GLAMPING IN SLOVENIA AND RELAX IN THE HEART OF CROATIAN ISTRIA

Day 1 | Arrival to Slovenia – Ljubljana – Bled
Upon entering Slovenia proceed to Slovenian capital Ljubljana – one of Slovenia’s most beautiful sight and a great starting point for exploring the rest of the country. No matter if you are a couple or a family of 4 +, we will provide you a local guide to get to know history and stories about this beautiful city on a river Ljubljanica. Take a funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle and explore one of ongoing exhibitions. Lunch inLjubljana’s city restaurant. Drive toward Bled. With immense natural beauty, Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The beauty of the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air arouse pleasant feelings in visitors throughout the year. Accommodation in Glamping houses. Explore the other way of living; living with nature…

Day 2 | Vintgar & Lake Bled
After breakfast, visit Vintgar Gorge, carved by Radovna River, located near Gorje, approximately 4 kilometres north-west from Bled. The 1.6-kilometre long gorge is carved amidst the glorious vertical walls of Hom and Boršt hills, and it is highlighted by the Radovna River and its waterfalls, pools and rapids. A study trail runs across the gorge and the wooden bridges as well as Žumer galleries, which ends with the mighty 13 metres high Šum river waterfall, one of the three river waterfalls in Slovenia.

After visiting Vintgar drive toward lake Bled and visit Bled castle. Visit the oldest castle of Slovenia with its museum. Lunch in a castle restaurant that offers modern interpretations of traditional dishes and drinks.

Ride by pletna boat to the island on the lake. Pletna boats -wooden flat-bottom boats designed according to the concept of the Venetian gondola boat – are made by locals and are typical of Bled. Their origins date back to 1590. Explore the Bled Island with its symbol Church of the Mother of God with a long and diverse history. Amidst the greenery, you can explore interesting island buildings such as the bell tower, curacy and provost’s house, small hermitage and some other mysterious legendary buildings. Get back to your pier tent for unforgettable overnight in the nature.

Day 3 | Bohinj – Savica waterfall
Bohinj is a nearby lake some 20 km west of lake Bled. Explore a super attractive walking tour around Lake Bohinj. Crystal clear drinking blue-green water, beautiful views, and the multitude of activities on offer in the Julian Alps- the highest high mountain massif in Slovenia- will surely delight you. Most of the Julian Alps are covered by the Triglav National Park. The Sava and Soča are the two main rivers that spring from this great mountain giant. The Julian Alps are a world treasure, a challenge for climbers, mountaineers and a source of satisfaction for every traveller. At an altitude of 1300 meters, there is the seventh Lake Triglav, called Black Lake, which collects snow and rain, and sinks and springs a little lower in the form of Savica waterfall. It is a wonderful sight, to see how a waterfall springs from the rock and the river Sava Bohinjka is formed. Hike toward waterfall and around lake lasts for some 5-6 hours (not demanding path). Lunch is organised in local restaurant – Gostilna.

Day 4 | Postojna Cave – Portorož – Departing Slovenia – Welcome to Croatia
It is time to leave the oasis of peace in Slovenia and meet a new one in Croatia. On the way we strongly suggest to visit Postojna Cave, Slovenia’s most visited tourist attraction. Postojna Cave is the only place where you can see the most precious brilliant in the form of the cave formation and also meet the baby dragons. Just like the world above the surface, Postojna Cave boasts towering mountains, murmuring rivers and vast subterranean halls. The cave tour, which includes a cave train ride and a walk along an easy footpath, takes an hour and a half. Predjama castle visit is included. Lunch is waiting in seaside resort and spa town on Slovenian side – Portorož. Feel the Mediterranean and Mediterranean cuisine. Departing Slovenia and entering Croatia. Drive to San Canzian – an authentic luxury Village in the middle of Croatian Istrian peninsula. Hotel offers everything – from unique heritage concept, to custom art and locally influenced design along with a highly-personalized service. A secret place and a starting point for all travelers who come to explore and enjoy Istria. Pamper your palate with Istrian delicacies in the Luciano restaurant of the hotel. Each accommodation unit has separate entrance on the yardside, which enables complete privacy and the necessary distance between the guests.

Day 5 | Istria – wine tasting
After a tranquil morning, visit small city of Grožnjan on the way to Kozlović winery. The Medieval town of Grožnjan – the town of artists and music -a hillock surrounded by terraced olive groves and vineyards. It offers a view of twenty or so surrounding Istrian villages, the valley of the river of Mirna and the sea from Novigrad to Umag. It is home to some twenty galleries and art studios, known as the “town of artists” both among the locals and the tourists. Valuable works of art can be found, from wonderful antique furniture to works of young painters. The doors of all galleries are open almost non-stop. Proceed toward Kozlović winery for wine tasting and cellar visit. Gianfranco Kozlović from Momjan is the first Istrian winemaker obtaining a national-level award in 1998, when his Malvasia was publicly proclaimed the top-quality white wine of Croatia. Gianfranco dedicated himself completely to winemaking so that at present, his cellar bears the reputation of being one among other cult places of Croatian wine production. Kozlović remains a synonym for producing the Momjan Muscat.

Day 6 | Istria – Rovinj
On the beautiful west coast of Istria, just underneath the Lim canal is the most romantic place in the Mediterranean! The town of Rovinj is the right destination for all of you who long for a sentimental atmosphere. Due to the lack of space, houses are closely built, streets are narrow and squares are small, still untouched by modern urbanism. All its lovely little streets will take you to the top of a small hill, where you will find the biggest and most significant monument in town – the church of St. Euphemia. Swim in the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, staying on the beaches in the park forest Zlatni rt. Lunch in one of gourmet Rovinj restaurants.

Day 7 | Istria – Motovun – Zagreb
After breakfast visit one more beautiful Istrian town – Motovun. The Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, standing next to the Parish Church of St. Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town’s historic core. In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria of that period surrounded by many other historic buildings. Motovun Forest which stretches along the Mirna River valley is especially rich in truffles, the underground malodorous fungus believed to be an aphrodisiac. Lunch in restaurant Zigante in Livade. Throughout the year the restaurant is offering a carefully designed menu based on fresh truffles, created primarily in accordance with the harvest season of Istrian truffles. Restaurant Zigante is the first Croatian restaurant specialized for dishes with truffles. Upon arrival to Zagreb – Croatian capital – accommodation to hotel.

Day 8 | Zagreb – Departing Croatia
Walking tour of Zagreb with a gourmet touch of local delicacies accompanied by local guide – starts with the funicular to Upper Town known as Gradec. Visit St. Mark’s Church, a symbol of Zagreb, St. Catherine`s Church from outside – severely damaged in the recent earthquake that struck Zagreb in March, the Lotrščak Tower and walk through Stone Gate to visit Kaptol, the ecclesiastical district, pausing to explore the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, open air Zagreb market. After a short coffee break tour continues visiting Croatian National Theater, University of Zagreb and Mimara Museum, and further, following Lenucci’s green horseshoe – three squares with landscaped parks, next to the impressive Art Nouveau palace of the State Archives and further to the building of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts and Art Pavilion. At the end of the tour we take you to Le Bistro of the unique hotel The Regent Esplanade Zagreb where you will taste Zagreb štruklji (pasta stuffed with a mixture of fresh cheese, sour cream and eggs, then topped with sweet cream and baked in the oven) with a glass of wine. Departing Zagreb – end of service.