Hunt for truffles in Istria\u2019s forests, stay at an award-winning winery & dine in a Slovenian castle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":121225,"menu_order":219,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":"SC1","duration":9,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SloveniaCroatia_Thumb-1000x620.jpg","continent":"Europe","country":"Slovenia","countries":["Croatia","Slovenia"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a32490","max":"\u00a32675"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac2885","max":"\u20ac3105"},"usd":{"min":"$3095","max":"$3330"},"cad":{"min":"$4070","max":"$4380"},"aud":{"min":"$4570","max":"$4915"},"nzd":{"min":"$5300","max":"$5700"},"hkd":{"min":"$23035","max":"$24790"},"aed":{"min":"DH10765","max":"DH11590"}},"about":"
Gourmet dining in a Slovenian castle, sunshine and wine in Croatia’s take on Tuscany… If it’s a European adventure with a touch of finery you’re after, you’ve just struck gold.<\/strong><\/p>\n First stop: Slovenia. Small but perfectly formed, this diminutive country packs in vast peaks, glacial lakes and wild bear-filled forests. Against this scenic backdrop, you’ll dine on gourmet food in Ljubljana\u2019s castle restaurant. You\u2019ll hike the dramatic Vintgar Gorge, canoe through the Bohinj Valley and witness the beauty of fairytale Lake Bled.<\/p>\n Then it\u2019s over to Croatia and the northern region of Istria, likened to Tuscany for its countryside flecked with medieval hilltop towns, wineries and restaurants. Here, you\u2019ll stay in a boutique vineyard hotel, hunting for truffles by day and clinking glasses by night. You\u2019ll visit Pula\u2019s spectacular Roman amphitheater, relax on Rovinj\u2019s sunset-streaked coast and explore the culture-packed capital, Zagreb. Welcome to the good life.<\/p>\n","highlights":{"Dine in Ljubljana\u2019s gourmet castle restaurant - accessed by funicular":"Dine in Ljubljana\u2019s gourmet castle restaurant - accessed by funicular","Stay at the award-winning Roxanich Winery and taste incredible local wine":"Stay at the award-winning Roxanich Winery and taste incredible local wine","Hike along wooden walkways and bridges through the dramatic Vintgar Gorge":"Hike along wooden walkways and bridges through the dramatic Vintgar Gorge","Hone your canoeing skills before tackling gentle rapids on one of Europe\u2019s longest rivers":"Hone your canoeing skills before tackling gentle rapids on one of Europe\u2019s longest rivers","Go truffle hunting with a local expert in the montane forest of Buzet":"Go truffle hunting with a local expert in the montane forest of Buzet","Explore the hilltop town of Motovun and take part in a Polaroid photo hunt ":"Explore the hilltop town of Motovun and take part in a Polaroid photo hunt ","Hotel Bohinj":"Hotel Bohinj","Hotel Lone, Rovinj":"Hotel Lone, Rovinj","Roxanich Wine and Heritage Hotel":"Roxanich Wine and Heritage Hotel"},"lang":"us","trip_type":[{"term_id":8452,"name":"Beach Escapes","slug":"beach-escapes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8452,"taxonomy":"style","description":"More often than not, destinations that are perfect for solo adventures tend to come with picturesque coastlines and pristine beaches. That\u2019s why our list of beach vacations is long.","parent":0,"count":28,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":9074,"name":"City Breaks","slug":"city-breaks","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":9074,"taxonomy":"style","description":"The places you\u2019ll visit on a Flash Pack city break are varied, colorful and unique. As you\u2019d expect, Europe reigns in this department. Find your next city adventure here.","parent":0,"count":26,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":11528,"name":"Escape The Crowds","slug":"escape-the-crowds","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11528,"taxonomy":"style","description":"Volcanic islands, black deserts, remote oases\u2026 Sometimes, you just need to get as far away as possible and escape the crowds. If that\u2019s the case, let us take you on an off-grid adventure.","parent":0,"count":32,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":11837,"name":"For First-Timers","slug":"for-first-time-flashpackers-us","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11837,"taxonomy":"style","description":"These are the adventures perfect for first-time Flashpackers. Our best-selling trips are the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. So, where will your first solo group trip take you?","parent":0,"count":16,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"}],"hidden":false,"seasons":["spring","summer"],"scenery":["beach","city","mountain"],"activities":["canyoning","hiking","local_culture","tasting","water_sports"],"activity_level":["relaxed","moderate"],"key_locations":"Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Istria","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrival in Ljubljana (LJU) | Welcome castle dinner","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"A welcome castle dinner","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" Welcome to Slovenia’s capital – one of Europe\u2019s greenest. Landing at Ljubljana Airport, you\u2019ll be met by your private Flash Pack transfer and whisked to your centrally located hotel. After check-in, you\u2019ll enjoy a welcome drink with your group before heading out for dinner. Navigating the tangle of cobbled streets, piazza-side cafes and delightfully varied architecture lining the emerald Ljubljanica River, you\u2019ll take a funicular up to the old town\u2019s picturesque hilltop castle. Here, the gourmet restaurant Gostilna is the perfect place to get to know each other over innovative haute cuisine and world-class Slovenian wine. Afterwards, you might want to wind your way to the city\u2019s vibrant riverfront bars.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"A welcome castle dinner","text":" Welcome to Slovenia’s capital – one of Europe\u2019s greenest. Landing at Ljubljana Airport, you\u2019ll be met by your private Flash Pack transfer and whisked to your centrally located hotel. After check-in, you\u2019ll enjoy a welcome drink with your group before heading out for dinner. Navigating the tangle of cobbled streets, piazza-side cafes and delightfully varied architecture lining the emerald Ljubljanica River, you\u2019ll take a funicular up to the old town\u2019s picturesque hilltop castle. Here, the gourmet restaurant Gostilna is the perfect place to get to know each other over innovative haute cuisine and world-class Slovenian wine. Afterwards, you might want to wind your way to the city\u2019s vibrant riverfront bars.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrival in Ljubljana (LJU) | Welcome castle dinner","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SC2_ItineraryDay1_4.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Vintgar Gorge hike | Free time at Lake Bled ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Lakeside beauty","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" After breakfast, you\u2019ll board a private minibus and head north into Slovenia\u2019s heartland. First up: the dramatic Vintgar Gorge. Following a 1.6-kilometer trail along wooden walkways and bridges suspended from the rock face, you\u2019ll follow the swirling Radovna River over rapids and pools, culminating in a 16-meter waterfall. From here, it\u2019s a short hop to Slovenia\u2019s most celebrated sight: Lake Bled. The fairytale lake, with its cliff-top castle and turreted island chapel, is every bit as enchanting in real life. Climb the trail of Mala Osojnica for postcard views, take an SUP out onto the emerald water or relax at one of the pretty waterfront cafes. This evening, you\u2019ll transfer to Bled\u2019s big sister, Lake Bohinj: wilder but every bit as beautiful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Lakeside beauty","text":" After breakfast, you\u2019ll board a private minibus and head north into Slovenia\u2019s heartland. First up: the dramatic Vintgar Gorge. Following a 1.6-kilometer trail along wooden walkways and bridges suspended from the rock face, you\u2019ll follow the swirling Radovna River over rapids and pools, culminating in a 16-meter waterfall. From here, it\u2019s a short hop to Slovenia\u2019s most celebrated sight: Lake Bled. The fairytale lake, with its cliff-top castle and turreted island chapel, is every bit as enchanting in real life. Climb the trail of Mala Osojnica for postcard views, take an SUP out onto the emerald water or relax at one of the pretty waterfront cafes. This evening, you\u2019ll transfer to Bled\u2019s big sister, Lake Bohinj: wilder but every bit as beautiful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Vintgar Gorge hike | Free time at Lake Bled ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SC1-ItineraryDay21.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Lake Bohinj | Canoeing on Sava River","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Clear-water paddling","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" Located in Triglav National Park in the heart of the Julian Alps, Bohinj is rich in forests and boasts Slovenia\u2019s highest mountain peaks. Surrounded by all this natural beauty, you\u2019ll be learning to canoe on one of Europe\u2019s longest rivers. Together with an instructor, you\u2019ll master the basic paddling techniques before tackling some gentle rapids, cheering each other on as you go. This afternoon is yours to relax and explore. Feeling energetic? Hire an e-bike and cycle to the Savica waterfall, ascend to the high peaks in the Vogel cable car, or take a paddleboard or rowing boat out onto the lake. For tonight\u2019s dinner, try one of the restaurants in the lakeside village of Rib\u010dev Laz with its picturesque medieval church and ancient stone bridge. <\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Clear-water paddling","text":" Located in Triglav National Park in the heart of the Julian Alps, Bohinj is rich in forests and boasts Slovenia\u2019s highest mountain peaks. Surrounded by all this natural beauty, you\u2019ll be learning to canoe on one of Europe\u2019s longest rivers. Together with an instructor, you\u2019ll master the basic paddling techniques before tackling some gentle rapids, cheering each other on as you go. This afternoon is yours to relax and explore. Feeling energetic? Hire an e-bike and cycle to the Savica waterfall, ascend to the high peaks in the Vogel cable car, or take a paddleboard or rowing boat out onto the lake. For tonight\u2019s dinner, try one of the restaurants in the lakeside village of Rib\u010dev Laz with its picturesque medieval church and ancient stone bridge. <\/span><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Lake Bohinj | Canoeing on Sava River","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SC1-ItineraryDay31.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Transfer to Istria | Photo hunt","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Istria through a lens","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" Today it\u2019s time for the Croatian part of your adventure. Bordering southern Slovenia, the region of Istria is a heart-shaped peninsula with a diverse landscape of fields and vineyards squeezed between pine forests, orchards and olive groves. After lunch at a local restaurant \u2013 your first chance to sample the region\u2019s truffles \u2013 you\u2019ll transfer to your next hotel at the award-winning Roxanich Winery. Tucked into the hillside near the pretty town of Motovun, it\u2019s a super-luxe base for exploring the local area. There\u2019s a fun afternoon in store, as you\u2019ll set off in groups equipped with a Polaroid camera to compete in a series of challenges. Back at your boutique vineyard hotel, we recommend dining at the exceptional on-site gastro restaurant with gorgeous valley views.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Istria through a lens","text":" Today it\u2019s time for the Croatian part of your adventure. Bordering southern Slovenia, the region of Istria is a heart-shaped peninsula with a diverse landscape of fields and vineyards squeezed between pine forests, orchards and olive groves. After lunch at a local restaurant \u2013 your first chance to sample the region\u2019s truffles \u2013 you\u2019ll transfer to your next hotel at the award-winning Roxanich Winery. Tucked into the hillside near the pretty town of Motovun, it\u2019s a super-luxe base for exploring the local area. There\u2019s a fun afternoon in store, as you\u2019ll set off in groups equipped with a Polaroid camera to compete in a series of challenges. Back at your boutique vineyard hotel, we recommend dining at the exceptional on-site gastro restaurant with gorgeous valley views.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","snapshot":"Transfer to Istria | Photo hunt","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SC1_Day-4_Roxanich-Winery_4_3.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Truffle hunting | Gro\u017enjan artists' village | Wine tasting","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Truffles & award-winning wine","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" The nearby town of Buzet is known as the truffle capital of Croatia (the largest truffle found in the region weighed a whopping 1.3 kilos). You\u2019ll set out with an expert truffle hunter in search of the gourmet fungi, hidden underground in the region\u2019s dense montane forests. Having hopefully enjoyed some success, you\u2019ll sample these earthy delicacies over lunch in a beautiful setting, before continuing your journey to the artists\u2019 town of Gro\u017enjan. With countless studios, workshops, exhibitions and boutiques lining the cobblestone walkways of the medieval old town, it\u2019s an ideal place for souvenir-hunting. Follow this up with a gourmet wine tasting of the region\u2019s finest bouquets. Bliss!<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Truffles & award-winning wine","text":" The nearby town of Buzet is known as the truffle capital of Croatia (the largest truffle found in the region weighed a whopping 1.3 kilos). You\u2019ll set out with an expert truffle hunter in search of the gourmet fungi, hidden underground in the region\u2019s dense montane forests. Having hopefully enjoyed some success, you\u2019ll sample these earthy delicacies over lunch in a beautiful setting, before continuing your journey to the artists\u2019 town of Gro\u017enjan. With countless studios, workshops, exhibitions and boutiques lining the cobblestone walkways of the medieval old town, it\u2019s an ideal place for souvenir-hunting. Follow this up with a gourmet wine tasting of the region\u2019s finest bouquets. Bliss!<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Truffle hunting | Gro\u017enjan artists' village | Wine tasting","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SC1-ItineraryDay5_2.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Roman ruins in Pula | Transfer to Rovinj","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Roman ruins & Rovinj","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" Pack your bags: you\u2019re off to Pula. At the southern tip of Istria, the region\u2019s capital is studded with ancient Roman sites. At its heart is the well-preserved arena: an impressive 2,000-year-old oval amphitheater that doubles as a concert venue. A local guide will bring the evocative ruins to life on a city center tour, then there\u2019ll be time for an afternoon of shopping, sightseeing and lunch before travelling on to Rovinj. Originally an island, Rovinj\u2019s Venetian-inspired old town is contained on a tiny peninsula now connected by a narrow channel. With a seafront of pastel houses backed by cobbled piazzas and ancient arched gateways, it\u2019s a wonderful place to wander.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Roman ruins & Rovinj","text":" Pack your bags: you\u2019re off to Pula. At the southern tip of Istria, the region\u2019s capital is studded with ancient Roman sites. At its heart is the well-preserved arena: an impressive 2,000-year-old oval amphitheater that doubles as a concert venue. A local guide will bring the evocative ruins to life on a city center tour, then there\u2019ll be time for an afternoon of shopping, sightseeing and lunch before travelling on to Rovinj. Originally an island, Rovinj\u2019s Venetian-inspired old town is contained on a tiny peninsula now connected by a narrow channel. With a seafront of pastel houses backed by cobbled piazzas and ancient arched gateways, it\u2019s a wonderful place to wander.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Roman ruins in Pula | Transfer to Rovinj","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SC1-ItineraryDay6.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Free day in Rovinj","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Relax by the sea","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" A free day lies ahead, so enjoy a leisurely breakfast before deciding what to do. Your Flash Pack guide will be on hand to offer some inspiration. Perhaps you\u2019ll return to Rovinj’s old town, winding up through the narrow streets to St Euphemia Church, blessed with stunning Adriatic views, before indulging in a seafood lunch at one of the harborside restaurants where you can watch the fishing boats come and go. Or maybe you\u2019ll hire a bike and explore the nearby Golden Cape Forest Park. Covered in oak, pine and cypress trees, you can spend a relaxed afternoon swimming off the rocks in one of the many secluded bays.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Relax by the sea","text":" A free day lies ahead, so enjoy a leisurely breakfast before deciding what to do. Your Flash Pack guide will be on hand to offer some inspiration. Perhaps you\u2019ll return to Rovinj’s old town, winding up through the narrow streets to St Euphemia Church, blessed with stunning Adriatic views, before indulging in a seafood lunch at one of the harborside restaurants where you can watch the fishing boats come and go. Or maybe you\u2019ll hire a bike and explore the nearby Golden Cape Forest Park. Covered in oak, pine and cypress trees, you can spend a relaxed afternoon swimming off the rocks in one of the many secluded bays.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Free day in Rovinj","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SC1-ItineraryDay7.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Transfer to Zagreb","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"On to the capital","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" It\u2019s your final full day and after breakfast, it\u2019s time to continue your journey. We couldn\u2019t let you leave Croatia without visiting its dynamic capital, Zagreb. En route you\u2019ll stop off at the laid-back town of Pazin where you\u2019ll have the option to zipline over the gorge. Reaching speeds of 30mph you\u2019ll soar across the abyss towards the medieval castle – a truly thrilling ride. Arriving in Zagreb, check-in at your hotel before heading out to explore. In a couple of hours you can get a good feel for the historic Upper Town dotted with church spires and ride the funicular down to the Lower Town for its shops, cafes and restaurants. Tonight, gather with your group for a farewell dinner and raise a toast to your nine-day Balkan adventure.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"On to the capital","text":" It\u2019s your final full day and after breakfast, it\u2019s time to continue your journey. We couldn\u2019t let you leave Croatia without visiting its dynamic capital, Zagreb. En route you\u2019ll stop off at the laid-back town of Pazin where you\u2019ll have the option to zipline over the gorge. Reaching speeds of 30mph you\u2019ll soar across the abyss towards the medieval castle – a truly thrilling ride. Arriving in Zagreb, check-in at your hotel before heading out to explore. In a couple of hours you can get a good feel for the historic Upper Town dotted with church spires and ride the funicular down to the Lower Town for its shops, cafes and restaurants. Tonight, gather with your group for a farewell dinner and raise a toast to your nine-day Balkan adventure.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Transfer to Zagreb","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SC1-ItineraryDay8_2.jpg"],"day":8},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Departure from Zagreb (ZAG)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Time to fly","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":" Today marks the end of your trip, and hasn\u2019t it been a great one? From truffle hunting and wine tasting to gorge walking and canoeing, with plenty of moments to breathe it all in, your first taste of Croatia and Slovenia might not be your last\u2026 Keen to see more of Europe? We\u2019ve got a few more trips that might pique your interest. Discover them here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Time to fly","text":"