day 1
Arrival of the group in Feldbach. Ambassadors of the region welcome the group and guide the guests with stories about the people of the region Styria Vulkanland. After typical styrian lunch at the Bauernstadl, we will take a short walk to the Tabor Museum, the former defence system, which surrounds the parish church of Feldbach on three sides. The guided tour provides insights into folklore, natural history, geography, crafts, history, archaeology, geology and volcanism, as well as the culture of Southeast Styria and Feldbach. Later we will enjoy in the old town, where you can find fine shops in original renovated little houses. With the wine expert Sissi, you will taste the typical wines of the regional volcanoe soil in their wine bar and learn charming and funny stories. It remains a bit time to explore the city with its special flair and small shops on your own. Check-in at the nice hotel and dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 2
Strengthened by the extensive breakfast we will take a short bus trip for a hike along the quarry Gossendorf. Volcanoes formed the landscape 20 million years ago and gave it their appearance and the basis for the diversity and richness of nature. Hiking is a sensitization for these treasures. Once you arrive at the quarry, you will be guided by a meditative connection to the volcanic landscape. After this experience, you will have lunch nearby at Gasthaus Kulmberghof – well known for their fried chicken. Next, we will enjoy a garden tour in the Life garden of Sabine Kraus. 2,000-square-meter garden of the Kraus family, built in Median and English country house style, is one of the
special insider tips in the region. We will finish the day with dinner at the Heurigenschenke „zum Sterngucker“ – a typical Styrian farm guesthouse – with great view to Gleichenberg Vulcanos, which are known as the oldest volcanos of the region. After dawn, guided tours in the connected observatory are possible. Overnight.
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast and check out at the hotel you will visit the small organic farming „Raabauer Eisvogel” of Wilma and Karl Kaufmann where mainly currant, elderberry, aronia and pumpkins are cultivated. 1,000 Damasceneorganic roses enrich the farm. Their flowers are processed in rose chocolate and muesli. The farm philosophy and the company name reflect regionality. Afterwards we will visit the Vulcano Ursprung, where you will experience the world of hunting as a realm of the senses. During the tour, you will hear about the persistent path of Vulcano, which has been producing delicious air-dried raw ham – one of the best in Europe – for around 15 years. We will also enjoy highquality raw ham. Afterwards Mag. Andreas Graf von Bardeau will offer us exclusive insights into the private rooms of Kornberg Castle. There are historical backgrounds of the family, as well as amusing anecdotes. Count Bardeau takes
you personally through the castle and thus provides an exciting and unforgettable insight into the last centuries. Farewell. Read more:
More information: Spirit of Regions, Auersbach 71, 8330 Feldbach, Austria, Phone: +43 664 9682882; touren@spiritour.at, www.spiritour.at
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