8 to 17 May, 2026 - Chioggia, Ljubljana, Ptuj, Trakoscan, Bratislava, Vienna, Gorica - (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, Austria)
We decided to drive to this year's Eurovision, held in Vienna (although we stayed in Bratislava). It became a "giro", as they say in Italian. A trip; a tour; a spin. Five countries (six if you include our stops in the Republic of San Marino to get fuel).
Chioggia was our first destination, recently in our field of vision of Italian destinations. It just worked out so well in terms of distance to drive, direction, and something novel and new.
A Selfie in Chioggia
In front of the Holy Trinity Church (now mueseum).
Chioggia. Never Heard of It
The quiet fishing town of Chioggia, at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, dubbed "Little Venice" due to the similar architecture, the canals, the old bridges. It's largely unknown to foreign tourists. When mentioned to Italians, we generally got a response of recognition, even admiration, as they fondly recalled visiting once or twice in their youth.
Compact, with only a small number of canals, it lacks the iconic black Venetian gondolas. This is a real life town, full of locals living their working lives. Not too crowded, slow and easy is the visiting pace.
Going through Slovenia was unavoidable, so stopping in Slovenia became mandatory. Two different accommodations. One in Ptuj, and one nearby.
Every Visit
Each time we visit Ljubljana, we visit the dragons on the bridge. I think we have posted blog photos from most of those stops. We greet them, like old friends, reach up and pat a claw or hold their tails. Its our tradition in this small and compact capital. They have never let us down.
Another Every Visit Tradition - Polnjeni Kalamari
Oh, we look forward to those little squid, stuffed with prosciutto and cheese, cooked in butter, garlic, and wine. My mouth is watering just writing about them.
Isn't Ptuj so Pretty
One of Europe's hidden gems, not far from the Slovenian capital. The skyline, for us, is one of the prettiest in Europe. Ptuj remains off the mass tourist trail. Quiet and authentic, with barely a selfie stick in sight.
No nights in Croatia.
A Short Diversion
Looking for a day trip to be undertaken from Ptuj, we discovered Trakoscan, in North Western Croatia. Built as a fortress and observation post, it was refashioned over the centuries in to a fairytale castle.
We then overshot Vienna by a small amount, and stayed five nights in Bratislava apartment. Slovakia has more to offer than most know about.
Ruined Hrad Pajstun
Finding this was quite an adventure in itself. The route up lacked clear signage so we just walked along forest trails, heading upward and to higher ground whenever presented with a choice. Eventually, we found ourselves at the base of the remains of the impressively tall walls. The forgotten ruined fortress overtaken by nature.
Some Gargoyles Survived
It was by order of Napoleon that this castle was blown apart. Six gargoyles were on this part of wall, and five survived. The other lay at our feet as we looked up. A nice touch to the romantic ruin.
In Bratislava Old Town
We chose Bratislava to be our base. Although we were travelling for Eurovision, being hosted in Vienna, we decide on the Slovakian capital for our accommodation. A relatively short drive away, we found it the perfect solution. Much cheaper, and after stopping in a few years ago, a proper stay in Bratislava was well and truly on the cards.
A Visitor
So, one morning in Bratislava, we opened the curtain of our apartment...
Exploring Another Ruin Castle
The destruction of Deviski Hrad is also attributable to Napoleon. Again, large amounts of gunpowder strategically placed to ensure that the defences were compromised enough to render them useless and irreparable.
From Bratislava, we travelled to Vienna. Twice. We had tickets for the second semi final, as well as the grand final. Travelling on the train was free for ticket holders, so we parked conveniently in the outskirts. Adorned in our Eurovision finery, the train was overflowing with fellow attendees. It was a wonderful atmosphere, just getting in and out.
As for the event itself. Amazing. So amazing. We had floor access for both the events, getting us close to the action, and in the thick of it with the die-hard fans. The waiting time was spent getting to know some of the randoms nearby, most who had travelled substantial distances across Europe to be there. We talked to them about our favourites, what we thought about their country's entrant, about Eurovisions past. We talked about why we were there - not us personally, but Australia as a competing nation - and also why and how we were there, personally.
Eurovision Semi Final Day
Eurovision Grand Final Day
Our Delta and Eclipse
The trip back to Bomba we did in a single day. Arising early, stopping for lunch in Slovenia, making a long coffee stop in a weird political and geographical anomaly town, and then back to Bomba. About 17 hours with stops. Big final day, but keen to get back to our own bed.
While I Stand in Gorizia, Jo is in Nova Gorica
Together in Trg Evrope, Europe Square. After the Second World War, this town was split. A metal fence ran through the town, and while the old centre remained in Italy, Yugoslavia built a modern socialist "model city" on their side. In 2004, when Slovenia joined the EU, the wall was pulled down and the open square became a new focus for the city.
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