Ljubljana, Slovenia — September 3 - 13, 2026

Slovenia - Resilience Within A Land of Shifting Borders

Journey through landscapes and stories that uncover courage, resilience, and the hope that guides us forward.

“HHJ is like a well-spring… an offering to women. Come to this well! To this place of blessing and promise."

- Stephanie, CA

Trip Overview

Slovenia feels like a whisper you’ve been waiting to hear.

Tucked between snow-capped peaks and quiet river valleys, it holds beauty that’s both immediate and ancient — where the past lingers in stone villages and forests that still feel sacred and healed. This land has known war and peace, silence and song. And it welcomes us.

Over eleven days, we’ll walk through stories of courage, culture, and compassion — some written in history, some rising within us. From our local guide and other kind, curious women, we’ll hear stories of courage, hike alpine trails, raft clear rivers, and follow invitations to awaken to our own inner journeys as we ponder Anne Lamott's irreverent and insightful essays in Almost Everything: Notes on Hope

This is a journey of connection — across time, borders, and generations. Come reflect, and return home to the resilience within.

Join us for a 3-day pre-trip retreat in the breathtaking Logar Valley. Come settle in, stretch your legs on alpine paths, and prepare for the adventure ahead!

Pre-trip itinerary here: The Logar Valley.

Highlights

Feel the Beauty of the Land — and its People

From emerald rivers to alpine lakes and fairy-tale castles, Slovenia is often called “The New Zealand of Europe” — a land where nature’s wonder and quiet magic are always close at hand. You’ll feel the peace of this place in your bones, and the warmth of its people in your heart — their spirit intact despite centuries of shifting borders and belonging.

Connect through Culture, Story and Sisterhood

In our small group, and through meaningful moments with local women, we’ll discover how the threads of family, resilience, and hope run through us all. Shared stories become shared truths, helping us see each other — and ourselves — more clearly.

Keep Hope Front and Center

In our both profound and humorous trip book, Almost Everything: Notes on Hope, we rediscover the nuggets of hope and wisdom that are buried within each of us that can make life sweeter than we ever imagined. Divided into short essays that explore life's essential truths, Anne Lamott pinpoints these moments of insight as she shines an encouraging light forward.

Our Itinerary — Alpine Villages, Underground Rivers, Castles & Story Circles.

The Experience

Unplug to Immerse

Leave your to-do list behind, turn on your out-of-office message, and trust that all is well at home. This journey invites you to fully land —soaking in Slovenia’s storybook landscapes, slowing to the rhythm of its villages, and savoring deep connection with your fellow travelers and the welcoming Slovenian women you’ll meet along the way. In this immersive women’s retreat, presence is a luxury and hope a discovery.

Let Us Host Your Journey

Ellen’s knowledge and love for Slovenia provide a rich backdrop for our inner journey, guiding exploration of universal themes like change and hope through reflection and conversation. Minka’s joy and the courageous stories of her family echo Slovenia’s complex history of resilience. And Jen is here as a steady presence—witnessing and celebrating the joy of sisterhood and each traveler’s discoveries of strength.

Activity Level

Expect moderate activity throughout the trip. We’ll walk cobblestone streets, climb castle steps, and explore wooded mountain trails. One morning includes a guided rafting adventure on the scenic Soča River (Class I–III rapids). Most days include 2–4 miles of walking spread across activities. You will enjoy being fit and ready to explore, but no training necessary.

Charming & Comfortable Lodging

We’ve chosen some of Slovenia’s finest accommodations for their beauty, cultural relevance, and comfort. From old-world, Austrian-inspired hotels in the heart of historic towns to quaint alpine lodges, every stay adds a touch of magic and authenticity to your experience.

Delight in Slovenian Cuisine

Begin each day with a full Slovenian breakfast, and enjoy local dishes throughout your journey—like štrukli (steamed dumplings), potica (walnut rolled pastry), and regional specialties such as wild mushroom risotto or fresh trout. Influences range from Mediterranean to Italian to Viennese, offering something delicious for every palate. And you have to try the pizza!

What to Expect in Early September

Early September is a beautiful time to visit Slovenia, as summer begins to give way to autumn. Expect mild days and cooler nights, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 54°F to 73°F (12°C to 23°C). The capital and interior regions, like Ljubljana, typically hover around 62°F, while mountain areas tend to be cooler — averaging highs in the mid-60s. Rain is possible, so pack layers and a light waterproof jacket to stay comfortable through sun and mist alike.

How to Pack

Several months prior to departure, you’ll receive a detailed planning guide and suggested packing list. Plan for layers, city strolling, and nature walks. With multiple-night stays at each hotel and time for light laundry, packing light is easy — and encouraged.

Your Trip Hosts

Founder & Host

Jennifer Dale

Trip Host - Slovenia

Minka Raquin

Trip Host - Slovenia

Ellen Sprague

What’s Included?

    • All lodging and transportation

    • All activities and entry fees – castle tours, museums, rafting, caving, etc.

    • All but a few meals at times that we’ve intentionally left flexible.

    • Transportation to and from Ljubljana, Slovenia

    • Airport transfers to and from hotels on arrival and departure days

    • Travel Insurance covering emergency medical needs (required)

    • Several lunches and dinners planned for flexibility

Slovenia —  Resilience Within A Land of Shifting Borders

Discover Slovenia on a healing women’s retreat through forests, mountains, lakes, and sacred spaces. A soul-aligned journey blending nature, culture, and connection.

Book Your Spot

Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy

4,950 USD

5,950 USD

Deposit: 500 USD

Available Add-Ons

Pre-Trip — 3-day Retreat in Logar Valley

725 USD

View the Pre-Trip Itinerary HERE.

FAQS

  • You can reserve your spot through our website booking platform. A 50% deposit is required at registration, with the remaining balance due 180 days before your trip departs.

    Need flexibility? We’re happy to work with you to create a payment plan that fits your needs.

    If you have any questions at all, we’d love to talk with you—please reach out anytime at info@honestheartjourneys.com.

  • If you cancel more than 180 days before your trip, your deposit will be refunded minus a $500 per person service charge.

    If you cancel 179 days or fewer before the trip, the full trip cost is non-refundable.

    Trip Changes or Cancellations by HHJ While rare, itineraries may shift due to weather, availability, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event that HHJ must cancel a trip due to weather, natural disaster, emergency, or insufficient enrollment, you will receive a full refund of your deposit and any final payment.

    To cancel, please submit your request in writing via email to: info@honestheartjourneys.com.

  • HHJ requires all travelers to obtain travel insurance that covers unexpected medical emergencies and evacuation. This is essential to protect your health and well-being while traveling.

    We also highly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance to safeguard your investment in case your plans change unexpectedly.

    While we do not endorse any specific provider, the following companies are frequently recommended by trusted colleagues and travelers:

    • AIG Travel

    • Allianz

    • Travel Guard

    • World Nomads

    We also have a trusted HHJ “sister” who specializes in travel insurance and has supported many of our guests. Let us know if you'd like an introduction.

    Finally, check with your credit card provider or airline, as they may offer travel insurance benefits that fit your needs.

  • Once your registration is complete and your trip is paid in full, you’ll receive a detailed Planning Guide designed to support your preparation. This includes:

    • A complete day-by-day itinerary

    • A curated packing list tailored to your destination

    • Hotel and lodging information

    • Important travel tips and logistics

    • An introduction to our selected trip book and related resources

    • Additional materials to help you feel confident and prepared

    At this time, we’ll also collect your emergency contact details, travel insurance information, and require signed release forms to ensure your safety and the smooth coordination of our journey together.

  • Where should I fly into, and how do I get to the hotel?

    Our trip begins and ends in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. If you fly directly into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), we’re happy to help arrange transportation for the 45-minute ride to our hotel in the city center.

    Some travelers choose to fly into a larger or more affordable European hub—such as Venice—and take a GoOpti or Nomago private transfer to Ljubljana. These options are often efficient and cost-effective.

    Let us know your travel plans, and we’ll help you explore the best arrival option for your journey.

  • Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date to ensure:

    • It was issued within the last 10 years

    • It remains valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the destination (six months recommended)

    No visa is required for U.S. passport holders traveling to this destination.