Slovenia and Croatia Food Journey

(Option: Customized Itineraries)
Slovenia/Croatia - 8 nights
Available year round 

Enjoy a night out in the capital as you eat where the locals do during a comprehensive ‘foodie’ walk of Ljubljana. Savour five courses of regional specialties paired with award-winning wines in beautiful Goriska Brda. Check out a 1000 year-old castle and taste traditional cakes by gorgeous Lake Bled. Sniff around for truffles in the forests of Croatia with specially trained dogs. Roll out fresh pastas and create dishes with herbs, locally-sourced foods and olive oils and top it all off with some terrific wines that you’ve never tasted before.

Slovenia is often dubbed ‘Europe In Miniature’ for its small but diverse offerings such as ancient historic castles, tiny Venetian-esque seaside towns, rolling hills covered in vineyards, shimmering glacial lakes and majestic alps. There’s a certain air of authenticity here that sometimes goes missing from such larger European destinations. The country’s culinary delights and wines reflect this too. And when it comes to food, Slovenia is fresh, seasonal, delicious and production is on a small-scale.  

Slovenia has been re-discovering its cuisine, while absorbing trends and innovations from Europe and around the world. Here you can find winemaking regions dating back to Roman times where now young wine makers experiment with new techniques on indigenous varietals with amazing results. 

The country offers very traditional, simple dishes with innovative twists like honey or tarragon cakes, white polenta topped with wild boar goulash, beefsteak cooked with prosciutto and local ruby red Teran wine or their version of an omelette lovingly made with fresh herbs and wild asparagus.

Take time to come sit down and talk with Slovenian wine makers, chefs and local producers in their cellars, farms and kitchens and taste a multitude of homemade creations. 

SAMPLE ITINERARY 

Day One 

 
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA - LJUBLJANA FOODIE TOUR

Make your own way to your hotel in Ljubljana, ideally situated in the heart of the old town of Slovenia's charming capital. (Private transfers can be arranged upon request).

Food carries stories, and those stories are told by the people who create it. Discover the atmospheric old town of Ljubljana while sampling its diverse culinary scene on a guided foodie walking tour led by a passionate local. Along the way, you’ll stop at independent, locally-owned, and off-the-beaten-path eateries to taste a variety of flavors — from comforting local specialties to refined hidden gems. Meet thechefs, baristas, and owners behind these dishes and hear the stories that inspire their craft. Ljubljana’sculinary scene is rich and varied, waiting to be explored.  

Day Two

 
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA - LJUBLJANA COOKING CLASS

Experience the rich culinary traditions of Slovenia with a hands-on cooking class. Led by expert chefs in a professional kitchen, this interactive workshop invites you to discover the secrets behind traditional Slovenian dishes and modern favorites. From rolling homemade pasta to mastering classic meat dishes or crafting sweet local pastries, you’ll gain practical skills and cultural insights in a warm, welcoming setting.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, this memorable culinary experience offers a delicious and authentic taste of Slovenia’s gastronomic heritage.

Day Three 

ISTRIA, CROATIA - OLIVE OIL FARM & ORGANIC GOAT FARM

Depart Ljubljana and travel to the charming coastal town of Piran, one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful medieval towns. Known for its Venetian architecture, winding streets, and rich history, Piran is also the birthplace of composer Giuseppe Tartini. Enjoy a guided tour through its atmospheric old town and seaside promenade.

Continue to a family-run organic olive farm for a tasting of locally made olive oils, cheeses, and bio-certified wines. Lunch is served outdoors with views of the nearby salt flats, where traditional salt harvesting still takes place.

In the afternoon, cross into Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, a region famed for its medieval hill towns, wine, and truffles. Check into a charming countryside accommodation, then visit one of Croatia’s top goat cheese farms for a tour and tasting. The day ends with a farmhouse dinner featuring a variety of cheeses, freshly baked bread, local stews, seasonal dishes, grilled fish, and traditional Istrian sausages.

DAY FOUR 

ISTRIA, CROATIA - TRUFFLE HUNTING & WINE TASTING

This morning, visit the enchanting hill town of Grožnjan, once nearly deserted and now a lively haven for artists. Its narrow streets are lined with galleries, artisan jewelry shops, and specialty food boutiques. Be sure to try some freshly made fritule, Istria’s beloved version of a doughnut. 

Then head into the Istrian forests with a local family and their truffle-hunting dogs in search of prized wild truffles. After the hunt, enjoy a rustic truffle-themed lunch at their countryside cottage, featuring fresh truffles over handmade pasta, complemented by local olive oil and wines.

In the afternoon, stop at a local winery near Motovun to sample some of the region’s excellent wines, including native varieties like Malvazija and Teran. Continue to the hilltop town of Motovun, where you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.

End the day in Rovinj, Istria’s most charming seaside town, known for its Venetian architecture, cobbled streets, and lively art scene. 

Enjoy free time to explore galleries, boutique shops, and the waterfront before dining at your leisure in one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.

DAY FIVE 

ISTRIA, CROATIA - ISTRIAN MARKET VISIT & COOKING CLASS & PULA

Begin the day with a visit to the historic port town of Pula, home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the region, including ancient temples and the impressive Pula Arena, the largest Roman amphitheater outside Italy.

Next, head to Pula’s lively green market to gather fresh, local ingredients for today’s cooking class. You’ll learn to prepare Žgvacet, a traditional Istrian goulash made with chicken, beef, tomatoes, and wine, along with handmade Istrian pastas such as fuži. As the goulash simmers and fresh pasta is prepared, enjoy unlimited pours of Istrian wines, including crisp Malvazija, bold Teran, and a sweet dessert wine to finish the meal. Between courses, take a relaxing stroll through an olive grove and sample regional specialties like sheep and goat cheeses, air-dried prsut, and a variety of artisanal olive oils.

DAY SIX 

BRDA, SLOVENIA - FRIULI - DAIRY FARM & WINERY VISIT & GUIDED WALK

Depart Bale in the morning and travel toward the Gorizia and Cividale del Friuli region, crossing into Italy for a stop at a charming organic dairy farm. Here, you’ll tour the property and sample freshly made ricotta,mozzarella, and a delicate caciotta cheese infused with wild herbs.

Afterward, enjoy a guided walk through the historic town of Čedad, taking in its picturesque streets and local charm. Then continue to a nearby family-run winery set in the gentle hills near the Slovenian border, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of elegant regional wines, including crisp whites, expressive reds, and a refreshing rosé, all produced with care in small batches.

In the afternoon, cross into Slovenia’s Goriška Brda wine region, a landscape of rolling vineyards and hilltop villages.

The day concludes with a thoughtfully prepared dinner paired with exceptional local wines at a welcoming countryside wine estate and restaurant.

DAY SEVEN 

BRDA, SLOVENIA - SPARKLING WINE TOUR & WORLD WAR 1 MUSEUM

After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the charming medieval village of Šmartno, nestled in the heart of Brda and known for its well-preserved stone architecture and picturesque streets. Continue up to a panoramic viewpoint tower to take in sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards, orchards, and villages.

Later, visit a 700-year-old wine cellar, the oldest in the region, and learn about the traditional bottle-fermentation method used to produce sparkling wine. Enjoy a guided tasting of distinct sparkling wines, each reflecting the character of the local terroir.

In the afternoon, explore a First World War museum that tells the story of the fierce battles fought between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces along this front, and where Ernest Hemingway served as an ambulance driver — an experience that inspired A Farewell to Arms.

The evening is at your leisure, with your guide available to suggest one of Brda’s many excellent restaurants for dinner.

DAY EIGHT 

LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA - BEEKEEPER VISIT, FARMHOUSE LUNCH & FAREWELL DINNER

Depart Brda and arrival to beautiful Lake Bled where your rustic, charming pension is just a five minute walk to the lake.

Today, delve into the significance of beekeeping in Slovenia with a local expert who will share insights into its history, secrets, and science, followed by a tasting of a variety of Slovenian honeys and honey brandy.

Enjoy a special homemade lunch at a farmhouse hosted by a local who bakes her own bread, prepares traditional cakes, crafts herbal liqueurs and beer, and serves them alongside local cheeses and an assortment of dried meats.

Take some leisure time to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Bled, or opt for a visit to the scenic Vintgar Gorge for an easy 90-minute walk along one of Slovenia’s breathtaking emerald rivers. 

The day concludes with a farewell three-course dinner accompanied by fine wines at Bled Castle, offering spectacular panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. 

DAY NINE

Departure after breakfast. Transfer on your own to Ljubljana Airport or Ljubljana Train Station. We hope you enjoyed your Slovenia and Croatian food journey!

(Transfers upon request can be provided to Ljubljana Airport or Ljubljana Train Station for an additional cost).

*The content or order of the itinerary may change depending on dates, availability of services or activities, local festivals/holidays, weather constraints, etc.

*Menus are samples and may vary according to the season

GROUP SIZE

A minimum of 2 participants is required to run this tour and the tour is limited to a maximum of 7 participants.

(The number of participants refers to how many persons are required to run the tour, not to how many persons you must have in your party. Please inquire.)

HOW TO ARRIVE

Closest Airports/Train Stations:

Airport: Ljubljana - 22 miles/30 minutes to first accommodation

Train Station: Ljubljana - 35 miles/45 minutes to first accommodation

*Transfers available upon request. Transfers can also be arranged from Zagreb, Trieste, Venice or Vienna   

BOOKING INFORMATION

For further inquiries or to register, click here.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

Please contact us for cancellation policy information. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

CLIENT REMARKS

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