Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia. The poignant reality: costly battles eventually fade into the history books…like the Soča Front. In its relaxed pedestrian center, it seems all roads lead to the main square. Rick: If you're angry what would…? Ljubljana is on the cutting edge when it comes to architecture, public art, fashion, and trendy pubs. The traffic-free harborfront — lined with Slovenes enjoying fresh seafood — is made-to-order for a stroll. One of Ljubljana's most insteresting sights is the house of the architecht who redesigned much of his city. Sašo: Alright, and this is the little kid's room… Are you nostalgic about Yugoslavia? Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe.His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. He was famous by that hat. Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling to Croatia and Slovenia. Locals still build their pletnas by hand with larch wood from a design passed down from father to son for centuries. Many Adriatic towns are overwhelmed by tourists and concrete, but Piran has kept itself charming and in remarkably good repair while holding the tourist sprawl at bay. It's an apt comparison — but only if you inject a healthy dose of breezy Adriatic culture, add a Slavic accent, and replace favorite son Mozart with local architect Jože Plečnik. Among my guides and researchers, Cameron Hewitt (co-author of many Rick Steves guidebooks) is evangelical about Slovenia. Rick: This is great! Rick: Pol kilo. In this unpredictable climate, hay is hung on the rack to stay dry. The house is filled with furniture and bric-a-brac he designed, as well as souvenirs from around the world that inspired him. As with most towns on the Adriatic, it was long ruled by nearby Venice, and retains its Venetian flavor. Half a kilo — it's just right. Our first stop is the country's top alpine resort: Lake Bled. Sašo: Built-in babysitters. Locals claim that you're not a true Slovene until you've climbed Triglav. Tina: I will say I was happy that I could live a part of Yugoslavia, but I am happy to be living in European Union as well now. It was all over Eastern Europe, and if you look at the picture, you can see the proud workers, you know, carrying their tools. Guides, passionate about his work, give meaning to his home. In 2006, he became a syndicated newspaper columnist, and in 2010, his company released a mobile phone application called "Rick Steves… Because he loved his town, walked to work each day, and had to live with what he designed, Plečnik was particularly thoughtful about incorporating aesthetics, nature, and people's needs into his work. Slovenia is one of many Catholic countries that observe the Day of the Dead (also called All Saints Day, All Souls Day, or Remembrance Day). Sašo: That's the usual thing around here. There's no keel, so the skilled oarsmen work hard to steer the flat-bottomed boat with each stroke. Ljubljana's single best activity is simply strolling the riverfront promenade and sitting in an outdoor café watching the stylish Slovenes strut their stuff. The main square was once a protected harbor…until it began to stink so bad, they had to fill it in. I hope you've enjoyed Slovenia. In ancient times, Ljubljana was on the trade route connecting the Mediterranean (just 60 miles away) to the Black Sea. Rick: So, Yugoslavia was good for bad workers. In Slovenia, a land with deep pagan roots, villagers scare off winter by dressing … I can see how it would make people just want to wave a flag. Vendor: Pol kilo. Vendor: Our farm, yes. The tasteful exhibits, with fine English descriptions and a pacifist tone, take an even-handed approach to the fighting — without getting hung up on identifying the "good guys" and the "bad guys." Rick: And today, capitalism has changed — good for good workers. This little Russian chapel, built where the final victim was found, offers today's visitors a chance to pay their respects to those who made this scenic drive possible. In this tiny country, it seems like everybody knows each other. With this guide, you'll explore charming towns and undiscovered natural … After being leveled by an earthquake in 1895, the city was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles that were so popular in Vienna, the empire's capital at the time. Most folks zero in on Croatia, but don’t overlook what Slovenia … While I disagreed with his overall evaluation of some … We'll enjoy the playful architecture and lively café culture of its capital city, row to a church-capped island, explore the Julian Alps, descend into a grand, underground canyon, and sunbathe with Slavs on the tiny but inviting Slovenian coast. A fortress has capped Ljubljana's hill since Roman times. This time it's beaches, caves, and Alps and enjoying a little cultural workout in Slovenia. All the bridges are crowded, you know. On top, catch your breath by enjoying views of Piran and nearly the entire Slovenian coastline. see our FAQ. The statue of France Prešeren, Slovenia's greatest poet, reminds locals that their language and culture are both distinct and worthy of pride. Above Grandma and Grandpa's! This striking bank building was designed by an ambitious local architect, hoping to forge a uniquely Slovenian style. It was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles so popular in Vienna, the empire's capital at the time. Thanks for joining us. Rick: Tito had some magic ability to bring it together. Rick's guidebooks are also available as ebooks that can be read on any Apple, Android, Kindle, Nook, or Kobo device, or on your computer. Little Slovenia is the least visited and most underrated of Europe's alpine countries. All the full length Rick Steves Europe PBS Episodes that I could find. The house can be toured only with a guide, whose enthusiasm brings the place to life. It's a world where a thousand evil Wizard of Oz monkeys could comfortably fly in formation. Bad things about Yugoslavia was maybe because there was no good stimulation for good workers. Rick Steves: Slovakia’s capital is the fastest-changing city in Europe (in a good way) Rick Steves. In the center of this region is Mount Triglav, Slovenia's symbol and tallest mountain. This is where we spend rainy afternoons. If this city works for its people and fits their character, it's at least in part thanks to Jože Plečnik. Post questions and answers about travel in Slovenia. While the valley is a favorite for nature-lovers today, it has its dark side. In this land of stout hill towns and rugged farmers, grapes for the full-bodied local red wine thrive in the iron-rich soil. The most dramatic is Å kocjan, featuring endless formations, a breathtaking footbridge high above the echoing river, and a … He was always wearing it and always dressed in black. But the Soča Front was 60 miles wide, and many of the defenses were more crude and remote. The Austro-Hungarians knew if their enemies could break through this front, it was a straight shot to their capital, Vienna. Rick: Sašo. Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with more of the best of Europe. Also enjoying dramatic lake views are handsome villas, mostly from the 19th century. Five hundred years later, during World War I, Austrians used it to keep Italians out of their territory. In the 15th century, the Italians had a fort here to defend against the Ottomans. In 1915, neighboring Italy declared war on the empire. Ljubljana feels small. In this high-end suite, you can actually sleep in the dictator's bed. As Yugoslavia broke up into separate countries in the 1990s, Slovenia became independent after a 11-day war. Over the centuries, different castles were built here, and they gradually moved out to the mouth of the cave. Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, returns to transport viewers to the continent's bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque countryside. But if you look all around, you will see there are many, many personal objects…his glasses, or — for example — his hat. We will be on schedule when we need to be on schedule. The social system was good… The Triple Bridge — where the main square joins the river — is both a popular meeting place and a beloved symbol of the city. From its prosperous capital of Ljubljana, we enjoy the mountain resort of Lake Bled, venture into the Julian Alps for natural … He left such a strong mark, not only in Vienna and Prague, but definitely in Ljubljana, because all the land accesses and river accesses are designed by Plečnik. see our FAQ. They quickly took this valley, driving Austro-Hungarian troops high into these mountains — from where the Austro-Hungarians fended off 10 bloody and uphill Italian offensives. Slovenes are particularly fond of their famous local pastries. Karel: Don't stick your bloody pinky in the air! Completely revised and updated, this guide … The decadent kremšnita artfully sandwiches layers of cream and vanilla custard between sheets of delicate crust. Romantic pletna boats, unique to this lake, ferry visitors back and forth. Ljubljana feels small and low-key, and it is — but this is no sleepy backwater; the city is by far the country's largest city and its cultural capital. Sašo: I would say, "may you get kicked by a horse." The hotel that was once the summer residence of the Yugoslavian dictator, is now less tolerant of curious tourists than it was when this episode was filmed. But behind the gate, in his garden, the creative world of Plečnik opens up. See the Travel Details above for recommendations highlighted in bold, excerpted from Rick's guidebooks. It was built during World War I by 10,000 Russian prisoners of war. Some kind of a muse, you know. Title Author Replies Last Post ; 3 nights in Ljubljiana: Peggy: 19: 02/10/18 02:56 AM: Munich to Ljubljana by train? This version dates from the 16th century. With all it has going for it, it's hard to believe that Ljubljana continues to glide beneath most tourists' radar. By the 16th century, Predjama had become a castle for hunting more than for defense — explaining its current ­picturesque-but-impractical design. Legend has it that Jason and his Argonauts founded Ljubljana when they stopped here for the winter on their way home with the Golden Fleece. Rick: Nice to meet you. The riverfront market is a hive of activity, where big-city Slovenes buy directly from the farmer. The cave finally widens, sunlight pours in, and visitors emerge — like lost creatures seeking daylight — into a lush canyon. Rick: With Grandma and Grandpa downstairs. Create custom playlists with more than 400 educational clips featuring the best of European history, art, culture, and experiences (plus topics ... Slovenia … A generation later, architect Joze Plečnik remodeled the city in his distinctive classical-meets-modern style. Like Gaudí shaped Barcelona and Bernini shaped Rome, Plečnik made Ljubljana what it is today. Centuries of rule from Vienna under the German-speaking Habsburgs seems to have both inspired an appreciation of the good life and strengthened the local spirit. Plan your own trip or take one of Rick's value-packed European tours and vacations. But the big name in local architecture and urban planning is Jože Plečnik. This is quite a surprise. Rick: Half kilo. It is, with only about a quarter-million people. There was only side trip in Slovenia … The castle is striking, as are the views from the castle. This modest but world-class museum offers a haunting look at the tragedy of the Soča Front. Tina: Here we are. Rick Steves does a very good job of describing things to see and do in Croatia and Slovenia. Tina: Well, we chose our way. Many of those buildings have gotten a facelift recently, as a spunky mayor has been spiffing up the place and creating gleaming traffic-free zones left and right — making what was already an exceptionally livable city into a pedestrian's paradise. English descriptions are sparse in its dull interior, but for most, the views of the place alone are worth the drive. Like the more famous Alps of Austria and Switzerland, the Julian Alps are busy with nature-lovers, both winter and summer. The riverfront market is a hive of activity, where big-city Slovenes enjoy buying directly from the farmer. Vršič Pass, which comes with 50 hairpin turns, was originally a military road. The bridge seems almost Venetian. Rick: This is very interesting to me, because this is food I would think about in Germany or Austria or in the north. Villages gather around Baroque bell towers amid rich farmland. Rick: So his bed right next to his work table. Rick: Yes, they look good. During one winter alone, some 60,000 soldiers were killed by avalanches. Today it's decorated exactly as it was the day Plečnik died in 1957, containing much of his equipment, models, and plans. He left such a strong mark, not only in Vienna and Prague, but definitely in Ljubljana, because all the land accesses and river accesses are designed by Plečnik. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe.His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Best on Saturday mornings, when the townspeople take their guests — whether kings or —! Miles wide, and the Church of the fighting was actually a tiny country, you,.: this is a guided two-mile hike through the ages natural wonders this city works for its striking,... This high-end suite, you grew up with Tito your own trip or take one of Europe ca n't.... Need to be punctual their character, it 's beaches, caves, and the town the! Series of large caverns main attraction is a very typical socialist realism propaganda its capital city Ljubljana. 13:... ©2020 Rick Steves… little Slovenia is the fastest-changing city in (! 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