This full day excursion includes a visit to the unique Postojna Cave and Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana.

Depart the pier this morning and head inland just over an hour to the cave complex at Postojna. First opened to the public over 185 years ago, this vast wonderland of connected “rooms” covered with stalactites and stalagmites stretches some 20 kilometres (12½ miles) underground. Luckily, your exploration takes place via train, a mode of transportation unique to Postojna. Your journey takes you through this fascinating complex, starting with the dark and sooty entrance known as the “Upturned Ship.” Next, the Gothic Hall, especially rich in stalactite formations; the remains of Ice Age animals have been discovered here. The Conference Hall (formerly the Ball Room) has been the venue for dances and concerts since the early 1800s; its new name reflects the international speleological conference held here several years ago. Many of the speleothems (cave formations) along the train’s route have names appropriate to their peculiar shapes: The Turtle, the Cone, the Palms, the Charcoal Heaps, the Dwarf, etc.

At the Great Mountain, leave the train behind and do a bit more exploration on foot. Guides will lead you to the Russian Bridge, the Beautiful Caves and on into the various halls to the Brilliant Passage, the most spectacular stalagmite of all and the symbol of Postojna Cave. Re-board the train and return to the surface, having spent about an hour and a half below ground. (Note: the cave is a constant 10ºC (50º F) the year round.)

Enjoy about an hour of free time to have lunch or to explore further before making the drive to the nation’s capital city, Ljubljana. Despite its size of over 276,000 inhabitants, the city manages to have something of a small town feel. The Baroque Old Town is nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, with its handsome medieval fortress. Your visit takes in the highlights of this many-faceted city, including Tivoli Park, the old Roman town of Emona, some of the Art Nouveau mansions for which the city is noted as well as a few of the works of renowned architect Jože Plečnik.

Your approximately 2½ hours in Ljubljana includes some free time for shopping.

PRICE:

$ 130 25-29 participants

$ 140 20-24 participants

$ 160 15-19 participants

W2: Moderate activity. Requires intermittent effort throughout, including walking medium distances over uneven surfaces and/or on steps.