slovenia & croatia
Croatia and Slovenia, two states once part of the former nation of Yugoslavia, still have strong ties to each other. They share similar histories and languages, gorgeous landscapes, lovely lodging and a love of local food and well-crafted wine.
Starting in Slovenia’s trendy capital of Ljubljana for a night, you’ll discover the rich culture, interesting architecture and welcoming nature of this beautiful country. 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.
Make your way from the Slovenian Julian Alps to the Croatian Istrian peninsula. Along the way, the mountains will get smaller and the vineyards & ancient olive groves will become more prominent. And, you’ll start to smell the salty water of the Adriatic Coast.
You’ll get off the beaten path and enjoy Istria’s untouched hilltop towns and dramatic coast. A charming, beautiful part of Croatia, it’s known as the “Adriatic Tuscany” for good reason. While in Croatia, you’ll walk trails that bring you through medieval hilltop towns, along the turquoise coastline and you’ll get to discover and explore this area at your own pace.
Sampling wine, truffles, olives, you’ll eat well and instantly fall into the relaxed way of life that the Croatians embrace.
“My overall experience with Pathways was exceptional. The program was very well designed, and the group was wonderful.”
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
When to go: April - October
Start/End Airport: Ljubljana
Minimum recommended length: 9 days / 8 nights
Average Mileage: 3 - 7 miles/day (options to shorten or lengthen)
Pre- or post-trip ideas: Ljubljana, Soca Valley
Experience the snow-capped peaks, wildflower-dotted meadows, deep gorges, medieval castles and traditional mountain towns of the Julian Alps
Discover the ancient hilltop villages of Motovun and Groznjan in Croatia and the lush, green, fertile farmland of inland Istria
Often referred to the “Adriatic Tuscany”, walk around Istria’s untouched, vineyard-spotted interior and turquoise, sparkling coastline
Indulge in the delicious, local cuisine every day (think: truffles & wine) and experience the welcoming, friendly Slovenian & Croatian cultures
Enjoy a customized itinerary tailored to your preferred activity level, budget, accommodation preferences, interests & schedule
how it works
All of our itineraries are handcrafted and completely customizable to your preferred travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences and activity level.
From the initial proposal, we’ll work with you to refine your itinerary until it’s just right. On your trip, we'll provide you with everything you need to enjoy a local, authentic Pathways experience and the liberty to explore at your own pace.
To request a personalized proposal, please complete the form below
and we’ll contact you to chat about next steps.
“So many good parts, each day was so interesting, crazy ridges, expansive glacial valleys, that view from Glittertind over the glacier was beyond words!”
ACCOMMODATIONS
Where you stay on your Pathways trips will only enhance your experience. We'll work with you to select beautiful, authentic boutique lodging that will allow you to even more deeply connect with the local culture and cuisine of the place you're visiting.
The lodgings we choose are locally or family owned, making your stay welcoming, unique and personal - the best spots to end an active day with relaxation, delicious food & wine, gracious hospitality and fun.
Some of our favorite accommodations:
Meneghetti Wine Hotel in Istria
Zlata Ladjica in Ljubljana
Hotel Majerca in Bohinj
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