Page 26 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE
P. 26

he first port on our Azamara Grand
                                                                     Voyage was Koper, Slovenia, a
                                                              T country we were eager to revisit
                                                              after a memorable 2017 tour. Drawn back
                                                              by the warmth of its people, the beauty of
                                                              its medieval towns, and the allure of its
                                                              landscapes, we were excited to explore
                                                              further. Often overshadowed by its
                                                              neighbors Croatia and Italy, Slovenia is a
                                                              find for travelers eager for a new
                                                              destination in Europe. Ljubljana, the
                                                              capital, held a special appeal, and a ship-
                                                              organized excursion promised a deeper
                                                              understanding of its history and culture.
                                                              The seven-hour excursion offered a blend
                                                              of sightseeing, historical insights, and local
                                                              experiences. An annual marathon
                                                              unexpectedly rerouted our tour, preventing
                                                              our bus from reaching the historic center.
                                                              Adapting quickly, we embarked on a boat
                                                              trip along the Ljubljanica River, gaining a
                                                              unique perspective of Ljubljana's iconic
                                                              bridges: the Triple Bridge, the Dragon
                                                              Bridge, and the Butcher's (formerly
                                                              Cobbler's) Bridge. The colorful architecture
                                                              lining the riverbanks and the abundance of
                                                              pedestrian spaces and bicycles highlighted
                                                              Ljubljana's reputation as a green capital.
                                                              A guided walking tour through Ljubljana's
                                                              historic center proved perfectly timed. The
                                                              cool autumn air and the golden fall foliage
                                                              enhanced the city's charm. Prešeren
                                                              Square, the city's central gathering point,
                                                              features a monument to France Prešeren,
                                                              Slovenia's national poet. His influential
                                                              work, particularly "Zdravljica" (A Toast),
                                                              which became Slovenia's national anthem,
                                                              played a vital role in shaping Slovenian
                                                              identity. The unveiling of Prešeren's statue
                                                              in 1905 sparked controversy due to its
                                                              depiction of a partially nude muse.
                                                              From Prešeren Square, our exploration
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