Day 11
Overnight: Dolenjska region, Slovenia
Head back into Slovenia and take a peek inside the church at the tiny village of Hrastovlje, renowned for its vibrant and colorful Dance of the Macabre frescoes. Visit to the spectacularly located Predjama castle (it practically hangs from a limestone cliff) and learn the about its legendary Slovenian Robin Hood who lived here in the middle ages.
After a lunch of roast pig or lamb in southern Slovenia’s Dolenjska region we will visit the Pleterje monastery and picturesque 13th century town of Kostanjevica na Krki. Guests will enjoy a homecooked dinner at the Seruga farmhouse in Dolenjska and have a chance to try to unique regional wine called Cviček.
Day 3
Overnight: Karst region, Slovenia
In the morning guests can enjoy a refreshing easy walk along nearby Vintgar Gorge. We’ll leave the Bled area and head over a scenic mountain pass and down into the stunning Soca Valley. Along the way we will stop for some photo opps and magnificent views of the Julian Alps. Guests can brush up on their World War I history during a visit to the award-winning and quite sobering museum in Kobarid. It was here in this area that Hemingway documented his WWI experiences in A Farewell To Arms.
Then he head down to Slovenia's Karst region, boasting rolling hills of vineyards, caves and pretty hill towns. Overnight and traditional dinner with local wine, prosciutto and other regional specialties at the Skerlj farmhouse which has been in the family for over 400 years. Just make sure to save room for their honey ice-cream!
Day 4
Overnight: Karst region, Slovenia
A trio of highlights from the karst region. First, the fascinating underground world of the Skocjan caves - boasting the world’s largest subterranean canyon. The rest of the day is open to explore the Venetian town of Piran. The town is situated along the Adriatic Sea. The remains of old-town walls provide spectacular views to Trieste and Istria. Make sure to visit the chocolateria shop on Tartini Square. A late afternoon carriage ride through the karst countryside with majestic Lipizzan horses caps off our day. Dinner and overnight back at farmhouse.
Day 5
Overnight: Karst region, Slovenia
After breakfast we’ll go for a walking tour around Stanjel, the region’s most captivating hill town with many lovely old stone houses, an art gallery in a refurbished castle, pretty gardens and views over the Karst. Guests will be treated to wine tastings the rest of the day at various small towns and cellars along the Vipava Valley, one of Slovenia’s premier wine regions. Enjoy a picnic lunch atop a mountain ridge providing views of the entire wine region. Dinner, wine and overnight at Skerlj Farmhouse.
Day 9
Overnight: Istria, Croatia
Drive down to Croatia’s Istria region, known for its medieval hill-towns, wine, truffles and other gastronomic delights. All day excursion exploring its towns. villages, vineyards and craftsmen. Enjoy delicious regional cuisine for lunch followed by opportunities to taste and buy local truffles, olive oils and wines. Time to browse the charming hill-town of Groznjan, a once ghost town transformed into an artists colony. It’s now bustling with artists galleries, handmade jewelry shops and gourmet food shops. Overnight and home cooked dinner at pension tucked away in the Istrian countryside.
Day 10
Overnight: Istria, Croatia
In the morning, a visit to the 6th century Basilica Of Euphrasius at Porec - lined with magnificent golden mosaics. Guided walking tour of Rovinj, Istria’s most charming seaside town. Lunch and afternoon at your leisure to explore art shops & galleries, outdoor market and labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Optional one-hour boat excursion on the Adriatic around small islands off Rovinj’s coast.
Late afternoon walking tour of Pula, a city loaded with rich history that spans over two millennia, including a visit to its Roman amphitheatre and ancient temples.
Day 1
Overnight: Bled, Slovenia
Our tour begins at Slovenia’s enchanting Lake Bled region. Guests will be transferred from the airport to this small town that holds some of the country’s most scenic spots. First we’ll pay a visit to the cliffside castle, which offers great views down to this lake’s fairy-tale like setting. Then we’ll take a gondola across the lake to tiny Bled island and visit its church. Enjoy an evening stroll around the lake, a can’t miss romantic walk and an opportunity for picture postcard photos.
Overnight and dinner at a farmhouse at Lake Bled.
Day 2
Overnight: Bled, Slovenia
Morning at your leisure to take in the pleasant views around the lake. Enjoy a slice of the famous local creme cake over coffee. After lunch we will see to one of Slovenia’s best preserved medieval towns, Radovljica. Guests will be treated to a fascinating and one-of-a-kind beekeeping museum.
Another of Slovenia’s natural attractions awaits us at Lake Bohinj, only 20 kilometers from Bled but much less touristy. Guests will have some free time to explore this area before we head on to the picturesque Savica waterfall, a moderate walk of 25 minutes. Dinner back at the farmhouse in Bled.
Day 12
Overnight: Dolenjska region, Slovenia
Relaxing morning at the Spa Armonia. Guests will be treated to a massage using honey and herbal oils. Then we’ll check out the 16th century monastery at nearby Olimje and taste some heavenly chocolates at the sweet shop next door.
We’ll spend the rest of the day exploring Slovenia’s oldest town of Ptuj, dating back to the Iron Age. This well preserved small city sits on the Drava river in the eastern corner of Slovenia. After lunch we’ll take in Ptuj’s castle, where once a Roman fort stood. The castle houses an interesting regional museum and a unique and colorful collection of pagan costumes that are still used for winter festivals. Dinner and overnight back at Seruga Farmhouse.
Day 13
Overnight: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Guests will arrive at their final destination, the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. We’ll take a walking tour around Ljubljana. Our guide will give an in-depth view of life and history in Slovenia and Ljubljana. Learn about the history, architecture and people from the city’s beginning during the Roman empire, its development under under the Habsburgs to its recent independence.
After the tour, enjoy pizza along the riverside, cafes in the old town or find your lunch at the outdoor market and take the funicular up to the castle for great views. Overnight at 4-star boutique hotel located in Ljubljana’s old town.
Day 14
Overnight: Ljubljana, Slovenia
All day at your leisure to explore. Some of Ljubljana’s highlights include walking up to the castle overlooking the city, visits to one of the many museums & galleries , browsing the outdoor market alongside the Ljubljanica river and discovering the many splendid works of renowned architect Joze Plecnik. There are many festivals, concerts and shows going year round in Ljubljana. Ask your guide for what’s on during your stay here.
Outside the center, Tivoli Park offers many pleasant walking paths, a fine graphics art museum and a good opportunity to watch the locals enjoy their city. Farewell dinner with guests and tour guide. Overnight at boutique hotel.
Day 6
Overnight: Lovran, Croatia
Head down into Croatia for an outdoor excursion to Mt. Ucka. We’ll drive up to the summit that offers breath-taking view in all directions: the Istrian peninsula, the islands of the northern Adriatic, the mountains of Gorski kotar, even Venice and the Italian Alps on a clear day. Enjoy a lunch at a panoramic spot in one of the mountain villages.
We’ll head to Opatija, which once served as the playground for the Austro-Hungarian elite. We’ll tour around the many historic buildings, villas, parks and the Church of the Annunciation. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Draga di Lovrana, which overlooks the Gulf of Kvarner.
Day 7
Overnight: Veli Losinj, Croatia
A short ferry across to the islands of Cres and Losinj. Scenic ride through these islands with stops in many of the towns and villages. In Lubenice, a tiny village which hangs precariously on a cliff overlooking the sea, we’ll enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Adriatic.
Lush vegetation, pine trees, crystal-clear sea and beautiful old stone houses on a narrow bay make up Veli Losinj, our home for the next few days. There are ruins of Roman villas, 13th century churches and traces of its shipbuilding glory days to take in on an easy stroll around the harbor. Overnight at local guesthouse close to the water.
Day 8
Overnight: Veli Losinj, Croatia
Today guests explore the Kvarner Bay. First a boat ride along the coves and islets of the Losinj archipelago.
After excursion and lunch, we will return to our island and visit Mali Losinj, Veli’s bigger brother on the island. For dinner, guests will dig into some great Italian food at the Bora Bar Trattoria, home to one of the most celebrated chefs in the region. Along with dinner, guests can try a couple of classic Istrian wines, the bold Teran and the dry white Malvazija. Overnight at local guesthouse.
transfer to airport - END OF TOUR
