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Slovenia, Austria & Italy 2009

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Slovenia’s delightfully wooded valleys and crystalline lakes are among Europe’s newly-discovered gems.  Detailed Itinerary

CYCLE peaceful, easy bike paths along the Drau River in Austria EXPLORE the picturesque city of Ljubljana LEARN to prepare sweet ‘Strucklji' with our local host in Graniska Gora ADMIRE the striking scenery at Lake Bled LUXURIATE at the magnificent Schloss Velden hotel DISCOVER the magical city of Venice with its alluring maze of medieval waterways

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Air-Inclusive Tour Roundtrip international airfare 8 nights in 3, 4-and 5 deluxe hotels 14 meals - 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners Transfers AND the option to add our Low-Cost Trip Extensions: Pre-trip: Ljubljana • 2 nights $295 Post-trip: Venice • 2 nights $295 Free use of our custom VBT bicycle and helmet Service of two bilingual VBT Trip Leaders FULL VAN SUPPORT Daily route directions and maps Sightseeing and cultural activities 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation Special Good Buy Discount Land-Only Tour 6 nights in 3, 4-and 5 deluxe hotels 12 meals - 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners Free use of our custom VBT bicycle and helmet Service of two bilingual VBT Trip Leaders FULL VAN SUPPORT Daily route directions and maps Sightseeing and cultural activities 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation Special Good Buy Discount

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Slovenia, Austria & Italy 2009 Click Map to Enlarge Rating Level: Easy This tour offers easy terrain throughout the trip. Ideal for beginning cyclists. Full Van Support: Enjoy more flexibility and choice with full van support throughout your vacation. Group Size:14-20 Daily Mileage:15 – 35 miles Daily Cycling Times:2 – 4 hours Avg. Daily High Temperature: Ljubjana: May 69°, June 75°, July 80°, Aug 79°, Sep 70°

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Antiq Hotel A small boutique hotel located in the pedestrian area on the wonderful medieval Gornj trg square, the Antiq Hotel is within easy walking distance from the bars, monuments, and the castle. The cozy common areas are decorated in authentic Slovenian elegance, with antique furniture, a delightful back garden, and a warm family welcome. 2 internet free of charge points are available for guests. (visit the Antiq Hotel website) Hotel Vitranc This small hotel was built before the Second World War and has a long tradition as a family-run guest-house (Slovenian ‘Gostilna’). The beautiful renovation in 2007 preserved the country-style and simple, welcoming ambience. It is located in Podkoren, outside Granjska Gore, facing the World Cup ski track. The hotel has a restaurant, a ‘Paizl’ (pub) where locals stop for a chat and beer after work, and an ancient annex with 10 apartments, a fireplace room and a small wellness area with sauna. (visit the Hotel Vitranc website) Romantik Hotel Post In the old days, this hotel was a stop for travelers, coaches and horses on an important trading road. Stables for 10 horses were once located where the Postcafe’ is now, and regular departures were scheduled from here to Spittal, Tirol, Klagenfurt, Ljubljana, Udine and Venice. This hotel – built in the 14th century – proudly displays the history and the distinguished noble families who stayed here. In 1759 the ‘Post’ empress Maria Theresia resided here. This romantic hotel has beautiful, vaulted ceilings, thick walls, a lovely garden and a convenient location in the Villach city center, just a few steps from our bike path along the Drau river. (visit the Romantik Hotel Post website) Hotel Schloss Velden The Schloss Velden is an ancient castle situated on the most prominent location along the lakeside promenade of the small city of Velden. It re-opened in 2007 after 20 years and, after a long, accurate restoration, now works as a resort with 105 suites and large, elegant rooms. Conde’ Nast Traveler has featured Schloss Velden as a ‘Hot Hotel’ and its spa center as a ‘Hot Spa’ of Austria , making it one of the 139 most luxurious and innovative hotels and resorts in the world. Its restaurant, Sclossstern, has a one Michelin Star rating and 17 Points in Gault Millau. Its wellness centre has been elected "best Spa in Austria by Gault Millau 2008". The other modern restaurant is located in a glass structure right on the water. Sunchairs, a private section of lake front, access to the spa centre are available at no extra charge for our guests. (visit the Hotel Schloss Velden website) Hotel Giorgione In the late 18th century this building was a large confectionary warehouse, and in the early 19th it was turned into a hotel called Hostaria. Later on, while still in possession of the same family, it became the elegant, refined 4-star Hotel Giorgione. The hotel has the matchless advantage of being run by a family, plus a great central location on a quiet street near the Rialto bridge. This hotel looks like a welcoming home rather than just a hotel. In the afternoon, your hosts serve complimentary iced tea in the garden near the fountain, to help you relax and unwind after visiting the city. (visit the Hotel Giorgione website)

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Ljubljana 2009 2 nightsfor only $295 • 2 nights at the Antiq Hotel • Daily breakfast • City Information packet • Airport transfers Discover the beautiful capital of Slovenia, with its historic center, delightful waterways and bridges, and charming, peak-roofed houses. The market square is full of wooden stalls selling traditional food and local crafts, and is a short stroll from your centrally located hotel. From here, you can easily discover the city highlights: the Castle, the Rivers fountain, the Triple bridge with the Cathedral and the many cafes and restaurants that you will find along the way. Enjoy the charm of this still untouched European gem, and relax in the shade of its characteristic weeping willow trees. Note: Single supplement for this extension is $145. top Venice 2009 2 nightsfor only $295 • 2 nights at the Hotel Giorgione • Daily breakfast • City Information packet • Airport transfers Often referred to as the most romantic city in the world, the island of Venice is a sight not to be missed. During your extension, you will stay in a four-star hotel furnished in the elegant, traditional Venetian style. Located in the heart of Cannareggio district on Venice Island on a side quiet street, you are just a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, the lagoon and St. Mark’s Square. Travel as the locals do, by vaporetto (water bus), or more privately by gondola, as you view the Grand Canal. View masterpieces by Titian, Bellini and Donatello. Venture to Murano, the famous glass-blowing center and relax at an outdoor cafè at the Piazza San Marco. This historic city is truly a must-see! Note: Single supplement for this extension is $195.

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Group Discount Program: You can earn a FREE VBT tour with our generous group discount program. Click here for details. Refer a Friend and Earn $100 Travel Credit: If you refer a Friend to VBT and they choose to travel with us, you earn $100 travel credit toward your next trip and your friend gets $50 off their first VBT trip. Click here for details. Good Buy Plan: The earlier you pay, the more you save. If you book early and pay in full by check, you can lock in your trip cost plus earn up to a 10% discount. 5% Frequent Traveler Credit: You will automatically receive a 5% travel credit good for your next VBT trip. This credit is good for one full year. Savings for Single Travelers: If you are on a tour where sharing is possible and you would like to share a room, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. We will charge you only 50% of the single supplement; if a match is available, we will refund you the single supplement after you return. If requested and available, single supplement is $645. Best Value Guaranteed: Click here for details. We reserve the right to correct errors. top