Exclusive Slovenia & Croatian Istria

Day 1 : Ljubljana

On arrival in Ljubljana, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and enjoy a walking tour of some of the most significant sights of the old city centre, such as the picturesque Central open-air market and the Three Bridges, both designed by famous architect Joze Plecnik, as well as the Baroque Town Hall and Robba’s Fountain. While touring Ljubljana you will stop at “Klobasarna” where you will taste famous Kranjska sausage with glass of wine or beer. You can spend the rest of the day on your own or following suggestions from your guide.

Day 2 : Ljubljana > Postojna > Croatian Istria

Depart in the morning for Postojna Cave, the most visited cave in Europe and one of the largest Karst landmarks in the world. After a guided tour of the cave, drive to nearby Predjama Castle, partly recessed into the cave in the middle of a cliff. After crossing the border, stop in Motovun, a small hilltop town in Croatia. Hillside towns such as Motovun is one of the reasons that many compare Istria to Tuscany. Situated on the top of the hill above the river Mirna, the area around Motovun is very well known amongst foodies. The nearby forests are full of hidden treasure: black and white truffles. Enjoy a typical Istrian lunch at a local restaurant, before you are taken to your hotel in Buje for time at leisure and an included dinner.

Day 3 : Buzet, Draguc & Visnjan

Your day begins with a visit to the “city of truffles”, Buzet, known for truffles, agro-tourism, wine and untouched nature. The town itself lies in the very heart of the northern part of Croatian Istria on a hill overlooking the Mirna River valley. The old town, or “stari grad”, is more than 500 years old and served as a walled fortress that provided a spectacular overlook as well as security. In Buzet you will visit Aura distillery where they make traditional products such as brandies, jams and other goodies made of wild herbs and wild fruits picked in an ecologically clean environment on the slopes of the Cicarija mountain, far from roads and inhabited settlements. Next, visit Draguc town – isolated on the ridge of a hill, it will captivate you with its harmonious ancient perspective and vivid frescoes in the adorned churches. Continue to the home of the Karlic family, where you will learn about truffle hunting and taste their excellent products. On the way back to your hotel, stop at Visnjan, a small Istrian town and renowned commercial centre since the days of Venetian rule. The antique terrace on the square is entered through a Venetian arc, giving a remarkable view of the sea. Your afternoon is at leisure, with dinner included at your hotel tonight.

Day 4 : Croatian Istria > Piran > Lipica > Vipava Valley

Today travel back to the Slovenian coast, stopping at Piran, also known as “little Venice”. Walk through the narrow streets and beautiful squares up to the church of St George. Continue inland, stopping at Lipica, home of the famous Lipizzaner white horses. Carry on to the Vipava Valley, a wine region in the western part of Slovenia that is well known for its mild Mediterranean climate, bora wind, pristine nature and great food and wines. The town of Goce is famous for its superb wine grapes and premium wine. At the Cejko homestead, enjoy a degustation and wine tasting in the cellar followed by lunch. Afterwards, meander the narrow streets of the stone village, admiring the perfectly preserved facades of 17th century buildings that were built to withstand the strong bora wind. Continue to the town of Vipava, where small bridges criss-cross the town and lend it a calm and relaxing atmosphere. End the day at your wooden cabin accommodation in a hidden forest village just steps away from the bustle of Vrhpolje, where you will enjoy authentic nature and modern comfort.

Day 5 : Vipava Valley > Soca Valley > Bled

Today drive upstream through the Soca Valley, with many opportunities to admire the emerald-green river. Stop at the easy circular path at Tolmin Gorge, and visit the World War I museum in Kobarid town (mentioned in Hemmingway’s Farewell to Arms). Lunch today is at Hisa Franko, the first 2-star Michelin restaurant in Slovenia. Long before Michelin, Chef Ana Ros was awarded many different prizes thanks to her unconventional culinary background. Continue to the beautiful Bled Lake, situated in the middle of the Julian Alps.

Day 6 : Bled & Bohinj

This morning is dedicated to the fairytale sights of Bled. Visit Bled Castle, one of the oldest in Slovenia, perched on a cliff high above the lake. In the afternoon, visit Bohinj Lake. In the Upper Valley by the lake, see the gothic St John the Baptist Church, which has well-preserved frescoes from the 15th and 16th century. The journey continues to the magnificent waterfall Savica. Enjoy lunch at restaurant Majerca in Bohinj, then return back to Bled for time at leisure.

Day 7 : Bled > Ljubljana

You will be privately transferred to the airport in Ljubljana to meet your onward flight.