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slovenia & croatia
10 reasons why we love hiking and exploring slovenia & croatia
In Slovenia, discover the trendy capital of Ljubljana and explore the heart of the Julian Alps & Triglav National Park. In Croatia, get off the beaten path and enjoy Istria’s untouched hilltop towns and dramatic, rocky coastline. On an itinerary that combines these two countries, you’ll experience the mountains & the sea, eat delicious local food & wine, meet friendly locals and have magnificent scenery every step of the way.
Here are 10 reasons why we think that Slovenia & Croatia are two of the most beautiful, welcoming & interesting places in all of Europe.
1. THE julian alps
You’ll explore the heart of Slovenia’s Julian Alps as you wind your way around the shores of glacial Lake Bled up to Triglav National Park and down to the clear waters of Lake Bohinj. Prepare yourself for gorgeous views as you hike through mountain pastures, traditional mountain villages and past medieval castles, all the while looking up at picturesque peaks.
2. lake bohinj
Lesser known than its neighbor, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj in the Julian Alps of Slovenia is - in our opinion - more beautiful. The water is typically chilly but always inviting for a post-hike swim.
3. ljubljana
The capital city of Ljubljana is one of the hippest and most charming cities in Europe. Ljubljana’s efforts and fresh outlook earned it the coveted title of European Green Capital in 2016. An incredibly walkable and clean city, the main streets are free of cars so you’ll be able to get around easily.
4. food & wine
We love both Slovenia’s hearty, alpine cuisine (think: dumplings, sausage & cream cake) and the delicious, fresh seafood in Croatia. The contrast makes for a fun mix of food throughout the trip. Enjoying some local Slovenian wine (some of the best in the Alps) or a refreshing aperol spritz as you overlook the Adriatic are great ways to end your day.
5. medieval hilltop towns
Discover the ancient hilltop villages of Motovun and Groznjan in Croatia
and the lush, green, fertile farmland of inland Istria.
6. truffle hunting in istria
Istria is known for its truffles and joining in on a hunt is a special and unforgettable event. With a local family and their dogs, you’ll learn about this important tradition as you seek the treasure of the truffle, learning about the process and eventually getting to taste the delicacy itself.
7. the adriatic coast
A beautiful contrast to the mountains of Slovenia and the rolling hills of inland Istria is the Adriatic coast. Explore the cobblestone streets of the port town of Rovinj, the turquoise water and lovely walking trails and beaches all along the coast.
8. cooking class in pula
Learn from our friend, Goran, how to make Labinski Krafi - fine Istrian pasta dating back to medieval times. You’ll meet at the local market to pick out ingredients then join Goran at his special cooking studio (based in an olive grove at his family’s farmhouse). You’ll enjoy a three-course lunch including some delicious local Istrian wine.
9. unique, BOUTIQUE LODGING
On all of our trips, we take care to select special, boutique accommodations that will allow you to have a unique experience and help you connect more deeply to the local culture and cuisine of the places you're visiting. For our Slovenia & Croatia itineraries, our hotels are all run and operated locally and some of our favorite places to stay in the world - like Meneghetti Wine Hotel in Istria, Spirito Santo in Rovinj, Hotel San Rocco in Istria and Hotel Triglav in Bled.
10. CUSTOM ITINERARIES
Whether you’re on a self-guided trip, a private guided trip or your honeymoon, all of our itineraries are handcrafted & completely customizable to your preferred travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences and activity level. We’ll work with you to tailor your itinerary until it’s just right. For your trip in Slovenia & Croatia, we'll provide you with everything you need to enjoy a local, authentic Pathways experience and the liberty to explore at your own pace - with or without a guide.
ready to start planning a trip?
Customize your trip here and we’ll be in touch within one business day to start building your itinerary. When you’re ready, we look forward to helping you plan an amazing trip.