The setting is a glacial lake in the Julian Alps of northwest Slovenia. We are guests in the home of the Slovenian National Rowing Team (including Olympic champions Iztok Cop and Luka Spik) and the Bled Rowing Club. Renowned coach Marlene Royle introduces her unique sculling program designed especially for us and our time on this 2000m emerald green lake often described as one of the world’s most beautiful places to row. Indulge yourself in something new: 8 days in an alpine paradise, rowing in the morning then spending a day exploring the luscious green mountains of Slovenia and enjoying the best wines and dishes of the region.

Rowing Program
Marlene’s sculling instruction will be focused on improving the technical skills of each sculler through one-on-one coaching, practicing drills, group exercises, video analysis, and dock demonstrations. Special attention will be given to stabilizing the hull, bladework, proper recovery rhythm, as well as, effective power application on the drive and learning to work with the boat. Marlene will help you learn the critical concepts of the stroke and then how to practice your skills. Sessions will be tailored to the needs and goals of the group. Instruction will be in single shells with some doubles available for use. Scullers should be able to row a racing single. Off the water, you will have time to talk to Marlene about training, physiology, flexibility, and any other aspects of sculling that interests you. Email Marlene with any questions.

In September the climate is mild and warm with average temperatures in the 60’s. Rowers should have light rain gear and tights for cool mornings.

Optional Activities
One can walk, run, or bike around the lake (6 km) along the way passing linden, chestnut, and willow trees hanging over the water, the famous “swan boats”, wooden walk ways, fishermen, Bled Castle, and the 9th century church on the tiny, tear-shaped Blejski Otok, the only true island in Slovenia. Those not rowing in the mornings have a wealth of activities to choose from; golfers could play on a different course each day, hikers, climbers and cyclists find a variety of routes to explore, others might try horseback riding, wine tasting, museum visits or a cooking class.

Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are in the Hotel Triglav, a charming little hotel on the hill above the lake, just a 5 minute walk from the rowing club. Most with lake views and balconies, the rooms have air conditioning, free internet access, mini bar, telephone, cable TV, hair dryer, safe, and the bathrooms have either a tub or shower.

Cost per person for rowing participant is $ 2989. If the total number of participants reaches 15, the price per rower becomes $2749. Non rowing participants deduct $400 per person. Cost includes 7 nights double occupancy hotel accommodations, hotel taxes and service charge (single supplement may be available on request), official “welcome” at the Slovenian Rowing Headquarters, coached rowing sessions, video analysis and technique talks with Marlene Royle, boats, oars, full breakfast daily, Welcome Dinner Celebration and Farewell Dinner (alcoholic beverages not included), transportation and entrances on group sightseeing trips arranged by the group leaders, an airport transfer to and from the airport in Ljubljana. Costs are based on exchange rates as of December 7, 2009 and are subject to adjustment in the event of any major currency fluctuation. Cost does not include airfare, travel insurance, hotel tourist tax of €1 per person per day to be paid directly to the hotel, personal items, telephone, travel insurance, tips to guides and drivers.

The number of rowing participants is limited so reserve now by making a deposit of $500 payable by check or credit card to Willett Travel. The balance of the trip cost is due July 1, 2010. All reservations are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the final due date. See the Trip Enrollment form for details and the cancellation policy.

Download a flyer and trip enrollment form for this trip or for more information, please email us pamela@callistotours.com.
CST# 2002558-10