Here’s a tip: In Slovenia, whenever you see a “J,” pronounce it as a “Y.” That makes the capital of Ljubljana far more easy to say. “Lyoob-lyana.”
Squished between Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria, and with a tiny slice of the idyllic Adriatic coast to call its own, pint-sized Slovenia still manages to pack in some of the most breathtaking views in Europe. And thanks to a two-man PR juggernaut, the country is barreling headlong into LGBTQ travel and tourism with Pink Week, one of the most well-regarded gay tours in Europe.
Organizers and husbands Matej Knific and Mattej Valencic organized the first ever Pink Week travel package for gays and their friends in 2014, and it proved such a success they were all but obligated for repeat performances. As the word got out, Mat & Matt saw it as a way to bring their oft-overlooked country into the world spotlight; think of Pink Week as a gay tour of not just a city, but a country. This isn’t as hard as it sounds; Slovenia is only a little bit bigger than Connecticut. Everyplace is a day-trip from everyplace else.
Kicking off from May 29 – 29, guests start off in the capital of Ljubljana, and get a grand tour of this little slice of architectural heaven, along with an equally heavenly introduction the city’s beer tradition with dinner. The next day, it is off to Piran (AKA, the “Dream City”) on the Adriatic Coast. Once a part of the Venetian Republic, this sun-drenched town is more akin to something you might stroll through in Tuscany, and the seafood — which you’ll sample at lunch — is top-notch. I strongly suggest wandering through the city streets, since they have not changed since the Renaissance. It’s a like an architectural time-warp, and, set against the azure serenity of the Adriatic, is so gorgeous you might actually forget to take photos. Then it’s back for a gay ol’ time in Ljubljana’s gay clubs.
The next day is a swing through one of Europe’s undiscovered jewels: Lake Bled. Ok, so the name is a little unfortunate when read in English, but the lake is considered to be something of a starting-point for the country; Bled Castle, rising high on cliffs dominating the shoreline, is the oldest in Slovenia — it hit the millennium-mark back in 2010.
Back in Ljubljana, Pink Week attendees get the VIP treatment at the farewell Dragon’s Ball, with DJs, gourmet food, and a rough-and-ready primer on just how much the Slovenes love a good party.
There is the option for a spa the next day before you head home, but methinks you’ll be sedated enough…
For more information, go to pinkweek.euand contact Steele Luxury Travel to make your reservations today at 646-688-2274.