Slovenian Secrets: Exploring the Adriatic from Italy to Zagreb

Welcome to Trieste! We’ll settle into The Modernist Hotel in the city center, and then begin our day like true Italians—with coffee! Known as Italy’s coffee capital, Trieste serves some of the world’s finest brews, and with our local guide, we’ll embrace this tradition together.

Trieste has a fascinating history, shaped by influences from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the Kingdom of Italy, each leaving its mark on the city’s beautiful architecture. During the Cold War, Trieste became a critical border city with Yugoslavia, adding layers to its unique story—a tale we’ll continue to explore throughout Slovenia and Croatia.

We’ll pause for a taste of local flavors with fresh panini and prosecco before ending our tour at the iconic Miramare Castle. 

As evening settles, we’ll gather for a cozy Italian dinner at Trattoria Nerodiseppia, a perfect start to our journey. See you tomorrow!

After breakfast, we'll start our journey to Goriška Hills —Slovenia's answer to Napa Valley and Bordeaux. Here, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean, the climate is ideal for vineyards, with abundant sunshine and warm days. 

An hour away from Trieste, Goriška Hills is Slovenia’s most renowned wine region, celebrated for its natural wines that have won gold medals in competitions worldwide. It’s truly an experience not to be missed!

Slovenia is also known for its thermal springs and spas, so we've planned an exceptional day blending both pleasures. At the Valentičič turizem, a small family winery, we’ll enjoy a unique spa experience, soaking in thermal waters while sampling the region’s finest wines. 

We’ll savor local specialties rooted in traditional Slovenian cuisine for lunch.

Afterward, a short one-hour ride brings us back to our hotel in Trieste where we can rest. 

Tonight, the choice is yours to find the perfect spot for dinner - a place that draws you in, where the evening unfolds with flavors and warmth that feel like they were meant just for you.

After breakfast, we’ll set off for Slovenia’s vibrant capital, Ljubljana. On our way, we’ll travel through areas rich in history, stunning caves, and culinary delights. Let’s take it step by step…

Our first stop is one of Slovenia’s most renowned attractions, the Postojna Cave—a natural marvel you’ll explore by train! Spanning millions of years in formation, this cave is a labyrinth of majestic underground galleries and halls adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and even home to rare animal species. 

Following the cave, we’ll head to Postojna Castle, a formidable medieval stronghold perched 123 meters high on a cliff. Behind its walls lies a network of secret tunnels, once used by the legendary knight Erazem of Predjama for his daring expeditions.

Next, we’ll enjoy a farm-to-table feast at a cozy, family-run restaurant just a short drive away, where fresh, local ingredients are the stars of our meal.

Finally, we’ll arrive at the AS Boutique Hotel in Ljubljana, where you can relax before an unforgettable evening. 

Tonight, we'll dine with a Michelin-starred chef in a castle above the city, enjoying exquisite cuisine under the stars—a perfect end to a memorable day.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our day exploring Ljubljana, a city full of charm and perfect for a leisurely stroll. This capital feels intimate and friendly, bustling with locals enjoying walks along the Ljubljanica River. Our guide will take us to Ljubljana’s main attractions and some hidden gems, each with its own unique story. 

Have you heard of the city’s dragon legend? Known as the city of dragons, Ljubljana has a tale or two that’s sure to spark your imagination!

Following our tour, we’ll experience a special culinary adventure at a restaurant owned by Ana Roš, awarded as the world’s best chef in 2024. Located in the heart of Ljubljana, her cozy restaurant is where we’ll savor some of her signature dishes, a true treat for food lovers.

After lunch, we’ll take a relaxed walk along the river together, enjoying the atmosphere, after which you’re free to explore the city at your own pace.

Today, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish, and come evening, we will dine together at Sarajevo 84.

We’ll begin our day with a hearty breakfast before setting off for the breathtaking Lake Bled, a glacial marvel said to be a divine gift. 

This enchanting spot was especially dear to Yugoslavian leader Tito, who cherished the lake so much that he had his own villa there. Together with our local guide, we’ll explore the lake’s fascinating stories and hidden corners.

To take in Bled’s beauty fully, we’ll glide across the lake on a private boat with our gondolier, who awaits to take us on a serene ride.

As the day continues, we’ll join a local family in their home for an unforgettable cooking class, where we'll create a trio of traditional Slovenian dishes—starting with a hearty local stew, followed by sausages served with savory cabbage, and finishing with a rich, creamy cake.

This shared meal is the perfect way to end a memorable day.

Afterward, we’ll head to our spa Hotel Bohinj by the shores of Bohinj Lake, fringed by the alps. This beautifully designed boutique wellness hotel will be our base for the next adventures.

We’ll start our day with a nourishing breakfast before heading to Triglav National Park. If you look closely at the Slovenian flag, you’ll see Mount Triglav on the coat of arms—that’s where we’re headed today.

Our first stop is the stunning Lake Bohinj, where we’ll enjoy a gentle 2 km walk around the lake to warm up. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, Lake Bohinj often appears so transparent in photos that the water seems almost invisible. 

Next, our journey takes us to one of the Alps’ most spectacular cable cars. We’ll ascend to 1,535 meters, taking in breathtaking views along the way! 

At the top, a warm lunch awaits us in a mountain lodge, where locals prepare traditional dishes, giving us a true taste of the area.

But our encounters with nature are far from over. We’ll descend back to the valley to visit another natural gem—the Savica waterfall and river source, an idyllic spot perfect for meditation and connecting with nature.

A short drive brings us back to our hotel, where you can unwind in the spacious spa area before enjoying dinner at the hotel's restaurant later. 

After a hearty breakfast and checkout, it’s time to bid farewell to beautiful Slovenia as we make our way to Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, a 2-hour ride away.

Upon arrival, we’ll check in at the MET Boutique Hotel. Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant urban center and largest city, is also remarkably elegant and fascinating, especially the historical areas our local guide will introduce us to. 

From the dark Middle Ages and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy to the turbulent World Wars, Yugoslavia, and finally Croatia’s independence—each era weaves its influence into the city, making this tour an engaging journey through time.

For lunch, we’ll dive into Zagreb’s rich food scene with a tasting of the city’s most beloved traditional dishes. As Croatia’s largest city, Zagreb offers excellent shopping, so we’ll have some free time to explore the city center and pick up unique souvenirs.

Our day—and our journey—concludes with a special dinner at the Sol tapas bar, where a celebrated chef will guide us through the flavors of Zagreb with a selection of tapas-style bites, each reflecting a different part of our journey. Naturally, we’ll pair these tastes with fine Croatian wines, toasting to the memories we’ve made.

After enjoying our final breakfast at the hotel, we'll prepare for our departure from Zagreb. Individual transfer services are available for those heading to Zagreb Airport. 

Alternatively, we can arrange transfers to other nearby airports for an additional charge, and our concierge will be happy to assist with these arrangements.

This marks the end of our unforgettable journey through Croatia and Slovenia. We hope you enjoyed the cultural insights, historical explorations, culinary delights, and new friendships made along the way!