Day 1 - Thursday, October 16: Udine D
Make your way to Udine in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region of Italy and check in to our 4* hotel (https://www.ambassadorpalacehotel.it/) in time to meet the group for aperitivo. Then, we’ll enjoy our first meal together at a local, family-run trattoria. (Overnight Udine)
Day 2 - Friday, October 17: Udine and countryside B, T, L
This morning after breakfast, my friend Elbrich will lead us on a walking tour of the Udine historic centre. Then we’ll depart for San Daniele, home of, arguably, the best prosciutto in the world. After a group lunch highlighting Friulan dishes, we’ll make our way to the cute little town of Spilimbergo to check out the fascinating world of mosaics. Dinner on your own. (Overnight Udine)
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Day 3 - Saturday, October 18: Collio countryside B, L, T
Today after breakfast, we’ll explore the picturesque town of Cividale del Friuli, have lunch together, then make our way to the tiny town centre of Cormons for an in-depth wine tasting at a cooperative enoteca. Dinner on your own. (Overnight Udin
Day 4 - Sunday, October 19: Brda countryside B, L
It’s moving day. We are on our way to the Brda region of Slovenia, renowned for its wines and delightful small towns. First, we’ll meet my friend and guide, Miha and with him, we’ll taste the best sparkling wine in Slovenia, experience an open-air WWI museum and enjoy a late lunch together, and climb a viewing tower before checking in at our winery hotel to settle in for the evening. (https://www.kabaj.si/en/) (Overnight Dobrovo)
Day 5 - Monday, October 20: Vipava countryside B, L, D
Today, I have in mind a lovely little award-winning winery for lunch as well as a couple of hill towns with quirky streets and stunning views of the Vipava Valley. We finish the day with a 5-course tasting menu paired with wine at the restaurant of our top-rated accommodations. (Overnight Dobrovo)
Day 6 - Tuesday, October 21: Ljubljana B,D
We are moving again after breakfast and checkout. Off we go to Slovenia’s lovely capital, Ljubljana. On the way, we’ll visit the Postonja Cave, the largest show cave in Europe. After spending the morning underground, we’ll have a light lunch (on your own) there, then visit the fascinating Predjama Castle before checking in at Hotel Cubo (https://hotelcubo.com/en) which sits 2 minutes from the historic city centre. After we check in, Miha will take us on a brief orientation walkabout before we have dinner as a group at our hotel. (Overnight Ljubljana)
Day 7 - Wednesday, October 22: Ljubljana B, L
This morning after breakfast, Miha will escort us around the historic centre, stopping to offer us local treats, both sweet and savoury. We’ll learn about the history and architecture in the lower town before indulging in a wee boat excursion (with sparkling!) through the city, and finally heading up to the castle by funicular. You can enjoy that at your own pace or visit with Miha. Dinner on your own. (Overnight Ljubljana)
Day 8 - Thursday, October 23: Bohinj B, T, L
After breakfast, we are off to Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most iconic photo stop. But we’ll be spending our day first exploring bees and honey, then making our own lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant and finishing up with a chocolate experience with a master chocolatier. Dinner on your own. (Overnight Ljubljana)
Day 9 - Friday, October 24: Ptuj/Maribor B, T, L
Another day on the road is in store for us after breakfast. Now we’ll head east, to Ptuj and Maribor. On the agenda today will be pumpkin seed oil (yummo!), a castle with historic masks, a rustic lunch, and a gin tasting in a tiny bar. Back in Ljubljana, dinner on your own. (Overnight Ljubljana)
Day 10 - Saturday, October 25: Ljubljana B, D
Finally a free day to wander about on your own in Ljubljana. But be ready to be entertained at our closing dinner as we will be attending a Slovenian cultural evening of food, wine, music and dancing. (Overnight Ljubljana)
Day 11 - Sunday, October 26: Tour ends today B
Our time together is over after breakfast and checkout. Safe travels onward or home.
