A fantastic holiday which gives you numerous opportunities to enjoy the local wildlife while also allowing time to visit Vancouver, Victoria and some of the other towns. This was my first wildlife focussed holiday which meant there were lot's of things i had never seen before including black bears, grizzly bears, orca whales, otters, seals etc. I do think you need to be aware however that you are trying to spot wild animals so you need to accept that anything you see is a bonus, there is the possibility that you might not see certain things depending on the weather, conditions and just how lucky you are. Having said that the people involved in the trips know what they are doing and will always swap things around and will do their best to get you the best possible experience. We were not disappointed and saw so much throughout the holiday.
Marine wildlifeWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I had done one trip previously – Amalfi coast hiking, fall 2023 – with EXPLORE. I was so impressed I asked my excellent guide, Pete, what else he would recommend knowing my abilities and interests. He immediately recommended the Slovenia trip, and it actually was on my list of places to visit. He had apparently set the trip up about seven years ago and was very familiar with it.
I have been in 50 countries to date - some several times- and Slovenia is now in my top five and I am already planning my return for next May.
We had a lovely small group, being the first of these hikes of the season, hailing from Canada, Spain, Australia, and the UK.
The accommodation, staff, management, and food at Art Hotel Kristal were A+ – and I especially loved and took advantage of the options of the sauna and cold plunge, Ayurvedic massages with the wonderful Bhatri, chocolate tasting with the owner, Alenka, and a fantastic wine tasting with her son, Jan. I went home with a lovely assortment of chocolates and also a wonderful bottle of wine that I will try to hold onto for a few years until it is optimal to drink.
The hikes were not difficult at all, but I found that I did feel like I got a good amount of exercise by the end of the day. I spent my free day doing a mountain bike ride. The whole area around Lake Bohinj is stunning and there are so many activities that one can partake in, as well as really yummy local restaurants close by the hotel. I loved that the hotel offered a pre-fixe three course menu for hotel guests for only €25 on the nights that were not included with the hike. An incredible bargain given the quality of the food, as with almost all of the food we had in Slovenia, it was locally sourced and delicious. I am not typically a meat eater, but I had the venison twice – locally sourced, and wild – and it was by far the best I have ever had.
I would definitely stay at this hotel when I return to the area. I would strongly encourage others to spend some time in Ljubljana – either before or after the trip. A beautiful city a two hour bus ride awaythat is just the right size and full of so much to offer. Next time I am going to see a lot more of this country – it is half the size of Switzerland, but the variety of the terrain and ecosystems is quite impressive. Also, to be noted is that English is widely spoken and children start in grade 3, learning this second language. The Slovenians couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful everywhere I went. What can I say?? Get yourself to Slovenia before it is overrun: safe, clean, and green – a beautiful country of farmers, foragers, wine makers, and beekeepers. Also note that they have some fantastic fly fishing there as well as mountain and road biking – very cycling friendly. After all, it is the country of Pogacar.
Trekking and HikingWaterfalls
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Bled, Lake Bohinj, La
Ljubljana, Bled, Lake Bohinj, Lake Bled, Brod, Julian Alps, Mostnica Gorge
This is going to be long. My TA Alice from Vancouver, Canada is very fast efficient with how she managed the booking and got me answers for most of my questions
Coming back to the hotels : Best part is in every single hotel my room was near the elevator because I am traveling with a child this was thoughtful-love it. Most of the hotels were nice, breakfast was adequate, meals were fine as well where they were included. No issues, no complaints
Regarding the tour bus - the small bus was fine for 20 odd people and drivers were excellent and did a wonderful job, if possible please add free WIFI on the bus
Regarding the tour guides Eng speaking only - Most of them were alright but as a traveller, I expect them to talk more about the countries we were passing thru. Yes, the gap was filled by the local city guides however time is short and we are on the bus driving long distances so info can be filled. They should be provided with matter that the guides can then talk to us about. I find a huge gap in the knowledge level of spanish guides versus english guides on the tour
Europamundo app on my phone : Since my trip in 2022, the app has been upgraded and I see watsap contacts of transfers with 3rd party contractors which is really helpful
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Tirana, Sighisoara, T
Bucharest, Tirana, Sighisoara, Timisoara, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik
Have been on many guided tours in the world. This tour tops them all.
A couple from Canada made our group feel uncomfortable by being demanding and rude sometimes. Min did a great PR job.
Sculpture Park was amazing, especially the Picasso Museum. Seeing cherry blossom for the first time with Mountains of snow in background was a plus. Trying and tasting the local food was a gastronomical experience.
With a small group I and the others received personalized attention. I have a problem with heights and stairs. I was lucky to have Min's arm to guide me so I did not feel apprehensive or falter.
Where would you like to visit next?: Not sure, but I don't like cruising. Only land travel. Congrats to your travel firm for such a wonderful experience to Japan. Special thanks to Min.
Cherry BlossomCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
35-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji
Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji, Kansai, Mt Fuji, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto
