SLOVENIA
& CROATIA
SLOVENIA & ISTRIA, CROATIA
8 DAYS | 7 NIGHTS
This week is a gentle blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and restorative moments. From shimmering lakes and quiet forests to rolling vineyards and charming seaside towns, the trip is designed to let you experience these regions in a way that feels immersive, warm, and truly unforgettable—complete with incredible food, expressive wines, and the stories behind the people who make them.
Our days in Slovenia will be focused on the outdoors, inviting you into some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. You’ll glide across Lake Bled, a fairytale Alpine lake surrounded by peaks and fresh mountain air; wander riverside paths in Ljubljana; and explore the awe-inspiring Škocjan Caves, where underground rivers flow beneath soaring chambers. A visit to the dramatic Predjama Castle, built into a towering cliffside, adds a touch of legend and wonder to our time among Slovenia’s natural treasures.
Crossing into Istria, Croatia, the atmosphere shifts into warm Mediterranean charm—hilltop villages, olive groves, truffle forests, and a countryside villa that feels like a sanctuary. You’ll explore Motovun, search for truffles with a local expert, enjoy a beautiful tasting at Fakin Winery, and sink into optional meditation, and deep rest at the villa. The week ends on the cobblestone streets of seaside Rovinj and a Michelin dining experience that brings everything full circle in a stunning, celebratory way.
2026 SLOVENIA
& ISTRIA, CROATIA
TRIP DATES
September 5-12
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN LJUBLJANA
Welcome to Slovenia. After landing, you’ll make your way into Ljubljana, a playful riverside capital known for its leafy streets, pastel buildings, and welcoming, walkable charm. Our home base is Art Hotel Ljubljana, a boutique stay set right in the old town, giving you immediate access to the cafés, bridges, and lively cobblestone lanes that make this city so enchanting. It offers a modern, comfortable feel in one of the very best locations.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at highly rated local restaurant. Enjoy a beautifully curated menu and a glass of wine to celebrate the richness of Slovenia’s vineyards. It’s an unforgettable way to savor your first evening together and ease into the magic of the week ahead.
Meal included: Dinner
DAY 2 – LAKE BLED MAGIC
DAY 3 – LJUBLJANA AT YOUR OWN PACE
This morning is yours to enjoy Ljubljana exactly how you want. Wander the riverside, browse boutiques and local designers, stop for coffee under the willow trees, or simply take a slow, easy morning to recharge. The city’s relaxed rhythm makes it effortless to follow whatever feels good.
In the afternoon, we’ll come together for a gentle Ljubljana river cruise, drifting past bridges, pastel buildings, and leafy riverbanks that reveal the city from an entirely new angle.
As evening arrives, we’ll step into an interactive wine-tasting experience, sampling Slovenia’s most celebrated varietals in a fun, welcoming setting. You’ll learn the stories behind each region while sipping, comparing, and discovering new favorites together.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 4 – CAVES, CASTLES & THE KARST WINE REGION
Today we venture into one of Slovenia’s most iconic landscapes: Lake Bled. With its emerald water, cliff-top castle, and tiny storybook island, this place feels like it was lifted from a fairytale.
We’ll begin by strolling the lakeshore before boarding a traditional pletna boat and gliding across the water to Bled Island. Once there, you’ll have time to wander the church grounds and ring the island’s famous wishing bell, a beloved tradition said to bring good luck.
Afterward, we’ll hop on bikes and follow a scenic path toward Vintgar Gorge, where we’ll walk the wooden trail carved along turquoise rapids, waterfalls, and steep canyon walls.
The afternoon brings free time in Bled to enjoy the lake path, relax at a café, or soak in the alpine beauty at your own pace.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a cozy dinner at a rustic local spot known for its warm ambiance and hearty Slovenian flavors before returning to Ljubljana for a peaceful night.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Today is devoted to the wild, dramatic beauty of Underground Slovenia and the windswept Karst region. We’ll explore the awe-inspiring Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site where vast chambers, stone bridges, and an underground river create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. It’s one of the most striking natural wonders in Europe.
Above ground, the terrain shifts into the iconic Karst wine region, celebrated for its deep ruby Teran wines and rugged limestone scenery. We’ll enjoy a relaxed tasting of four regional varietals paired with local snacks, a delicious introduction to the flavors shaped by this unique terroir.
The day also brings a visit to the legendary Predjama Castle, a medieval fortress built directly into the mouth of a soaring cliff. Its dramatic placement and centuries of folklore make it a true Slovenian icon.
We’ll end the day back in Ljubljana with dinner at a warm, inviting local spot known for its cozy ambiance and modern interpretations of traditional cuisine.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 5 – INTO ISTRIA, CROATIA: TRUFFLES, WINE & A HILLTOP RETREAT
Today we journey into the storybook countryside of Istria, Croatia, where forested hills, vineyards, and medieval villages create one of Europe’s most enchanting regions. Our day centers around Motovun, a hilltop town known for its ancient walls, sweeping valley views, and world-famous truffles. We’ll join a local hunter and their truffle dog for an immersive truffle-foraging experience followed by a truffle feast for lunch. Then enjoy time to explore Motovun’s cobblestone lanes, browse small shops, or take in the panoramic beauty from the town’s historic ramparts.
Istria’s celebrated wine scene comes to life at Fakin Winery, where we’ll enjoy a curated tasting of the estate’s expressive reds and crisp, aromatic whites—some of the most beloved wines in the region.
By afternoon, we settle into our private villa near Motovun—a peaceful estate surrounded by olive groves, with spacious en-suite rooms, a pool, sauna, and serene valley views. It’s the perfect place to slow down and savor Istria’s gentle rhythm. In the evening, we’ll gather for a relaxed dinner at the villa, sharing good food, connection, and a quiet night under the Croatian sky.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 6 – A DAY OF REST, RENEWAL & SLOW LIVING
Today is all about slowing down and embracing the peaceful rhythm of Istria. Our villa becomes a haven of calm—surrounded by olive trees, soft breezes, and wide-open countryside. Optional morning meditation and gentle stretching will be available for anyone who wants to move gently or settle into a quiet moment, but the entire day is yours to shape.
Lounge by the pool, read on the terrace, slip into the sauna, journal, or simply rest. Soothing massages at the villa will also be offered, adding an extra layer of relaxation to this spacious, unhurried day.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a special wine and food dinner prepared at the villa—an intimate, slow meal shared around the table, filled with connection, conversation, and the simple pleasure of being together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 7 – ROVINJ’S COASTAL BEAUTY & A CULINARY FINALE
Our final day brings us to the breathtaking seaside town of Rovinj, where pastel houses, narrow lanes, and shimmering Adriatic views create one of Croatia’s most enchanting settings. We’ll explore the old town on a guided walking tour, taking in its Venetian history and lively coastal charm.
You’ll then have free time to enjoy Rovinj at your own pace—wander the boutiques, savor a seaside lunch, sip an espresso in the old square, or simply follow the winding alleys wherever they lead.
In the evening, we’ll gather for an unforgettable final dinner at a Michelin-recognized restaurant known for its bold creativity and out-of-this-world culinary experience. It’s the perfect setting to celebrate our journey and toast to the friendships and memories made throughout the week.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 8 – DEPARTURE FROM LJUBLJANA
We’ll share one last breakfast at the villa, taking in the quiet countryside and savoring our final slow morning together. Then we make our way back to Ljubljana for your afternoon departure. It’s never easy to part ways after a week this meaningful, but the connections, conversations, and friendships formed here are the souvenirs that stay with you long after the trip is over.
Please note, the itinerary is subject to change.
WHERE YOU'LL BE STAYING
Our hotel accommodation in Ljubljana is a modern boutique hotel in the city center, offering 10 uniquely designed rooms. Enjoy artistic interiors, custom lighting, and selected rooms with stunning Ljubljana Castle views. Connected to an art gallery and Art Café, this hotel blends creativity, design, and comfort – all just steps from the Old Town.
Photos courtesy of Art Hotel Ljubljana
Our second accommodation, an Istria villa, is surrounded by a private organic olive grove, featuring five double en-suite bedrooms, a pool, infrared sauna, yoga hall, and an optional guest house. Thoughtfully designed for quiet, natural living, it blends authentic Istrian charm with modern comfort. With panoramic views and cozy shared spaces it offers a true home-away-from-home feel. A tranquil retreat for relaxing, unwinding, and reconnecting with nature.
YOUR HOSTS
Lea, owner of Sunny & Turquoise, is a business innovator, travel coach, adventure enthusiast, gourmet cook, loving wife, and devoted mom.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
-
SUNNY & TURQUOISE WELCOME GIFT
-
GROUND TRANSPORTATION IN SLOVENIA & ISTRIA TO ALL ACTIVITIES LISTED ABOVE
-
4 NIGHTS BOUTIQUE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
-
3 NIGHTS GORGEOUS ACCOMMODATIONS IN CEROVLJE, ISTRIA, CROATIA
-
MEALS:
-
ALL BREAKFASTS INCLUDED AT HOTEL OR PREPARED AT VILLA
-
ALL LUNCHES (EXCEPT FOR THOSE NOTED BELOW DURING FREE TIME)
-
ALL DINNERS (EXCEPT ONE NOTED BELOW DURING FREE TIME), INCLUDING DINNERS OUT AT HIGHLY RATED LOCAL RESTAURANTS (TO INCLUDE A MICHELIN STARRED EXPERIENCE) OR NOURISHING MEALS COOKED IN
-
-
4 LOCAL WINE TASTINGS EXPERIENCES: 3 AT LOCAL ACCLAIMED VENUES, ONE LED BY LEA
-
BLED LAKE BIKE TOUR
-
LJUBLJANA BOAT TOUR
-
ROVINJ WALKING TOUR
-
ŠKOCJAN CAVES TOUR
-
MOTOVUN TRUFFLE HUNTING
-
MASSAGE AT OUR VILLA ACCOMMODATIONS
-
VILLA MORNING MEDITATION BY LEA
TRIP INVESTMENT
-
$4222 per traveler | shared room option
-
$5111 per traveler | private room option
Payment Schedule
-
$500 Non-refundable Deposit due at booking
-
$2000 1st Payment due May 5, 2026
-
Remainder/Final Payment due July 5, 2026
** Sunny & Turquoise trip alums get $222 off their international trips!
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
-
FLIGHTS TO AND FROM LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
-
AIRPORT TRANSFER TO ACCOMMODATIONS UPON ARRIVAL
-
3 LUNCHES ON YOUR OWN DURING FREE TIME
-
1 DINNER ON YOUR OWN DURING FREE TIME
-
DISCRETIONARY CASH FOR SHOPPING, SOUVENIRS, ETC.
-
TRAVEL INSURANCE - (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). CHECK FAYE FOR AFFORDABLE PLANS.
-
ADDITIONAL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES (1 GLASS INCLUDED WITH ALL DINNERS)
-
HOST TIPS, OPTIONAL
TRAVEL INFORMATION
-
Fly into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) on Saturday September 5, 2026.
-
Fly home from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) Saturday September 12, 2026 1PM or LATER.
-
Please inquire if you would like help with booking your flights! (Additional fee)
-
Please do not book flights until you have confirmation from Sunny & Turquoise to do so.
Please WAIT to book your flights! This retreat requires a minimum number of participants in order to take place. Once we reach that number*, we will officially confirm that the trip is a GO and send everyone the green light, flight booking guidance, as well as insurance information.
*If, for any reason, the retreat does not meet the minimum participation required and is canceled, your $500 deposit will be fully refunded.
For all other circumstances, the $500 deposit is non-refundable.
