From along the breathtaking Dalmatian Coast and traveling through war-torn countries in Central Europe, we have experienced the incredible natural beauty, glittering azure water, majestic beaches, and soaring mountains as we reach storied Lake Bled.

We arrive at magical Lake Bled and its fairy tale world in Slovenia. Lake Bled is ranked among the most beautiful places in Slovenia and the most photogenic lake on the planet.  Bled is Slovenia’s most popular alpine resort, luring honeymooners, backpackers, hikers, mountaineers, and outdoorsmen during all four seasons.

Most river cruises are inclusive, it becomes your floating 5-star boutique hotel, complete with regional tours, gourmet meals, and prestigious wines. Sailings and itineraries run the gamut from romantic and stunning, to awe-inspiring.  What we enjoy most is the variety of itineraries available for river cruisers i.e., active, educational, and leisurely.

One of our most memorable and educational experiences was in Aljmas, Croatia, located along the right bank of the Danube, and looking across the river to Serbia. Where we were transported into the countryside, accompanied by our translator, Paul. Our destination was a pre-arranged, private, in-home lunch at a classified Sobe (so-bays), owned by a multi-generational family offering farm-to-table meals for a nominal fee. Giving tourists a chance to see a more rural side of Croatia and hear their history from locals.

Uniworld Boutique River Ship 

My Bordeaux Tours

Croatian War of Independence 1991-1995

SOBE (similar to B & B)

Rialto bridge was built to provide access to the Rialto market and connect the San Marco and San Polo sestieri (districts), the Rialto is the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal  image@pixabay

It was a pleasure to reorient ourselves with the most famous and touristy St. Marco Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the ornate Rialto Bridge, the most photographed spot in the world. We took a quiet break to explore a few other neighborhoods in Venice. Where each sestieri has its distinct personality and allure; taking a slow walk to catch our breath and relax.  We strolled the behind-the-scenes areas to enjoy the authentic beauty of Venice, exploring the labyrinth of back streets, rambling passageways, on foot, far away from the charming chaos. Yes, there are romantic gondolas rides and vaporettos to take you around this treasured city; but exploring the off-the-beaten-path, laid-back, lived-in, neighborhoods on foot for an up-close and personal experience of everyday life in Venice is memorable.

Sadly, we didn’t get to spend enough time in Trieste, but we could see it’s a fabulous vacation destination. It’s small but not overrun with tourists, mostly European holidaymakers on summer vacation.  It’s a great escape from the crowds of tourists of Venice and easily accessible by rail, road, and summertime ferries. Its offerings are plentiful, beautiful beaches and resorts, fresh seafood, white truffles, wild asparagus, olive oils, and delectable wines all produced by the perfect Mediterranean climate.

Central Europe has been an ideal travel and educational experience filled with beautiful sights, breathtaking moments, and postcard-perfect destinations.  

Continue your armchair travels with us we arrive in Venice, Italy, and laugh at how our luggage went mysteriously missing for five hours.

*2018 travels

Visiting Trieste

Visiting Istria

Transportation Trieste to Venice

J. Christina is the author and owner of Scribbles and Smiles. Through our blog, we share stories of the wonderful discoveries we have made on our European travels. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on board with their travel jaunts around the world sharing in their blogging endeavor - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.