Field Trips
Wednesday, 28 February
Dress Code: Casual
13:00 - 15:30
Ljubljana’s Highlights & the Architectural Genius of Jože Plečnik
Experience the charming Slovenian capital, which – due to its human-centred approach, affords an unmissable opportunity for a relaxing stroll along its cobbled streets in the historic quarter and the riverbanks.
The walking tour focuses on the Old Town, which is nestled under the Castle Hill, and provides an excellent initial orientation and a first taste of the city. Along the way, the main sights in this area are presented, as well as a brief history of Ljubljana over the centuries. Actually, the first urban settlements from the 11th century BC developed on the site where the medieval town later grew, both close to the area where the Roman town of Emona once stood.
The Old Town nowadays reflects a predominantly Baroque image, and a part of central Ljubljana also displays beautiful Art Nouveau buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Last, but not least, the downtown area, characterised by many bridges spanning the Ljubljanica Rriver, bears the strong personal mark of the greatest Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik (1872-1957). A selection of Plečnik’s works in his hometown were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021 as a remarkable example of human-centred urban design that, from the 1920s, transformed Ljubljana from a provincial town into the symbolic capital of the Slovenian people. As a number of these projects are found in the central area, an emphasis will be given to Plečnik’s creative oeuvre and profoundly human vision for the city, carrying his unique aesthetic accent.
It is often said that his impact on Ljubljana is comparable to the one that Antoni Gaudí bestowed on Barcelona. A pupil of Otto Wagner, having first worked in Vienna and Prague, he devoted the majority of his genius to his hometown. Today, Plečnik's Ljubljana is an exquisite experience, a classical chapter of the early to mid-20th century architecture regarded as a subtle and complete work of art.
Among the current 1,157 listings of the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Sites, only seven individual architects, with their respective oeuvres, are featured (Le Corbusier, F. L. Wright, Da Vinci, Palladio, Barragán, Gaudí and Plečnik). In addition, you will find Niemayer's city of Brasilia, Utzon's Sydney Opera House and the Atlantis Church by Diest. The rest are cultural achievements of communities or periods that go beyond an individual author.
Among the current 1,157 listings of the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Sites, only seven individual architects, with their respective oeuvres, are featured (Le Corbusier, F. L. Wright, Da Vinci, Palladio, Barragán, Gaudí and Plečnik). In addition, you will find Niemayer's city of Brasilia, Utzon's Sydney Opera House and the Atlantis Church by Diest. The rest are cultural achievements of communities or periods that go beyond an individual author.
13:00 - 15:30
Enjoy the Diverse Flavour of Slovenian Cuisine
The Ljubljana Traditional Food Walk will take you through the old Ljubljana town. During a 2.5 hour guided relaxed walk you will learn about the city, the stories of its people, architecture, the history of the Slovene nation, and of course, the local and national gastronomy. This tour is much more than a food tour and not your ordinary city tour.
During the food tour, you will taste traditional dishes from a variety of different cuisines from all parts and circles of Slovenian society as well as different sorts of wine while getting to know the historical center of Ljubljana and hearing an overview of the Slovenian history. You will get a chance to see the highlights of Ljubljana's old city center which has a one-of-a-kind architectural heritage, particularly due to the unique combination of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and masterful creations by the 20th century architect Jože Plečnik.
You will also learn why the Triple Bridge is triple and where locals buy and sell traditional goods, which makes Slovenes very proud. We will visit the Ljubljana Market (the outdoor and the indoor one), Fish Market, as well as a nearby street full of roses. You will hear how Napoleon was one of the most popular politicians, why Slovenia really lives with LOVE in our name also in Ljubljana and … well, we don’t want to tell you too much. What is certain is that this will be the first visit to Ljubljana out of many more to follow.
During the food tour, you will taste traditional dishes from a variety of different cuisines from all parts and circles of Slovenian society as well as different sorts of wine while getting to know the historical center of Ljubljana and hearing an overview of the Slovenian history. You will get a chance to see the highlights of Ljubljana's old city center which has a one-of-a-kind architectural heritage, particularly due to the unique combination of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and masterful creations by the 20th century architect Jože Plečnik.
You will also learn why the Triple Bridge is triple and where locals buy and sell traditional goods, which makes Slovenes very proud. We will visit the Ljubljana Market (the outdoor and the indoor one), Fish Market, as well as a nearby street full of roses. You will hear how Napoleon was one of the most popular politicians, why Slovenia really lives with LOVE in our name also in Ljubljana and … well, we don’t want to tell you too much. What is certain is that this will be the first visit to Ljubljana out of many more to follow.
STOPS:
-
Barigla winery
-
Gujžina Restaurant
-
Restaurant Hiša pod gradom
-
Nebotičnik - located at the top of the “Skyscraper” building
13:00 - 15:30
Taste the Enticing Local Wines
Welcome to the world of Slovenian wine! We’ll take you to a 300-year-old wine cellar, spoil you with delicious appetizers, and let our expert English-speaking sommelier lead you down the thrilling path of tasting a selection of Slovenia’s best wines. You’ll learn several interesting facts and unlock the secrets of Slovenia’s deeply respected winemaking tradition.
Slovenia is divided into three very productive winemaking regions, each with its own list of unique characteristics that turn its products into an amazing blend of flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s spellbindingly green and vibrant capital, is a cultural hub where the multitude of the country’s traditions blend to make a harmonious whole. Wine is no exception.