Slovenia: From Coast to Cabernet
Why Go: Central Europe at its most sublime, our unique itinerary is designed to give you unrivaled opportunities to explore the scenery, spas, food, wine and culture of Slovenia, with several days in Venice, as well as an option to add-on neighoring Croatia should you want yet more travel nirvana.
A Central European gem off the main tourist track, Slovenia provides the best of the Continent in one intimate, postcard-perfect setting. Pristine mountain lakes set below the soaring Julian Alps, historic, cosmopolitan cities, and of course the sun-drenched Adriatic are its main attractions. Our itinerary is designed to get you to all the highlights of the country, including off-the-beaten path adventures such as treks in the picturesque Lake Bled region with it’s stunning gorges and waterfalls, bicycle tours past Alpine meadows and rafting on the Soca River before retiring to your mountaintop chalet.
Goriska Brda may seem like a mouthful now, but after you experience a wine-tasting tour in this bucolic region filled with vineyards and popular wineries, it will be a name that will always bring a smile to your face, especially after a restful night at a local wine estate.
Just across the Adriatic Sea lies Venice, the next segment of this memorable journey where you’ll experience timeless highlights like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the small, jewelbox island of Burano, renowned for its brightly painted fishermen’s houes.
Back in Slovenia, you’ll explore the endlessly fascinating capital city of Ljubljana, with its thousand years of history, where medieval walls and parapets encircle Baroque and Art Noveau archticture and a modern city bustling with cafes, shops and museums. Not ready to go home? Available extensions following Ljublana include golf and wellness experiences set near the Carthusian monasteries of Pleterje; a countryside retreat getaway that includes horse back riding, cycling, and walking tours; an ultimate wine experience that features visits to top wineries and private wine cellars; and even an Alpine romantic retreat where you will be whisked away in a helicopter for dinner and an overnight stay at a private mountain-top retreat.
Our Croatia extension is the perfect pairing, showcasing what insiders are calling ‘the new Prague,’ the Mediterranean metropolis of Zagreb, brimming with museums, theaters, and stylish boutiques all with a backdrop of ancient history and gracious Baroque architecture. There is also ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic,’ Dubrovnik, known for its gardens, squares, cathedrals and bustling cafes. And because a little sun and stylish fun is the perfect complement to the sophistication of Zagreb and Dubrovnik, our Journey also includes a visit to the Mediterranean island playground of Hvar, where you can finish you travels with sun-soaked flourish. To book or for more information, contact our Travel Concierge at travelconcierge@echelonexp.com or call a real live person at 949.466.3526 (9am – 6pm PST, -8GMT).