Slovenia

Ljubljana & The West: A Luxury Holiday in Slovenia

When

June To October

Price

From £4,700pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

8 nights ideal length

Welcome to Slovenia; where rolling hills and jagged mountaintops stretch as far as the eye can see.  Famed for its natural, green beauty, this gem of Eastern Europe continues to lure in visitors throughout the year. Boasting stunning medieval architecture, a silently growing wine industry and a deliciously authentic food culture – Slovenia truly is one of a kind. So get to know Slovenia in all its foodie glory, as you travel around this incredible country in search of its top culinary delights.

Sip and savour Slovenian wine

With no time to waste, head straight to the Goriška Brda Wine Region, home to some of Slovenia’s leading wineries. Once checked into the charming Gredič Castle Hotel, which still holds on to many of its original 16th-century features, you’ll be free to explore the beautiful and tranquil region of West Slovenia. Hike or cycle through the endless vineyards, before retiring to your hotel where you’ll be treated to a delicious three-course meal, paired with delectable wines from the hotel’s cellar. Let the wining and dining continue with a trip to a local winery the following day. Enjoy a personal tour of the estate with the owner himself, as well as private wine tasting lesson, where you will be able to discover and learn all about Slovenia’s prized sauvignons and chardonnays.

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Deep country exploring

Come day three you’re off to the incredibly peaceful Soča Valley, home to vast emerald meadows, natural blue water pools and deep green forestland. From kayaking to fishing and from paragliding to shooting, explore Slovenia’s evergreen backcountry, before retreating to the Hiša Franko Hotel. Said to be the place where Ernest Hemingway wrote his bestselling novel – A Farewell to Arms – Hiša Franko combines traditional Slovenian hospitality with modern luxuries to bring you the utmost comfort. That evening, you’ll be treated to a hearty Slovenian meal from the hotel’s ever-changing menu, as head chef Ana Roš (celebrated for her appearance on NetFlix’s Chef’s Table) strives to use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that reflect the region. Continue your culinary adventure into the next day with a trip to the local cheese museum, where you can learn and taste local diary delicacies from the province – yum.

Mountain views with local dishes

Next stop is Vogel Mountain. Reached by cable car, Vogel’s mountain peaks boasts breath-taking, panoramic views of the Bohinj valley and Slovenia’s tallest mountain – Triglav. Take the time to soak up the vista over an exquisite three-course lunch, where you’ll get the chance to sample true Slovenian cooking. From farm to fork, restaurants in this area pride themselves on their use of the fresh produce available right here on their doorstep. Be sure to try the popular štruklji dish (otherwise known as rolled dumplings) or a dish of žlikrofi (sausage ravioli).

On your penultimate day enjoy a trip to Lake Bled. Praised for its emerald green waters and charming medieval castle, founded on the central rocky island, Bled is not a Slovenian site to be missed. Get up close to Bled’s stunning piece of architecture by taking a private boat tour to the central landmass, where you can explore the castle on foot while learning about it’s past from your personal guide. Ljubljana also boasts a huge array of artisanal cafes, trendy bars and gourmet restaurants, meaning you can spend your evening feasting on Slovenian cuisine in some of the country’s most renowned eateries. A personal favourite of ours is Špajza, whose black risotto with cuttlefish is out of this world.

Slovenian highlights

Of course, no trip to Slovenia would be complete without a visit to the country’s legendary Škocijan caves. Formed over millions of years, these geological wonders often leave visitors awe-struck. So prepare to be wowed on your last day with a private tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll be able to learn about their rich history from your guide.

Finally, finish your day in the picturesque town of Piran. Perched along the Adriatic coast this enchanting sea-side town has often been labelled the Venice of Slovenia, and it’s easy to see why. One of Europe’s most beautifully preserved medieval coastal towns, Piran is a host to a stunning selection of Gothic buildings and churches, linked by quaint cobbled streets – making for the perfect, final stop on your Slovenian expedition. So instead of rushing back to your Ljubljana hotel, grab a bite from one of the town’s many seafront restaurants where you can chomp down some freshly caught seafood before calling it a day.

Where to rest your head

Gredič Castle, Slovenia

Welcome to one of Slovenia’s newest and most opulent hotels, in the heart of the Brda wine region. Oozing with character, Gredič is set within…
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Hisa Franko, Soca Valley

Inspired by the peace of the rolling hills and the iridescent landscape, it was here in the quaint Hisa Franko House Hotel that Ernest Hemingway…
View hotel

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