Page 26 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE

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