Wed 19th to Fri 21st July - Piran to Lake Bled to Zagreb

Day 10 - Wednesday. Piran to Bled

Relaxing morning in Piran, brunch on the foreshore. Before heading off.

We are only a few km's from Italy, a photo of the western coast of Italy in the distance.

Along the way we stopped at the Skocjan Caves for Kate and Paul to wander through, they said they were fantastic. The biggest caves they have ever been in but that some of the walking/climbing was "interesting", not for the faint hearted with 80m drops, Paul having to hold onto his glasses when looking over the edge.

Tracey and I headed for Italy for a Gelato? But first had to check with the rental car company that it would be ok to take the car into Italy, we had not prearranged this when booking. Unfortunately our Croatian Sim card's don't work in Slovenia and we could not find a phone booth, when we finally did we had no phone card to use it. Thus chose not to risk driving into Italy possibly without insurance so we stopped in a quaint little Slovenia town right near the Italian border. Found out how much more difficult it was to communicate when you get away from the tourist areas, English is known but to carry a conversation involved lots of hand motions to get the point or request across... and some don't bother.

Bled our next night, is at the base of the Alps so we are getting some fantastic views in the distance.

On to Bled itself, with a church on an island. We plan to visit tomorrow.

Dinner at the local Pub, lovely mixed grill with veggies for all.

Day 11 - Thursday. Lake Bled

Slow relaxing start for the day, laundromat to drop off our washing. Then down to Lake Bled to visit the church on the island, about 900 years old. We travelled over the old fashioned way, on a row boat. Great way to just relax.

Great view of Bled castle and the Church on the way.

Then a relaxing late afternoon at a waterfront Cafe, dinner at a Pub and fantastic photo of the Castle all lit up. We visit that tomorrow morning.

Day 12 - Friday. Bled to Zagreb

Departing around 9am, straight up to Bled Castle. Starting with some fantastic views.

Then walked through the castle including a very informative museum. The island and position where the castle sits have been used for throusands of years as they offer great defensive positions. This latest castle was built in the 1100's.

Then on to Lake Bohinjsko within the National Park. A lot of campers, a little quieter and no big buildings, looks like a great place to stay. We paddled in the water, a little cold for a swim.

Then we continued on to Zagreb, keeping away from the motorway as much as possible finding interesting old roads and communities. Along with a lovely little lunch spot.