Koper Shore Excursion

This is the most popular Koper shore trip that we offer. It includes a visit to the Church and Castle on Lake Bled, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Slovenia. You also enjoy a walking tour in the charming capital city of Ljubljana.

After meeting your guide in Koper, you immediately depart for Ljubljana. While there are not any world known sites in the city, it is still well worth the visit. There is a barrage of Baroque and Art nouveau architecture, lovely parks, a winding tree lined river through the center of town and a castle on the hill overlooking it all.

During your walking tour you see the 15th century Town Hall, Preseren Square with the imposing Franciscan Church and the Triple Bridge. You will stroll along the old arcaded market between the Cobblers Bridge and the Dragon Bridge with its various dragon statues. Next you take a funicular up to the castle watch tower where you enjoy wonderful views of Ljubljana.

Then you depart for Lake Bled. This legendary lake with its island and castle have been a popular spot for visitors for many centuries. Many of the world's most important people have enjoyed the beauties of Bled.

When you arrive at stunning Lake Bled you take a boat to its small island and then climb the 99 steps to St. Mary's Church. While you are here, you can ring the "Wishing Bell" which has been used since medieval times. It hangs from the tower on top of the ship shaped roof. According to legend, a young widow who lived at Bled Castle mourned her husband who had been killed. She gathered all her gold and silver and had a bell cast for the chapel on Bled Island. When the bell was being transported to the island, a tempest caused the boat to overturn. The boatmen drowned and the bell sank to the bottom of the lake. The young widow, now even more devastated, decided to go to Rome and enter a convent. After her death, the Pope donated another bell for the church on the Isle of Bled. The legend has it that those who ring the bell to honor the Blessed Virgin and make a wish will see their wish come true.

Next you have free time for lunch (meal not included) in the small resort town of Bled.

After lunch you visit the famous Bled Castle. This is the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to 1011. The castle is arranged around two courtyards and you can visit the printing works, the wine cellar and herbal gallery, a 16th century chapel and many artifacts which are on display in the museum. There are more wonderful photo opportunities of the island and lake from the castle's courtyards.

Late this afternoon you return back to your ship in Koper.

Mobility: NO wheelchairs