Transfer: Ljubljana Airport to Lake Bled 
Upon arrival, we will transfer to Lake Bled.

 
Exploring Lake Bled 
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular destinations as well as world’s ten most beautiful lakes. Walk up to Bled Castle which stands firmly on the 130 meters clifftop for some breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding. Proceed for a private ‘Pletna‘ traditional boat ride to visit the lake island and its legendary church.

Slovenian Julian Alps 
This morning, drive through lovely mountain countryside to Bohinj. Enjoy some time by Lake Bohinj before heading to visit the Savica Waterfall, renowned as the most beautiful waterfall in Slovenia. Proceed for a 20-25 minutes moderate hike along a well-designated stone trail through shaded forests to reach the Savica Waterfall.  
 
Take a short cable car ride directly from Lake Bohinj up to the Mount Vogel Ski Resort (at 1,534m). Enjoy a walk around the panoramic plateau of Mount Vogel, offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountain peaks. Next, go for a 45 minutes undemanding hike towards the viewpoint of ‘Orlove Glave’ (at 1,682m) for some of the best mountain views at Vogel.  
 
After you have soaked up the idyllic landscapes and invigorated by fresh mountain air, take the cable car back to the lakeshore and transfer back to Lake Bled.

Soca River Valley: Timeless Beauty of Kozjak Waterfall 
Devote your day for an excursion to Soca River Valley, one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. Head to the village of Bohinjska Bistrica, where you will board a motorail for a scenic 45-minutes journey to the Soca River Valley, passing through Slovenia’s longest tunnel and the second-longest stone bridge in the world. From Kobarid Town, a pleasant hike of about 30-45 minutes trail leads us to the 15-meter-high Kozjak Waterfall, which falls gracefully within a stony chamber.

The Great Soca Gorge 
The Soca River is considerably one of the most gorgeous rivers in Europe, flowing across waterfalls, cascades and through narrow rocky gorges and canyons. Keep your eyes peeled for the most impressive part of the river valley – the Great Soca Gorge. Made up of a series of emerald-green pools forming a gorge of 750m long, a few metres wide and up to 15m deep.  
 
Afterwards, we will return to Bled via Slovenia’s highest road pass (1,611m), originally built during WWI for military purpose. Drive approximately 1 hour up a hairpinned road from the Soca River Valley to the Vrsic summit to take in breathtaking views of the peaks and ridges of the Julian Alps, before descending towards Lake Bled.

Discovering Ljubljana’s Old Town & Food 
After breakfast, we will leave Lake Bled for Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Embark on a walking tour of Ljubljana old town center, cross the iconic Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge, and spot structures designed by the famous Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik. In addition, take a private traditional boat ride on the Ljubljanica River to experience the city from another angle, and eventually take the cable car up to the famed 12th century Ljubljana Castle. 
 
While exploring Ljubljana’s prominent landmarks, enjoy a culinary tour concurrently to get to know Slovenia’s rich gastronomy culture. Taste a variety of Slovenian cheese at the popular Green Market, and visit a lovely boutique shop specialized in Slovenian pastry ‘Potica’. Then, be treated to a wine tasting at a charming old town wine bar before ending your Ljubljana sightseeing and gourmet adventure at a local tapas bar for tasting a couple of delicious Slovenian-style tapas.

Excursion to Kocevje Region 
This morning, set out on one hour drive to the Kocevje region – a mystical woodland, is home to the largest brown bear population and the highest number of primeval forest remnants in Europe.

Head to Krokar Primeval Forest for a moderate hike (approximately 7km / 3 hours). Krokar is one of the key remains of the beech forests that survived Ice Age and is therefore protected under UNESCO as part of the multi-country network of ‘Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe’. Being a strict reservation, Krokar’s mighty trees can only be observed from the Borovec Nature Trail that is passing around the virgin forest. Your hiking guide will share many interesting facts and stories about the primeval forest, its inhabitants and the surrounding area. End your Krokar Primeval Forest visit at a charming local homestead for lunch.  
 
Continue to BioSing estate, a boutique producer of high quality organic cured meats. Their supreme products are made from bear, game and pork, and matured underground in clay-clad ageing rooms in line with the lunar phases. Take a unique tour of this highly respectable artisan estate and discover the intriguing stages of production and enjoy an exclusive tasting accompanied by excellent wines in the estate’s modernly equipped cellar. Thereafter, return to Ljubljana.

Fascinating Predjama Castle and Skocjan Caves 
After breakfast, an hour’s drive brings us to explore the mysterious Predjama Castle built at a cave mouth and has been perched high up in a vertical hill for more than 700 years.  
 
Thereafter, proceed to UNESCO-listed Skocjan Caves that is known for extremely diverse stalactite forms and dimensions, making it the largest known underground river canyon in Europe. A private guide will take you on a 3km underground walk through the cave system for awe-inspiring sights.

Transfer to Istria 
Cross the border into Croatia as we drive about 2 hours to the town of Rovinj in the Croatian coastal region of Istria, the heart-shaped peninsula located at the head of the Adriatic.  

Old Town of Rovinj 
Located on the shores of a peninsula, Rovinj’s charming old town is one of the finest examples of the Venetian heritage, with photogenic pastel-colored houses clustered together on steep, winding, cobble-stone streets. Explore and experience the beauty of this historic town by foot, and take in the breathtaking views from the Church of Saint Euphemia.

Pula – Largest City of Istria 
Continue towards the town of Pula, Istria’s administrative center since Roman times. The star of the city is Pula Arena, a remarkably well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre, and one of the six largest surviving Roman Arenas in the world. Then, proceed to visit the Museum of Istrian Olive Oil for an educational guided tasting of 8 top Istrian olive oils along with Istrian specialties. After that, journey back to Rovinj.

Discovering Istrian Inland 
In the morning, we will drive one hour to the town of Groznjan, one of the most attractive Istrian medieval hilltop towns characterizing the Istrian interior. Discover its long history and admire its lovely stone architectures.

Continue one hour drive towards village of Paladini, set among rolling hills of dense centuries-old oak forests, where the specific type of soil provides ideal conditions for the growth of premium black and white truffles. Visit a family-run truffle estate, where you will be introduced to the history and different kinds of local truffles, followed by a tasting session. Also, enjoy a mini workshop during which you will learn how to make homemade truffle gnocchi from scratch. For dessert, indulge in warm ‘fritule’ (traditional Istrian doughnut) filled with the world’s first chocolate truffle spread. The visit is rounded up with your very own truffle hunt lead by one of the family members and their adorable well-trained dogs. Please wear comfortable shoes and trousers for the truffle hunt.

Transfer: Hotel to Pula Airport 
Enjoy your morning at leisure. Transfer to Pula Airport for your flight out.