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

Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is a land of sacred stillness and gentle power. From its emerald rivers to alpine forests and ancient spa traditions, this little-known gem invites you to move at the pace of your own breath. This immersive women’s retreat offers a tender unfolding—designed to restore your spirit through quiet beauty, cultural richness, and the healing rhythm of nature.

Together we’ll hike peaceful mountain paths, soak in natural thermal waters, and wander through storybook villages where tradition and magic live side by side. Our journey will take us into the heart of Slovenia’s landscapes, but also into the heart of ourselves. With every step, and every shared moment, you’ll be invited to soften into your body, listen inward, and reconnect with what matters most.

You’ll experience curated rituals that speak to the soul: a private wine tasting in the countryside, a candlelit river ceremony, and quiet walks through sacred spaces that have held women’s stories for centuries. We’ll reflect on what it means to belong—to ourselves, to each other, and to the Earth.

This isn’t a whirlwind tour. It’s an intentional pause. A spacious, soul-nourishing journey where you’ll be held in gentle sisterhood and guided by both nature and spirit.

If you’ve been longing to reset—to rest without guilt, to remember who you are beyond your roles, and to reclaim your sense of inner rhythm—Slovenia is waiting for you.

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.

Step Into History and the Mystery of One Woman’s Life

We’ll follow the true story behind the novel I Saw Her That Night, visiting the castle of a bold Slovenian woman whose choices challenged gender and culture at a turning point in history. Through her story, we’ll reflect on our own courage, belonging, and legacy.

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.

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.

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.

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 - Patagonia

Jess Lewis

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, today!

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. If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded less a $500 per person service charge. Cancellations less than 179 days prior to the departure date will be charged in full. 

    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.