Welcome to the Veneto After welcome drinks in lobby of our hotel, we’ll take a guided walking tour of Castelfranco (our base for the first two days) before we explore the sleepy village of Asolo with arcaded streets, faded frescoes and stunning views. Welcome dinner in Asolo.

Highlights of the Veneto 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 to either Villa Rotunda or another striking villa designed by Palladio.

Grappa, chocolates and prosciutto Grappa tasting in Bassano del Grappa followed by a tour of this cute town nearby to the Dolomites mountains. We travel to the Friuli region to the one town most famous for its prosciutto, San Daniele. We’ll tour this cute town and sample some amazing chocolates before a big dinner featuring the town’s superb prosciutto..

Flavors of Friuli and Brda Explore the Friulian town of Cividale, founded by one Julius Caesar. Enjoy frico, a cheese and potato fry up for lunch. Head to Slovenia’s Goriska Brda for wine tasting at Bjana, the region’s best sparkling wine producer with an 800-year-old cellar, the oldest in the region. Check into our hotel surrounded by vineyards.

Happy cows, orange wines and 9-course dinner Explore WWI trenches and bunkers in a museum showcasing Italy vs. Austro-Hungarian/German battles. Head back into Italy to tour an organic dairy producer with very happy cows and a beautiful lunch filled with zero-kilometre products. Afternoon to chill or have an easy scenic walk in the wine country. Then savor a nine-course dinner paired with Kabaj Winery’s renowned macerated/orange wines, featured in Wine & Spirits’ Top 100.

Venetian towns and organic olive oil Depart Brda and head to Slovenia’s tiny coast line. Tour of organic olive oil farm overlooking the sea and ancient salt flats. Group lunch at the farm. Tour of Piran, a scenic and charming Venetian town along the Adriatic Sea. Check into hotel at Koper followed by short orientation walk.

Exploring truffles and goat cheese in Croatia Cross into Croatia to explore to the iconic hill town of  Motovun, race car drive Mario Andretti was born here. Sample some truffles or perhaps a glass of their bold red wine – Teran and explore art galleries and artisan shops. Savor a very special lunch at a farm off the tourist grid with home cooked stews, tasty surprises and Croatia’s finest goat cheese. Then walk it all off as you tour the largest Roman arena outside of Italy in the city of Pula. Evening back in Koper to enjoy a cocktail, watch the sunset and get lost in the narrow streets of this ancient Venetian city.

Caves, castles and dragons Tour of the Skocjan caves which feature the largest subterranean cavern in Europe. 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. Guided walking tour of old town followed by group dinner.

Charms of Ljubljana Full day at leisure in Ljubljana. Please talk with us for recommendations on what to visit and see, where to eat, drink, shop and people watch.

Bees, beer and beautiful Lake Bled Visit a local beekeeper to learn about importance of beekeeping, includes honey tastings and other sweets. Lunch with Monika who makes her own herbal liqueurs and beer. Learn about their traditional black kitchen to smoke meats and dry fruits. Afternoon at Lake Bled. Farewell group dinner at castle overlooking the lake.

Our Veneto & Slovenia tour ends after breakfast. Your guide will be on hand to help with transfers to the airport or wherever your adventures take you. Thank you and good-bye!