Nearly everyone has tried Prosecco at some point, but very few have had the wonderful opportunity to see the small village from which the legendary wine inherited its name. Although its finest forms are made in the vineyards of Veneto, this wine originates from the small, scenic town of Prosecco in Friuli Venezia Giulia, near the city of Trieste and the Slovenian border.

The delicious Glera grape is grown in the village of Prosecco, now a suburb of Trieste, which is where Prosecco was originally conceived. Your adventure for the day will have you delving into the well-kept secret that is the beauty of the region. Discover this under-explored region, hear all about the history of Prosecco and gain an appreciation for the most historically significant vineyards, before visiting an exceptional winery to try some of the most renowned sparkling wine in all of Italy.

From here, continue your exploration to the medieval village of Stanjel, which was one of the first communities in the Karst Region, loved for its medieval ancient village center and its awe-inspiring sweeping vistas. The village sits atop a scenic hill, where you can easily see some its most famous structures over sweeping vistas. The castle complex, defense walls, Church of St. Daniel, surrounding village and the Ferrari Garden are the most notable architectural points of the old settlement. The village has changed in appearance over the centuries, but it has always maintained the spirit of the Karst.

The town gets its name from the patron Saint Daniel, offering an interesting cultural heritage. During both world wars, Stanjel was uniquely influenced by architect and mayor at the time, Maks Fabiani. He preserved the essence of the village while using his creative finesse to rejuvenate the newly renovated public structures. Fabiani’s most notable work in Stanjel involved the restoration of Ferrari Villa and the design of the extraordinary Ferrari Garden park, lauded as the most significant park landscaping in Slovenia from the inter-war period.

Throughout this wonderful tour you will have the opportunity to try local delights of the Karst region, including dry-cured ham, cheese and local wine. This well-rounded tour is the perfect option for a stop in Trieste, sign up today and don’t miss out.

Set off for a half-day of discovery in one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Embrace Trieste and see for yourself a place which enchants visitors with history, architecture and annual events as you make your way to visit the extraordinary Miramare Castle.

Trieste is a city at the crossroads and was only returned to Italy in 1954. An important port town that has been passed through the possession of the Romans, Venetians, the powerful Hapsburg monarchy (who lavished it with money), and the Germans during WWII. Between land and sea, war and peace, this special place has carved out a unique and vibrant culture that sits somewhere between Austrian, Italian, and Slovenian influences. The Austrian architecture, cafe culture, and seaside views have attracted writers and artists for decades, including luminaries like Italo Svevo, James Joyce and Sigmund Freud. Today, Trieste is the capital of the region Friuli-Venezia Giulia, one of the richest in all of Italy, and continues to enchant travelers looking for an off-the-grid destination filled with history, art, and unique cuisine.

After a walking tour of central Trieste, you will next drive through the city and the surrounds to make your way to Miramare Castle. Located on the tip of a promontory perched between cliffs and overlooking the sea, the Castello Miramare is only 5km outside of the city. The Castle provides beautiful views from its wrap-around balcony and is surrounded by a beautiful park with 54 acres of gardens that contain valuable botanical species. This noble residence was commissioned by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife Charlotte and was built between 1855 and 1860. The restless Archduke was known for his vanity and wealth and inside you’ll find testaments to this with portraits hung in nearly every room, different dining rooms for winter and summer and a throne room that was never used. The Archduke was executed in Mexico after trying to establish himself as its monarch during one of the more outlandish empire-building adventures of the 19th century. Ironically, he was well-liked by almost everyone who knew him. Your tour of the castle includes entrance fee and an audio-guide.

For the best of both worlds, join this combination tour of Ljubljana’s charming cityscapes and Lake Bled’s natural grandeur. This guided tour of Slovenia’s capital and its most beloved mountain lake offers history, architecture, and unparalleled alpine beauty. See the bridges, parks, and squares designed by the famous Slovene architect, Joze Plecnik, as well as the green-domed Ljubljana Cathedral, Ljubljana Town Hall, and other historic monuments that comprise the old town center. The second portion of this comprehensive Slovenia tour brings you to Lake Bled, where snow-capped mountains surround a glacial lake and its famous island, home to a Gothic church and its wish-granting bell.

Begin your tour and enjoy a scenic 40 minute drive to Lake Bled, a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Bled Castle overlooks the lake from its north shore, and in the center of the lake Bled Island is home to a pilgrimage church built in the Gothic style and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. The church’s bell is visited frequently by newlyweds and travelers who hope to make their wishes come true. Nestled amid the towering alpine mountains, Lake Bled is a venue for both romantic getaways and sporting adventures. Admire Bled Castle built on a precipice above the glacial lake which according to written sources is the oldest Slovene castle. For those interested, the church is only accessible via boat at an additional cost of 14 EUR to be paid at the lake, and is not included in the tour price.)

Continue your tour to Slovenia’s political, economic, and cultural capital, Ljubljana. The city’s ancient roots begin in prehistoric times along the shores of the Ljubljana River, long before the Roman outpost was conquered by Atilla’s Huns. In the city’s center, atop a hill, you’ll find the medieval Ljubljana Castle, which boasts architectural accents from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods. Your guide will point out the many representations of the Ljubljana Dragon along the way. Symbolizing power, courage, and greatness, the dragon can be found on the castle’s tower and Dragon Bridge, which spans the city’s namesake river. Also in the old town’s center, you can see the many architectural contributions of Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik, including the iconic Triple Bridge, the river’s embankments, and a number of exquisite parks and squares. In the mid-20th century, Plecnik transformed the capital into the modern city it is today.

This Ljubljana and Lake Bled tour offers the best of Slovenia’s city and countryside, so be sure to bring a camera to capture endless memorable images. Book a spot on this comprehensive Slovenia tour and experience the very best of the country’s popular attractions.