This was the tour operator that provided us with this day trip - roundabout tours... frankly speaking I think they are quite good and the tour covered a lot of interesting sights in Slovenia

Vila Bled - It once was Tito's summer villa when this is still called Yugoslavia, now converted into a 4* hotel.

The garden surrounding the villa is filled with exotic trees, brought here by Tito’s guests from distant lands.

We need to cross the lake to the island that is in the middle of Lake Bled

This is a pletna boat, an important symbol of Lake Bled, how most of us will cross the lake. Like the gondolas, the pletnas are run by families and have been passed down through the generations

This is our pletna oarsman, who did a good job of getting us across safely, the only drawback was he didn't sing.. but again this was not Venice and the boat was not a gondola

Bled’s little island - capped by a church right at the middle of the lake, is the iconic landmark of Slovenia. It is known as Otok (which means The Island)

Not long after we soon arrived at the island

Quite a dramatic entrance, the stairs run all the way to the lake level

There are 99 steps from the dock to the church and traditionally the groom has to carry the bride for their wedding.. what a test of love... hope there is still a husband to marry after this test.

The plan of the island, basically not much here except the church and the bell tower, and of course potica, the Slovenian nut-roll cake which is only sold here

The church and the bell tower in the middle of the island