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the
SLOVENIA
Trip
For the love of
STONE CASTLES
LOCAL WINE
WILD COUNTRY
RIVERBOAT RIDES
LAKE BLED CRUISING
MOUNTAIN MARVELS
OLD COUNTRY BREWS
COBBLED ALLEYS
BAROQUE STYLE
SLOVENIa
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Slovenia caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for natural beauty in Lake Bled, old-town magic in Ljubljana, and wine-country fun without the crowds.
Nestled off the northeast of the Adriatic, this central European stunner remains far from the well-trodden tourist trail, and we couldn't be happier. With miles of open countryside, hundreds of medieval castles, and views of the towering Alps, it's a staggering region that delivers an unparalleled balance of adventure and tranquility.
Culturally rich and influenced by the natural world at every turn, Slovenia stands alone in authenticity and charm. So, if you’re in love with the less-visited and ready for the real, this is the one for you.
Included
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7 nights accommodations in a shared room with one other person (single upgrade available)
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7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
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Private boat ride around Lake Bled
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Bled Island excursion
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Traditional Slovenian pastry cooking class
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Vogel cable car experience and Bohinj sightseeing tour
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Hike through Vintgar Gorge
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Slovenian wine tasting & tour
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Traditional farm lunch experience
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Foraging hike & cooking class
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Guided Ljubljana city walking tour and Ljubljanica River cruise
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FTLO Trip Leader
*Please note that all activities are weather-dependent.
not included
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Flights to and from Slovenia
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $200)
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Incidental expenses
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Private rooms available for additional costs
DAY BY DAY
Itinerary is indicative and is subject to change*
Day 1 - Bled
Welcome Views
Welcome to spellbinding Slovenia! After some staggering landscapes on your ride over, you’ll get things started at the base of the Julian Alps as you nestle right into oh-so-beautiful Bled.
Settle into your hotel before we meet up for a traditional Slovenian welcome dinner at a local joint nearby. If you taste hints of something familiar, you’ve got the right idea. Slovenian cuisine tends to borrow the best of the best from nearby Italy, Austria, and Hungary.
So, eat up and share some laughs; you’ve made it to one of Europe’s most beautiful, off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Discover
Day 2 - Bled
Best of Bled
After grabbing a bite, it's time to soak up the sights of one of the continent's iconic natural beauties.
Meet up with the rest of the crew before we head to the lake for a cruise over to Bled Island. With the Alps as your mammoth green backdrop, we'll hop ashore for a bit of exploration and a local sweet-treat cooking class. We'll have lunch together back in town, and then, your afternoon is free.
We highly recommend trekking up to Bled Castle, the red-roofed medieval manor that hangs out on a rocky precipice over the lake. Grab a coffee with one epic view and bask in this 11th-century stronghold. After a day of lake-loving, the evening's free for you to unwind with friends.
admire
Day 3 - Bled
To the Mountain
You've got the morning to relax and take in more of those epic sights before we head out to climb high for even better ones.
After a short ride, we'll hop out in Bohinj for a casual bite with towering lakeside views of the rugged Julian Alps (not exactly a horrible way to dine with friends). From there, things are only looking up…literally. We're going to ride the wild Vogel Mountain cable car for views that'll have you swearing in Slovenian. From a hair under a mile high, you'll look out over endless peaks, rugged pine forests, and the glassy glow of Lake Bohinj.
We’ll return to Bled in the afternoon, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether it's a lakeside stroll or a relaxing spa session, take your time to unwind and soak up more of Slovenia's unbeatable beauty.
Drink
Day 4 - Bled, Maribor
River Walkers
Lace-up those sneaks early; we’ve got a bit of adventure in store for ya today—we’re twisting our way through nearby Vintgar Gorge in Triglav National Park.
Chiseled by the Radovna River, this 250-meter-deep crevice is one of Slovenia’s most loved natural wonders. Stroll along the elevated wooden pathway that hugs the craggy rock walls of this Slovenian showstopper and peer down to roaring blue-green rapids and waterfalls. From there, we’ll grab a coffee, and then we’re rolling on to the ancient riverside charmer, Maribor.
Of course, before we get there, we’ll need a bite, so it only makes sense to stop off at a picturesque local farm for a mouthwatering taste of the countryside with the nicest family around. That evening, we’ll wind into Slovenia’s second city.
Wander
Day 5 - Maribor, Ljubljana
Wine Time
Grab a bite in the hotel; you’ll need the fuel and the base layer.
Today’s all about sampling some of Slovenia’s grapey goods, so let’s get things started in the misty rolling hills outside of town for our first taste paired exquisitely with countryside views. We’ll hit up a vineyard that’s been producing some of the country’s finest wines since the 1800s as we discover what makes this region so great for a glass of red or white. Of course, one vineyard just won’t cut it, so after an intro, we’re moving on to a second winery for lunch and another tasting.
Now that we’ve perfected our palettes, it’s time to ride off to Ljubljana for our first taste of the capital. Drop your bags at the hotel and then head out with the crew for a bite to welcome you to town.
Relax
Day 6 - Ljubljana
country Cuisine
Say good morning to the big city...well, the biggest city in Slovenia, that is. Ljubljana may not be Europe’s largest capital, but we assure you, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in atmosphere and character.
You’ll be getting a taste of the local, the natural, the wild, and the delicious as you head out into Slovenia’s captivating countryside today. We’ll meet up with our very own outdoorsman extraordinaire, and then we’ll wander into the wilderness for a midday hike to forage wild herbs. It’s all part of our culinary quest—after hitting the woods, we’ll head to the kitchen to learn how to whip up a meal from our bounty under the watchful eye of our adventurous chef.
In the afternoon, head back to town, explore the capital’s Renaissance-infused streets, and grab dinner and drinks with friends.
Hike
Day 7 - Ljubljana
Ljubljana
loungin'
Grab an early breakfast or catch up on some rest; today's all about appreciating this absurdly beautiful capital.
In the morning, you'll have the option of joining a cruise of the Ljubljanica River and a walking tour to take it all in. With romantic stone bridges and nature that seeps into the city at every corner, it's easy to fall hard for lovely Ljubljana. If you're in the market for souvenirs for friends back home, stroll down to Plečnik's Market between the Triple and Dragon bridges. Or, if you're after more nature, consider organizing a day trip to the karst wonderland of Postojna Cave and the impressive stone 16th-century Predjama Castle.
Get back to the capital by the evening before we all head out for one final bite of Slovenia and a few more bottles of wine to toast to our fellow travel mates as we bid this beautiful country farewell.
Day 8 - Ljubljana
Nasvidenje
It's time to say goodbye to the crew, so grab one more laugh with breakfast before you roll out. This trip may be in the books, but all that means is that it's the perfect time to start planning your next adventure.
If you've got extra time in Europe, consider popping over to the Basque Country for some of our favorite eats in the entire world, down to Crete for epic seaside views, or to the Tuscan hills for more wine in paradise.
Thanks for coming, and keep on exploring—there's always more of the world to see.
“As you travel around Slovenia, think of the tales the hills could tell you. Share the awe of natural wonder; tread the trails, but as you wander honor the age-old endeavors to be literate, informed, democratic and free.”
- Jacqueline Widmar Stewart
FAST FACTS
Just for fun
There are only 2.6 million people in Slovenia, but there are 46 (!) dialects spoken.
Slovenians love wine. By some estimations, there’s a vineyard for every 70 people.
More than 53% of land is protected in Slovenia. That’s the second most in the entire world!
Trip notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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Summer in Slovenia can be quite warm and sunny, so pack accordingly.
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Getting to Bled from Ljubljana is easy! There is a 1 hour bus from Ljubljana Station that costs around €5 or you could take a taxi from Ljubljana airport for €50-€65. If you prefer a train, you can ride to Bled for around €15.
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On European trips, we stay as close to historic city centers as possible. This means your accommodations will often be on the small side, quirky, and unique (we love this!).
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
About Slovenia
A small central European nation, Slovenia remains largely undiscovered by tourists and in turn provides those who do visit with the unique opportunity to experience an authentic and unspoiled destination in the heart of Europe. From the massive peaks of the Julian Alps to the rolling hills of wine country, this is a nature lover's paradise, where the great outdoors has out outsized impact on daily life.
GOOD TO KNOW
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Slovenian is the official language of the Republic of Slovenia.
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The currency in Slovenia is the euro.
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While tipping is not mandatory, 10% is appreciated for good service.
Flights
Fly into Ljubljana (LJU)
You’ll need to get to Bled by 5pm on day 1; however, we recommend flying in earlier so that you have some time to explore Ljubljana on your own. From Ljubljana you can take a 1 hour bus from Ljubljana Station for around €5 or a taxi from Ljubljana airport for €50-65.
Fly out of Ljubljana (LJU)
We recommend flying out of Ljubljana or extending your trip and enjoying a few more days in Slovenia.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts to Slovenia so you can grab the best deal!
*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
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