The Smith Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Ljubljana
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your guide, who will bring you to your hotel to check in for the next two nights.
Once you've had a moment to settle in, meet your guide at the hotel reception to discover the charm of Ljubljana during a historic walking tour.
As you stroll through its streets, You’ll be captivated by the capital's elegant architecture, inspired by its vibrant art scene, and delighted by its culinary scene. One of Ljubljana's greatest advantages is its compact size, which allows you to easily reach most attractions on foot or with a short bike ride.
Enjoy a memorable evening of fine dining at one of Ljubljana's top restaurants, where you'll savor authentic Slovene flavors crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Discover the diverse influences of Mediterranean, Balkan, Alpine, and Pannonian cuisine.
Dating back to the 18th century, the boutique hotel Zlata Ladjica has been elegantly restored with a modern yet organic style. The hotel features 15 uniquely designed rooms, each thoughtfully curated to reflect Ljubljana and Slovenia's rich historical narratives and vibrant cultural heritage. At Zlata Ladjica, you are invited to indulge in a truly authentic Slovenian gastropub experience. The menu offers a delightful selection of locally brewed beers and exquisite wines, perfectly paired with traditionally inspired dishes made from local ingredients.
Overnight Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel
Day 2
Ljubljana
Spend the morning at Velika Planina, a plateau known for Europe's largest herdsmen settlements. A scenic 45-minute drive from Ljubljana leads you to a glacial valley, where you can enjoy a gondola ride to the mountain plateau. Go on strolls and scenic hikes or simply take in the views. Walk among traditional wooden huts, shepherds, and their cows. Watch as shepherds tend to their flocks, offering homemade dairy delights and traditional shepherd's lunches. The sounds of ringing cowbells and the stunning backdrop of limestone mountains and flower-covered meadows create a picturesque scene reminiscent of "The Sound of Music."
For lunch, stop to meet Fani and enjoy her stews, buckwheat dumplings, herbal teas, and local brandies. Your guide will explain local traditions and the use of plants and herbs found on the plateau.
You'll be free to see the city at your own pace this afternoon. As one of Europe's smallest capitals, Ljubljana is reminiscent of Salzburg or Prague but without the crowds. Its name means “beloved,” which becomes clear as you walk through picturesque streets lined with art-nouveau facades, cafés, and shops. Catch the funicular to Ljubljana Castle, or hop on a wooden boat to experience this lively city from a different perspective.
This afternoon, or instead of hiking, you can choose to experience the capital through its traditional arts and crafts. You'll have the opportunity to learn from some of the best craftspeople in the area. Options include hand-printing your own poster in a vintage print shop, learning hand-weaving, a traditional craft in Slovenia, visiting a master goldsmith and silversmith to discover his work and create a ring, or joining a pottery workshop in a natural setting. Additionally, you can take a Fashion & Design Walk through downtown Ljubljana, where you will meet acclaimed local designers and have the chance to shop with a personal stylist.
For dinner, the Strelec Restaurant at Ljubljana Castle provides medieval meals in a historic setting. Dishes such as venison, homemade bread, pastries, and elements of medieval cuisine are combined with modern culinary techniques to create a unique dining experience.
Day 3
Radovljica & Lake Bled
Radol'ca, located near Triglav National Park and Bled, is rich in cultural and historical attractions. The beautiful old town, which began developing in the 13th century, features Linhart Square with its incredibly preserved 16th and 17th-century bourgeois houses and Radovljica Manor.
Join a chocolate-making workshop in Slovenia's "chocolate capital." Learn to create delicious chocolate using high-quality ingredients guided by a professional chocolatier. Taste various types and discover the secrets behind chocolate making. The workshop lasts about 90 minutes, and you can take home your creations.
Get your heart racing with a optional zipline adventure. Experience Slovenia like never before as you soar above its majestic landscapes on Europe’s longest zipline.
Lake Bled is often considered the most beautiful lake in the Alps. Its island features a 15th-century chapel, and a dramatic medieval castle overlooks the water. You can fully appreciate this stunning location through a private boat ride and by visiting the island’s monastery, which you reach by ascending the 99 stone steps of a baroque stairway dating back to 1655. If time permits, visit the Castle or enjoy a sunset cocktail at Marshal Tito’s former summer retreat, where pictures of world leaders he hosted are displayed.
Set on the banks of Lake Bohinj and overlooking the Julian Alps, Hotel Bohinj is an elegant 4-star hotel. It features an alpine-style design and is close to the beautiful Slap Grmecica waterfall. Each room has a sitting area; some offer balconies with stunning mountain and/or lake views. The hotel includes a restaurant, a bar with a furnished terrace, and a garden with a fire pit. During your stay, you can enjoy a spa area with a hot tub, saunas, and a salt wall.
Overnight Hotel Bohinj
Day 4
Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj, often considered the wilder counterpart to Lake Bled, is a short drive in the heart of Triglav National Park. Recently, Lake Bohinj was awarded the title of Best in Responsible Tourism at the World Travel Market. This destination emphasizes sustainability and is dedicated to preserving the environment, biodiversity, and traditional ways of life. Its tourist infrastructure adheres to best practices for sustainable mobility, and there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy. Once at the lake, enjoy a panoramic electric boat ride.
The Vogel viewpoint is over 4,900 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of Triglav National Park. From this viewpoint, you can admire the natural beauty of the Julian Alps, which includes Slovenia's highest peak, Mount Triglav. The Vogel viewpoint is easily accessible by cable car, providing a scenic ride up the mountain. At the top, you can either hike on one of the many trails in the area or simply soak in the stunning views.
After your morning adventures, you will have plenty of time to enjoy various optional activities, such as swimming in the lake, paddle boarding, or renting a canoe. You can also see the area by e-biking along the lake or hiking to the spectacular Savica Waterfall. You may prefer to join a yoga class, meet local artisans and craftsmen, learn about beekeeping while tasting honey, or participate in a cooking class focused on traditional Bohinj dishes.
Bled Castle, perched on a cliff above Lake Bled, is one of Slovenia’s oldest castles, at more than a thousand years old. The castle restaurant serves contemporary regional dishes that celebrate the gastronomical heritage of Upper Carniola and Slovenia.
Overnight Hotel Bohinj
Day 5
Kobarid
Experience a scenic 50-minute train ride from Bohinj to the Soča Valley. Alternatively, you can book a one-hour panoramic flight over the Soča River Valley in a helicopter or airplane for incredible views of the Ljubljana Basin and Triglav National Park.
Tolmin Gorge, a natural wonder near Tolmin in Slovenia, is defined by its deep limestone canyon carved by the Tolminka River. Traverse narrow pathways and marvel at the crystal-clear emerald waters on a hike.
Optionally, you can visit the Kobarid Museum to discover the history of World War I in the Soča River Valley, known as Isonzo in Italian. The river lent its name to the Isonzo Front, which stretched from the border between Switzerland, Austria, and Italy to Trieste on the Adriatic coast. Learn about this history at the indoor and outdoor museums that are part of the transnational Walk of Peace project.
Option 1: Overnight at Nebesa Chalets
Perched high above the Soča River Valley, four chalets are perched on the slope of Kuk Mountain, each surrounded by expansive panoramic decks. Large glass walls open the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, including the sauna, gym, and fireplace. Nebesa Chalets hosts only eight guests at a time who travel from all over in search of peace, quiet, stories, and adventures.
Option 2: Overnight at Hotel Soca
Hotel Soča features a unique architectural style and thoughtfully curated interior design. With 20 contemporary rooms offering stunning views of the Slovenian Julian Alps, your stay promises to be invigorating and rejuvenating. Hotel Soča is the perfect base for outdoor activities, whether hiking through scenic landscapes or simply relaxing with a glass of local wine while taking in the views. The hotel proudly holds a Green Key certificate, demonstrating its commitment to environmental awareness and dedication to reducing its ecological footprint.
Day 6
Soca River Valley
Continue your journey towards the Soca River valley. The “emerald river of adventures” offers a stunning backdrop for world-class activities such as rafting, kayaking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, paragliding, and fly fishing. If that’s not enticing enough, the Soča Valley was recently named one of the best sustainable tourist destinations for 2021 by the European Commission.
Set off on a thrilling adventure as you descend the River Soca in an inflatable boat. The most popular rafting route starts from the bridge near Log Čezsoški, close to Boka Waterfall, and ends at Trnovo ob Soci. This route features varying levels of rapids, and we can recommend options that match your experience and ambition. For those seeking more challenges, kayaking and canyoneering are also available.
Alternatively, you can meet with a foraging guide in Kobarid to experience the world of alpine herbs while walking along the path less traveled. Test your senses as you hike through a lovely forest near the Soca River to the hidden Kozjak waterfall. This waterfall is accessed via a rocky amphitheater, where the stunning waterfall cascades into an aquamarine pool.
If you are a food lover, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to dine (and possibly stay) at Hisa Franko, a charming countryside villa and the home of Ana Ros, Slovenia’s most acclaimed chef. In 2017, Ana was named The World's Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, which helped to put Slovenia on the international culinary map. Tonight, Ana and her team will take you on an 18-course epicurean journey, pairing each dish with exquisite Slovenian wines.
Day 7
Goriška Brda Wine Country
Begin your morning with an e-bike ride along the Kolovrat mountain ridge. Continue along a panoramic road with views of both the Slovenian and Italian sides of the border. This journey will eventually take you to Goriška Brda, Slovenia's premier wine country, known for its seemingly endless vineyards and orchards.
Stroll through the medieval town of Šmartno and climb Gonjace Tower for panoramic 360-degree views. Discover the land known for its olive oil, natural cosmetics, fruits, and wines. Goriška Brda is also famous for its delicious fruits, including cherries, peaches, apricots, and figs.
Alternatively, set out on a wine safari to get a better taste of Goriška Brda wine country. Local connoisseurs, passionate about this beautiful region, will guide you on an unforgettable adventure. You'll learn about the history and traditions of Slovenia's "Tuscany." Climb the lookout tower, take an SUV ride along the smugglers' routes between vineyards, and enjoy a picnic featuring homemade seasonal delicacies from the cherry orchard, olive grove, and vineyard.
This afternoon, you have the opportunity to visit a farm. The farm strives to preserve the ecosystem's delicate balance through sustainable practices and insect-friendly workshops.
Vila Eva sits among vineyards and rolling hills, offering a serene and picturesque setting. The rooms are elegantly furnished, blending modern amenities with traditional Slovenian elements to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Enjoy the views from your villa's terrace or stroll the nearby vineyards.
Overnight at Private Villa Eva
Day 8
Vipava Valley & Skocjan Caves
Today, you'll travel to Karst, where water has sculpted limestone into a unique subterranean world. The term "karst" has been adopted worldwide to describe similar geological phenomena. In Slovenia, speleologists discover approximately 100 new caves each year. Of the roughly 10,000 known caves, only about 20 are open to the public. On a private walking tour, you can experience the Škocjan Caves, towering limestone walls, rushing waterfalls, and vast chambers and canyons. As an extension to the visit, walk the Skocjan Education Trail to learn about the distinctive features of the Classical Karst.
Lipica Stud Farm, established in 1580, is the oldest European stud farm that continuously breeds the Lipizzaner, one of the oldest horse breeds. Located in a picturesque setting with rolling hills, the farm offers guided tours where you can witness the breeding and training processes and performances that showcase the grace of these majestic white horses.
Day 9
Departure Day
Say goodbye as you conclude your travels in Slovenia. You can extend your stay in Slovenia or continue to Croatia or the less-traveled corner of northeastern Italy.
