Runway to Rail: Zagreb and Ljubljana - Lake Bled

Zagreb is the cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative center of Croatia. It is known as the City of Museums, as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world. Zagreb is a vibrant, modern destination with a variety of shops, quality restaurants and sports and recreation facilities. The historical part of the city to the north is comprised of the Upper Town and Kaptol, a medieval urban complex of churches, palaces, museums, galleries and government buildings. Of particular note is the breathtaking Gothic-style Zagreb Cathedral, from which the entire city was born.

Explore the Kaptol, Upper Town, Lower Town, Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, Art Pavilion, Mestrovic Pavilion, Mimara Museum, Lotrscak Tower, Kamenita vrata, Ilica, King Tomislav Square, Lenuci's Horseshoe, Ban Josip Jelacic Square, and so much more.

Ljubljana, long overlooked by American travelers in favor of adjacent European capitals like Vienna and Budapest, is now a city on the rise. Visitors only need a few moments to walk the pedestrian-only streets in the city center to feel the old-world historic charm, coupled with the youthful energy exuding from the local university population. Beautiful and vibrant, travelers will quickly learn that Ljubljana has a lot to offer to all who visit. You can sip a cup of coffee and enjoy live music in the Metelkova mesto commune, sail lazily along the winding Ljubljanica River, browse art galleries and take in a ballet, all within walking distance from each other.

Visit and explore the Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljanica River, Metelkova mesto, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Triple Bridge, Butchers' Bridge, Cobblers' Bridge, Congress Square, Preseren Square, Slovenska cesta, Mount Saint Mary, Tivoli Park, and so much more.

Lake Bled is perhaps the ultimate travel showcase destination in Slovenia's Julian Alps. The lake, one of the largest in Slovenia, has been a popular vacation spot for over 100 years. In the middle of the lake is a small island with the picturesque Assumption of Mary Church being the sole building standing on its shores. Be sure to try a delicious Bled cream cake, sail away in a traditional pletna boat, and ring the 'wishing bell' at the church on Bled Island. Whether you're looking for a winter or summer getaway, the area in and around Lake Bled offers so much to visitors.

Visit and explore the Lake Bled, Vila Bled, Lake Bled Promenade, Bled Island, Assumption of Mary Church, Triglav National Park, Triglav, Lake Bohinj, Pericnik Falls, Bled Castle, and so much more.

Ljubljana, long overlooked by American travelers in favor of adjacent European capitals like Vienna and Budapest, is now a city on the rise. Visitors only need a few moments to walk the pedestrian-only streets in the city center to feel the old-world historic charm, coupled with the youthful energy exuding from the local university population. Beautiful and vibrant, travelers will quickly learn that Ljubljana has a lot to offer to all who visit. You can sip a cup of coffee and enjoy live music in the Metelkova mesto commune, sail lazily along the winding Ljubljanica River, browse art galleries and take in a ballet, all within walking distance from each other.

Visit and explore the Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljanica River, Metelkova mesto, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Triple Bridge, Butchers' Bridge, Cobblers' Bridge, Congress Square, Preseren Square, Slovenska cesta, Mount Saint Mary, Tivoli Park, and so much more.