From the Alps to the Adriatic

A Boutique Journey through Slovenia & Croatia

From the elegance of Ljubljana and the ruggedness of Julian Alps to the vineyards of Istria – with a taste of Italy along the way.

Welcome to Slovenia, Istria and Italy

Three countries close to one another, connected by centuries of shared history yet remarkably diverse in culture and landscape. Together, they offer an extraordinary journey through this part of Europe – from the Alpine world of Slovenia, through Terra Incognita, as Istria has sometimes been called by writers captivated by its mysterious character, to island life on the Adriatic Sea. All of this comes together in a carefully crafted 12-day journey designed for small groups of women.

Trip Highlights

• E-bike through the South Tyrol wine region with tastings along the way
• Luggage shuttles included—carry just a daypack on the trail
• Sail across Lake Garda and master a hands-on Italian cooking class
• Unwind in charming villages in the heart of the Dolomites
• Explore iconic trails in Cinque Torri and Puez-Odle Nature Park

The Character

Craggy peaks and candlelit wine cellars. Grit meets glam in the Dolomites. From panoramic ridgelines to spa robes, this trip blends hut-to-hut hiking with village downtime, local food, and curated adventure. You’ll rise early for a sunrise summit and slow-roll through cobblestone towns. All while your luggage takes the easy route. Let the Alps call you home-Italian style.

aktivna, znatiželjna žena, otprilike 40–65, koja može hodati nekoliko sati, voli prirodu, ali joj godi i lijep hotel; želi nešto naučiti, upoznati mjesto iznutra, dobro jesti i piti, ali ne želi deset dana provesti kao pasivni konzument.

Ljubljana 2 → Bohinj 2 → Soča 1 → Istria 3 → Cres 2 → Trieste 1.

11 noći / 12 dana.

This isn’t just any Slovenia & Croatia tour. It’s a boutique active journey through the Slovenian Alps and the Istrian peninsula. Walking is part of it because it takes us to beautiful places. The real luxury is space, time, freedom of choice, and knowing that everything else is taken care of.

Logistics

What to Pack

• You’ll receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide upon booking; note that trips may require additional specialized items.
• provjeri our list for packing on this link here.

Arrival

• Airport City: Venice, Italy (VCE)
• Pick Up Location: Rendezvous Hotel
• Meeting Time: 9am on Day 1

Departure

• Airport City: Venice, Italy (VCE)
• Drop Off Location: Venice Rendezvous Hotel
• Return Time: Depart at any time after 3pm on Day 8

Optional Add-Ons: Limited Single Room Upgrades are available at booking.

If you wish to transfer onward, please reach out. We would love to help!

You will receive a Travel Guide with all the rendezvous hotel, packing, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip.

We require a minimum of 6 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare. All 2026 Italy trips are confirmed!

Activity Level
Rated 3 – ACTIVE

This trip is rated a 3 – Active because you’ll take on 6 back-to-back days of hiking, a Via Ferrata and eBiking.

You’ll spend one day riding hard tail mountain eBikes on mixed surfaces. No eBike experience is necessary. If you can ride a bike, then you can ride an E-Bike. It is recommended to spend time on a bike before your trip to “break in your butt.”

The Via Ferrata is a fun, challenging jaunt in the mountains. It involves hiking and scrambling up rock faces with the assistance of a built-in cable system. Those with a fear of heights will feel extra challenged. But you got this.

Daily Activities:

Day 1: Hiking, 2.5 hours, 3.2 miles. 900′ Gain. Easy.
Day 2: Hiking and Via Ferrata, 4-5 hours, 3 miles, 500′ Gain. Moderate+
Day 3: Hiking, 4 hours, 4 miles. 1243′ Gain. Easy.
Day 4: Hiking, 4-5 hours, 5 miles. 2700′ Gain. Moderate
Day 5: Hiking, 3-4 hours, 4 miles. 450′ Gain. Moderate
Day 6: E-Bike, approximately 15 miles. Moderate
Day 7: Boat Ride + swimming. Easy.

Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.

Read more about our activity levels.

What’s Included

Lodging

• 1 Night in a mountain hut. Shared open dormitory style sleeping arrangements. Shared bathrooms. Showers (unreliably) available at an extra cost.
• 2 Nights in a boutique hotel in the heart of the Dolomites. Shared 2 per room. En-suite bathrooms in each room, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and satellite TV. Restaurant, sauna, pool on site.
• 1 Night in our second and more rustic mountain hut. Shared open dormitory style sleeping arrangements. Shared bathrooms, linens provided.
• 1 Night in a luxury hotel in Bolzano. Shared 2 per room. En-suite bathrooms in each room, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. Pool, rooftop spa, gym, and restaurant on site.
• 2 Nights in a boutique hotel overlooking Lake Garda. Shared 2 per room. En-suite bathrooms in each room, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Spa and restaurant on site.
• Limited Single Room Upgrades (2 available). For our Explorer Chicks who wish to have their own hotel room. Note: You will still have shared accommodations for your two nights in mountain huts.

Activities

All activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
Luggage transfers to hotels (so you don’t have to haul it up a mountain)
E-Biking includes hard-tail mountain e-bike, helmet, support, and luggage transfer
Gratuities for all excursions
Meals

All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-7, L-7, D-5
Gratuities for included meals
Practical

Professional leadership team with a local guide and Explorer Chick Guide
Gratuities for local guides
A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip
The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!
Not Included

Airfare
Airport Transportation
Alcoholic beverages
Travel Insurance
Meals exclusive of itineraries
Costs for additional activities
Gratuity for your Guide (learn about our tipping practices here)