Slovenia Lakes, Mountains, Food, Wine, and History
Best time to visit: March – October
Best for: Friends, Families, and Couples
Spend a week exploring this tiny country nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Approximately the size of Connecticut, with a population of just over 2 million people, this little known paradise is reminiscent of Italy, Switzerland, and Austria, and is home to friendly people, unspoiled nature, delicious food, and a rich history and culture.
Your time on this adventure will be divided between the charming capital city of Ljubljana and the wine country of Goriška Brda, a place where the soft Northern Mediterranean and the Southern Alps merge. The accommodations in both areas are lovely boutique properties reflecting Slovenia’s design aesthetic.
Discover the treasures of Slovenia: lakes, mountains, food, wine and history.
What to expect
Pristine Natural Wonders
Slovenia boasts an abundant amount of pristine natural greenery throughout the entire country. At almost every step, there is a natural wonder waiting to be discovered: stunning alpine mountains, valleys crossed by turquoise rivers, crystal clear lakes and waterfalls, sacred natural caves and a vast diversity of plants and animals.
On this adventure we will get up close and personal with Slovenia’s natural beauty by hiking to the Kozjak waterfall in the lovely Soča valley, and to the Otlica Natural Window, a rock formation framing a view of some of the best views of the Vipava Valley, the Karst Plateau, and the Adriatic Sea. We will cycle around dreamy Lake Bled and through the rolling vineyards of the Vipava Valley.
Epic Cuisine
Eating in Slovenia is a full-on art form. The delights of Slovenian food are a result of the impeccable local ingredients, the regional influences of Italy and Austria, the cultural influences hidden in traditional old recipes, and the slew of extremely talented chefs dominating kitchens around the country. Slovenian chefs have a wealth of local ingredients to celebrate, including Piran sea salt from the Mediterranean coast, succulent cherries, persimmons, peaches, figs, chestnuts and olive oil from Goriška Brda, excellent Alpine cheese, bread, ham and Carniolan sausage.
We will learn about local production of cheese and salami through private farm visits and conversations with the artisans. We will dine and converse with the owners of family inns, vineyard cellars and award winning restaurants. Finally, we will visit the Ljubljana Central Market, an open-air market showcasing all these edible treasures.
Celebrated Wines
Our focus on this trip is the area of Goriška Brda, Slovenia’s premier wine destination. The history of wine production in Slovenia goes back to the time when Illyrian and Celtic tribes ruled this area. Slovenia is also home to the oldest vine in the world, which has been producing grapes since the sixteenth century.
This trip is filled with unique and personal experiences in the vineyards, allowing you to gain an understanding of the local grapes, the climate, the regional winemaking process and the vintner’s passion. You will enjoy private and intimate wine tastings at biodynamic wineries, walks through the vineyard with wine makers, and an elegant private dinner in the cellar of a notable local vineyard.
Culture & History
The Slovenian nation has a rich and diverse history. Over the centuries, Slovenes were a part of many different empires, kingdoms, countries and political regimes. The country is dotted with castles from various periods ranging from Gothic to Baroque. We will enjoy memorable meals in two of these, combining culture and cuisine with lunch at Gostilna Pri Lojzetu in Zemono Castle and dinner at the elegant Strelec restaurant overlooking the city in the Ljubljana Castle.
Until 1991, Slovenia was part of communist Yugoslavia. We will gain insight to this period of time with a visit to the opulent summer residence of Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslavia’s Cold War leader, and a surprise experience to reveal Tito’s covert operations of Cold War espionage and intrigue.
For animal lovers, Slovenia is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating stud farm. Lipica Stud Farm has been breeding noble white Lipizzan horses for 440 years. We will visit the farm and learn about the rich heritage of these beautiful animals.
Safety & Sustainability
Slovenia is one of the safest countries in the world, not to mention the cleanest (it won National Geographic’s 2017 World Legacy Award, as the most sustainable tourist destination, and Ljubljana was Green Capital of Europe in 2016). This commitment to sustainability is evident in the landscapes, the architecture, the food and the wine.
Don’t miss this week of unspoiled landscapes, unique architecture, active exploration, vibrant culture and some of the best food and wine in the region.