*Independent arrival at the Ljubljana Airport (LJU)

Welcome to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming and vibrant capital.  Upon arrival meet our local guide, who will accompany us throughout our journey. Join our private group transfer to our centrally located hotel and enjoy time to refresh after your overnight flight.  This evening, gather with fellow Broad Escapes travellers for a welcome dinner and your first taste of Slovenia’s warm hospitality and delicious regional cuisine.

Overnight Eurostars uHotel, Ljubljana (or similar) – 3 nights

Note: This is a land only tour, however, Broad Escapes will suggest a designated flight from Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the recommended group flight arrival time.  Private transfers (additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different time/date.  Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes.

Begin your discovery of Ljubljana, one of Europe’s greenest and most liveable capitals. Nestled along the Ljubljanica River, the city blends baroque architecture, lively café culture, and abundant green spaces with a strong commitment to sustainability.  Ride the panoramic funicular to Ljubljana Castle for spectacular views over the city before embarking on a delicious culinary experience featuring regional specialties and local flavours.  The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Browse boutiques, relax at a riverside café, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting city before reuniting for dinner this evening.

Travel into Slovenia’s picturesque countryside to visit enchanting Otočec Castle, the country’s only water castle, gracefully situated on an island in the Krka River.  Continue with a delightful brunch aboard a traditional raft as you cruise along the river, enjoying the picturesque landscapes.  Later, meet a boutique artisan producer and learn how generations of local craftsmanship and culinary traditions have inspired premium organic charcuterie production. Enjoy a gourmet tasting paired with regional wines while discovering the stories and heritage behind Slovenia’s rich gastronomic traditions.  Return to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure.

Depart Ljubljana and journey toward Slovenia’s beautiful Adriatic coast. Along the way, visit spectacular Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s most impressive underground wonders. Ride an electric train deep into the cave system before exploring magnificent chambers adorned with remarkable limestone formations. Continue to Predjama Castle, dramatically built into the face of a towering cliff and famous for its fascinating legends and hidden passageways.  By late afternoon, arrive on Slovenia’s charming coastline, where Mediterranean influences, colourful architecture, and sea breezes create an entirely different atmosphere.

Overnight Hotel Histrion, Portoroz (or similar) – 3 nights

Today discover the enchanting seaside town of Piran, often considered the jewel of Slovenia’s Adriatic coast. Influenced by centuries of Venetian history, Piran charms visitors with its narrow cobblestone lanes, elegant architecture, and inviting Mediterranean atmosphere.  Enjoy time at leisure to wander the picturesque streets, browse artisan shops, or simply relax at a seaside café and take in the coastal scenery. This afternoon, experience one of Slovenia’s leading examples of sustainable food production during an exclusive visit to the renowned Fonda Fish Farm. Meet the passionate team behind this innovative family-run enterprise and learn how their science-based approach and respect for the marine environment have earned international recognition. A tasting of Adriatic delicacies paired with local flavours offers a memorable conclusion to this unique experience.

Today celebrates two treasures of Slovenia’s coastal region—its exceptional olive oil and its rich cultural heritage.  Begin with an immersive experience that explores the fascinating world of olive cultivation and production. Learn about the traditions and techniques that have shaped this important regional industry while enjoying the beauty of ancient olive groves and the dramatic landscapes of the Strunjan Nature Reserve.  Later, step back in time with a delightful ride in lovingly restored classic vehicles that have been thoughtfully enhanced with locally crafted olive wood details. A delicious regional lunch completes this memorable day.  Enjoy free time this evening to savour your final moments along the Adriatic coast.

Depart the coast and journey into Goriška Brda, a region of rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and breathtaking landscapes often referred to as the “Tuscany of Slovenia.” Visit the beautifully preserved hilltop village of Šmartno, where stone laneways and panoramic vineyard views create an idyllic setting. Here, enjoy an intimate winery experience, meeting a local winemaker and sampling exceptional Slovenian wines paired with a leisurely lunch showcasing fresh regional ingredients.  This afternoon, continue to a charming organic farm dedicated to the cultivation of herbs, lavender, and olives. Meet the owner and discover her handcrafted teas, syrups, preserves, and artisanal products. A gentle stroll through the fields offers a peaceful opportunity to unwind and embrace the beauty of the Slovenian countryside.

Overnight Hotel Maestoso, Lipica (or similar) – 2 nights

Today’s journey takes us into some of Slovenia’s most spectacular alpine scenery.  Visit the stunning Tolmin Gorges, where a scenic walking trail leads through dramatic canyon walls, over wooden bridges, and alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Tolminka and Zadlaščica rivers. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty, it is easy to understand why this region is considered one of Slovenia’s treasures.  Continue through the breathtaking Soča Valley, following the emerald-green river that has become one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. Enjoy time to relax and appreciate the serenity of this extraordinary setting. Later, visit Kobarid and its acclaimed World War I museum, where compelling exhibits and personal stories provide insight into the events that shaped this mountainous region.

This morning, visit the historic Lipica Stud Farm, the birthplace of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. Learn about centuries of breeding traditions and discover the enduring bond between these magnificent horses and the Slovenian landscape.  This afternoon, journey north toward one of Europe’s most picturesque destinations—Lake Bled. Surrounded by alpine peaks and forests, the lake’s emerald waters, tiny island church, and cliff-top castle create a truly enchanting setting.

Overnight Rikli Balance Hotel, Bled (or similar) – 3 nights

Today’s excursion introduces you to the enchanting alpine landscapes of northwestern Slovenia. Travel to Kranjska Gora, a charming mountain resort near the borders of Italy and Austria. Visit beautiful Lake Jasna, where crystal-clear waters perfectly reflect the surrounding peaks, creating one of Slovenia’s most photographed scenes. Enjoy time to explore the welcoming alpine village of Kranjska Gora before continuing to the Zelenci Nature Reserve, source of the Sava Dolinka River. Wooden boardwalks lead through a protected wetland of vibrant emerald pools framed by mountain vistas.  Return to Bled, where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

This morning, those who wish may join a short but rewarding walk to one of the panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Bled. The effort is richly rewarded with one of Slovenia’s most iconic vistas—the shimmering lake, its tiny island church, and the majestic Julian Alps beyond.  Later, discover the beauty of Lake Bled from the water aboard a traditional pletna boat as you glide across the lake to its picturesque island. Continue to dramatic Bled Castle, perched high above the lake, where history and magnificent scenery combine to create a truly unforgettable experience. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Bled to explore, relax by the water’s edge, or simply soak in the magical atmosphere of this fairytale setting. This evening, gather with fellow BE travellers for a memorable farewell dinner as we celebrate the experiences, friendships, and wonderful memories created during our Slovenian adventure.

After breakfast, transfer to Ljubljana Airport for your journey home with a private group transfer.  As we bid farewell to Slovenia, we take with us memories of emerald rivers, alpine landscapes, Adriatic sunsets, exceptional cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the people we have met along the way.

Thank you for joining Broad Escapes on this unforgettable journey.

Level 2 – Moderate

This trip is appropriate for travellers who are in good health and are comfortable with full-day excursions.  Participants with basic good balance, mobility, and moderate fitness level should not require physical preparation to enjoy the various activities of this tour.  Walking on uneven terrain, sometimes uphill, walking and standing for long periods of time during guided tours, easy physical activities, stairways sometimes without handles, absence of elevators, and getting on and off various modes of transportation unassisted can be expected.

As a courtesy to fellow travellers all Broad Escape tours are considered non-smoking in that smoking will not be permitted during group activities or on board the bus.