With rich culinary histories, influenced over the years by many of its neighbours, Slovenia is a dream destination for food lovers and wine connoisseurs. From private wine safaris and picnics in secret vineyards to scenic helicopter rides over the alps, truffle hunting and foodie tours around ancient towns, guests can immerse themselves in the rich history, discover the diverse landscape and sample Michelin star food, perfectly paired with locally grown wines. Roundabout Experiences luxury, hand-crafted culinary itineraries have a truly boutique feel.

Wine tasting in Goriška Brda - the ‘Tuscany of Slovenia’

Goriška Brda – where the soft Northern Mediterranean blends with the Southern Alps, a place where the soil is rich with salts and minerals. The Goriška Brda region is one of the world’s best wine-growing territories, noted for its beautiful Rebula white wines.

Home not only to the vine, but the area also produces delicious cherries, persimmons, figs, and probably the spiciest olive oil you have ever tasted. Guests travelling with Roundabout Experiences can enjoy an e-bike tour of one of the region's finest boutique wineries, experience a private dining experience in the vineyard and deep-dive into the winemaker's story, sampling the delicious wines.

Where to stay: Castelletto Gredič

Unwind and stay the night at 400yr old Castelletto Gredič , an exceptional hotel set in the heart of the Goriška Brda vineyards, boasting breathtaking panoramic views over the rolling hills of Brda and the distant snow-capped Alps. A luxury hotel offering exceptional accommodation, service and a must-see vinothèque and Champagne ‘temple’ - an extraordinary spot for tasting the extensive selection of Goriška Brda wines.

Vineyard Picnic lunch in the Vipava Valley

Deep in the rural Vipava Valley, against the backdrop of Mount Nanos, clients can enjoy a private tour around a family-owned winery, hike the hills and visit an organic cheese farm. Known for their welcoming, friendly manner, this progressive and bold community of winemakers are always happy to host your tour, presenting in person a taste of their excellent wine. Nestle in amongst the vines and enjoy a specially prepared picnic lunch, or let Roundabout Experiences organise a private cooking show and dinner with a top Michelin chef! Unplug and truly savour the flavours and smells of the vines and olive groves. Quite the sensory experience!

Helicopter over the Alps to a private dinner in Michelin Restaurant!

For guests looking for a truly memorable experience, let Roundabout Experiences organise a scenic helicopter ride over the Alps, delivering your clients directly to a Michelin restaurant for a special dinner. Guests are whisked away by helicopter and flown over the Slovenian Alps and valleys from Soca Valley to Vipava Valley. The route will circle over the stunning landscape of Triglav National Park, passing Vogel with Bohinj lake and the unmissable lake Bled with its breathtaking castle on a cliff. Landing in Vipava Valley for a well-deserved 5-course dinner with a cooking show in Zemono Manor House - Gostilna Pri Lojzetu, Michelin star awarded restaurant.

Where to stay: Forest Village Theodosius

Deep in the lush green centennial pine forests, overlooking the majestic Vipava Valley, guests will find the luxury wooden cabins of the Forest Village Theodosius . A perfect combination of authentic nature but with all the modern comforts. With outdoor hot tubs and saunas, guests can unplug, unwind and recharge.

Eat your way around picture-perfect Ljubljana!

A novel and fun way of discovering the history of this beautiful, compact city, this traditional food walk will take you on a gentle 3-4 hour guided tour through old Ljubljana town. With a passionate, expert guide at the helm, you will learn about the city, listen to stories of the people, and architecture, discover the untold history of the nation and of course, savour local and national gastronomy along the way!

Quite unlike a city tour, this is a unique local perspective of Ljubljana allows you to experience contemporary food and lifestyle trends but all immersed in hidden away restaurants and bars in Ljubljana’s old city center. A memorable, heartwarming day supporting, meeting and engaging with local Ljubljana restaurateurs, residents, artists, and night owls! Indulge in the communities personal history, beautiful architectural sights, and unique culinary and musical insights of this vibrant city.

Where to stay: Zlata Ladjica Hotel

A luxury stay at the boutique Zlata Ladjica Hotel pairs perfectly with your foodie tour… when bellies are full, collapse into a luxury suite with incredible heritage features. For chocolate-loving guests looking for an out-of-town and novelty experience, we love Chocolate Village by the River - a collection of treehouses, cabins and houses by the river. This is a unique collection of hidden-away ‘glamping’ style accommodations - all featuring panoramic views, offering relaxation, comfort, and unique chocolate-themed experiences!

Lake Bled, done differently

One of Slovenia's most spectacular fairy-tale sites, iconic Lake Bled is an absolute must-see. This magnificent Alpine resort with the only true island in Slovenia, sits below the breathtaking Julian Alps. Ascend the old 12th-century castle, perched on top of a steep cliff with breathtaking views of the lake, the famous Bled island, and the surrounding peaks. Roundabout Experiences can even organise a private cable-car dinner experience for guests looking to mark a special occasion.

Sail away on a Pletna

Your traveller can take a traditional wooden boat, handled by standing paddlers, and be escorted to the island so they can ascend the 99 stone steps up to the Assumption of Mary church and the fortune bell. Hungry? Client’s can picnic on the boat! Sample local cuisine, taste the exquisite sour milk and famous Bled’s cream cake, all whilst floating peacefully around the lake.

Meet the Bled Bee’s! Officially featured on the ‘List of Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage’

Bee-keeping in Slovenia is a traditional agricultural activity with origins way back in the 18th century. Today, bee-keepers in the villages of Slovenia still use traditional techniques. Brightly painted decorative beehives are a must-see and a strong part of Slovenian cultural heritage. Close to Lake Bled, in one of the surrounding villages, you will enjoy a private tour of the hives and an up-close-and-personal look at traditional beekeeping. A chance to dress in a beekeeping suit and together with the beekeeper, take a closer look at the bee family. Then, In the relaxation beehouse, you can quietly kick back, breathe the air directly from the hives and observe how the bees work. Finish this unique tour with a pot of your own Slovenian honey to take home and a tasting of all the bee products, a taste of honey liqueur with a side of homemade gingerbread.

Where to stay: Bled rose hotel

The Bled Rose Hotel , right on the shores of Lake Bled, a perfect location for your guests to explore the area, with breathtaking views, great cuisine and VIP spa experiences for ultimate pampering for body and soul. For a real ‘Alpine’ feel we also love Hotel Bohinj in the centre of Ribčev Laz, just a stone’s throw from Lake Bohinj, it boasts magnificent natural scenery of Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps. The rooms all have a real ‘mountain’ feel - carefully curated materials like birch and sheepskin adorn the beautifully designed rooms - all to help bring a hint of the outdoors in. Guests even receive a pair of cosy slippers to wear on arrival!

Between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, the stunning Karst

A stone's throw from the Italian border begins the Slovenian Karst, a region between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea that your guests will remember for its incredible nature and interesting history. A rocky limestone plateau that stretches as far as Istria and which has always been an unmissable destination for nature lovers, thanks to its landscape made of caves, paths carved between the stones, cliffs, and charming villages rich with culture, habits and customs.

Country picnic in the Cradle of white horses

Introduce your guests to Lipica stud farm - the ‘Cradle of white horses’ and the home of the Lipizzaner, one of the oldest cultural horse breeds in Europe and the world. Roundabout can organise a tour of the famous stud farm, allowing your clients an opportunity to discover the entire history of the stud farm, from its foundation to the present day, including a an up-close meeting of the Lipizzaner and their foals and a country-style picnic lunch

Cooking Class at the Fonda Fish Garden in the Gulf of Piran

In the magical ambience of the Fonda Fish Garden, right by the sea and a stone's throw from the Sečovlje Salt Pans, your guests will learn everything they need to know to become an expert in cooking fish and seafood. In the safe hands of Irena Fonda, you will prepare various fish and seafood dishes together in a four-hour workshop under the pine trees right by the sea. It all starts with quality and fresh ingredients. As a biologist, Irena will also be able to tell you some more about fish, especially sea bass, to which they pay a lot of attention at their fish farm. Once you've learned the basics, you'll roll up your sleeves, learn how to properly clean and fillet a fish, and then spend four hours creating exquisite fish and seafood dishes - fish soup, carpaccio, sashimi, and raw fish tartare, an appetiser made from smoked sea bass, mussels, or other seasonal warm appetisers and fish dishes the Fonda way.

Around Istria with your wooden spoon

Between the Adriatic Sea and Karst ridge you will find Istria, a peninsula which spans across three countries. Foodies will love this guided walk in the ‘backyard’ of the Slovenian Istria where they can explore, feel and taste Istrian specialities and seasonal local ingredients. Guests can get hands-on in a practical workshop and learn how to prepare a local seasonal meal.

Truffle hunting experience in the Slovenian Hinterlands.

Not many of your guests can say they have hunted for truffles! Our truffle hunter and her dog will open the door to the secret world of truffles, taking your guests into the hidden corners of the woods, hunting out the fragrant tubers. After the hunt, guests can relax and enjoy a hearty Istrian pasta fuži, sprinkled with the truffles collected, accompanied by a glass of wine from the local winemaker.

Where to stay: Hotel Grand Koper

Wake up to sea views at the breathtakingly beautiful Hotel Grand Koper . If award-winning, designer interiors are important to your guests, they will love the elegance and serenity of this hotel. Modern design, lofty open structures and retro colours are incredible, but there is a nostalgic nod to history as you pass through the building.

If something more classic suits your guest, then Hotel Piran may be your hotel of choice. Just steps from the sea, with the old town behind, Hotel Piran is a classic, comfortable grand hotel offering a fabulous wine room for tasting and a superb rooftop bar to soak up those incredible Adriatic sunsets.

We hope you found this information useful about some of the wonderful gastronomy experiences that Roundabout Experiences luxury and adventure DMC can offer you and your valuable guests.

Contact us at Travel Kinship to set up a meeting with owner Mitja Jus and for further example, itineraries, webinar recordings, images and other helpful sales and marketing resources.

Slovenia for Foodies - Culinary experiences with Roundabout Experiences