Take a scenic journey through Croatia and Slovenia on this 14-day trip from Dubrovnik to Ljubljana. See both history and nature at their best, including Roman ruins, walled cities, unspoilt beaches and rugged islands just off the Adriatic Coast. Taste wine with locals on Vis Island, stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park or hike through the Hvar hinterland in your free time. Explore the green islands of Mljet, snack on salty cheese and discover Diocletian’s Palace on a guided tour in Split. Learn about the region’s rich history and architecture and lose yourself in the serenity of this beautiful and historic region.
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.
Embark on a true Eastern European escapade on this 22-day adventure from Berlin to Rome. With plenty of free time in each spot and a local leader providing recommendations along the way, you’ll get immersed in the buzz of Berlin, the beauty of Prague and the bustle of Budapest. Tour the grand summer palace in Vienna, step into a fairytale in Salzburg’s Old Town and walk through the enchanting Vintgar Gorge in Bled. Finish with the canals and clifftop villages of Venice and Cinque Terre, and the piazzas of Rome – this is an adventure you truly won’t want to miss.
