Art Nouveau Tour in Ljubljana and Trieste

At the turn of the 20th century, a new artistic style contributed significantly to the appearance of a number of European cities. In Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, it developed under the influence of the Viennese Secession and found expression mainly in architecture, with the emphasis on local architects, such as Maks Fabiani, who, like their counterparts in other European cities, utilised the advantages of the new industrial serial production and materials such as iron, steel, glass and reinforced concrete, with inspiration coming from the animal and plant worlds, folklore and geometric forms. The major earthquake in Ljubljana in 1895 offered plenty of scope for rebuilding and its Art Nouveau collection is one of the finest in Europe, with many noteworthy buildings including the Dragon Bridge and Hauptmann House. Our tour, in the company of expert, Prof. Anne Anderson, ventures over the border into Italy and the lovely city of Trieste, who adopted an Italianate version of Art Nouveau, which became known as “Liberty.”

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Ljubljana.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel for four nights with a light cold plate at the hotel included on your arrival.

Day 2: Full day Ljubljana by coach and on foot.
Our first full day in Slovenia’s capital takes us first to the home and studio of one of the city’s most famous sons, Joze Pleznik, whose work is evident in the city. A guided tour in small groups will show you the details of his life, style and work. Other sights on the itinerary include the city’s Sluice Gate, Church of St Francis, Central Market and Covered Market (designed by Plecnik). After free time for lunch (not included) at the atmospheric market, our afternoon continues on foot with the Dragon Bridge, Triple Bridge and a river cruise where we can view the city from a different perspective. This evening a talk from Anne, ‘Secession: from Vienna to Ljubljana’ and dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 3: Full day Ljubljana  on foot.
Our day starts with a guided walking tour of Miklosiceva ulica street, where many of the best Art Nouveau architecture is to be found including Vurnik House, Urbanc House, Hauptmann House in Preseren Square, Cobbler’s Bridge, People’s Loan Bank Building, Mladika School, Municipal Savings Bank Building, Trnovo Bridge and Church of St John the Baptist. Free time to rest your feet and enjoy a leisurely lunch (not included) before continuing to the National and University Library, designed by Joze Plecnik, to visit the famous Reading Room, said to be one of the most unique library spaces in the world, showcasing outstanding Art Nouveau details including chandeliers by Plecnik. Our final visit of the day will be to the city’s National Gallery. This evening a second talk from Anne ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Trieste, ‘Liberty Style in Trieste and Beyond’ and dinner with wine at the hotel .

Day 4: Full day Trieste.
This morning we head south west just over the border into Italy and the lovely seaside city of Trieste, where Anne will cast her expert eye over the city’s myriad of Art Nouveau buildings including the National Hall, Palazzo Viviani, Central Fish Market, Ambasciatori Cinema and many more. Its seaside location on the Golf of Trieste lends the city a delightful atmosphere and there will be some free time to soak up the local colour and enjoy a local lunch (not included) before visiting the Revoltella Museum of modern art, whose collection is concentrated on significant 20^th century Italian artists. Return to Ljubljana, where the evening is free to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants close to the hotel.

Day 5: Ljubljana and depart.
This morning is free to explore the city and a final lunch (not included) before heading to the outskirts of Ljubljana for two of Plecnik’s most original and significant buildings from the late 1930s. First, we visit the Church of St Michael in the Ljubljana marshes and constructed on piles before heading to our last visit at Zale Cemetery with its colonnaded memorial arch where we will enjoy a guided tour before bidding farewell to this much under-rated city and head to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Ljubljana
• Four nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Grand Hotel Union, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Cold plate at the hotel on arrival
• Welcome reception and two dinners with wine at the hotel
• Two lectures at the hotel
• Transfers, tours and entrance fees
• Prof. Anne Anderson and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Grand Hotel Union, Ljubljana
Traditional four-star hotel dating back to 1905, located in the heart of the city and constructed in Secession style, which has been welcoming distinguished guests including the British Queen for more than a century.  The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool, wellness centre, historic café, restaurant and atmospheric Art Nouveau bar as well very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, telephone, air-conditioning, minibar, safe and hairdryer.

Hotel Website

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Prof. Anne Anderson
Prof. Anne Anderson author, broadcaster and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, was a senior lecturer at Southampton Solent University for 14 years, specialising in the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism. Anne's career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world and her TV credits include the BBC's Flog It!. Anne has received a rapturous response from or customers at the many Travel Editions UK lectures and tours as well as a host of tours overseas and her knowledge, wit and enthusiasm bring her beloved subjects to life in whatever location she finds them.