Paige

In particular, Ljublijana (sp?). Would it be a good place for a 3-4 day trip in May? Thanks for your opinions!

Wayne

Paige--<BR>Ljubljana is a nice city and worth a couple of days. I would personally spend the rest of the time around Bled (admittedly somewhat touristy but lovely) and the mountain country in the northwest part of Slovenia. It's unspoiled, untouristed country with very friendly people.

jim

In my opinion 3-4 days in Ljubljana is probably 2 days too many. I agree with Wayne that Bled is lovely and the Istrian peninsula is also worth a visit.

Shari

Did you know that Slovenia produces excellent Pinot Grigio by Avia? We tried it last year, and are now hooked. Have a great trip!

Heather

Paige, I only had time on my last vacation to spend six nights in Slovenia - 3 nights each in Bled and Piran - and 1/2 day poking around just a small part of Ljubljana close to the train station. I posted some comments here after returning [search for "Piran"]. Even more extensive and very helpful travelogues are posted on www.thetravelzine.com.<BR><BR>I absolutely enjoyed all of my time in Slovenia and wished that it had been two weeks to allow time to stay in Ljubljana, as well as to tour some of the wine-producing areas and the border areas with Croatia.<BR><BR>Please either post here or drop me an email if you would like more specifics. My post-trip summary is mostly just facts and links ... not too many subjective comments. But, in short, I think it would make a terrific brief trip.

Paige

Thanks everyone! I think we'll have 4 days total so now the question is where to spend it? Lake Bled sounds interesting, and easy if we fly into Ljubljana, but how much time should we spend there? What is there to do? I'm a bit at a loss because I don't yet have any books on the area. I'd really appreciate any advice. How do you get from the airport into town, and from the train station to the airport? We could also take the train from Munich but it's 6 1/2 hours and 5 1/2 back from Lake Bled.

Heather

I'm sorry not to be of any help with the airport at Ljubljana ... I took the train from Salzburg to the Bled station, then bussed down to my hotel. Then, took a bus from Bled through Ljubljana to Piran. The bus area is right outside of the train station in Ljubljana. Slovenia's busses are extremely comfortable (at least the ones that I rode on) and cheap.<BR><BR>With only 2-1/2 days and 3 nights, I didn't have time for everything that on my mental wish list. But, here are some highlights (sorry for the brevity, but I'm a bit pressed for time):<BR>a boat ride out to the island and visit the church;<BR>a short hike up to the castle to explore and have lunch/snacks/drinks overlooking the lake & area;<BR>hire a driver or drive yourself out to Vintgar Gorge to walk the length of the bridges and walkways (go early to enjoy the nature in quiet);<BR>hike around the lake (even, easy path);<BR>eat at Gostilna Pri Planincu (often!);<BR>save crusts of bread to feed to the ducks (beware of agressive swams);<BR>loss a few coins at the casino.<BR><BR>Hope that this helps a little in your planning.

Paige

Hey Heather, would you recommend skipping Ljubljana and spending 3 days at Lake Bled? Thanks!

Heather

Hello, again, Paige! With only a 1/2 day of seeing Ljubljana under my belt, I would never recommend skipping a place. Rather, from what I saw, I would like to stay there a day or two (at least) if given the time and opportunity. There must be others here who've visited Ljubljana longer and can judge the merits of a stay better than I. Did you have a chance to check out the Travelzine site yet? They have great notes on their stay in the city.