Take the family with you so there is nothing for them to forgive!

Jaya

I have been on several JY Christmas holidays and this was certainly one of the best. Slovenia is a beautiful country which should be more widely visited. Does anyone know if the 'island chocolate' drink is available elsewhere, I certainly have not come across anything as good anywhere else?

Can't help you on the chocolate drink I am afraid David. It's many years since I was last in Bled and I am looking forward to going back.

Interesting link here for anyone thinking of going. :thumbup:

http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/bled 

I did some ferreting around on the internet and found an email address for the island! They replied saying that they mix their chocolate powder with milk, boil in a coffee machine and incorporate steam. 'possible to send chocolate powder'. Temptations... !

Sounds good!

A question for you David if you can help? As I have said it is many years since I have been to Bled and both holidays I wasn't based there but in the mountains at a wonderful place called Kransjka Gora. So I have been to the Island and know about the steps up to the church, but for some reason we never went to the Castle. I've read that it is a pretty steep slope up to the museum (not steps). Did any of the party do it and did any of you have problems getting down again? Silly I know but with my back problems I am okay on flat ground walking and okay going up slopes but have problems coming back down if it is not steps even with a hand rail. If I know in advance I just won't do it for fear of slipping. Thanks

A few days later some of us idiots decided to take the path from the lake up to the castle - only for the VERY fit! Worked off some of the scrumptious Bled cake. Would thoroughly recommend this Bled-based holiday.

We were based in the excellent Park Hotel in Bled which is virtually on the lake with superb views - if you pay a little extra for a lake view bedroom, well worth it. We went up to the castle by coach so no mobility problems and the castle itself was interesting with superb views. When we were there we could see a mist rolling in which blotted everything out, 15 minutes later all clear again!

A few days later some of us idiots decided to take the path from the lake up to the castle - only for the VERY fit! Worked off some of the scrumptious Bled cake. Would thoroughly recommend this Bled-based holiday.

Thanks David. The summer trip is based just outside Bled in Ribno. I know the Hotel Park although I have never stayed there.

Thank you for clearing up the path to the castle issue!

Hi Bosuncat

I was with David on the Christmas trip to Bled - great holiday! However, regarding the castle (of which I had a wonderful view from my room - illuminated at night) - the coach did take us a long way up, but from the coach park the first, fairly short, section of pathway was a paved and cobbled slope. Not an issue going up, but coming down the surface was very damp due to the mist that day and several people did find it a bit worrying. However, taking it steadily, we all made it safely down. There was a handrail on one side and, if I remember correctly, a low wall on the other. So, on a dry day and perhaps with a bit of support from fellow travellers and the tour manager ………….

Once past this short bit it was paved, with cobbled areas, and steps, and well worth it for the far reaching views across the lake to the mountains, the printing press which was demonstrated by an enthusiastic young man, and the rather eclectic historical collections.

I would love to visit the area in the summer, although I would also like the opportunity to visit Lipica to see the horses, no longer mentioned in the itinerary. Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the Bled cream cake - I did!!!:thumbup:

A question for you David if you can help? As I have said it is many years since I have been to Bled and both holidays I wasn't based there but in the mountains at a wonderful place called Kransjka Gora. So I have been to the Island and know about the steps up to the church, but for some reason we never went to the Castle. I've read that it is a pretty steep slope up to the museum (not steps). Did any of the party do it and did any of you have problems getting down again? Silly I know but with my back problems I am okay on flat ground walking and okay going up slopes but have problems coming back down if it is not steps even with a hand rail. If I know in advance I just won't do it for fear of slipping. Thanks

Hi Bosuncat

I was with David on the Christmas trip to Bled - great holiday! However, regarding the castle (of which I had a wonderful view from my room - illuminated at night) - the coach did take us a long way up, but from the coach park the first, fairly short, section of pathway was a paved and cobbled slope. Not an issue going up, but coming down the surface was very damp due to the mist that day and several people did find it a bit worrying. However, taking it steadily, we all made it safely down. There was a handrail on one side and, if I remember correctly, a low wall on the other. So, on a dry day and perhaps with a bit of support from fellow travellers and the tour manager ………….

Once past this short bit it was paved, with cobbled areas, and steps, and well worth it for the far reaching views across the lake to the mountains, the printing press which was demonstrated by an enthusiastic young man, and the rather eclectic historical collections.

I would love to visit the area in the summer, although I would also like the opportunity to visit Lipica to see the horses, no longer mentioned in the itinerary. Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the Bled cream cake - I did!!!:thumbup:

Sorry I missed this earlier and thank you. I shall see how I am on the day. It is only this sort of downward slope that gives me problems.

I would have loved the chance to have seen the horses again. I have a few pics from the last time I went years ago, such a shame that it is not in the itinerary. I am looking forward to seeing the mountains again so much. 🙂