.png)
the
SLOVENIA
Trip
2023 dates
*Trip availabilities change throughout the day and may not be accurately reflected here. To see if space is available for the date you are interested in, please click through to the booking form.
sept 3 - 10, 2023
Labor Day Trip - likely to sell out
sept 17 - 24, 2023
Oct 8 - 15, 2023
8 days/7 nights
starting at $3,199 USD
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
2024 dates
$200 ofF with code "EB2024SLO"
April 14 - 21, 2024
May 5 - 12, 2024
May 26 - June 2, 2024
Memorial Day Trip - likely to sell out
June 9 - 16, 2024
June 30 - July 7, 2024
July 4th trip - likely to sell out
sept 1 - 8, 2024
Labor Day Trip - likely to sell out
sept 22 - 29, 2024
Oct 20 - 27, 2024
8 days/7 nights
starting at $3,599 USD
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
Page Menu
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 Maribor, and wine-country fun in Ljubljana.
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, countless medieval castles, and views of the towering Alps, it's a truly beautiful place where you can perfectly balance adventure and tranquility.
It's a nation with a rich heritage, inspired and influenced by the natural world at every turn. So if you're seeking an authentic cultural adventure, join us in less-visited Slovenia.
Included
-
7 nights accommodations in a shared room with one other person (single upgrade available)
-
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
-
Guided walking tour of Maribor
-
Wine tasting + tour
-
Entrance to Lake Bled castle
-
Lake Bled boat ride
-
Hike through Vintgar Gorge
-
Foraging hike + cooking class
-
Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry visit
-
Guided Ljubljana city walking tour and Ljubljanica River cruise
-
Trip Leader throughout
*Please note that all activities are weather-dependent.
not included
-
Flights to and from Slovenia
-
Mandatory trip insurance
-
Meals not mentioned (budget around $300)
-
Incidental expenses
-
Private rooms available for additional costs
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
DAY BY DAY
Itinerary is indicative for 2023 and is subject to change*
Day 1 - Maribor
Dobrodošli v Sloveniji
Welcome to spellbinding Slovenia! After you arrive in Ljubljana, make your way to the red-roofed beauty of Maribor by train, bus, or private car. The journey should take around two hours, but the views through the rolling hills along the way are worth the voyage and then some.
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 - Maribor
wine time
Grab a bite in the hotel; you’ll need the fuel and the base layer today—we’ve got some wandering with wine to do.
Kick off your adventure with a guided walking tour through town as you learn about the area’s history, from the stunning 15th-century Baroque castle to the Gothic town hall. Finish the walk with a trip down into a subterranean stone cellar for a taste of local wine before a delicious family-style lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll head into the countryside to try more of Slovenia’s fantastic wines with some stunning nature as our backdrop. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, so go out and explore the cuisine and nightlife.
admire
Day 3 - Maribor/Bled
Beer, Beauty, and Bled
Sleep in or head out for some early morning wandering of Maribor’s charming cobblestone streets before we hit the road.
Enter Zalec: A tiny town surrounded by forests and hillsides, this has been a brewing destination and the home of the Slovenian beer industry for years. We’ll dive into the past with a tour of the hops museum and sample some of the goods from one special tap.
From there, it’s on to the world-famous Bled for picture-perfect views. We’ll all head out for dinner and drinks, and then you can hit the town as you please.
Drink
Day 4 - Bled
Best of Bled
After grabbing a bite, soak up the sights and sounds of one of Europe's true gems.
Your morning is free, so if you're up for some nature, head off with your tripmates for a relaxing hike into the nearby hillsides. Otherwise, wait for the rest of the crew and trek up to the iconic medieval castle towering over the lake. This staggering stone structure dates way back to the 11th century, so you've got some history in store.
Later that afternoon, we'll take a boat cruise across the lake to check out the famous Church of the Mother of God. After a day of exploration, the evening's free for you to unwind with friends.
Wander
Day 5 - Bled, Ljubljana
River Walks and Rides
Lace-up those sneaks; we’ve got an exciting day of sightseeing ahead. Before we roll out to the capital, we’re twisting our way through nearby Vintgar Gorge.
We’ll hike along an elevated wooden pathway hugging craggy rock walls as we pass over rapids and waterfalls of the Radovna River, which chiseled this 250-meter crevice through Triglav National Park.
And then, it’s off to the big city…well biggest city in Slovenia, that is. We’ll get into Ljubljana in the afternoon and then cruise out on a riverboat and walking tour to take it all in. Grab dinner with friends; you’ve had quite the day.
Relax
Day 6 - Ljubljana
country cuisine
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 for a cooking class as we whip up some Slovenian specialties under the watchful eye of our adventurous chef.
In the afternoon, head back to town, wander 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 a free day all about taking in the last moments of Slovenia however suits you best.
If you're in the market for souvenirs for friends and family back home, stroll down to Plečnik's Market between the Triple and Dragon bridges. Or, consider 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 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
-
Summer in Slovenia can be quite warm and sunny, so pack accordingly.
-
Maribor is accessible by train, bus, or private car from Ljubljana. Generally, the quickest and easiest way to get there is by train, which runs throughout the day from Ljubljana Train Station. Tickets start around €10, and the journey takes approximately two hours. More information can be found here.
-
Visas are not required for US Passport Holders (see more info here). For all other nationalities, please check here.
-
We offer a first run experience discount of $300 on our inaugural trip (the price listed for the first trip on this page).
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
-
Slovenian is the official language of the Republic of Slovenia.
-
The currency in Slovenia is the euro.
-
While tipping is not mandatory, 10% is appreciated for good service.
Flights
Fly into Ljubljana (LJU)
You'll need to be in Ljubljana by 2pm on Day 1; however, with the recent flight delays, we recommend planning to arrive a day early just to be safe. Upon arrival you can take a train, bus, or private transfer to Maribor (1.5-2 hours).
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.
