Bled Tours and Trips

I cannot recommend this trip enough, full of gorgeous sights, fantastic food, waterfalls, gorges. The most picturesque trip I have ever done, it was like a fairytale. The guide was amazing and seemed to know absolutely everyone in the villages and was more than happy to share his knowledge and help us organize other activities outside the trip to make it all super easy for us. The Art Kristal Hotel was an amazing place to stay with lovely meals. The chocolate and wine tastings were well worth experiencing with incredible selections and knowledgeable hosts.

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.

This trip was exactly what I needed. After years of family holidays and work trips, doing something like this — just me, my wife, a car, and no daily schedule, felt like a throwback to how we used to travel. The best part? We weren’t herded around or stuck waiting for a big group. We just got in the car and drove. Some days we were super active, other days we just wandered and sat in cafes. Croatia’s charm is obvious, but Slovenia really caught us off guard. The nature is pristine, the towns feel like no less than a fairytale, and even the touristy places don’t feel overwhelming. Also, it’s worth saying the roads were great, parking wasn’t a nightmare, and the car rental process was straightforward. That stuff matters when you’re not 25 anymore. If you want a bit of culture, nature, good food, and a proper break from the usual routine this is your tour. We’re already talking about doing another self-drive next year. Portugal, maybe?

We’ve done a few self-drive trips before, but this one across Croatia and Slovenia? One for the books. First off, the route is genius. You start strong in Dubrovnik — the kind of place that just knocks the wind out of you. That view from the city walls? Unreal. The rental car setup was smooth, and driving in Croatia was easier than we expected, thanks tp great signages. Split was a big favorite, felt lively and ancient at the same time. And Plitvice Lakes? We thought we'd seen some beautiful parks in our time, but those waterfalls are something else. Just go early.. the crowds are real. Slovenia was a lovely surprise. Postojna Caves felt like another planet and Lake Bled too. Ljubljana and Zagreb had that easy-going charm we weren’t expecting. We liked having the freedom to stop when we wanted. Tiny roadside bakeries, scenic detours, coastal towns we hadn’t even heard of. That’s the magic of a self-drive tour. All in all, great mix of history, nature, and freedom. If you like doing your own thing but with a solid plan in place, this one’s a winner.

Will definitely travel with them again. Great informed itinerary visiting cool destinations we wouldn’t have thought of; accommodation clean, well run, not too big and particularly well located; delightful transport and guides when used.

The trip started badly because I was travelling with a bicycle and had informed the local travel specialist 5 months ago before I booked. They said no problem but 2 days before the tour told me that they couldn't transport my bicycle and to make my own arrangements. So get confirmation in writing for any additional requests. My family was the only ones on the tour. We had an excellent driver who although wasn't a licensed guide was very knowledgeable. He was also always thinking of ways to allow us to have a better holiday. Last but not least he had a great and sunny personality which made interaction with him a real pleasure.