With its crystal-clear emerald lakes, picture-perfect castle and fairytale island at the foothills of the Alps, Bled is the perfect spot to base your eight-day active adventure in Slovenia. Hike lush trails on Mt Vogel in Triglav National Park, go cycling next to the Radovljica River and hold on to your helmets on an exhilarating white water rafting trip on the Soka River with expert guides. Walk the Vintgar Gorge boardwalk, discover the secrets of Ljubljana and see the little village of Ribcev Laz. Along with all this adrenaline, there’s plenty of free time to discover bled at your own pace – kayaking or ziplining, anyone?
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the rich artistic heritage, natural attractions and acclaimed cuisines of Croatia, Slovenia and Italy on this ten-day trip from Dubrovnik to Venice. Soak up Split’s ocean views, see Dubrovnik's renowned walled city and wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Get acquainted with Croatia’s capital Zagreb on an orientation walk with your local leader, explore Ljubljana’s Old Town and be romanced by Venice, where you end (or extend) your adventure. Take in both well-known landmarks and lesser-known attractions with a trip that covers all the nature-loving bases in some of the Mediterranean’s hottest locations.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Hostel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Venice, Split, Plitvi
Dubrovnik, Venice, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zagreb, Ljubljana
Make your way through the Balkans with this fascinating tour of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia! Your journey will begin in Zagreb, the northwestern capital of Croatia, known for its remarkable 18th and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture. From there you will travel to Maglaj, a 14th-century town, where you will see incredible views of the Bosna River. Cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit the Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo, constructed between March and June 1993 amidst the Bosnian War. Your next destination will be in Mostar, where you can see the Stonebridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities and explore the sacred pilgrimage destination. See the Kravice Waterfalls before you explore Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful Croatian cities in Europe famous for its strong stone walls. Next, you will travel to Split, known for its gorgeous seascapes, where you will visit the Diocletian’s Palace. Pay a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage Site in Croatia, and explore Opatija, known for its captivating coastal views. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Bled Lake before you travel to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, steeped in deep culture and art. Your next stop will be Maribor, a Slovenian city that was highly influenced by Austrian culture. See the beautiful cathedral and castle before you make your way back to Zagreb where your tour of Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia will come to an end!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dub
Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Split, Opatija
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.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Hostel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Bled, Zadar, Plitvice
Dubrovnik, Bled, Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Pula, Rovinj, Korcula Island, Hvar, Split, Ljubljana
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, Bohinj Lake, Sa
Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj Lake, Savica Waterfall, Lake Bled, Brod, Julian Alps
It’s beautiful, it’s bite-sized and it’s best explored on a bike – on this active adventure, spend eight days discovering Slovenia on two wheels, from Ljubljana to Piran. Cycle around the famous Lake Bled, wind through the natural beauty of Triglav National Park, take in alpine views from the slopes of Kranjska Gora, follow the emerald waters of the Soca River and explore the biodiverse Postojna Cave. When you’re not busy pedalling, you’ll enjoy picnics, barbecues, coffee stops and winery visits, and see Slovenia’s short but stunning Adriatic coastline. One thing’s for sure – this is going to be a ride to remember!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Kranjska G
Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Kranjska Gora, Bovec, Šmartno, Postojna, Piran
Thriving capital cities and friendly seaside villages, hidden mountain hamlets and an Old Town set on the water – Eastern Europe flaunts a pretty impressive display of attractions. On this 26-day adventure, you’ll discover the highlights of this diverse region, plus a whole lot of lesser-known spots. Explore the up-and-coming, once war-ravaged Sarajevo, fall in love with the walled city of medieval Dubrovnik, kick into adventure mode in Ljubljana and feast on regional specialties in Venice, along the Cinque Terre, in Florence and in Rome. With expert local guidance and a small group of like-minded travellers, what more could you need for an epic journey across Europe?
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Budapest, Rome, Dubrovnik, Split
Budapest, Rome, Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Venice, Belgrade, La Spezia, Florence, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor
It’s the most wonderful time of year, particularly when its set in some of Central Europe’s prettiest and most historic cities. Get in the Christmas spirit exploring festive markets in cities decorated in full Christmas splendour, browsing local handicrafts from traditional wooden stalls, sampling delicious regional specialties and taking in endless winter scenes along the way. Indulge your senses in intoxicating Budapest, browse Austrian handicrafts hopping between Graz’s 14 charming markets, and be immersed in spectacular winter scenery in Ljubljana and fairy-tale like Lake Bled. Finish up in Zagreb, which transforms into a magical illuminated wonderland for its month-long Advent festival.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Budapest, Zagreb, Graz, Ljubljana
Budapest, Zagreb, Graz, Ljubljana
32% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This tour was so much fun. Learnt a lot, met a lot of new friends, and had a ton of fun. Would highly recommend this tour, and to travel through Europe in general.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Resort
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin
Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Krakow, Budapest, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome, Florence, Swiss Alps
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Lazr so knowledgeable about all seven countries he should be teaching upper level university courses. He’s dedicated and streetwise, particularly to your benefit when it comes to getting low prices for tour expenses. He should be given an immediate raise and be considered for future promotion.
Train tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Sleeper Train
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Pristina, Belgrade, N
Ljubljana, Pristina, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Skopje, Lake Ohrid, Mavrovo National Park, Bled, Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Sarajevo, Mostar, Tivat
A bite of the Balkans, a dash of Central Europe and a slice of the Mediterranean – on this 17-day adventure, you’ll get a sample of Europe’s diverse delights. Wander through Dubrovnik’s World Heritage-listed Old Town, set on the shores of the Adriatic, then explore Plitvice Lakes National Park near Zagreb. Travel up the Dalmatian Coast and cross into Slovenia, where adventure junkies can get their fix biking, hiking, canyoning or caving. Head on to Italy and live out your grandest gondola and tiramisu fantasies in Venice, stroll the twisting trails between Cinque Terre's towns and see the artworks that inspired the Renaissance in Florence. Then, end it all in Rome – an epic hotspot with so much to see and do (including one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum)!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Rome, Venice, Liguria
Dubrovnik, Rome, Venice, Liguria, Florence, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zagreb, Ljubljana
Kate PolitiTravel Expert in England, France, Germany, Greece & Slovenia
