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Slovenia & Istria Culinary Tour

$3,395.00

A culinary themed tour of the delightful country of Slovenia & the Istrian Peninsula (Croatia).

Experience, taste and discover culinary traditions on this fabulous 12 day itinerary focusing on the gastronomic delights of Slovenia and Istria. Uncover the gorgeous nature, charming cities, delicious culinary treats, epic caves, legendary castles and outdoor activities all tucked away in Slovenia and the hill-town and truffle-packed region of Istria, Croatia. Meet with amazing local winemakers, distillers and farmers and have the opportunity to sample fabulous home-cooking, local products, wines and brandies. Each day  presents a special opportunity for guests to sit down, talk with and learn from a myriad of friendly local producers in a spectacular setting.

From the soaring peaks of the Julian Alps and the subterranean magic of the Škocjan Caves, to sparkling emerald-green lakes and rivers, Slovenia has it all. Despite its small size, Slovenian cuisine packs a punch as it borrows a little something from each of its neighbours – Italy, Austria, Hungary and the Balkans – synthesizing and reinventing dishes that emerge both familiar and unique. Istria is full of historical charm and famous for its gastronomy – fresh seafood, white truffles, wild asparagus, top-rated olive oils and award-winning wines.

DATES: AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Category:

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Highlights Include:

    • Peddling your way through old hill towns before getting your feet muddy in the forests as you follow truffle-hunting dogs sniffing out your next meal
    • Discovering Slovenia’s wines, local spirits and burgeoning foodie scene
    • Soaking in the charms of historic Venetian-era towns along the Adriatic coast
    • Getting your thrills with white water rafting on the beautiful emerald green Soca river
    • Savouring amazing culinary creations at the world’s top female chef’s restaurant
    Going deep underground to the Lord of the Rings-esque Skocjan caves.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Itinerary” tab_id=”1449208778879-fcec8e78-e9ba”][vc_column_text]Day 1: Lake Bled, Slovenia
Transfer from Ljubljana airport. Arrive at the fairy-tale setting of Lake Bled which is surrounded by the Julian Alps and a cliffside castle. Visit to Bled castle and welcome dinner at castle.

Overnight: Bled Hotel
Meals: -/-/D

Day 2: Lake Bled, Slovenia
Morning at your leisure to enjoy Bled. Take a walk around the lake (about 90 minutes) or hop a gondola ride out to the tiny island in the middle of the lake. Home made lunch with Monika, a Bled local who makes her own cheeses, dried meats, Slovenian’s cakes, herbal & fruit liqueurs and craft beer!!

After lunch a visit to local beekeeper to learn about importance of beekeeping in Slovenia, includes a tasting of local honeys. Optional visit to charming medieval town of Radovljica with a visit to bee museum with lovely Slovenian folk art.

Overnight: Bled Hotel
Meals: B/L/-

Day 3: Soca Valley, Slovenia
Very scenic drive over the alps at their highest point in Slovenia (2000m) and descend into the lush Soca river valley. A very special lunch at Hisa Franko whose chef, Ana Ros, was featured on the Netflix show Chef’s Table and was named top female chef of the world in 2017. Later afternoon visit to First World War museum that documents the battles between Italian and Austrian-German forces and gave Hemingway his inspiration for A Farewell to Arms.

Overnight: Soca Valley
Meals: B/L/-

Day 4: Soca Valley, Slovenia
Morning white-water rafting on the stunning, emerald Soca river. After lunch it’s time to see the real majestic beauty of this area with a 1km Zipline ride!

Visit to old Austrian fortress of Kluze that straddles the border with Italy.

Overnight: Soca Valley
Meals: B/-/-

Day 5: Karst region, Slovenia
Hop across the border and discover the charms of Italy’s Cividale town, founded by one Julius Caesar in 50 BC. Then back to Slovenia to visit their premiere wine region of Brda. Olive oil tasting and lunch of traditional polenta dish at fortified hill town of Smartno followed be a wine tasting, Arrive into the Karst region, famous for its caves, air-dried prosciutto and Teran red wines.

Traditional dinner in agriturismo where everything served comes from their farm.

Overnight: Soca Valley
Meals: B/L/D

Day 6: Karst region, Slovenia
Visit to UNESCO protected Skocjan caves, amazing caves and the deepest underground canyon in Europe. Check out the 12th century Church of the Holy Spirit with its colourful frescoes depicting the Dance of Macabre. Tour the karst hill town of Stanjel.

Dinner back at farmhouse.

Overnight: Karst region, Slovenia
Meals: B/-/D

Day 7: Istria region, Croatia
Head down to Croatia’s Istria region, famous for its hill-towns, Venetian coastal cities, Roman treasures, wines and truffles. Full day to wander, explore and shop many Istrian hill-towns while hitting a few wineries along the way.

Dinner at a traditional konoba (Croatian eatery) serving up delicious gnocchi, spiced sausages and truffle dishes.

Overnight: Karst region, Slovenia
Meals: B/-/D

Day 8: Istria region, Croatia
Cycle along narrow-guage railway line that is now trail through the Istrian countryside for first half of day. Then one of this tour’s most unique experience — hunting for truffles in the forests with dogs followed by a truffle-themed lunch at a local’s home. Free time to enjoy the medieval hill town of Motovun with great views to surrounding area.

Overnight: Istria
Meals: B/L/-

Day 9: Istria region, Croatia
Start the day with a guided tour of Porec, famous for its 5th century basilica covered in golden mosaics. Special lunch with a view at organic herbal garden with amazing views of the Adriatic. Then onto Rovinj, the most charming Adriatic seaside town in Istria. Leisure time to explore art shops & galleries and browse the outdoor market or get lost in a labyrinth of narrow streets.

Guests can find their own spot along the water for a romantic sunset dinner.

Overnight: Istria
Meals: B/-/D

Day 10: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Return to Slovenia and visit to the Predjama castle, This 16th century castle that clings to limestone cliffs and has a rich history, including folklore about the Slovenian Robin Hood who once lived there. Arrival into Slovenia’s capital of Ljubljana. Guided walking tour of the old town followed by time to explore and enjoy this charming little capital.

Overnight: Ljubljana
Meals: B/-/-

Day 11: Ljubljana, Slovenia
First half of day at leisure in Ljubljana. Browse the outdoor market along the river, take in a museum or just people watch along Preseren Square. Afternoon visit to a distillery outside of the city to try schnapps, chocolates and honeys then return to Ljubljana for a farewell dinner up at the city’s castle.

Overnight: Ljubljana
Meals: B/-/L

Day 12: check-out and transfer to Ljubljana airport
Meals: B
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Inclusion & Exclusion” tab_id=”1449208780765-5fd2d40a-5e8d”][vc_column_text]Tour Inclusions:

    • • 11 nights in charming accommodations based on double occupancy
    • • Meals as per itinerary (11 breakfasts, 5 dinners, 5 lunches, all mentioned tastings)
    • • Local transportation (private vehicles)
    • • Excursions and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
    • Local guides (where applicable)

Tour Exclusions:
• International Flights (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
• Mandatory travel medical insurance and optional cancellation insurance (can be arranged through us
nicola@finisterra.ca)
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in itinerary
• Items of personal nature
• Services and entrances not mentioned above
• Passport, vaccination and visa fees
• Tips/Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, etc.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Pricing & Dates” tab_id=”1449223591510-29ce0fb2-4171″][vc_column_text]DATES: AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Costs and Fee Schedule

Price $3395 USD are based on double occupancy with a minimum of 2 travellers. Single supplement fee applies. If you have a group of 4 or more, discounts apply.

A 20% non-refundable deposit is due at time of registration and can be paid by cheque or credit card. Please contact info@finisterra.ca for more information.
Final Payment: Full payment is due 60 prior to departure.

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Air Travel
Flights are not included in the tour price. DO NOT purchase any airline tickets until the trip is confirmed to take place. Pre and post tours can be arranged through us available at an additional charge. Please contact Finisterra Travel for further details info@finisterra.ca

Important Information

Travel Visa requirements and passports are the responsibility of the participants. Cancellation, Travel, Flight and Health insurances are STRONGLY recommended and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage.

Passport Information
Please note that most countries require passports to be valid for 6 months from the date of your return flight. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.

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