This program was custom designed to get to know these two countries at 3 mph. We’ll also meet the residents, sample the food and drink, and learn a bit about life in these less-oft visited places.
This itinerary is subject to change. Travel demands flexibility. We will strive to balance adaptability with remaining on schedule. Please trust that, when it is not possible to follow the plan laid out below, your program leaders will work to find substitutions that retain the quality of this Study Travel program. Various details may be added or changed due to information obtained while making reservations, or perhaps on site, especially because of the weather. Our thanks to Go Get Lost for all land arrangements. BLD indicate included group meals, and T indicates an included tasting.
Choose from the two sets of dates above.
Day 1 (Aug 26 OR Sep 4) Depart USA
Depart on individually-booked flights from your home town.
Day 2 Arrive Belluno (D)
Our Italian adventure starts today in Belluno, our home base for the first part of our adventure. Located in the Italian Regione of the Veneto, Belluno is a picturesque town on the southern edge of the Italian Alps. You should plan to arrive in Belluno by midday at the latest. Tonight we’ll have our orientation meeting, (of course with local wines), and afterwards we’ll walk to one of Go Get Lost’s favorite spots for our welcome dinner. There is an amazing variety of food in this region, probably owing to the amazing variety of landscapes to be found! From alpine mountains and valleys to fertile plains, from lush vineyards producing legendary wines to the Adriatic coast with its infinite variety of seafood, the Veneto region is rich in culinary abundance! So while we’re exploring the countryside, villages and towns, we’ll be sure to explore the wonderful cuisine as well. And as there’s no point in waiting, we’ll start tonight at our orientation dinner with an excellent meal of local dishes! An after-dinner passegiata in the town piazza will cap off your first day in the far north of Italia.
Day 3 Valley di San Pellegrino (BLT)
This morning we’ll meet our local guide and have a fascinating walk in the mountains to the Rifugio Fuciade. The landscape changes dramatically here as we walk through an alpine forest to beautiful green pastures surrounded by the Dolomites craggy peaks. Here we’ll enjoy a light meal before continuing on the trail to marvel at the spectacular mountain vistas. This afternoon will find us at the 200 year old kitchen of La Stanga farm, where we’ll see what the chef is preparing today and taste the specialty of the day. And of course we’ll taste their excellent wines, cheeses and salami as well!
Day 4 Le Zercole (BLT)
Today we’ll walk through the pastures and into the mountains and we’ll get to meet a local herbologist and have a tour of her incredible mountain herb and flower gardens. Afterwards we’ll enjoy a unique lunch prepared with her own produce. Later we’ll have an easy walk to La Latteria, a dairy farm that’s been in operation for generations. Here we’ll see how cheese is made, still using techniques handed down through the centuries. Of course we have a chance to enjoy the cheeses, washed down with an abundance of their local vintages!
Day 5 Slovenia’s Wine Country, Ljubljana (BLTD)
This morning we’ll journey eastwards across the rolling hills of Italy’s Friuli region, crossing the border into western Slovenia. Almost immediately we’ll find ourselves in the picturesque Slovenian wine country, with more vineyards than almost any other European wine region. We’ll enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the typical family-run vineyards that dot the rolling hills of the area, where they will proudly introduce you to their Slovenian wines. This afternoon we’ll make our way deeper into Slovenia, eventually arriving at the capital of Ljubljana, our home for the next two days. Ljubljana, one of the most interesting cities of Europe, has a rich history of many different conquerors. Originally settled around 2000 BCE, the town was occupied by tribesman, then Romans, Huns, Lombards, Franks, and finally the Slovenes. Each civilization left their mark on the city and their contribution to the culture. Tonight our guide will take us to one of their favorite local restaurants.
Day 6 Ljubljana (BL)
After breakfast we’ll meet our local guide for a fascinating walking tour of the city to explore the fabulous food and wine heritage of Ljubljana. With frequent stops into bars and restaurants only the locals know, your guide will introduce you to the wonderful culinary specialties of Ljubljana, washed down with excellent but generally unknown locally produced wines. This afternoon there’s a bit of free time to get lost on your own in Ljubljana.
Day 7 Velika Planina and Zgornje Palovce (BLD)
Today we explore an intriguing but little-known area of Slovenia. Using ski lifts, our Slovenian guide will take us to the Velika Planina, a picturesque high plateau with astounding views. Here we’ll find a shepherds village, where we can observe daily life as it has been for hundreds of years. Later we’ll have an easy downhill walk through forest and meadows to the small village of Zgornje Palovce. Tonight we will check into our Slovenian hotel in the small village of Radovljica. After exploring the town, we’ll have a special dinner at our hotel, complete with a Slovenian wine tasting.
Day 8 Lakes Bohinj and Bled (BLD)
Our private coach will take us on a short, scenic drive today to reach Lake Bohinj. This little-known lake is overshadowed by the more-famous Lake Bled, but Slovenians know that Bohinj is unmatched as one of the most picturesque and romantic lake in all of Europe. Of course the best way to enjoy the views of Bohinj is to walk around it, and then sit down to a picnic lunch…with a view! Tonight we have a very special farewell dinner planned at a charming spot overlooking Lake Bled.
Day 9 Depart (B)
After breakfast, we’ll have a private group transfer to the airport in Ljubljana (we’ll provide recommended flight times closer to departure).
You must be logged in to post a comment.