It is getting easier to fly in and out of Ljubljana

Slovenia is riding a tourism boom and it is getting easier to fly in and out of its vibrant capital Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Airport (above) is set to expand its flight offerings in spring with the introduction of new routes from KLM and Eurowings, and increased flight frequency from Turkish Airlines and British Airways.

KLM will launch daily flights to Amsterdam starting in late March, providing up to 11 flights per week while Eurowings will begin flights to Düsseldorf in mid-April, offering three weekly departures.

One-way tickets from Ljubljana to Amsterdam by KLM, with onward connections worldwide via Schiphol Airport, start at €70.

The route with Eurowings will offer onward connections through Eurowings’ network to European vacation destinations. One-way fares start at €39.99.

Turkish Airlines will increase flights to Istanbul to 18 times per week in June, while British Airways will offer eight weekly flights to London Heathrow from June onwards.

With the addition of the new flights, the summer schedule will feature 27 connections from 24 carriers.

Ljubljana Airport saw a 13.3% increase in passenger traffic in 2024, reaching over 1.4 million passengers, with recovery approaching pre-pandemic levels. Top destinations included Istanbul, London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, and Munich.

Tourism to Slovenia keeps on soaring

Regular readers will know that Gourmet on the Road has great enthusiasm for visiting Slovenia, having enjoyed two recent trips.

It is no surprise, then, to discover that the Slovenian tourism industry achieved remarkable milestones in 2024 despite a challenging environment, outperforming both European and global averages.

With a 7.5% increase in international arrivals and exceptional performance across established and emerging markets, Slovenia strengthened its reputation as a leading green hospitality destination with attractions including delightful capital Ljubljana and Lake Bled (above).

That success sets an optimistic tone for 2025.

The Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport says it will remain committed to fostering balanced tourism growth, guided by the principle of "a little more and a lot better".

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB), with the country previously part of Yugoslavia.

Tourist arrivals surged by 6.3% compared to 2023, reaching an impressive total of 6.58 million visitors for a very small nation.

Overnight stays also saw significant growth, rising by 4.5% year-on-year to a record 16.85 million, according to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia.

At a press conference in Ljubljana, Matevž Frangež, state secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism, praised local tourism industry operatives.

Frangež said: "In terms of guest arrivals and overnight stays, we have once again exceeded [pre-Covid] 2019.

"We are seeing moderate and steady growth in guest arrivals, but our focus goes beyond numbers. In line with the adopted tourism strategy, Slovenia is prioritizing quality, aiming to attract more discerning guests, deliver unforgettable experiences for both domestic and international visitors, and, most importantly, generate greater added value for our economy."

Maribor - and the oldest grape vine in the world - call out to wine lovers

Regular readers of GoTR will know we are big fans of Slovenia and its burgeoning wine industry.

Wine lovers who find themselves in the country’s second city of Maribor might want to take note of The Old Vine House, a local favourite for 18 years.

Last week the city greeted the revitalized Old Vine House, with work completed over five months with support from the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport and the Municipality of Maribor.

The destination now offers an expanded offering with more than 200 wine labels from over 50 Styrian winemakers.

And the venue will be open 365 days a year - as befits Maribor’s most-visited tourist attraction and a symbol of Slovenian heritage.

The space has been reimagined with sandy tones and dark furnishings to highlight the largest floor mosaic in Slovenia, as well as an impressive wine library.

A new long tasting table allows for group tastings, complemented by digitalized content that guides visitors through the local Podravje wine region.

Artworks by renowned local artists bring the region’s history and culture to life, I am told. 

Several flights of wines are on offer, as well as wines by the glass and a selection of finger foods. 

But in addition to tastings, visitors to Maribor must check out the 450-year-old zametovka, or modra kavčina, grape vine outside.

It is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest grapevine in the world which still bears fruit annually. It was, remarkably, planted at the end of the Middle Ages.

See https://oldestvinemuseum.si/

Slovenia's capital hits the right notes over summer

The delightful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana comes alive with music and dance over summer.

The Ljubljana Festival is the main summer festival in Slovenia and is one of the oldest festivals in Ljubljana. And it runs for over two months.

Lucky for the locals, they get to experience all the fun for two jam-packed months of warm weather, blooming flowers, arts and entertainment.

The traditional opening concert on June 20 features the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra & Big Band and the RTV Slovenia Youth Choir.

 


Every summer the Ljubljana Festival makes an important contribution to the cultural life of Ljubljana - and entertains visitors - with a program covering a wide variety of genres, including ballet, opera and theatrical productions, musicals, chamber and symphony concerts, the International Art Colony, master classes, and children’s and youth workshops.

Highlights include the Ljubljana Festival events on the River Ljubljanica - the river that runs through the centre of the capital.

Among those participating will be the London Symphony Orchestra, the Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra, the ADDA Simfònica Alicante, the Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Filarmonica della Scala, and soloists including tenors Jonathan Tetelman and Juan Diego Flórez.

Pianists Mikhail Pletnev and Grammy winner César Camargo Mariano, saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito d’Rivera, violinist Vilde Frang, prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, and conductors such as Sir Antonio Pappano, Riccardo Chailly, Zubin Mehta, Charles Dutoit, András Keller, Aleksei Kornienko also feature.

Entertainment will be provided by 4,000 artists from more than 40 countries.

The 72nd edition of the Ljubljana Festival will run from June 20 to September 3, when it will end with a gala concert by pianist Martha Argerich.

See https://www.visitljubljana.com/ and https://ljubljanafestival.si/

Slovenia celebrates as tourism numbers soar

From being an often-overlooked part of the former Yugoslavia, Slovenia has emerged as a popular tourism destination over the past two decades.

Regular readers will know it is a favourite with Gourmet on the Road.

Since gaining independence, Slovenia has actively participated in various international communities, particularly in Europe.

Joining NATO and the European Union two decades ago presented Slovenia with significant challenges but tourism continues to play a vital role in showcasing Slovenia's beauty and fostering international connections.

Twenty years have now passed since Slovenia joined the European Union.

In a celebratory speech, Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob stressed that Europe is much more than a collection of countries or a political institution.

"Europe is Slovenian tourism experienced a revitalisation with Slovenia's full EU membership, significantly fuelling its growth and success over the past two decades," he said.

"Tourism stands as one of the most important and at the same time promising sectors of Slovenia, playing a vital role in its economic performance, development, and global visibility and reputation of Slovenia."

Tourism contributes nearly 10% to the gross domestic product, with over 92,000 individuals employed in the sector, accounting for 10% of total employment.

Over the last 20 years, the influx of foreign visitors has tripled, while overnight stays have surged by 2.6 and total tourist numbers by 3.7 times.

Tourism promotes Slovenia as a sustainable, green destination at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain, offering exceptional diversity in a small space, which in turn provides a wide range of interesting experiences for lovers of healthy, active holidays, cultural experiences, gastronomy, and business visitors, Slovenia Info says.

If you are wondering how to get there, a bus from Venice to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana takes about three hours. So next time you are in Italy maybe consider a side trip.

Image: Lake Bled, Nick Gracner, Scop.io

Horsing around: the world's oldest Lipizzaner stud farm

So you love horses? You are probably familiar with the striking white/grey Lipizzaner horse.

If you are heading to Slovenia you might want to add Lipica to your list of destinations. It is home to the largest Lipizzaner stud farm in the world, is the cradle of the Lipizzaner breed and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The noble white Lipizzaner horses are native to Slovenia - one of Europe's most under-rated travel destinations and just a couple of hours by bus from Venice.

The original stud farm was established in Lipica in the Karst region in 1580 and is one of the oldest Lipizzaner stud farms in the world.

The Lipizzaner is closely associated with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna in Austria, where the horses demonstrate the haute école or "high school" movements of cclassic dressage,

The tradition of breeding these elegant white/grey horses, which are named after Lipica, is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Visitors can admire the elegance of the Lipizzaner horses at classical riding shows and training sessions and experience the Karst region in a carriage or on horseback.

Visitors can tour an old barn with representatives of all the classic Lipizzaner lines, visit the Lipizzaner and horse carriage museum and learn about the special features of Lipica and the Karst region.

Choose from a guided tour, or exploring the estate on your own.

For details see https://www.lipica.org/en/products/visit-to-the-lipica-stud-farm/

Shoe launch billed as a tourist attraction

The launch of a new sports shoe would not ordinarily be a tourist attraction.

But this is no ordinary sneaker launch - and it will be held in a spectacular location.

On September 16, Slovenia's basketball superstar Luka Doncic, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, will be at picturesque Lake Bled in his homeland for the launch of his Luka 2 Lake Bled shoe with the Jordan brand.

It will coincide with a 3x3 basketball tournament, which will be played on a unique floating court in the middle of lake. A floating sports arena is something new. 

 

The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) sees the event as "an unparalleled opportunity for increasing Slovenia's global visibility".

So there you go: shoes mean headlines.

The event even has its own website. 

You can check it out here: 

https://www.grosbasket.com/en/air-jordan-luka-2-bled 

Culinary royalty to grace Dark Mofo Winter Feast in Hobart

Hobart's Dark Mofo festival has pulled off a culinary coup by enticing one of Europe's leading chefs to Tasmania for its Winter Feast.

This culinary superstar is not from France, or Italy, but from Slovenia: world renowned Ana Roš from Hiša Franko has for the past decade been regarded as one of the world's most innovative pan handlers.

She will join Rodney Dunn and Stephen Peak from The Agrarian Kitchen to showcase the best of Tasmanian produce in an exciting collaboration.

For those not familiar with Roš, she is the chef/patron of Slovenia’s two Michelin starred Hiša Franko and has been named ambassador of gastronomic tourism by the World Tourism Organisation.

Roš featured in the Netflix documentary Chef's Table, and named world's best female chef by The World's 50 Best Restaurants academy in 2017.

Her restaurant Hiša Franko was named one of the world’s best 30 restaurants by Travel + Leisure.

This remarkable talent speaks Slovenian, English, Italian, French, Croatian and Spanish fluently and "some" German

The City of Hobart Dark Mofo Winter Feast returns for its 10th year with eight nights of feasting and entertainment over two weeks.

The dates are June 8-11 and June 15-18 and there will be 90 stallholders, fire, music, and fun.

The events will be spreading across Salamanca Lawns and Princes Wharf Shed 1 on the Hobart waterfront.

“Both Ana Roš and The Agrarian Kitchen have elevated regional dining in their respective countries by taking a bold and innovative approach to their food," says Winter Feats food curator Amanda Vallis.

"We’re thrilled to be able to highlight such incredible artists of the culinary world.”

The Agrarian Kitchen duo and Roš will be delivering a four-course menu so guests can expect Slovenian-inspired dishes made with seasonal Tasmanian produce.

The dinner will take place in a newly constructed cooking-and-dining structure that seats 50 people around the perimeter, providing an intimate dining experience.

Read more on the website.

Cyclists on the right track in Slovenia

 

Regular readers will be aware that Slovenia is among my favourite European destinations.

It it is clean, green, beautiful, affordable and accessible.

And as Slovenia is a relatively small country, much of it can be explored by bike, or e-bike.

The small country is, of course, home to two of the world's top cyclists in Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogacar.

Slovenia, well set up for tourists, has several themed cycling routes linking destinations and providers sharing the Slovenia Green label.

The Slovenia Green cycling routes are for cyclists who want to explore an unknown country on their own, or with friends, but do not want to be part of a group.

Cyclists who don’t want to waste time looking for the best routes, sights and accommodation, but are happy to stumble up on them.

In all there ar six Slovenia Green cycling routes, which link nature, culture and cuisine.

The Slovenia Green Gourmet Route, perhaps of the most interest to readers of GOTR, features a journey through Slovenia by bike and with stops along the way, where you’ll be spoilt for gourmet treats.

The 11-day experience from Ljubljana to Maribor passes through wine-growing and framing regions as well as featuring Michelin-rated restaurants.

For full details see https://www.slovenia.info/en/stories/slovenia-green-routes-sustainable-cycling-routes

Cycling is one of the most sustainable ways to explore Slovenia. This is especially true if you ride along one of the themed cycling routes linking destinations and providers with the Slovenia Green label

Discover one of the most beautiful places on the planet

Lake Bled was recently named one of the 25 most beautiful places on earth by CNN.

The US broadcaster said: "The glistening blue water. The soaring backdrop of the Julian Alps. The famous church perched on an island at its centre. It’s no surprise that Lake Bled has developed into one of the hottest destinations in Europe in recent years."

Bled has a population of just 8,000 people, but its is a hugely popular tourist destination in the Upper Carniola region, and in Slovenia as whole.

You can get there by bus - it is just a short ride from the capital of Ljubljana, but so is everything in Slovenia.

There can be crowds in summer - but such is the beauty of Lake Bled that any hassles are worthwhile.

The lake is 2.12 kilometres long and between 0.5 to 1 kilometre wide. In summer, the surface water reaches 25 °C (77 °F) but during winter, the entire lake freezes and can be used for ice skating.

The island - and the much-photographed the  Assumption of Mary Pilgrimage Church can sometimes be reached on foot when the lake freezes.

Here are a few snaps, most of them from a visit last summer.

For more details see https://www.slovenia.info/en

Meet the city that might be the best-kept travel secret in Europe

Ljubljana is difficult to pronounce, but easy to love: the delightful capital of Slovenia is also surprisingly simple to get to.

Slovenia has just been named one of the top 25 destinations in the world for 2023 by National Geographic - and its capital is both charming and easy to get around.

Less than two hours by bus from Venice in Italy, Ljubljana is vibrant and green with a lively bar and restaurant scene, and plenty of cultural offerings.

It is a cliché, but Ljubljana is really one of the best-kept secrets in the world of travel.

Think lovely architecture, great walking, tons of lively bars and cafes along the banks of the Ljubljanica River and very reasonable prices - all within a just few hours of not only Venice, but also Innsbruck, Munich and Zagreb.

My second visit - a few months ago - confirmed that the city remains charming and accessible.




The people are super friendly and all appear to be impressively multi-lingual, perhaps not surprising given the city's storied history.

Ljubljana is the largest city of Slovenia, which became independent in 1991. It has a population of under 300,000 and is reminiscent of Prague before it was discovered by the masses.

Over 2,000 years old, it is the country's cultural, educational, economic, political, and administrative centre and is easy to walk around. The Old Quarter is the best base for visitors.

The city is known for its university population and many open spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park and the river, which is lined with outdoor cafes.

For those looking for a small, centrally situated boutique hotel, the Hotel Mrak (below) - located in the heart of the old town and just a short stroll from the river - fits the bill. It is quiet and well equipped with helpful staff https://hotelmrak.si/en/




The chic Hotel Vander Urbani is another good option. It has just 20 rooms and a rooftop pool and is tucked away on a cobbled side street. https://vander-urbani-resort.hotel-rn.com/

For those on a grander budget, the Lev Hotel which has hosted world-renowned artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Agatha Christie, and Bob Dylan, recently reopened after a complete refurb. The hotel first opened in 1964, was the first international five-star hotel in Slovenia. It had a spell as an InterContinental. www.union-hotels.eu/en/hotel-lev/

Budget travellers might want to check out the centrally located AI Apartments at
http://aiapartmentsljubljana.com

Gourmets will enjoy the Open Kitchen; a section of the city food market where you can experience the delights of freshly cooked food prepared by different Slovenian chefs right in front of you at their own market stalls.

Every Friday from mid-March to October, the Open Kitchen offers an opportunity to meet Slovenian chefs, taste Slovenian and international dishes, and learn about different methods of food preparation.

The Yummy Market Walk is a recently added tourism option.

Visitors walk around the market, accompanied by a local guide who reveals the most interesting stories and hidden secrets.

Guests get to taste fresh seasonal delicacies produced by local farmers from the vicinity of Ljubljana and finish their visit with a fresh local breakfast.

From the market, hop on the funicular that takes you to Ljubljana Castle for a magnificent view of the Ljubljana basin and the city.

The castle, with elements dating back to the 12th and 15th centuries, towers over the city.

Ljubljana hosts free open-air classical music performances during summer and is easy to get around - and the old city is mercifully quiet with all motor vehicles banned; except for motorised golf carts that transport the old and infirm.

The National Museum of Slovenia was founded in 1821 and is also worth a visit, but Ljubljana, with its mix of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, is also a city that rewards the casual stroller or cyclists, who can get around on a bike using the Bicikelj bike-sharing system.

Along the banks of the Ljubljanica River admire arts and crafts that local artists sell from makeshift stalls.



One thing is certain: visitors will eat heartily in Ljubljana. The locals are fond of sausages (try them at Klobasarna, a hole-in the-wall takeaway, above), schnitzels and other warming Central European dishes, while breads, cakes, soups and dumplings all play major roles on local menus.

Try the historic restaurant Spajza (eat inside in one of several small rooms, or outside in a delightful garden) for dishes including an appetiser of cheek of young colt (maybe not for everyone but horse is a staple in Slovenia, along with boiled beef tongue and frog legs).

More mainstream choices are smoked trout with horseradish terrine and veal medallions with local mushrooms (another staple). Also make time for some struklji, local dumplings made in over 80 different styles, both sweet and savoury, but typically using cottage cheese or baked apples.

For dessert – or just a sweet treat - make sure to try the icy popsicles from Lučkarnica.

Wine lovers will want to spend time with https://winetastingljubljana.com/ for an informative and entertaining tasting in the cellar at Dvorni Bar in the city.

Alternatively opt for an informal tasting at wine bars like Suklje, Balthazar and Vinotheka Movia.

For a relaxed experience, you can pick up a boat tour and enjoy a cruise past many of the city’s major sites, including the historic Dragon and Triple bridges, centre points of the old city.

Head to www.slovenia.info or www.visitljubljana.com for up-to-date local info.

Images:  Winsor Dobbin 

This is an edited version of a story that first appeared in Ciao Magazine.   

New hotel boosts capital city rooms by 10%

Ljubljana is one of Europe's most attractive and easily visited capital cities but it suffers from a lack of hotel rooms given its growing popularity. 

Very few of the international chains have opened in Ljubljana, which is puzzling. 

The Grand Plaza (top), a new five-star hotel and congress centre has just opened its doors, boosting the number of hotel rooms in the city by 10%.

It offers 354 rooms and 10 conference halls that can accommodate up to a thousand participants.

The new Grand Plaza Hotel and Congress Centre is the largest hotel in the capital.

The 81-metre-high tower block offers rooms are of various types and sizes.

In addition to standard services, the hotel also offers a fitness center, a swimming pool, private parking, a bar and a garden.

The new hotel is only the third in Ljubljana next to the InterContinental Hotel, which is its immediate neighbour, and the Zlata Ladjica boutique hotel.

We tried out the more modest, but rather delightful boutique Hotel Mrak (above) on our recent trip to Ljubljana.

It is a family-owned hotel set in a brilliant location in the old town of Ljubljana - just short stroll to the river.

Think small but charming rooms (just 34 in all) - and very helpful staff.

Hotel Mrak is the only hotel in the Ljubljana old centre that is accessible by car.

See https://hotelmrak.si/en/

A taste of Japan - in Slovenia

It is hard to imagine three very different cultures. But here we are; two Australians eating Japanese cuisine in Slovenia. 

The world is small nowadays - and it turns out that Moysushi in Ljubljana makes some very tidy Japanese dishes - and offers some appropriate local wines by the glass. 

The aburi plate was particularly impressive.

Not so surprising, perhaps, now there are Japanese and Thai eateries around the world, but perhaps worth noting if you want a change of culinary pace after several days in Ljubljana.

Moysushi, Mestni trg 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Take a

The popsicle is back as a gourmet dessert treat

The beautiful country is Slovenia can also be, shall we say, just a little bit charmingly eccentric. 

A nation where they eat bear pate (no I haven't tried it!) and relish axe-throwing has to be just little off centre. 

But the good people of the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana might be onto something with their love of new-age popsicles.

That's right, gourmet popsicles are all the rage. Icy poles are back.  

Right in downtown Ljubljana, on the banks of the Ljubanica River you'll find Luckarnica, a shop dedicated to popsicles - whether you'd rather eat in, or take away. 

An offshoot of the town's famous Gelateria Romantika, Luckarnica is billed as being the perfect choice for "healthy treats". 

Each popsicle contains just 4 grams of sugar - but a whole lot of fruity flavour. 

Prefer you popsicle milky, or vegan? No problem. Fruit, fruit-herbal, or fruit-vegetable? All good. 

You can either enjoy a mango, raspberrry, pineapple with mint, or chocolate, perhaps, as a naked treat, or coat, double coat, sprinkle and drizzle it with massive range of additions; ranging from Smarties to diced nuts, dried orange peel or freeze-dried berries.

Either way, you have a taste sensation for just a few bucks. I can see this trend catching on in Australia. 

Luckarnica is at Breg 16, Ljubljana.  

      

Strolling the streets of Ljubljana

The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is truly one of the best-kept secrets in the world of travel.

Lovely architecture, great walking, tons of lively bars and cafes along the banks of the Ljubljanica River and very reasonable prices - all within a few hours of Venice. Innsbruck, Munich and Zagreb.

Eight years on from my last visit, it remains charming and accessible.

The people are super-friendly and all appear to be impressively multi-lingual, perhaps not surprising given the city's storied history.

Ljubljana[is the capital and largest city of Slovenia, which became independent in 1991. It has a population of just over 250,000.

It is the country's cultural, educational, economic, political and administrative centre and is easy to walk around. The Old Quarter is the best base for visitors.

The city is known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park and the calm Ljubljanica River, lined with outdoor cafes.

Here are a few images from last night's walk around town.

 



























For visitors on a tight budget, I can recommend the AI Apartments, booked through Airbnb. See www.airbnb.com/rooms/36964486

For a small, centrally-situated boutique hotel, the Hotel Mrak in the heart of the old town fits the bill. https://hotelmrak.si/en/

Meet the country where international tourism is booming again

International tourism is starting to boom again in the small European nation of Slovenia - one of my favourite places to visit.

New figures show four million tourist arrivals in 2021 and more than 11 million tourist overnight stays - which is 31% more arrivals and 22% more overnight stays than in the same period in 2020.

Of foreign tourists, in 2021 most overnight stays in Slovenia were made by tourists from Germany (22.3 %), followed by tourists from Austria (9.0 %), Italy (7.4 %), the Czech Republic (6.9 %) and the Netherlands (6.6 %).

Most overnight stays were made in mountain municipalities.

In mountain resorts the numbers increased by 17.9 %, in seaside resorts by 20.3 %, in health resorts by 13.5 %, in the capital of Ljubljana by 60.3 % - but all figures were down on 2019 pre-Covid numbers.

A total of 20 destinations in Europe have been shortlisted for European Best Destination 2022 award with lovely Ljubljana (top) among them.

Zdravko Počivalšek, Minister of Economic Development and Technology, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic showed the importance of the tourism sector for many economic activities, as well as the economy in general.

"Due to the decline in international travel during the pandemic, global and domestic tourism industry suffered greatly in 2021, though slightly better results on tourist visits compared 2020 were recorded. This, however, is still far from the figures we recorded in the record year of Slovenian tourism in 2019."

"It is important that we highlight that tourism providers in Slovenia provide safe and quality services and that all guests are warmly welcome. Successful tourism will also have a multiplier effect on higher economic growth this year and in the future." 

Slovenia is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with a population of just two million people.  

Image: Alexis Borderon, Scop.io

New gourmet and cultural experiences in Slovenia

Pocket-sized Slovenia is one of my favourite destinations in Europe. 

Clean and green with terrific people and great wine and food experiences, Slovenia is easy to get around and easy to get to - just catch a bus from Venice. 

Four new experiences have been added to the Slovenia Unique Experiences collection; the Yummy Market Walk at the Ljubljana market, Fish & Fly Trio, with fly fishing on three rivers;  Meet Meat & Eat at Kodila in Markišavci; and Sound of Holidays in Bodešče. 

The tours - added to experiences that include cheese tastings and discovering local brown bears - are all designed to underline Slovenia's position as a green boutique destination for five-star experiences. 

Yummy Market Walk

The urban experience of the Ljubljana market as a central city hub is based on a personalised, local experience. Walk around the market, accompanied by a local guide who reveals the most interesting stories ond shows hidden secrets. Guests taste fresh seasonal delicacies produced by local farmers from the vicinity of Ljubljana and finish their visit with a  fresh local breakfast. 

Fish & Fly Trio

The Fish & Fly Trio tour takes place on three Slovenian rivers (the Kolpa, Krka and Soča) using 'catch and release' principle for three different fish species (grayling, brown and marble trout). It connects fishing guides, accommodation and gastronomy providers of three destinations. Guests are transported by helicopter between individual locations and sleeps and get to taste the local delicacies of three regions. 

Meet Meat and Eat

For the last twenty years, Janko Kodila has been connecting top Pomurje providers from the left and right banks of the Mura River through various products, including Gourmet over Mura. The Meet Meat & Eat product is an experiential experience of the Kodila culinary centre in Markišavci. With a chef, guests walk with the beef cows and explore organic, social farm Korenika. This is followed by cooking grilled meat delicacies and tasting beef and vegetarian dishes. 

Sound of Holidays

Sound of Holidays is an interpretation of cultural heritage, folk tradition, customs and habits, folk singing, dancing and music. The event takes place at Sodar's Homestead, a more than 500-year-old house in Bodešče. Participants can join the artists for traditional dances and festivities from Gorenjska, while also discovering ancient clothes, tasting local delicacies and listening to village stories.

https://www.slovenia.info/en/slovenia-unique-experiences