Ljubljana

Friday, midday

Check into the towering, new Intercontinental Ljubljana (www.ihg. com, doubles from £136), the city’s only five star hotel. Book a room with a view towards the castle.

1pm

Ease into the centre for lunch at Atelje (www.restavracijaatelje.com), a bistro that dishes up fresh local produce and introduces you to the excellent domestic wines.

2:30pm

Cross the graceful Triple Bridge and on the other bank of the Ljubljanica the old town unfurls with its rich collage of medieval and baroque architecture.

6pm

Hop on the funicular that swishes you up to the city’s rugged castle and enjoy the views from its tower as well as its museum.

7pm

Dine at Strelec (www.kaval-group. si), where head chef Igor Jagodichas brilliantly plays with traditional Slovenian dishes and produce. Make sure to snare a seat on the castle ramparts rather than in the dining room.

Saturday, 8am

Take the express bus out to chocolatebox-pretty Lake Bled, arguably the finest glacial lake in the Alps.

1pm

Back in Ljubljana EK Bistro (https:// ek-bistro.business.site) awaits with its riverside terrace and innovative, healthy cooking.

3pm

Enjoy a boat cruise along the Ljubljanica with Barka (http:// barka-ljubljanica.si). This varnished wooden charmer is the most characterful of the flotilla of tourist boats that ply the river.

6pm

Enjoy a wee aperitif by the water’s edge at one of the pavement cafes on the old town side.

8pm

Settle in for a sumptuous dinner at the Intercontinental’s B Restaurant. Kick off with delicious saffron risotto before a main of fillet steak, washed down with more superb Slovenian wines – the whites or reds from Goriska Brda are world class.

Sunday, 9am

Take a dip in the Intercontinental’s pool, which sits up high on the hotel’s 18th floor, or enjoy one last stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica. ■