Slovenia

A journey into Slovenia

For wishing bells, salt spas, and island castles
slovenia

A Journey into Slovenia

A world of twisting turquoise rivers, baroque chateaus, and daring alpine pursuits, Slovenia is – to many – a fairytale destination. And we agree. Some things you’ll expect. Like the familiar haunts of Lake Bled and Ljubljana. Others you won’t. Like the fish gardens of Piran and Istria’s hilltop “town of artists”.

On this enchanting journey, you’ll step into your own fairytale; weaving your way south from the jagged Julian Alps to the glittering Adriatic Sea, through white birch forests and Cviček vineyards. Throughout, you’ll be led by some of Slovenia’s warmest guides, experiencing the country through the eyes of those who know it best: the locals.

When

June - October

Price

From £9,900pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

11 nights
Ideal length
Slovenia map
Days 1-3

Kranjska Gora

At the border of Slovenia, Austria and Italy, Kranjska Gora is the best of three worlds. Nature runs deep here: in the emerald spring waters of Zelenci through to the 1,000-year-old larch forests of Mala Pišnica and the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, where your adventure begins.

Day 1
Your hideaway in the Julian Alps

Touching down in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s pastel-coloured capital, you’ll be met by your private driver. Leaving the city behind (don’t worry, you’ll be back), you’ll head northwest towards Kranjska Gora – and Hotel Milka, your boutique hideaway for the next three nights. Looking out at the glacial waters of Jasna Lake and the Julian Alps beyond, you’ll settle in; dining on Alpine-inspired dishes and relaxing in the hotel’s Finnish sauna.

Lake Bled castle
Lake Bled Boating
Day 2
Of wishing bells and waterfalls

Today, you’ll discover the secrets of Lake Bled. After grabbing a slice of the original (and deliciously sweet) Bled cream cake, you’ll step aboard your private “pletna” boat. Gliding over the lake’s green-blue waters, you’ll arrive at Bled Island where you’ll ring the tower’s wishing bell (and hope your wish comes true). Returning to shore, your local guide will take you to new heights – to Bled’s breathtaking clifftop castle. Then, following Radovna River, you’ll unearth the trails of Vintgar Gorge. Home to Šum, the largest waterfall in Slovenia, you’ll wander over wooden bridges beside waterfalls, natural pools, and rapids.

Julian Alps, Slovenia
Day 3
Deep in the valley

Between the towering mountains and sweeping pine forests of the Upper Sava Valley, you’ll hike across wildflower meadows with your knowledgeable local guide, spotting the carnivorous sundews of Lake Zelenci and marvelling at the 2,000-metre-high peaks of Mojstrovka and Travnik. Breathe it all in.

Days 4-6

Portorož

Beside the glittering Adriatic Sea, the resort town of Portorož is worth its salt (quite literally). Known for its nearby Sečovlje Salina salt pans and therapeutic spas complete with “salt saunas”, wellness-seekers have been unwinding here for decades. Now, it’s your turn.

Day 4
Welcome to the “Port of Roses”

Swapping mountainsides for seascapes, you’ll head south towards Portorož, a spa town famed for its mud and saltwater baths. Along the way, you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves, uncovering vast river canyons and limestone chambers. After arriving at the elegant Kempinski Palace Hotel and indulging in a soothing treatment (or two) at its Rose Spa, you’ll cruise along the Slovene Riviera in a traditional wooden sailboat; sipping on champagne and exploring the medieval town of Piran.

Day 5
Of truffle hunting and hilltop towns

Crossing over into the Croatian part of the Istrian Peninsula, you’ll embark on a truffle-hunting expedition with a local family in their private woodland. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labour with a four-course truffle tasting. Saying farewell to the family (and their skilled truffle dogs), you’ll set off for “the town of artists” – or Grožnjan, as it’s also known. After exploring the hilltop town’s galleries and studios, you’ll end the day at Fonda Fish Garden. Run by a family of biologists, you’ll learn about their mission to sustainably farm the best fish in the world; sailing around their “sea garden” and tasting the freshest sea bass.

Day 6
A home away from home

Today, you’ll visit the home of Nona Mima. In the karst village of Ocizla (where the land is formed from limestone), her family will welcome you to their charming homestead beside the Italian border. Surrounded by caves and streams, you’ll wander along the TIGR forest trail as you learn about their work before heading to the kitchen. After tasting fresh home-baked bread and home-grown produce, you’ll try your hand at some of Nona’s favourite dishes; preparing gnocchi and pickling vegetables.

Days 7-8

Dolenjska

A region of Zidanice cottages sprawled across vineyards, Dolenjska is best known for Otočec Castle (Slovenia’s only “water castle”). Perched on the largest island in the River Krka, where the centuries-old forests of Gorjanci Hills rise in the distance, Otočec feels like it’s been plucked straight from a fairytale. You’ll see.

Castle Otocec
Day 7
A taste of tradition

Leaving Portorož behind, you’ll embark on your own wine safari across Goriška Brda, one of Slovenia’s smallest (and most enchanting) wine-growing regions. Accompanied by your expert guide, you’ll visit local vineyards; meeting the wine makers, sampling award-winning reds and whites, and discovering historic secret smuggling routes. In the evening, you’ll settle in at Otočec Castle Relais & Chateaux, the country’s only castle encircled by water (and your new home). For the next two nights, at any rate.

Day 8
A rural retreat

Surrounded by forests of white birch trees, you’ll explore the rural region of Bela Krajina (or “White Carniola”) by foot, e-bike, and canoe. Lunch will be served outside, a picnic between clear skies and deep canyons. With prime conditions for wine-growing, next you’ll sample the area’s top vintages (modra frankinja is our favourite). To finish off the day, you’ll head to the kitchen; preparing (and sampling) belokranjska pogača, Bela Krajina’s traditional cumin-spiced flatbread.

Days 9-11

Ljubljana

Dotted with Plečnik architecture, urban beehives (4,500 strong) and traditional gostilna (family-owned taverns serving Slovene dishes), Ljubljana – the “city of dragons” – was once the home of a marsh-dwelling monster. Or so the legend goes. Today, it plays host to cello festivals, seasonal “open kitchens”, and its very own Dragon Carnival.

Day 9
At the heart of things

Waving farewell to the countryside, your private driver will ferry you to the heart of Ljubljana – and the charming AS Boutique Hotel. Tucked away in one of the city’s oldest culinary districts (and just a few steps away from the iconic Triple Bridge), you’ll spend the day settling in; relaxing on your private terrace and dining on dishes prepared by award-winning chef (and local celebrity), Ana Roš.

Day 10
Of castles and dragons

Exploring the historic centre of Ljubljana, your expert guide will take you to some of the city’s most iconic sites like the Križanke (a 13th-century monastery turned open-air theatre) and the legendary Dragon Bridge with its four magnificent (and slightly terrifying) dragon statues. Seeking a fresh perspective, you’ll hop aboard the funicular, ascending to Ljubljana Castle. There, you’ll discover its secrets (of dungeons, wells, and puppets) – and spectacular views of the city.

Day 11
Farewell for now

Leaving is always the difficult part. But while this adventure across Slovenia may be over, there’s still more stories to unravel. It’s like they say: there’s always next time.

So, ready to start?

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