Slovenia & Croatia, Wine Trails and Culinary Tales: Gastronomic Adventures with Roundabout Experiences
Deep in the heart of Central Europe, the neighbouring lands of Slovenia and Croatia share much more than just a border. Both richly fertile and profusely green, their rolling hillsides are dotted with bountiful vineyards, charming villages and fairytale castles, their forests are filled with olives and truffles and their glittering coastlines teem with some of the freshest fish and seafood around. With so much on offer, we turned to our expert friends at Roundabout Experiences for their take on a gastronomic adventure across both countries.
Slovenia, described by foodandwine.com as “the most underrated wine destination in Europe”, boasts a viticulture that dates back more than two thousand years - and which has more recently scooped a whole array of well-deserved international awards for the best efforts of its 2,500 winemakers. Here, vibrant and diverse grapes flourish in the emerald green valleys, from autochthonous varieties like the dry white rebula to the country’s unique and delicious orange wines, traditionally macerated in clay vessels known as qvevri.
Croatia was the first country in the world to age wines underwater, its fascinating Coral Wine Project the perfect showcase to experience the positive differences in flavour, colour and aromas of these “sea influenced” wines. Here too, the food shines. Described by The Independent as “one of the most exciting food scenes in Europe”, mouth-watering dishes and foodie delights are a hallmark of Croatia’s cities and countryside alike. Venture inland to Istria, the country’s gastronomic heartland, and its mediaeval hilltop towns hide endless culinary treasures just waiting to be unearthed, from the intoxicating aroma of truffles to the tangy bite of Istrian prosciutto.
With so much on offer, we turned to our expert friends at Roundabout Experiences for their take on a sensory feast of a trip - one that weaves the very best of both countries together in an unbeatable gastronomic adventure. In both lands, the bounty of their unspoilt landscapes goes hand-in-hand with centuries of tradition and history, offering travellers a dual destination experience of fine wines, good food and unforgettable culture.
We think they’ve exceeded even their own high standards here, with a series of unique experiences that can be tailored for an exploration sure to transcend the travel aspirations of even the most discerning wine and food lovers. Let’s dig in!
The Undiscovered Delights of Prekmurje in Slovenia
Often overlooked by tourists, the north-eastern region of Prekmurje brims with scenic beauty, a rich cultural heritage and a whole cornucopia of gastronomic and wine delights just waiting to be discovered. Here, the rolling landscapes, charming villages and warm hospitality capture the essence of Slovenia's rural charm, the lush green fields and expanse of vineyards nurtured by the gentle flow of the Mura River. The region’s cuisine is amongst its finest sensory offerings - a bounteous highlight of fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Guests will love the Prekmurska gibanica, a delectable layered pastry filled with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples and cottage cheese - a true indulgence for the taste buds.
The region is especially renowned for its pumpkin oil, prized for its nutty flavour, nutritional benefits and distinctive golden hue. One of the must-visit experiences here is a visit to the family-run Kocbek Oil Mill, recognised around the world for its high-quality pumpkin products that range from oils to seeds to chocolate. Established in 1929, the Mill offers a fascinating insight into the ancient tradition of pumpkin seed oil production as guests view the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into cold-pressing pumpkin seeds for oil, sampling and savouring the rich flavour and velvety texture.
And of course, no oenophile or gastronome would see their visit here complete without a thorough exploration of the region’s flourishing wine scene, with everything from exquisite whites like Furmint, Chardonnay and Riesling to robust reds like Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt on the table. With a diverse selection of wineries to choose from, each producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area, Roundabout Experiences have access to some of the very best - including Ducal Wines, the Steyer Winery , Dveri Pax and the Radgonske Gorice Winery. The winemakers, passionate about their craft, welcome guests with open arms, sharing stories of viticulture and the art of winemaking and making for an experience that any wine lover will cherish.
History buffs mustn’t move on without making time to see Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia, which lies just a stone’s throw away from Prekmurje. Steeped in heritage and charm, the town’s skyline is dominated by Ptuj Castle, a stunning 11th century fortress perched on a slope settled as far back as the 5th millennium BC. Here guests can wander its ancient halls, admiring the impressive museum collection, taking in the panoramic views of the gorgeous, verdant countryside all around and soaking up the castle’s atmosphere of a bygone era rich in romance and legend. Afterwards, a stroll into Ptuj reveals an enchanting place of cobbled streets lined with colourful buildings, inviting cafes and artisan shops - a real delight to explore on foot.
Where to stay in Ptuj? Few places beat the Grand Hotel Primus with its elegant rooms-with-a-view (choose from Castle, Park or the gorgeous Golf Course), thermal waters and fine dining. With time to hit the thermal pools, wellness spa and restaurant, serving up local, healthy and mouth-watering fayre, an overnight stay here is the perfect end to your guests’ afternoon of historic discovery.
A Slovenian Street Food Exploration in Ljubljana - Slovenia
It’s said that food is the best window into a country’s culture, so how better to begin an exploration of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s small-but-perfectly-formed capital city, than with a street food tour? With an effortlessly cosmopolitan vibe that winds through the ancient streets and beautiful riverside haunts, this compact city is one of those places that captures hearts in a second. A haven for foodies, an easy guided food walk is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of the Old Town, making like a local and exploring the city’s tastiest secrets bite by bite and sip by sip. Strolling the streets and squares, guests stop to indulge in delicious treats, local dishes and regional specialities as they learn the stories behind Ljubljana’s cuisine, people, architecture and history - all accompanied by perfectly paired Slovenian wines. After, full and happy, guests come away knowing more about the history of the Slovenes than some of the Slovenes themselves - including exactly where to go, what to do and the best places to eat as they embark on a solo city exploration for the rest of the day.
The Fine Wines of Goriska Brda and the Vipava Valley - Slovenia
In the western corner of Slovenia, Goriska Brda and the nearby Vipava Valley are renowned for their picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage - and of course - their exceptional wines. Known as the Tuscany of Slovenia, Goriska Brda is a place of rolling hills dotted with pretty villages and family-owned vineyards, whose Mediterranean climate and limestone-rich soil are ideal for a diverse array of grape varieties. Meanwhile, in its breathtaking setting nestled between the Julian Alps and the Karst Plateau, the tranquil Vipava Valley feels more intimate, its unique microclimate and diverse terroir producing wines that range from crisp whites to robust reds. Together, the two regions present a fantastic opportunity to experience both the diversity and quality of Slovenian wines, as well as providing a compact snapshot of the country’s spectacular landscapes.
Here, Roundabout Experiences’ fabulous wine tours offer deeply immersive explorations of these two prominent wine regions, with professional, expert wine guides steering guests between curated wineries and charming stone-built village, tasting autochthonous wines like zelen, rebula and barbera (as well as renowned global varieties) and learning about sustainable viticulture practices. Guests can choose to spend the whole day with a winemaker, discovering the secrets of their family traditions, enjoying blind tasting direct from the barrel and learning about the daily rituals of wine production - an exclusive, memorable and informative experience they’re sure to treasure!
Or how about something a little more energetic? For those who love the free feeling that a bike tour offers in stunning countryside like this, the opportunity to come closer to local wine-making with a two-wheeled vineyard tasting adventure is one not to be missed. And the incredible scenery of the Vipava Valley offers endless options for intrepid exploration, with gourmets able to blend their wine and cuisine experiences with hikes, horse riding and even paragliding to create an adventure to remember!
Haute Cuisine and Pop-Up Dining Adventures - Slovenia
Gastronomes - fear not! Foodies are fully catered for too. How about a world-class dinner, served by a top chef in a stunning location? From the greenest of pastures or the most tranquil of lakes to a cable car, riding high up in the Julian Alps, Roundabout Experiences have a huge range of unforgettable culinary experiences on offer, all featuring top quality dishes and excellent wines. Groups or friends travelling together might prefer the utopian exclusivity of a pop-up restaurant in a verdant vineyard, where a table under the stars makes an idyllic setting for delicious dishes made from locally grown ingredients and washed down with perfectly paired bottles. Or, for a completely unique gastronomic adventure, guests can descend into the depths of culinary intrigue with Velenje Underground, a dining experience that takes place deep in the heart of an old coal mine. Here, tunnels that once echoed with the sounds of industry have been transformed into intimate dining rooms, their rugged stone walls gently lit for a soft, cosseting ambience. An indulgent and carefully crafted menu showcases the best of local produce, from hearty stews and succulent meats to artisanal cheeses and decadent desserts - each dish both a testament to Slovenia's culinary prowess and a celebration of its rich agricultural heritage.
Family-run Olive Oil Production and Nostalgic Tour in 60s Cars - Slovenia
To end your guests’ gastronomic journey through Slovenia? The Vintage Gourmet Tour is unmissable. Guided by members of Slovenia’s largest olive-oil-producing family, your guests are whisked in a nostalgic train of classic 60s cars and campervans (recycled with olive wood) on an unforgettable trip. Winding through Portorož and along the tracks of old olive groves at the edge of the Strunjan Nature Reserve, travellers pass some of the most stunning coastal viewpoints Slovenia has to offer, ending at the famous Belvedere vantage point above the fishing town of Izola. A stroll through the olive groves sees them learn about - and taste - various olive varieties, as they head to the highest flysch cliff on the Adriatic coast for a mouth-watering snack of Istrian prosciutto, washed down with home-made sparkling wine. On past Izola, the caravan of cars arrives at the Lisjak family Olive Mill in beautiful Krkavče where a tour begins with a welcoming dish of traditional bobiči (minestrone with corn), and continues with a guided olive oil testing and the chance to try cosmetics made from olive stones before returning to the starting point in Šalara.
One for the Animal Lovers…Lipica Horses - Slovenia
Before guests head on to Croatia, no animal lover should leave Slovenia without visiting the incredible Lipica Stud Farm. In the heart of Slovenia’s beautiful Karst region, renowned for its dramatic limestone landscapes, sprawling vineyards and quaint villages, the Estate is home to the world-famous Lipizzaner horses - and a living testament to centuries of equestrian tradition. Founded in 1580, the Lipica Stud Farm is the oldest European stud farm continuously breeding the beautiful Lipizzaner horse, prized for its grace, strength and intelligence. Here, visitors can watch these majestic animals roaming the lush pastures of their natural habitat, learn about the incredible heritage of the farm and see first-hand the deep bond between the Lipizzaners and the people who have cared for them for generations. Our favourite way to enjoy this timeless place? Driven by their own private coachman, guests can take a horse-drawn carriage deep into the stunning setting of the farm’s park for a romantic and memorable picnic, sipping a glass of fizz in the shade of a tree as they gaze out across the blissful scenery.
The Ocean Bounty of the Adriatic - Croatia
Croatia is renowned for the quality of its seafood, its abundant marine life thriving in the clear, nutrient-rich waters of the Adriatic. Along this 5,800 km coastline, the conditions are pristine and the currents are strong - the perfect environment for a wide variety of fish, shellfish and other seafood to flourish. Given this, Croatia’s long tradition of fishing is no surprise. Dating back millenia, the fisherpeople of this beautiful land have fostered a deep connection to the sea and their reverence for its bounty is reflected in their sustainable practices, which often use traditional methods handed down through the generations to harvest the freshest and tastiest seafood possible - from Adriatic anchovies and sardines to succulent lobster and prized bluefin tuna.
And so, a vintage boat tour is a wonderful introduction to the country as we move down the Istrian coast. With the option to extend for anything from 1.5 hours to a full day adventure, guests embark on a traditional, wooden Istrian sailboat to discover some of the coast’s most stunning secret spots, an experience only enhanced with local speciality wine and olive oil tastings. It’s also possible to sail back just over the Slovenian border to the Seča peninsula to visit the Fonda sea bass fish farm. This unique, organic farm is run by a family of marine biologists who, driven by an unconditional love for the sea, the salt pans and nature, are on a mission to breed the best farmed fish and shellfish in the world! The tour includes a tasting of the incredible Fonda produce - from a delectable sea bass carpaccio salted with salt flower from the Piran salt pans to their fabulous smoked sea bass - as well as a range of premium local olive oils and the queen of local wines, the Istrian Malvasia, grown here since the 13th century.
The Undersea Wine Cellar of Croatia
As any oenophile knows, the most crucial part of winemaking is the ageing, an incredibly delicate and mysterious process where a whole range of elements work in unison to transform the grape into something truly special. The best conditions include a lack of sunlight and an even temperature, which is why most wines are matured in underground cellars. But Croatian innovators have been testing a fascinating alternative - underwater cellaring - the result of which is the Coral Wine Project. Established on the island of Paj by local entrepreneur Marko Dušević, the project doesn’t produce its own wines - instead it uses space in Dušević’s mussel and oyster farm to cellar wines as they develop. Does it work? The evidence suggests that it does, with high quality wines developing faster and with positive changes to flavours, colour and aroma that result in soft, elegant finishes with an amplified fruit character. And your guests can judge for themselves, with a boat tour to this very special place and a tasting that includes the enchanting Mare Santo, a unique sparkling wine that has been sea-aged.
Truffle Hunting in the Istrian Forests - Croatia
Heading inland, Istria is a foodie heaven perhaps best known for its spectacular truffles - so for your gastronomy-loving guests, participating in a traditional truffle hunt is a must! Here, truffle hunting is deeply rooted in the region's history and culture, and the Istrian countryside is renowned for the richness and quality of its truffle harvests, particularly the prized white truffles. Often accompanied by their faithful dogs, truffle hunters seek out these elusive fungi using a process that’s as much about intuition as it is about technique. Guided by professional hunters, guests are shown how to find these precious culinary treasures, going on an immersive, sensory journey through the breathtaking landscapes of lush forests, rolling hills and fertile valleys and connecting with the natural beauty and gastronomic heritage of the region. And after? A local lunch - with truffles - is the perfect way to end this unforgettably delicious adventure.
What’s next?
Well, Croatia is certainly not short of additional travel options! This magical place of breathtaking scenery and old-world culture is the epitome of diversity - with vibrant cities, spectacular islands and fairytale beauty at every turn. Better yet, for those equally in love with off-the-beaten-track vibes and a touch of luxe, this is the perfect place to explore - from the dynamism of Zagreb to the natural charm of Istria; the history of Split and Dubrovnik to the mediterranean beauty of the Adriatic coast and the many stunning islands.
If you’re planning the perfect Central European tour for your clients, we can’t recommend Roundabout Experiences highly enough.
Experts across Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro, their ability to tailor an itinerary that delivers on all fronts for your travellers is unparalleled, with a vast range of unique and memorable experiences and luxury accommodations to suit all requirements.
Get in touch for more information and/or for an intro to the team at Roundabout Experiences !
