Balkans Rail Adventure

Arrive in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, where our journey through the Balkans begins. This historic city lies in the shadow of its old castle and upon the banks of the Ljubljanica River which meanders through the pedestrianised centre. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 8.30pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Ljubljana at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU), which is about 40 minutes' drive. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day or if you are extending your stay by a night, then we'd recommend visiting the castle today. This evening you might like to have dinner in one of the city's 'Gostilna' restaurant where traditional recipes are prepared with local ingredients and paired with good wines. Some of the most popular Slovenian dishes include prekmurje a layered cake made with cottage cheese, poppy seeds and with a walnut and apple filling, kras prosciutto an air dried ham and bleki a beef soup with noodles. After dinner you may fancy trying a glass of Slovenia's Pleterska Khruska liquor made with brandy and pears.

Ljubljana is a lovely city full of art, culture and music, and the architecture has an almost Germanic feel to it. First thing this morning we will explore the city on foot with a local guide to take in some of its most attractive landmarks including the Opera House, National Gallery, Republic Square and arguably the city's most famous, Triple Bridge. Connecting the old Medieval town to the modern business centre, the bridge, originally served as the entrance to the fortified part of the city, but now is bustling with local residents. The rest of the day is then free for you to continue to wander and enjoy the sights in Ljubljana or you might like to join a short boat trip along the Ljubljanica River to see the city from a different percpective. Alternatively you may like to join an excursion to Lake Bled, which is about one hours' drive away. The picturesque resort town of Bled is situated on a tranquil lake. It was one of the most fashionable European resorts in the early 20th century, home to the Yugoslavian Royal Family and also the summer residence of President Tito. You may wish to visit the island in the lake by traditional gondola boat known as a Pletne. Once on the island you'll find the Baroque Church of the Assumption or there's Bled Castle perched on a steep cliff above. Alternatively you might like to walk the 6 kilometres around the lake past linden, chestnut and willow trees and swans and water lilies on the water.

This morning is free for you to relax in Ljubljana and have lunch before taking an afternoon train across the border to Zagreb in Croatia. After a three hour journey we'll walk to our hotel to check-in before having the opportunity to go out for dinner this evening. Tonight you might like to try the traditional Zagreb meat and vegetable stew of Cuspajz followed by the dessert Strukli a boiled dough filled with sour cream and cottage cheese or Knedli a sweet potato dumpling rolled in sugar and stuffed with fruit such as plum. If you fancy washing it down with an unusual drink then order Bambus, which consists of red wine and cola served over ice.