15 Days Balkan Cultural Odyssey

About the destination: Belgrade, a city of very tumultuous history, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It was laid in ruins some sixty times, but it always rose back to its original glory. This city with a turbulent history is a vibrant party town that has charmed many visitors over time. The city lies on the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and it where west meets east, socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces, and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics. In the old part of town, Stari Grad, is where you find the largest part of the architectural, cultural and historical heritage of Belgrade. The National Museum of Serbia, the Ethnographic Museum and the city’s most important museum, the Residence of Princess Ljubica, are all located in the Old Town. Belgrade's top sight, Kalemegdan Fortress, is also situated in the old town above the confluence of the Danube and the Sava rivers. Kalemegdan is a huge park and fortress complex and offers a lot to see for people interested in old castle ruins or those who want to stroll and relax in a park. The grounds of the park are full of ruins, monuments, several museums and a couple of other places of interest. Don't forget to take a look at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, and the statue of Pobednik, one of the symbols of Belgrade. Belgrade is a very vivid city, there are lots of bars, pubs, cafes and other places to hang out. The city has an exuberant cultural life, there are about 50 theatres, two major opera houses, heaps of museums, galleries, literary evenings, cultural centres and libraries. And to top it all off, Belgradians are so friendly, hospitable, chatty, warmhearted and with a great sense of humour, one can hardly feel a stranger here, somehow you blend in inevitably and you can easily find company, even if you don't seek for it.

About the destination: Often forgotten by tourist seeking the sun and coastline, Zagreb is an alluring destination on its own. The capital city of Croatia is a perfect mixture of Western and Eastern Europe. The sober Austro-Hungarian buildings are surrounded by chic restaurants and boutiques that contrast with the seedy pubs and loud beer halls. Zagreb offers a wide choice for visitors. From trendy art galleries to more traditional music halls and museums, and outdoor leisure, a lot of outdoor leisure. Maksimir Park, in the east, is filled with joggers, bikers and strollers. In the southeast of the city, we find Jarun Lake, where locals and tourists alike go to swim or sail and to, afterwards, dance the night away in a lakeside disco. Just a ride away on the shine new trams, we find Mt Medvednica that offers hiking, skiing and great views over the city. Either you are looking for a city break or a break from your lazy beach holidays, Zagreb won’t disappoint visitors in the slightest.

About the destination: At first glance, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, seems almost too good to be true. Tucked up against the town’s e-topped hill, the baroque and folk-painted buildings of the old town are like something out of a fairytale. In fact, Ljubljana is very much a part of the real world; industry and the arts flourish here, and commerce is booming lively, lovely, and oh-so-easy for the foreign visitor, modern, sophisticated Ljubljana may well be one of the most pleasant city in Europe. Ljubljana has plenty of places to visit whether they be the city's castle which offers great views over the area from its hill top position, the fine museums and art galleries or taking in the local culture with good local food and drinks, especially beer. The hill with Ljubljana castle is situated in the city centre and narrow river Ljubljanica is slowly circulating around it. The old city centre is situated below this hill on the banks of Ljubljanica River. The focus of the city is Preseren square with its 3 bridges, Tromostovje. From there walk down Stritarjeva street to reach old Ljubljana and Ljubljana castle. Stroll down Copova street to reach Tivoli Park, a gorgeous park, famous for its boulevards, its flower garden and lake. Inside the park we have the International Centre of Graphic Arts. But to really enjoy Ljubljana walk along the Ljubljanica river banks in the evening, listen to the street music, sit in one of the numerous restaurants and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

About the destination: Rijeka, located on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea, is Croatia’s largest port. The city retains some traces of his past, and is a charming place to visit as it has a great architecture in the old parts of the city, as well as some very interesting places to go. Korzo, the old part of the city, is dominated by the City Tower. The tower was originally a gate from the sea into the old town. It has a crest of the double headed eagles holding an urn of flowing water, the symbol of Austria. The tower has several Baroque style features form various time. St. Vitus' Church is the big draw of the old town in Rijeka. It is a unique Baroque rotunda of monumental dimensions inspired by the Venetian church St. Maria della Salute. The most impressive part of the church is the large crucifix on the altar. Korzo is the very heart of the town and numerous cafés welcome you for a drink on shaded terraces. The views from the Trsat castle sitting on top of the highest hill is magnificent. It reflects the large city size, as well as the wonderful building structures. Trsat stairs lead to the famous centre of pilgrimage, the Franciscan monastery. Walking west you will reach Trsat Castle, which has a long heritage, and was the original settlement of Celtic tribes. Beneath the castle there is the old church of St. George, Sv. Juraj, which, for centuries, has been the parish church of Trsat. The town of Rijeka has been well known for its carnival festivities since the Middle Ages. The carnival festivities take place mainly on Korzo. The colourful parade of masks can be seen every year on the last Sunday of carnival festivities in Rijeka.

About the destination: The area is known to have been populated since the paleolithic period due to the discovery of a cave settlement near the town of Postojna called Betal Rock Shelter. The town lies on the Pivka River. Written sources first mention the settlement in the 13th century and in 1432 it became a borough. It was proclaimed a town in 1909. From the late Middle Ages, it was part of the Duchy of Carniola and hence of the Habsburg Monarchy. It was under Italian rule between 1918 and 1943 (nominally to 1947) and was part of the province of Trieste as Postumia. The area is especially known for its majestic cave, the Postojna cave and the Predjama castle, a castle built into an overhanging rock. Postojna Cave is a 24,120-m long karst cave system near Postojna. It is the second-longest cave system in the country as well as one of its top tourism sites. The caves were created by the Pivka River. The cave system forms a spectacular underground web of tunnels, halls, passages and alleys, while showcasing the diversity of Karts features along the way. Predjama Castle is one of the most picturesque castles in the country. It is built into a karst cave and situated just a few kilometres from the entrance to Postojna Cave. The castle became known as the seat of the knight Erazem Lueger (or Luegger), lord of the castle in the 15th century and a renowned robber baron. He was the son of the Imperial Governor of Trieste, Nikolaj Lueger. Nowadays, it is a museum on five floors that shows the life in the 16th century, with an armoury, dungeon, halls, living quarters and other castle facilities. Interesting is the dialogue between man-made architecture and natural structures that combine into the castle’s fortification system. A guided tour of the castle is highly recommended, where visitors can learn about the legends and stories that were made throughout centuries.