Join us to for this easy-going exploration of the northeast corner of Italy into central Slovenia. You’ll sample sparkling and orange wines in the up-and-coming Brda region, nosh on truffles, olives and goat cheeses in the Istria region, visit a Slovenian castle with legends of a Slovenian Robin Hood, and explore a cave system that is fit for a Lord of the Rings film. Chill out, shop and people watch in coastal villages, the uber-cool capital of Ljubljana, and a slew of charming towns in Italy’s Friuli and Veneto regions. We’ll always be dining well, savoring regional specialty foods during long, chatty meals and do a deep dive into wines. This tour is perfect for anyone who prefers a slower pace, a smaller group and getting to know quiet spots that never see tourists.

Day 1 - Meet at 4pm for welcome drinks in the lobby of Hotel Albergo Roma.  Guided walking tour of Castelfranco followed by our first group dinner.

Day 2 - Visit to Cittadella to walk atop its 13th century 50 feet high walls. Tour of Vicenza (including the beautiful and impressive Teatro Olimpico built by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio). After lunch visit Villa Rotunda (also designed by Palladio). Some free time late afternoon/evening back in Castelfranco with the option to bike ride (free).

Visit to Bassano del Grappa for a tour and grappa tasting at a distillery. Lunch in the lovely and idyllic hill town of Asolo. A country drive to agriturismo in the Prosecco wine region, near the enchanting hamlet of Cison di Valmarino, surrounded by woods and vineyards. Enjoy a happy hour with your guides to sip Prosecco and take in the views. Finish the day with a gourmet dinner (included) sampling regional dishes.

Day 4 - Visit the Italian town of Cividale in the quiet region of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. Group lunch featuring Friuli’s best comfort food called frico, a cheese and potato fry up. Crossing the border into Slovenia’s top wine region (and perhaps most beautiful region too) of Goriska Brda, we take a tour and tasting at Slovenia’s best sparkling wine producer, Bjana, which also has the oldest cellar in the region at over 800 years old. Check into our hotel right across the street from the tiny, medieval-walled village of Smartno. Dinner on your own in Smartno.

Day 5 - Tour the trenches and bunkers of a WWI museum where fierce battles raged between Italy and Austro-Hungarian/German armies. Meet with local chef for a cooking class as we make our own lunch. Chill out late afternoon before a very special five-course group dinner that is paired with wines of Kabaj Winery, often listed on the Top 100 wineries in world by Wine & Spirits magazine.

Day 6 - Depart Brda and head to Slovenia’s tiny coastline, a mere 29 miles long. Late morning tour of Piran, a scenic and charming Venetian town along the Adriatic Sea. Tour followed by a group lunch at an organic olive farm overlooking the sea and ancient salt flats. Check into hotel at Izola, a seaside town that was once an island before being connected to the mainland in 1825. Dinner on your own in Izola.

Day 7 - Head across the border into Croatia to explore to wonderful little hill towns. Visit to artists and artisan town of Groznjan with tastings of truffle with pasta and other local delicacies. Visit to iconic Motovun, the region’s highest-standing hill town and the birthplace of racing legend Mario Andretti. Special dinner/epic goat cheese feast at a farm far off the tourist grid with home-cooked stews, sausages, tasty surprises and Croatia’s finest goat cheese. Return to hotel in Izola.

Day 8 - Tour of the Skocjan caves that feature the largest subterranean cavern in Europe and give off A Lord of the Rings type of atmosphere. Afternoon visit to Predjama castle. This 16th-century castle clings to limestone cliffs and has a rich history, including folklore about the Slovenian Robin Hood who once lived there. Arrival into Ljubljana, Slovenia’s uber charming but small capital (only 270,000 inhabitants). Guided walking tour of the old town core where you can get many ideas of what to seek out, explore, and enjoy the following day.

Day 9 - A full day at leisure in Ljubljana. Please talk with Andrew and Sarah for recommendations on what to visit and see, where to eat, drink, shop and people watch.

Day 10 - Visit a local beekeeper to learn about the importance of beekeeping in Slovenia with some sweet tastings. Lunch at a farmhouse where the proprietor makes her own strudel, herbal liqueurs, and beer. Her family house has a traditional black kitchen where they still smoke meats and dry fruits. Afternoon boat ride out on gorgeous Lake Bled. Visit the 1000-year-old Bled castle overlooking the lake. Farewell group dinner at the castle.

Day 11 - The tour is over after breakfast. Your guide will assist you with departure if needed.