If you’re a castle lover, Slovenia is the right place for a blend of history and culture in a country that’s still untainted by the tourist factor. First stop on your list will likely be the capital city’s Ljubljana Castle built in the 15^th century.  Located in the city of its namesake, the castle sits atop a hill with sweeping views of the city and the countryside and it’s the largest and most visited castle in the country.

Not surprising.

It’s free to enter the castle courtyard so even if you just want a good view and a cup of coffee or glass of wine at the top, you’ll be able to take in the atmosphere no cost.

Guided tours take place daily from June to mid-September at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and are about an hour long.  From September 15 until the summer season rolls around again guided tours are conducted only if arranged in advance.

Tours aren’t mandatory, but will give you a good taste of the castle’s history.  The area was inhabited as far back as the 12th century BC, eventually became a Celtic stronghold and finally morphed into what it is today.   The tour guides are also full of legends and lore of the castle and the surrounding area, so as you discover the medieval jail, the old Gothic chapel, renovated halls and a 2000-year-old Roman well you’ll also hear the stories that have shaped this part of the world.

On tour or not you can climb to the top of the tower for an even better view.  Take some time and watch the 3-D documentary about the history of the castle and the city.  On the left side of the castle chapel you will also find the Museum of Slovene History along with a restaurant featuring traditional Slovenian food.

Locals and visitors alike find their way up the hill during the summertime to attend one of the many cultural events.  Art exhibitions are free and take place in various parts of the castle; concerts, theatre and open air cinema are also featured during the warm weather. Then, just as fall begins to peak its head on the horizon, the castle courtyard plays host to Medieval Day which celebrates the history of Ljubljana .

There are several options for getting to the castle, depending on the time of year you visit.  You definitely don’t want to drive since there’s no place to park at the top.  So leave your car at your hotel,  Slovenia has a good variety of accommodations, and walk along one of the paths to the top.  Walking will take you about 10 minutes from the city’s Old Town.  Or choose the funicular.  The funicular runs about every 10 minutes, leaving from the Krekov trg between 9 am-11 pm during the summer, and 10 am-9 pm during the remainder of the year.

Photo credit:  Sebastian Bermann via flickr

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by My Destination Info.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the guest writer, Rita Cook.

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The imposing cylindrical Castel Sant’Angelo, situated along the Tiber River in Rome, was built between 123 and 129 AD.  It was first known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, serving as the resting grounds for the ashes of the Roman emperor.  Ashes of Hadrian’s family, as well as subsequent emperors, joined him there.

Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome Italy

The tomb was ransacked during one of Rome’s less civilized periods, and the Castel Sant’Angelo was later used as a fortress (Popes hid out here), castle (connected to St. Peter’s Basilica by a covered corridor), and prison (executions were held in the interior square).

Today it is the location of the National Museum’s collections of weapons, ceramics, furnishings, and Renaissance paintings, and is still a formidable presence on the Rome’s skyline.

It’s worth stopping by to look at the architecture and history of the building, and the great views, as much as it is to view the collections.  There’s a beautiful papal apartment inside, built to accommodate a Pope in the event of a siege upon the Vatican,  and an interior spiral ramp that dates back to the original mausoleum days.  Rumor has it that there’s also a special art room, but since I didn’t personally see it, it must remain a rumor for me.

The Castel Sant’Angelo is an easy stop off after seeing the Vatican.  Walk back toward the city, and you can’t miss it.  The crowds are substantially less than many sights in Rome, and you can take a far more leisurely approach to what you are seeing.  I’d recommend allowing 60-90 minutes, depending on what piques your curiosity.  And keep your camera handy — there are lots of photo ops!

You’ll find the Castel Sant’Angelo at Lungotevere del Castello 50.  This is near the Ponte Sant’angelo ( St. Angelo Bridge).  Seriously, just head toward the bridge and you can’t miss it.

Open hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am – 6:30 pm.  Closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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For most of my life I spent Thanksgiving with one family member or another (or all of them), eating a huge turkey dinner, listening to football-related yelling, and navigating the delicate balance between family arguments and peaceful co-existence.  If that sounds familiar, and the thought of spending another holiday like that is truly painful, consider taking a Thanksgiving vacation this year.

And I’m not talking about a vacation to go visit family – I’m talking about a real vacation – for everyone!

Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland

I first tried the holiday vacation plan nearly 10 years ago, and while I don’t do it every year, it’s become an important part of mixing up my holiday celebrations.  It’s also done a lot to restore peace and balance in my life, something for which I am very thankful!  The vacations have occasionally occasionally included extended family members, sometimes not, and I’ve found that getting people out of their usual places and roles, can go a long way toward establishing new traditions and having fun.  You don’t have to do the same thing every single year!

In past years, I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving on a cruise (several times, including cruises to Mexico, the Caribbean, and through the Panama Canal) and in Hawaii.  This year’s plans haven’t been finalized yet, but since I’ll be in London earlier in November, this may be a stay-at-home year.

Need some inspiration to do a mind switch on a Thanksgiving vacation?  Why not suggest something different for this year?

Here’s a Thanksgiving travel package that I came across to get you started thinking outside the box:  Spend Thanksgiving, including a hearty dinner, at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland.

Ashford Castle is located on 350 acres on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong.  It’s surrounded by the lake, river, mountains, and lots of green.  The Castle has 83 guestrooms, and features an equestrian center, a falconry school (the first in Ireland), a 9-hole golf course, and fly fishing.  There are several dining rooms and bars on property.

For a Thanksgiving stay, you can take advantage of the Thanksgiving special which is a 3-night package that includes breakfast each morning, and a gourmet Irish-style Thanksgiving dinner.  Packages start at €375 (about $548) per person, and is offered for November 26 – 28th.

Don’t get me wrong – I love my family.  Sometimes, though, you have to break with the old to establish new, healthier, and more memorable family traditions.

Have you vacationed for Thanksgiving?  How did it work out?

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Ashford Castle

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