Slovenia + Istria · September 2027

Alps to Adriatic

A piece of history, a scenic railway, a little adrenaline, and the sea at sunset. Come explore Slovenia and Croatia with me.

When we’re going

September 4 to 12, 2027

Time to explore

9 days · 8 nights

Two countries

Slovenia + Croatia

Your host

Katrina Manifold

Somewhere a little unexpected

You might not have had Slovenia on your list.

I kinda love that.

I wanted to take us somewhere with the mountains and lakes I love, but also castles, caves, good food, and little towns we’ll actually have time to enjoy. Then I realized we could add the Croatian coast. I was sold.

We’ll make pastry on an island, explore underground tunnels, follow truffle dogs into the woods, and watch the light change over the Adriatic. And between all of that? Time to wander, find a café, or take a perfectly respectable vacation nap.

A little adventure. A lot to look forward to.

Yes, I’m coming too

I can’t wait to experience this with you.

Hello, Lovelies! I’m Katrina, the travel advisor behind the madness at Manifold Travel. I’m putting this journey together because I’m excited to experience someplace new with other curious folks also looking for a good time living out their fairytale fantasy. Slovenia is new to me, and I love the idea of discovering it together for the first time.

I’ll handle the big pieces, help you prepare before we leave, and be there as we go. Local guides will bring their knowledge, and we’ll bring our curiosity.

I want us to be able to sit around the same table, tell stories over a bottle of wine, and get to know each other. But I also want you to have enough breathing room to feel like you’re on vacation. That includes permission to disappear for a nap or read a book in peace. You don’t have to spend every second with the group if that’s not your vibe.

Come curious. Return inspired.

Why Slovenia and Croatia?

More than a pretty view.

01 / LAKE BLED

We're making the pastry.

After lunch above the lake at Bled Castle, we’ll cross to the island for a private potica workshop. Tastings, a little baking, and your own Slovenian rolled pastry to take with you.

02 / BENEATH SLOVENIA

A whole other world underground.

At Škocjan Caves, we’ll explore a vast underground canyon with a guide. Echoing chambers, dramatic bridges, and a very different perspective on the country above.

03 / THE ISTRIAN COUNTRYSIDE

Let the dogs lead the way.

We’ll head into the woods with a local expert and trained truffle dogs, then sit down to an included meal celebrating those wonderful Istrian flavors.

04 / THE ADRIATIC

Rovinj looks good from the water.

A private sunset cruise takes us among small islands and rocky coastline, with wildlife and wonder along the way. Then we’ll watch the evening light soften across the sea.

From alpine lakes to salt air

And then, we slow down by the sea.

Three nights in Rovinj mean we can unpack, wander the pedestrian Old City, and find some of those hidden gem spots that tourist guides often overlook.

Your nine days, at a glance

Here’s where we’re going.

Day 01Sep 4 Welcome to Slovenia

Day 02Sep 5 Above and below Kranj

Day 03Sep 6 Castles, Lake Bled, and pastry

Day 04Sep 7 Lake Bled, your way

Day 05Sep 8 The scenic way south

Day 06Sep 9 Rovinj and the Adriatic

Day 07Sep 10 Truffles and flavors of Istria

Day 08Sep 11 Castle roads to Ljubljana

Day 09Sep 12 Until next time...

Not quite ready to leave? You can add an extra night in Ljubljana for an additional cost and give yourself another day to enjoy the city.

A word about free time

You don’t have to earn your downtime.

I’ve protected a full free day at Lake Bled and room to explore in Kranj, Rovinj, and Ljubljana. Because being somewhere beautiful shouldn’t always mean rushing to the next thing.

During free time, I may invite you along for a little extra adventure. Come if it sounds fun. Make your own plans if it doesn’t. Optional activities may have additional costs, which I’ll explain before you decide.

And YES, taking a nap is a perfectly acceptable vacation activity.

The practical bits

Here’s what’s being handled.

Included in the journey

Eight nights of hotel accommodations across four overnight stops
Daily breakfast, four lunches, and one welcome dinner
Arrival transfer from Ljubljana Airport to Kranj and departure airport transfers
Private group transportation on touring days
Planned scenic rail travel, subject to the final timetable
The sightseeing and shared experiences outlined in the itinerary
Private Adriatic sunset cruise and private truffle hunt
Gratuities for included services
Preparation guidance and Katrina traveling with you as your host

Budget separately for

Who’ll feel at home here?

Curious people who like a little breathing room.

Come on your own, with a friend, or with your partner. You don’t need to know everyone already, and you don’t need to spend every waking moment with the group. You do need to be willing to try something new.

This journey is specifically designed for fun loving, positive people who treat others with kindness and respect. Negativity and bias will NOT be tolerated.

Let’s be honest about the walking

There will be stairs. And cobblestones.

This journey includes walking through historic towns, castle visits, cave stairs, and uneven ground on the truffle hunt. Optional activities add more if you want them. If mobility, balance, enclosed spaces, or heights are a concern, let’s talk through the route before you commit.

Your journey investment

Pricing with a practical payment plan.

Choose a shared room or a room to yourself. Both options include the same hosted journey, with equal monthly payments after your initial deposit.

Double occupancy

From $4,667 USD

Per person when sharing a room. Maximum of two adults per room.

Required deposit: $967 per person

Single occupancy

From $5,997 USD

Per person for a room to yourself. A maximum of two single occupancy travelers can be accommodated.

Required deposit: $997 per person

Your payment schedule

Equal monthly payments. Final payment due by April 15, 2027.

The remaining balance is split into equal monthly payments, with final payment due by April 15, 2027.

All prices are in USD. Airfare is separate.

Cancellation Policy

All payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Travel insurance with trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits is highly recommended to help protect your investment.

Please view our Terms and Conditions specific to joining a hosted trip with Manifold Travel LLC. By authorizing your deposit, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions.

Let’s see if this is your kind of trip

I want you excited. And comfortable with the details.

September 4 to 12, 2027

9 days · 8 nights

Airfare separate

Have questions?

Talk with me about coming.

You might be wondering

Let’s clear a few things up.

Can children join this trip?

How many people can share a room?

Can I come on my own?

Do I need international travel experience?

Will every minute be scheduled?

What about flights and airport transfers?

Can food preferences be accommodated?

What if an activity needs to change?

Is travel insurance required?

How do I reserve my place?

Maybe this is the year you finally go

A place you hadn’t considered. A trip you’ll be glad you took.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, I’d love to have you along.