The Charms of the Alpine Edge

Ljubljana enjoys a central position, making it the ideal base for exploring the rest of Slovenia. It is a crossroads culturally due to its location. On one hand, you can see its Central European influences, because of its time within the Austro-Hungarian empire, in the city's architecture and language. On the other hand there is a strong Mediterranean and Balkan influence which is brought out in their laid back approach and the city's café culture. People are often surprised how westernized and advanced Slovenia is putting it more in a class with its Austrian neighbors than its Eastern European and Balkan counterparts. The surrounding areas of the city are packed with natural beauty and cultural sights bearing witness to the city's dynamic history. There is diverse range of places to satisfy culinary desires as the local cuisine is also heavily influenced by its neighbors in all directions. Wine lovers will find Slovenia to be a hidden gem. One of the best ways we have found to get to know Ljubljana and Slovenian cuisine at the same time is on a food tour, which will take you on a gastronomic tour of the whole country while walking around the center. The city layout is tourist friendly as the Old Town has an ever expanding pedestrian zone and a great way to see Ljubljana is by bike taking advantage of the numerous bike lanes spread out across the city.

With its perfectly preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, Salzburg is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture. Add in the alpine backdrop and you’ve got a city that makes for an unforgettable vacation. The imposing Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress dominate the skyline, while in the center you’ll find plenty of grand cafes and fine restaurants. Salzburg’s two biggest claims to fame are that it was the birthplace of Mozart and the stage for the timeless musical The Sound of Music. But there’s more than just history here. Today the city is a vibrant destination for travelers looking for a mix of classic culture and modern flair. Strolling through Salzburg is one of the great pleasures of Europe. The local cuisine is hearty and there are more than enough restaurants, bars, and cafes to keep you busy. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss sampling a stein or two of delicious local brew at the Augustiner brewery. But there is so much to see in the surrounding region that no visit to the city is complete without a day trip or two. You could tour the pristine countryside and visit the stunning Hellbrunn Palace. History buffs will want to venture farther afield to visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest perched high in the German Alps in Berchtesgaden.

Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.