Ljubljana, Slovenia — September 3 - 13, 2026

Slovenia - Resilience Within A Land of Shifting Borders

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.

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

- Stephanie, Los Gatos, CA

Trip Overview

A Women’s Retreat Rooted in Resilience and Renewal

Tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is a country shaped by beauty—and resilience. This small European gem has weathered shifting borders and the legacy of war, yet its people remain deeply connected to home, family, and land. You feel that strength in their stories, and in the forests that have regenerated—lush, vibrant, no longer scarred by conflict. This women’s retreat in Slovenia invites you into that same sense of rootedness: a return to what truly matters.

This transformational travel experience blends adventure and wellness in a breathtaking natural setting. We’ll raft the aquamarine waters of the legendary Soča River and share a picnic on its banks. We’ll cook dinner together in a centuries-old castle. We’ll explore otherworldly caves that look as if they belong in a Tolkien novel. These aren’t just activities—they’re touchpoints for connection, with nature and with each other.

We’ll also walk peaceful alpine trails, soak in natural hot springs, and visit charming Slovenian villages where culture and tradition remain alive in everyday life. This is slow travel at its best—designed to nourish your spirit, calm your nervous system, and help you listen inward.

Through quiet reflection, shared storytelling, and meaningful moments in nature, we’ll reconnect to our inner compass. This healing journey for women is spacious, soulful, and rooted in community. You’ll be surrounded by like-hearted travelers and supported by the strength of the land itself.

If you’re longing for a true reset—not just rest, but renewal—this Slovenia travel experience for women is calling. Let this land, and its story of resilience, mirror your own.

Highlights

Feel the beauty of the land and its people

From alpine lakes to storybook villages, Slovenia welcomes you with open arms and wide-open landscapes. This small but breathtaking country offers a peaceful blend of natural wonder and heartfelt hospitality that makes every moment feel both grounded and enchanted.

Connect across culture, story and sisterhood

Within our small group and in authentic exchanges with Slovenian women, we’ll explore what unites us across borders—family, tradition, curiosity, and care. These shared stories invite deeper connection, not only with others, but with yourself.

A Gentle Story with Deep Truths About What Matters Most

We'll draw inspiration from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse — a beautifully illustrated story that speaks to the quiet strength found in kindness, friendship, and simply showing up. As we move through Slovenia’s wild beauty, we’ll reflect on the book’s tender lessons about resilience: how we endure by staying close to love, truth, and each other.

Read our Itinerary — A Journey Within and Beyond

  • Pre-Trip

    Before we depart, you’re invited to read I Saw Her That Night by acclaimed Slovenian author Drago Jančar. This haunting novel of love, loss, and resilience provides a powerful lens into the cultural crossroads of Slovenia during WWII. We’ll provide the book in advance.

    You’ll also join a Zoom call with your trip sisters and hosts a few weeks prior to departure to share introductions, trip intentions, and important travel logistics.

  • June 3–4: Ljubljana – Storybook Beginnings

    Fly into El We’ll begin in Slovenia’s charming capital city, Ljubljana, where cobblestone streets, castles, and riverfront cafés set a magical tone. A guided walking tour, a traditional boat ride, and an introduction to Slovenian cuisine will immerse you in culture and connection.

    This is where we begin our first story circle—meeting our Slovenian sisters and planting the seeds of shared reflection.Calafate by 1 PM. After greeting the group, we’ll take a scenic drive to our beautiful lodge in El Chaltén (3.5 hrs). Over a shared welcome dinner, we’ll celebrate the start of this trip of a lifetime — a time to reflect, reset, and honor the year ahead.

  • June 5–6: Caves, Valleys & the Echoes of War

    Our journey continues through the countryside to Škocjan Cave, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of towering limestone chambers and underground rivers. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel.

    From there, we travel into the Soča Valley, where emerald waters wind through the Julian Alps. We’ll raft the river featured in Prince Caspian, hike through the Tolmin Gorges, and visit WWI trench sites that bear witness to the region’s complex past.

  • June 7–8: Celje – A Hidden Gem of History

    In the medieval town of Celje, we’re welcomed by local friends who share their stories over regional cuisine. We’ll explore a Romanesque castle from 701, visit a whimsical pedagogical treehouse, and reflect on the rise and fall of the powerful Counts of Celje.

    This is a weekend of local wisdom, laughter, and rooted storytelling.

  • June 9–11: Lake Bled & the Heart of Slovenian Magic

    On our way to Lake Bled, we stop at Strmol Castle, the real-life setting of our pre-trip novel. There, we reflect on themes of legacy and belonging.

    In Bled, we take in one of the world’s most photographed landscapes—by boat, by foot, and from a medieval castle overlooking a fairytale island church. Optional visits to Radovljica, known for its beekeeping and honeybread, offer an intimate glimpse into Slovenia’s folk traditions.

  • June 12: Celebration & Departure

    We gather for a celebratory final dinner, honoring the friendships and insights born from this unforgettable journey. After breakfast and a final reflection circle, we’ll provide group transport to the airport—or you may choose to extend your stay in this magical country.

  • Continued Community

    Your travel stories don’t end here. We’ll reconnect on Zoom a few weeks post-trip to share insights and laughter — and to remind each other of the friendship trip that changed us.

    For deeper connection, join The Hearth, our private online sisterhood on Mighty Networks. It’s a space to share wisdom, stay inspired, and explore future bucketlist experiences together.

    Because once you say yes to this kind of journey and travel, your life will never be the same.

The Experience

Let Us Host Your Journey

You’ll be guided by the warm and knowledgeable Minka, whose own family story echoes Slovenia’s complex history of identity and belonging. With Ellen and Jen as your HHJ hosts, you’ll explore universal themes of change, resilience, and homecoming through story circles, prompted journaling, and conversation rooted in the cultural context of our trip book, I Saw Her That Night.

The Best in Charm & Comfort

Stay in the finest accommodations known for their beauty, cultural relevance, and comfort. From old-world, Austrian-inspired hotels in the heart of historic towns to alpine lodges with lakeside terraces, every stay adds a touch of magic to your 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 the real luxury.

Why Experience Slovenia in June?

Early June means longer days, vibrant green landscapes, and fewer tourists. With alpine highs around 68°F and warmer weather in the capital and coastal areas, the climate is perfect for exploring and even a refreshing swim.

Activity Level

Expect moderate activity throughout the trip. We’ll walk cobblestone streets, climb castle steps, and explore wooded mountain trails. One afternoon 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.

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.

How to Pack

After registration, 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 meals

    • All activities - hikes and glacier tour

    • Luggage transfers between lodging

    • HHJ blank journal & pen

    • Special speaker & guest

    • Translator

    • Trekking Guide

    • Airfare to/from El Calafate, Argentina

    • Trip insurance (required)

    • Tips for driver

    • Travel day meals (Dinner upon arrival and breakfast departure day included)

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

1 Adult - Double Occupancy

3,850 USD

Deposit: 50%

FAQS

  • Reserve your spot through our website. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 180 days prior to the departure date. We welcome payments via credit card, check, or Zelle (jen@honestheartjourneys.com). 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 through our Contact page.

  • A 50% deposit is due at registration, and balances are due 180 days before departure. If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded no less than a $500 per person service charge. Cancellations that are less than 179 days prior to the departure date will be charged in full. Payment plans are available upon request.

    Itineraries are subject to change depending on weather, availability of activities, unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, etc. 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.

    Notification of cancellation must be received in writing via email to info@honestheartjourneys.com.

  • HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of unexpected medical circumstances, or the need for evacuation. We want you to make a decision that meets your needs. We also highly recommend you obtain cancellation insurance. Though we do not recommend specific companies, travel industry colleagues have recommended the following companies: AIG Travel, Alliance, Seven Corners, Travelguard, and WorldNomads. We also have an HHJ "sister" with whom we often arrange trip insurance, so let us know if you'd like her information. 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. There is also a link to a guest survey that collects your important information. 

  • Plan to arrive into Aeropuerto Internacional Comandante Armando Tola de El Calafate (FTE) in Argentina by 1 PM on December 31. We will meet our group at the airport and transfer to our first accommodation in El Chalten.

    The best flights into El Calafate come from Buenos Aires, Argentina. We recommend flying into Buenos Aires, spending the night, then catching a morning flight to El Calafate from there.

    For departure, we will stay near the airport (FTE) the night prior to departure, so you are free to plan your flight when it works best for you.

  • Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date to make sure that it is valid: There are no visa requirements for American citizens to travel to Argentina; all that's needed to enter is a valid passport and a plane ticket.

    Non-US citizens need a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Argentina to enter the country. The passport must also have at least two blank pages. In addition to a valid passport, non-US citizens may need to provide other documents to enter Argentina. Please confirm requirements for your home country.