VIP Trip to Slovenia

On Friday morning we welcome our VIP Travel Club guests at the Windisch travel centre. Today we start our journey a little earlier than usual, as a long but very scenic trip through Germany and Austria to Slovenia awaits us. Once all the guests are on board, we serve our home-baked muffins, which have almost become a tradition, and fresh coffee. Our experienced driver Urs Perret takes us past Lake Constance, into Austria and on through Germany. Shortly after Munich, in glorious summer weather, we enjoy a typical Bavarian lunch in the beer garden of the Landgasthof Schmuck in Sauerlach. The digestif is served on the coach, and once everyone has had a bite to eat, our journey continues via Austria to Slovenia. Towards evening we arrive in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. We check in at the 5-star Hotel Intercontinental and settle into the modern rooms, equipped with every comfort. The restaurant is on the 20th floor of the hotel, where we share a typical Slovenian dinner this evening. Most guests end the evening at the bar on the terrace with the finest view over the whole of Ljubljana.

After a generous breakfast, our guide Simona awaits us in the lobby to show us the city of Ljubljana today. Together we are in Ljubljana's city centre within a few minutes on foot. Here we discover wonderful buildings, churches, the market, the many bridges and the symbol of Ljubljana – the dragons. After the city tour, the guests have time to themselves. You can enjoy the beautiful summer day over a fine lunch – the gastronomic scene in Ljubljana is excellent. Or use the time for a shopping tour or an aperitif at a street café, watching locals and tourists stroll by. In this glorious weather we decided on an aperitif at the castle and soon meet those guests who would like to join the two of us. A lift takes us up to the castle, from where you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the magnificent city. A summery breeze is blowing, and the weather and pleasant temperatures are perfect for a cool drink. The mood is relaxed, and we value the time and above all the good conversations with our customers. Travel experiences of the past, stories from everyday life and exciting news are shared. Together we head back into the city. At one of the best-rated restaurants in town we enjoy Slovenian cuisine and wine over dinner and spend sociable hours at the restaurant Most.

Today we want to discover maritime Slovenia. Simona, our likeable and very knowledgeable guide, awaits us in the lobby again. Our driver Urs Perret is of course on duty as well. We drive towards the coast. The journey there lifts our spirits, as the Slovenian landscape is wonderful. Before we head to the sea, we stop at a winery. The Santomas winery in Smarje sits on a hill, and the panoramic view is enchanting. It is only a few steps from the coach to the winery, but nature is in full bloom at this time of year and there is a wonderful scent of lavender and summer. We are guided through the small winery and gain an insight into Slovenian wine culture. Naturally we can also taste the excellent wines. With the wine there is local ham, bresaola, cheese and also olive oil produced by the winery itself. Refreshed, we continue to Piran. They say it is the most beautiful little town in Slovenia. It really is dreamy here. The old town, the Venetian buildings and the sea – an excellent combination for spending a relaxed afternoon. After a short introduction from Simona on Tartini Square, the group splits up. Some enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere in a coffee house, walk along the coast, use the time for a dip in the sea or a little shopping round, or visit the Church of St Clement. Afterwards we drive back to Ljubljana. The drive back is ideal for recovering from the excursion, so that we can spend the evening in this beautiful capital full of energy again. The city is bustling – street artists show off their skills, and in the countless restaurants you can draw culinary inspiration outdoors. The crowning finale could also be an ice cream at a gelateria.

Today we will discover another side of Slovenia. Accompanied once more by our guide Simona, we drive towards the mountains. The Vintgar Gorge is just waiting to be discovered by us. We are not quite alone here, but the beauty of this natural setting is very impressive. The gorge is 1.5 kilometres long and well developed, giving us the chance to take a leisurely walk. Along the way all guests get a little Sugus sweet to keep their strength up – you feel a bit better straight away! After returning to our coach, we continue to Bled.
Bled is only a small town, but there is plenty to see. The atmosphere alone, with the beautiful Lake Bled, its island and the little church on top, is enchanting. We have enough time to look around here or have lunch. What must not be missed under any circumstances is a cream slice (kremšnita). It is the local culinary speciality and tastes delicious. In the afternoon we return to Ljubljana and our hotel. We still have a little time to relax and unwind. In the evening a gala dinner awaits us. We have the excellent dinner in the hotel restaurant. We can watch the chefs at the show kitchen as they prepare all these delicacies. We are pampered at a high level. At the hotel bar we once again enjoy each other's company and have time to chat with all the guests. And so a wonderful evening draws to a close.

Unfortunately it is already time to say goodbye again. To Ljubljana, to Slovenia and its hospitable people. It is a long journey back to Switzerland, but with the comfort of our new Car Rouge vehicles the time flies by and the coffee machine runs at full speed. In Innsbruck we stop for a relaxed lunch break and experience Austrian charm. In summery temperatures and under a bright blue sky, we can enjoy the day to the full once more. We then continue back to Switzerland, where we have to say goodbye to this friendly and warm-hearted group.

We would be delighted to welcome some of the guests on a future EUROBUS or Car Rouge trip.