SLOVENIA

One of the greenest and safest countries in the world, Slovenia is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Just think of the fairy tale-like Bled, where a castle sits above an island surrounded by the crystalline waters of Lake Bled and the impressive Julian Alps with its towering peaks that overlook verdant landscapes and you’ll need little convincing that Slovenia is an under-the-radar slice of paradise. Only thing to note is, there’s much, much more – Triglav National Park, Postojna Cave and other subterranean splendour, therapeutic waters in Thermal Pannonian Slovenia… the list goes on.

On your bespoke holiday to Slovenia, continue your off-the-beaten track adventures with a deep dive into the country’s flourishing gourmet scene. Slovenia’s culinary credentials are steeped in traditions – typical ingredients include world-class fleur de sel (flower of salt) still produced using age-old methods in Mediterranean Slovenia, honey from indigenous bees, and unique olive oil from the sun-kissed Slovenian Istria.

Oenophiles will also be delighted to meet-and-greet local winemakers, who have been hard at work cultivating new varieties of vines and techniques, as well as taste some of these concoctions on a winery tour. Don’t be fooled by Slovenia’s low-profile image in the world of vines – wines have been proudly drunk here since Antiquity; even the national anthem is a toast!

Dine to your heart’s content at the best restaurants in Slovenia, which include Hisa Franko, whose co-owner-chef Ana Ros was named the World’s Best Female Chef in 2017. But don’t forget to save some stomach space for local farmhouse and up-and-coming culinary establishments on your bespoke holiday to Slovenia! Discover as much as you want about green gastronomy in the only country to be named a European Region of Gastronomy (2021). You can even taste milk that is as fresh as it gets – unpasturised milk is dispensed from vending machines!

In the new era of travel, Slovenia is an alluring antidote to our pandemic pressures – this hiking lover’s destination will mean that you can go for plenty of endless (or short) walks, enjoying Mother Nature in an unhurried fashion. Simply put, rejuvenation will be your best friend on your bespoke holiday to Slovenia.