The spectacular natural beauty of Slovenia, a small country where you can travel from the Julian Alps to bathing on the warm Adriatic coast, through dense forests, plains, rivers and amazing caves. Its varied gastronomy is due to its location between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.
Slovenia has been recognised as one of the most sustainable countries in the world, and they are very focused on conservation and environmental protection, which is evident in their national parks and in their capital Ljubljana, which was named the European Green Capital in 2016.
The Slovenian mining town of Velenje offers a unique experience 160 metres underground to enter an underground dining room and enjoy a gastronomic experience with local products inside a coal mine. For the more adventurous, you can walk through the Postojna cave and discover the secrets of the Predjama castle. The history of beer is woven through the streets of Kamnik. Meanwhile, the Fish & Fly Trio experience offers the chance to enjoy alpine nature. Places to discover and admire, as well as the Tyrolean charm of Innsbruck or the three days in Catar.
Secrets of Postojna Cave
For the more daring and adventurous who want to go underground surrounded by the darkness of the Earth, the In the Footsteps of Luka Čeč tour is the one we suggest. ThePostojna karst cave takes you into less touristy areas, the Pivka and Black Cave, together with geologists and speleologists. Equipped with the best tools, as well as boots, rope, torch and helmet, you descend and cross lakes and the Pivka River.
During the tour, the guides talk about the first explorers who dared to enter the cave, as well as the diversity to be found there. After leaving behind the train that leads out of the cave, the Magical Garden of the Hotel Jama or in front of the Modrijan farm, complete the experience with a gastronomic treat. The 3-hour experience can be enjoyed all year round, with Slovenian, Italian, German and English languages available. The minimum price for guided tours for groups of six is €200 per person.
Timetable: From 9.00h to 18.00h. If the Pivka River rises, the route may change.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased here
The Mystique of the Medieval Predjama Castle
The world’s largest cave castle is located in Slovenia, just a few kilometres from Postojna Cave. The Predjama Castle, a huge medieval building that has been clinging to a rock face for at least 800 years, with a spectacular cliff of 123 metres. Once you’ve ventured inside the castle, you can discover the secrets that lie within. Behind it are galleries where the legendary knight Erasmus roamed and hid, resisting enemies. During the visit, the medieval atmosphere is still present through the weapons rooms, the chapel and the kitchen. Recreating life in those times.
The castle’s features impressed the likes of George R. R. Martin, author of the legendary Game of Thrones.
In addition, at the top of the castle, on the attic, you can enjoy wonderful views of the valley. The place has a very particular mysticism, serving as a setting for films, or the capture of spiritual beings. In the area there are many activities to do such as visiting the cave just below the building, the vivarium or the Karst cave exhibition, which can be combined with a visit to the castle. You can choose the individual or group packs through the website.
Hours: Depending on the season, the opening and closing times change. The month of August from 9.00h to 19.00h. .
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased here
Velenje Underground: the gastronomic experience 160 metres underground
One of the most surprising and innovative gastronomic tours in Slovenia is Velenje Underground, a journey where you can discover dishes rooted in the traditions of the coal miners.
You’ll begin the experience at the Coal Mining Museum by taking the oldest lift in Slovenia down into the tunnels where you’ll understand the hard work of the miners, the different tools, original equipment and coal mining techniques. This travel through mining history is a moving and educational experience that highlights the courage and sacrifice of the mine workers over the years.
In one of the tunnels, you’ll find the deepest dining room in Europe, with award-winning chefs combining new and traditional flavours. The four-course menu is accompanied by a selection of wines and musical entertainment.
The exquisiteness of the dishes enhances the local gastronomy, taking diners back to the mining era of the time.
Once the delicacies have been sampled, the diners leave the dining room to climb aboard the mining train, to end the experience in the coalmen’s dressing room. There, along with a glass of sparkling wine and a special undisclosed detail, the impressions of the adventure are expressed, recalling the 3-hour culinary journey underground. The experience can be enjoyed all year round, with the Slovenian, German and English languages available. The minimum price for guided tours in groups of 20 or more is 185€ per person;
Timetable: From 18.30h to 21.00h or as agreed in advance.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased here
A trip to nature while enjoying organic gastronomy
Three days on three Slovenian rivers where fishing takes centre stage in the Fish & Fly Trioexperience. But fishing is not the only thing to do during the days of the trip, as you can enjoy the gastronomy of the area while you relax. The local organic gastronomy takes its place during the lunches that take place next to the river, while enjoying the views offered by nature. During the three days you will be challenged to catch, and then release, each of the three specimens: marble trout, brown trout and tympani. And the guest who passes the challenge will receive a prize and will be included in the wall of fame.
In addition, the last day is very special, as guests take a helicopter ride over the Soca River Valley, admiring the alpine area from the sky. The experience is available during spring, summer and autumn, offering guided tours in Slovenian, German and English. The minimum price for guided tours in groups of five is €2,700 per person. Some of the essential elements of the experience included in the package are a full three-day stay, fishing equipment, travel between the rivers Kolpa, Krka and the Soca river valley.
Tickets:You can purchase tickets here
Beer history through the city of Kamnik
20 km from the Slovenian capital Ljubljana is the town of Kamnik, where sport and gastronomy come together to enjoy the Beer Way to Freedom tour. Through a local guide, stories of beer and freedom are revealed during breaks from sporting activities. Four micro breweries are visited during the light hike, while enjoying the surrounding nature. The circular beer walk is accompanied by three local dishes, enhancing the gastronomy of the village.
During the tour, visitors enter one of the production areas, tasting the beers according to taste, always with responsible consumption.
The trip combines legends and stories such as that of Rudolf Maister, the liberator of the northern part of the country, who gave society the beer of freedom at the end of the 19th century. As well as strolling through the historic centre of the city, you can enjoy walking through fields and along the river that runs through the city. The experience is available all year round, offering guided tours in Slovenian and English. The price per ticket varies depending on the length of the tour. The short experience is €47, while the long experience is €73 per person.
Timetable: Every Thursday between 11.00h and 18.00h for a sports experience. And on Thursday between 17.00h and 20.30h for a short experience without sports activities.
Tickets:You can purchase tickets here .
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