The Very Best of Slovenia

Slovenia’s short stretch of coast, wedged between Italy and Croatia, is something of an undiscovered Adriatic gem. Just 47km (29 miles) of shoreline manages to squeeze in a compact cocktail of its neighbours, such as the charmingly faded Italianate town of Piran, whose architecture betrays its centuries as part of the Republic of Venice, the quaint fishing town of Izola and 19th century resort of Portorož, along with rugged cliffs, salt pans and fishing villages. The emerald waters are shallow and warm, and there are numerous pebbly beaches and bays to discover. After checking in to your hotel enjoy a welcome dinner.

Visit the Soline Salt Pans to see salt produced in a traditional way based on a 700-year-old method that harmonises man and nature. Over the centuries, a unique habitat has formed for halophytic plants and animals and migrating birds.

The old seaport of Piran, a nicely dilapidated port town on the Adriatic, lies at the end of the Piran peninsula. The town has preserved the medieval layout with narrow streets and compact houses, as well as grander buildings dating back to it's golden age as part of the Venetian Republic, all of which rise in steps from the coastal lowland into the hills and give the whole area a typical Mediterranean look. A delicious seafood dinner will finish off this wonderful day.

Enjoy a privately guided tour of the cellars beneath the Simčič household, a family owned winery in the small village of Vipolže. Run by father-son duo Edi and Aleks, this initially unassuming winery is heralded by many as the finest and most forward thinking in Slovenia with its selection of whites and reds grown on small vineyards around the country. Learning about their work which is reinvigorating wine growing traditions and grapes of pre-Socialist Republic Slovenia while pushing forward into more experimental areas, you'll taste a number of their vintage wines accompanied by local cheese and olive oil.

This beautiful, small village is a living cultural heritage monument. The village looks out onto endless vineyards that cover all of Brda. Once a fortification on the Venetian-Austrian border, the village's roots date back to when it was used as a Roman stronghold. The Church of Saint Martin, the largest church in Brda, is adored with beautiful frescoes and a bell tower that was once part of a fortification tower.

The Goriška Brda Wine Region is a pastoral wonderland in the far east of Slovenia bordering Italy, patches of vineyards stretch across a verdant countryside, farmhouses reflecting a traditional architectural design that has many calling it the Tuscany of Slovenia. Upon the rolling hills are rows of fruit orchards, here and there cypress trees dispersed among small, charming villages.

Here you can bask beneath blue skies in the shade of garden trees and enjoy a wine tasting or two in one of the many boutique wineries that dot the area while feasting on seasonal dishes made from the finest local produce.

Enjoy a private Slovenian wine degustation followed by gourmet dinner at the amazing Gredic Castle.

En route to Lower Carniola, enjoy a hike in stunning virgin forest of Snežnik-Ždrocle.The forest consists of ancient beech trees with sections of primeval forest. Like Krokar, it lies within a large forest complex that is included in the Natura 2000 network. Snežnik is a large karstic mountain and a mixing zone between the Continental and Mediterranean climates. Evidence of heavy snow loads have caused 'saber trees', bent near the ground on steep slopes. While the mountain peak itself was covered by ice, relic species were maintained with beech forests re-established 8,000 years ago.

The region of Lower Carniola is one of rolling hills, meadows and forests, with a patchwork of vineyards and fruit orchards draped over the gentle heights. Peaking overhead, one can often see the silhouette of a steeple or the traditional slate roofs of the many village communities.

Explore the incredible Skocjan Caves, one of the largest and most striking cave systems in Europe. Located in Slovenia's picturesque Karst system, the Reka River has carved out a sublime subterranean route thousands of kilometers long. Following the river, you'll see incredible stalactites and stalagmites, enter vast chambers and cross gorges on both man-made and natural bridges.

Enjoy a unique gastronomic experience at the Grad Otocec's renowned gourmet restaurant.

Kostanjevica na Krki is Slovenia’s smallest town and sits upon a tiny island in the middle of the Krka River. Today the entire town is protected as a cultural monument of the highest category. During frequent floods the only way to get around is by boat, so the town has became known as the 'Venice of Lower Carniola'. Here you can take the opportunity to experience some artistic heritage at the Božidar Jakac Gallery and the Forma Viva sculpture garden, at the Lamut Art Salon or at the Gorjup Gallery.

Finish the day with local dinner at a nearby cottage which stands on the edge of vineyards. Here you will enjoy wonderful views and sample local food and drink, including Cvi?ek, one of Slovenia’s most distinctive wines.

Slovenia’s largest city and capital since independence 1991, Ljubljana is the country’s cultural, educational, economic and political hub. Emblematic for Slovenia as a whole, it is an extremely pretty and easily manageable place with many wonderful attractions either in the historic centre or within easy reach by road.

With no world famous attractions to tick off, Ljubljana is perfectly for semi aimless wanderings, soaking up the city’s rich history and vibrant cosmopolitan vibe. People watch with a glass of crisp local wines by the Ljubljana, duck into an offbeat gallery, see the opera or head to Metelkova City, a converted military barracks that has become the creative centre of Slovene counterculture. Above all, Ljubljana is a place to be explored.

Enjoy lunch in the old town restaurant before a free afternoon to explore the city. Perhaps visit one of the many galleries such as the Visconti Fine Art Gallery, the biggest privately own art gallery in Slovenia. Owned by former London residents, this family owned collection was moved back to the Slovene capital and includes works by Warhol and other pop artists.

No trip to Ljubljana is complete without taking to the waters of the Ljubljanica. Pass under the city's famous bridges and enjoy views of most of the Old Town's major sights from a unique vantage point, by night, with a glass of bubbly in hand.

Dinner this evening is at AS Aperitivo, the best place for a tasty, trendy dinner in the city.

Meet your local guide for private guided walking tour of Ljubljana city. Ljubljana is one of those central European cities that grabs you with the eternal charm of its classic architecture, beautiful bridges, friendly locals and great food and wine. The architecture of Ljubljana is strongly influenced by the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and its beauty is omnipresent. Some of the famous sights are the Magistrat (Town Hall), the Baroque town mansion, the 18th-century cathedral, the Shoemaker Bridge and the Jewish quarter.

Perched high up in the archer's tower, Ljubljana castle's new restaurant overlooks the city from a grand position. Chef Igor Jagodic, one of the top chefs in Slovenia, and ethnology professor Dr. Janez Bogataj have created an inventive menu of historic dishes made modern.

Bohinj is one of the most beautiful places in the heart of the Julian Alps and in Triglav National Park. Bohinj Lake has numerous inflows, the most important one is the Savica. Enjoy a walk around the lake's shores and a boat trip on its waters before taking a cable car to Vogel panoramic plateau. The upper Vogel cable car station, located at 1,535 meters (5,036 feet), greets visitors with spectacular panoramic views of Komna, the Triglav mountains and all the way to the Kamnik and Savinja Alps. Triglav (meaning three peaks) is the highest peak in Slovenia and is represented in the coat of arms of Slovenia.

Set amidst the snowcapped Julian Alps less than an hour from Ljubljana, the mirror emerald lake is small enough to walk around on foot. The beautiful Church of the Assumption, sitting on an islet, dates from 1698. According to local tradition, one who can ring the bell loudly enough will be granted a wish and a husband who can carry his new bride the 99 steps up from the dock into the church will be ensured a happy marriage. With the waters off limits of motorized craft, the island is reached on pletna boat - a huge gondola type vessel - or by rowboat.

Visit medieval Bled castle for your farewell gourmet dinner with the most amazing view for a fitting finale to your magical Slovenian experience.

After an afternoon free to explore on your own, head to JB Restaurant for a gourmet dinner to see how its modern Slovenian-Mediterranean-French menu, Old-world charm and a fabulous wine list have made it one of the finest places to dine in the country.