One of the seven republics of the former Yugoslavia in Central Europe, Slovenia is known for its storybook beauty. Its majestic mountain vistas, turquoise rivers and lakes, and stunning Adriatic coastline are no longer a secret. Newly crowned "The New Zealand of. Europe", it hosts a wealth of diverse activities, from hiking and rafting to caving and traditional cooking and dancing. Slovenia and its neighbors seem always to be at the crossroads of significant historical events—from world wars and the Cold War to more recent immigration from the Middle East. Despite constant change, its people are genuinely warm and welcoming, and its country safe.. In our travels, we'll explore this homeland of continually shifting borders and meet current generations of women who call Slovenia home. Two key factors in the development of Slovenia's identity and establishment as a sovereign country were the literature and language—a language spoken only by just two million Slovenes. The critically-acclaimed novel, I Saw Her That Night, by celebrated Slovenian writer Drago Jančar, will be our guide. Understanding a slice of Slovenia during its development, as well as what it was like for one woman during WWI, will give us context for our travels, and the rich discussions we'll have with each other and the Slovenian sisters who we meet and celebrate. Through storytelling, we'll explore Slovenian's search for identity as they continue to navigate questions of belonging that may resonate with our own inner journeys. REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 1.
We have carefully selected the itinerary and lodgings so that you can experience one of the most beautiful countries in Europe with an authentic look at culture, environment, and wonderful stories from its women. Activities may vary, but this gives you a flavor of the experience.
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We invite you to leave your "to do" lists at home, turn on your "out of office," and trust all's well with your loved ones and work back home. Sink into views of gorgeous landscapes, the slower pace, and rich connection with each other and local women friends. You'll feel the magic of this storybook land with its distinct history and character.
You'll love our wonderful guide, Minka, whose family background mirrors Slovenia's distinct dilemma around belonging. Using our trip book, prompted journaling, and the art of storytelling, your HHJ hosts, Ellen and Jen will provide thoughtful context for exploring universal themes of change and identity that thread their way through Slovenia's history and our own lives.
Be prepared for moderate activity. We'lll spend time hiking around the mountains and towns - cobblestone streets, castles and a cave with abundant stairs, and some wooded trails. It's easy to walk several miles in a day while exploring, but they won't be consecutive. Be ready to get a little wet rafting the Soča River one afternoon on easy I-III Class rapids with a guide.
We’ve selected from among the very best accommodations with culture and comfort in mind. From old world Austrian-inspired hotels in the heart of town to newly-renovated Alpine lodges with lake view terraces, you'll feel truly pampered and special.
Begin your day with a full traditional breakfast at our hotel, then continue your day with delicious colorful, fresh tastes. You can sample štrukli, a sweet or savory steamed dumpling, or potica, a favorite baked treat; or feast on seasonal specialty mushroom or asparagus delights. Grilled meats will please some palates. Cuisine ranges from Mediterranean to Italian to Viennese, as in wiener schnitzel!
Slightly ahead of the peak summer crowds, early June offers relaxed sightseeing, long days of sunshine and bright-green scenery, and waterbodies inviting enough to swim in. Average temperatures peak around a perfect 68 degrees in the mountains and a warmer 80 in the capital and on the coast.
We will provide a complete planning guide, including a detailed suggested packing list, after you register. Be prepared to walk, either in the cities or in the Alpine mountain ranges. You'll spend more than one night in all hotels, with time to wash, so pack light!
All lodging and transportation
All activities & entry fees - tours, museums, classes, rafting, caving, hiking, etc.
All but a few meals at times that we've intentionally left flexible
All transportation to and from Ljubijana, Slovenia
Trip insurance (required)
Airport transfers to and from hotels on travel days
After hearing college students rave about their abroad trips to Slovenia with Ellen, HHJ Founder, Jen Dale, knew she wanted to experience this magical country of "unreal beauty" for herself. Ellen had also been her daughter's first boss and mentor, and she knew she loved this woman! Thus, their effortless communication began, and Ellen and Jen can't wait to introduce you to the vibrant and diverse community of women that Ellen has developed there through the years.
Reserve your spot through our website. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 90 days prior to the departure date. We welcome payments via credit card, check, or Zelle (jen@honestheartjourneys.com). Credit card payments will incur a surcharge. We're happy to work with you to establish a payment plan as well.
If you have ANY questions, we'd love to talk with you! Reach out any time at info@honestheartjourneys.com.
A deposit of 50% of the HHJ trip cost is required to reserve your spot on the trip.
If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded less a $300 per person service charge. If a cancellation is made from 180 to 90 days prior to the trip departure date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. If a cancellation is made within 90 days of the trip departure date, the entire trip fee is forfeited. All cancellations must be received in writing to info@honestheartjourneys.com.
It is highly unlikely that we will cancel a trip, but we do reserve the right to cancel due to weather, natural disasters, emergencies or a lack of sufficient reservations. If we cancel a trip, a full refund of the trip deposit and any final payment will be given.
HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of cancellation, unexpected circumstances, or the need for evacuation. We want you to make a decision that meets your needs. Though we do not recommend specific companies, travel industry colleagues have recommended the following companies: AIG Travel, Allianz, Seven Corners, Travelguard, and WorldNomads. Booking protection is offered through the registration process on our website. You might also see what your credit card offers, and many airlines now offer travel insurance.
The planning guide that we provide all registered guests who are paid in full includes a full trip itinerary, packing list, supportive travel information, release forms for you to review/sign/return to us, information on our trip book and other supporting materials, and a link to a guest survey that collects your important information.
We will meet in the capital city of Ljubljana and depart from Lake Bled.
If you fly into Ljubljana (LJU), we can arrange for hotel transport for the 45 minute ride to our hotel in the city center. You might also consider flying into a less expensive European city (e.g. Zurich or Milan) and enjoying a beautiful train ride to Ljubljana. Departing from Bled, we can also arrange hotel transit to the airport.
Google Flights and Kayak are good places to begin searching for flights.
Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date and make sure that it has been issued within the last ten years and is valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave. Six months are recommended. No visa is required for a trip under 90 days long.