Fall in LOVE with sLOVEnia
You’re invited to experience the epic alpine and coastal beauty and
rich culture of Slovenia with John and Lisa Merrill on this unique and immersive photo adventure.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the landscape and the rich culture and traditions of the people. Enjoy the surreal and scenic drives as you pass ancient fortresses and castles, hikes that are surrounded by waterfalls flowing through moss-filled forests, and mountains that glow pink, purple and orange at sunset. This 16-day itinerary provides an opportunity to experience this beautiful country in its entirety and feel the LOVE of sLOVEnia.
Welcome (Dobrodošli) to the Country of Love. Slovenia is a forested, mountainous
Central European country renowned for its rugged natural beauty. With our partner at
AdZENtures, we co-designed an immersive travel experience exploring Slovenia’s
spectacular landscapes and fascinating people and history, with abundant opportunities
to learn, create and grow.
Slovenia is a paradise in which to slow down, decompress and rejuvenate. Scenic highlights on our 16-day journey include the majestic Julian Alps, stunning Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, dramatic Soca Valley and pastoral seaside villages. We’ll enjoy visits to cheese-makers, crafts workshops and historic castles, and savor Ljubiljana’s historic architecture and vibrant street life. Mornings will include optional yoga and photowalks, and active adventurers will have opportunities to hike, bike, kayak, raft, or fly-fish.
If you want to dive deeper into evocative travel photography with a strong sense of place, we’ll help with on-location photo coaching. While immersed in Slovenia’s visual splendor with our encouragement, you’ll grow as an artist and create images you’ll treasure forever. We are thrilled to have you join us in this beautiful country for an amazing 2 weeks on this Photo Adventure!
June 14-29, 2026
Small group of up to 12 || Activity Level: Moderate
Photo Host: Merrill Images
Slovenia Guides: AdZENtures
Small group of up to 12 || Activity Level: Moderate
Photo Host: Merrill Images
Slovenia Guides: AdZENtures
A Unique Experience in the Alps
Nurture your Photographic Creativity
Photography instruction is optional and personalized. John and Lisa will help you nurture your creativity and strengthen your ability to tell compelling visual stories of the places you explore and the people you meet. On-location coaching can be transformative, as you gain a deeper understanding of how to harness the transformative power of light and compose for impact – and intentionally make, versus take, photos.
As you explore together, John and Lisa will offer encouragement and share tips to expand your visual toolbox so you can create intriguing images with a strong sense of place. As needed, they’ll help demystify your phone or camera’s features and settings. You’ll get practical advice for building rapport, capturing fast-moving subjects, and photographing at night.
Through experimentation you’ll discover new ways of seeing, and grow as an artist. Discussing images in group photo sharing sessions will provide additional inspiration.
Non-photographers are very welcome, as long as you bring abundant curiosity, a preference for slow travel, and a desire to immerse yourself in Slovenia’s spectacular landscapes and vibrant culture.
Travel for a cause with AdZENtures
For the past 9 years, AdZENtures has been curating ‘Experiential Travel Retreats‘ for people who are looking for a unique holiday that allow them to truly experience the heart of a new place. To live like a local and participate in the best activities each destination has to offer.
We strive to create unforgettable experiences for our guests that they will remember forever. And we would love for your group to experience the magic of our AdZENtures!
We’ve been a member of 1% for the Planet since 2022. We structure our business on the foundation of 4 key values – nature, adventure, culture and mindfulness. We are honored to donate a portion of our revenue to organizations that align with our mission of restoring and protecting this beautiful planet that we love to explore, share and experience with our guests.
In addition, we are also members of ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) which is an organization that encourages conscious, mindful and impactful travel and supporting local communities while minimizing the negative impact of tourism. It is through the ATTA that AdZENtures and Merrill Images came to meet and establish a collaboration – and we are so excited for the exciting Photo Adventure that began taking shape back in 2023!
Details of our Slovenia Photo Adventure with Merrill Images
Inclusions
- 15 Nights accommodation in unique and beautiful properties
- Airport and Retreat transportation throughout the week
- Most meals and snacks throughout the trip
- Adventure activities and cultural workshops with local artisans and fees associated
- On-location photo coaching with John and Lisa Merrill throughout the photo adventure
- Small group experience (maximum 12 participants plus John/Lisa)
- One 1:1 image review session with John or Lisa Merrill during the photo adventure
- Four optional group photo sharing sessions during the photo adventure
- Local hosts and trip leaders Lindsey Conroy and Jordan Frazier
- Optional Daily Yoga
- Pre-trip conversation with Lisa Merrill about your travel and photography interests
- Pre-trip group orientation/introductions via Zoom
- Pre-trip Evocative Travel Photography class via Zoom
- Resource kit with packing list and recommended books/websites and other resources to learn about Slovenia
- Post-trip reunion with photo sharing via Zoom
- Carbon offsets – John and Lisa will purchase carbon offsets on behalf of each
photo adventure participant ($80/pp) through Sustainable Travel International. - Questions for John and Lisa are welcome here.
Extras
- Flights to/from Ljubljana International Airport, Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)
- Travel planning session with Lindsey Conroy for pre/post stay ($55/hr)
- Insurance (proof of medical coverage is required)
- Personal purchases
- 4 lunches/4 dinners
- Alcohol, other than what’s provided at meals
- Additional excursions/activities/gratuity for staff
- Additional gratuity for your hosts, guides, instructor
Investment Per Person
$8330 for a shared room
$9330 for a private room
To book our Slovenia Photo Adventure with Merrill Images, we require a $1500 non-refundable, non-transferrable deposit.
($1500 non-refundable/non-transferrable deposit is applied to the listed price above)
Payments Accepted: Credit Card (+3% fee) & ACH Bank Transfer
Payment plans and options available!
Our Accommodations
We have chosen various types of accommodation for this unique adventure. Our selections include a variety of cultural themes that highlight the diversity of Slovenia – from boutique hotels in the capital city to eco farm stays in the Alps. Each accommodation unique and aligns with the aesthetic of the location, giving the guests a holistic and immersive experience and insight into this beautiful and unique culture.
Logar Valley
Logar Valley
At this eco house, your well-being is the main focus and our hosts ensure pleasant experiences at every moment of your stay. Each of the 10 rooms are named after a herb that grows in the Logar Valley area or even in the home garden.
Single or shared rooms with a private bathroom.
Lake Bled
Lake Bled Pension
We cannot miss the iconic village of Bled. We will enjoy a comfortable stay near the Lake in a family-run B&B. Enjoy sunrises over the picturesque lake and easy strolls through the village with panoramic views of the castle and the famous chapel.
Single or shared room with private bathroom.
Soča Valley
Lepena Valley Ranch
This eco ranch retreat is very special as it’s owned by our AdZENtures hosts. These farmhouses sit on 5 acres of farmland in the heart of Triglav National Park, surrounded by the beautiful Julian Alps.
Single or shared room with private bathroom. 2 rooms with detached bathrooms.
Istria
Istria Guesthouse
In the countryside of Slovenian Istria, a 15-minute drive from the center of Koper, is the tourist accommodation facility Hiške slovenške Istre. The location is peaceful, surrounded by nature and with a beautiful view of the sea and the landscape.
Single or shared rooms with private bathrooms.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana Boutique Hotel
The Hotel Ljubljana is a brand new 4-star boutique hotel, designed based on modern architectural guidelines. Located in the old town, right next to the Ljubljanica River, The Hotel offers guests comfort, relaxation and excellent service.
Single or shared room with private bathroom.
Your Hosts
Lindsey is the owner/founder of AdZENtures and has lead every retreat since our start in 2016. Jordan is our Chief Adventure Officer of AdZENtures, he’s been co-leading retreats since 2018 and has a knack for all things adventure and nature oriented. They are avid travelers, nature-lovers, wellness practitioners, and certified Wilderness First Responders NOLS.
Lindsey is a yoga instructor who has been teaching yoga since 2011 with a 500hr certification and specialty in creating accessible wellness experiences to all guests; she has a business and marketing degree, loves traveling the world and creating empowering and unforgettable moments for our guests. Jordan is an avid skydiver, base jumper, hiker, diver, nature-lover and hunter, basically any activity where he can immerse himself in nature and serenity, that’s his passion!
John and Lisa Merrill create images to evoke joy and wonder, inspire action and strengthen communities. Travel photography is a lifelong journey of mindfulness and expression, and they relish opportunities to learn from and connect with the people and places we photograph.
John and Lisa nurture photographic creativity through online workshops and coaching, Pacific Northwest PhotoWalks, UnCruise small ship expeditions in Alaska and Costa Rica, and photo adventures in Mexico, Vietnam, Turkey and Slovenia.
The Merrills are deeply committed to transformative and regenerative travel that positively impacts the communities we visit and places we explore. Merrill Images is a member of the North American Nature Photographer’s Association and a Transformative Travel Council Ally.
Itinerary Outline
Please note that we do not provide a day-to-day, detailed itinerary. The purpose of the itinerary below is to give guests an idea of the locations, activities and pace for this Photo AdZENture. The timing and order of activities and experiences may change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. The itinerary below is meant to serve as a reference and outline.
Sample Schedule: May change due to weather, all activities optional
- Day 1: Arrive to Logar Valley for dinner. Settle into the accommodations, welcome dinner, introductions and overview of the retreat.
- Day 2: Drive the Solčava scenic road and head to Velika Planina and the herder settlement, visit the Snow Mary chapel, Sunset photoshoot, picnic dinner on the hill.
- Day 3: Hike to waterfall Rinka, Visit the renowned Klemenšek farm with amazing panoramas (this is the perfect sunset spot), option for a demonstration of sheep wool felting
- Day 4: Depart for Lake Bled
Key Photo Opportunities: traditional Alpine architecture of the wooden farmhouses and barns, local merchants, Snow Mary chapel, Kamnik Alps
Inclusions: 3 Dinners, 2 lunches, 3 breakfasts, Cable Car Ride. Cultural Experience with local merchants
Optional Additions: Personal purchases
Sample Schedule: May change due to weather, all activities optional
- Day 4: Enjoy an afternoon exploring Lake Bled. Picnic lunch by the lake, afternoon to photograph the area/castle. Check-in to new accommodations. Evening yoga. Dinner on your own. Sunset hike (1.5 hours) and photoshoot
- Day 5: Sunrise on the lake, traditional pletna boat ride to the Bled Island church, lunch on your own**, afternoon options: lakeside yoga, Bohinj visit or e-bike.
- Day 6: Depart for Soča Valley, mid-morning stop in Radovljica, free time to explore/photograph.
Key Photo Opportunities: Sunset on the lake, Bled Castle. Sunrise with Alps in the background, view from the water, Bled Island, Church of the Assumption
Inclusions: 1 Dinners, 1 lunches, 2 breakfasts. Pletna boat ride on Lake Bled
Optional Additions: Vogel Gondola, Bled Castle, Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sample Schedule: May change due to weather, all activities optional
- Day 6: Stop at Jasna Lake in Kranjska Gora. Explore and photograph Kranjska Gora (lunch on your own) Check in to new accommodations. Optional evening yoga.
- Day 7: Cascading waterfall hike and velika korita. Lunch at local forager hut and brewery visit. Dinner on your own. Optional group photo sharing sessions.
- Day 8: Soča River/Trail photos, photograph kayakers, Lago de Predil, picnic lunch, Mountaintop Sunset photoshoot.
- Day 9: Tolminski Korita, Drežnica Village. Kayak Photography. Optional adventures in Bovec (*listed below)
- Day 10:Depart for the Slovenian Coast
Key Photo Opportunities: Alpine Lake Predil, sunset from the mountain hut situated at the top of the highest driveable road in Slovenia. Strmec Village, Trenta Valley, Cascading ‘ferngully’ waterfalls, Bovec, Soča River, Soča Trail, Velika Korita, Lepena Valley, Vršič
Inclusions: 3 Dinners, 3 lunches, 4 breakfasts, Waterfall and gorge tour, lunch at forager hut and brewery visit, sunrise mountain excursion, lake Predil, Tolminski Korita, Drežnica
Optional Additions: Whitewater rafting, sommelier and tasting, 3 Michelin star dinner, foraging adventure, skydiving, canyoning, rock climbing
Sample Schedule: May change due to weather, all activities optional
- Day 10: En-route to the seaside, stop in Šmartno in the middle of wine country. Taste the best wines from the region and enjoy a lovely lunch at local winery. Check-in to accommodation and optional yoga.
- Day 11: Walking tour of Piran and lunch. Take time to explore on your own. Afternoon boat ride along the coast. Seaside dinner at the coast on your own. Option for sunset photos.
- Day 12: Optional bike tour along the coast or explore Izola. Olive Oil experience and wine fountain for sunset. Optional group photo sharing sessions
- Day 13:Depart for Lipica Stud Farm en route to Ljubljana
Key Photo Opportunities: Piran, Old Town, seaside at sunset, cobblestone streets, wine fountain, olive orchards, olive farm, Lipica Stud Farm, Slovenia coastline
Inclusions: 2 Dinners, 3 lunches, 3 breakfasts. Lunch at winery, walking tour in Piran, boat ride along the coast, olive oil experience, Wine Fountain excursion, Lipica Stud Farm
Optional Additions: Wine at the wine fountain, e-bike along the coast, Michelin star restaurant
Sample Schedule: May change due to weather, all activities optional
- Day 13: Lipica Stud Farm, Predjama Castle and Cave, Check-in to new accommodation, dinner out for Open Kitchen Ljubljana
- Day 14: Tivoli Park and Old Town walking tour, lunch on your own, walk up to Ljubljana Castle, Sunset Photoshoot, Ljubljana at Night
- Day 15: Photography review and recap session, afternoon on your own for tours/excursions/activities. Optional group photo sharing sessions. Farewell Dinner.
- Day 16: Departure Day – Depart for airport at 10:30am
Key Photo Opportunities: Tivoli, Dragon Bridge, Ljubljanica River, Old Town, Market, Ljubljana at Night, Castle, Gondola
Inclusions: 2 Dinners, 2 lunches, 3 breakfasts. Predjama Castle and Cave Tour.
Optional Additions: Castle Gondola
Common Inquiries
For ARRIVAL: We will have a shuttle on June 14th for pickup
- Shuttle departs LJU Airport @ 3pm local time
For DEPARTURE: We will have a shuttle available for drop off on June 29th
- Shuttle drop off at LJU Airport at @ 12:00pm
If your travel schedule does not align with these times, we will be able to book you a private shuttle to/from the airport for an additional cost (estimated $200USD one way)
Your Soča Valley AdZENture in Slovenia includes most meals (except where noted), those prepared by your hosts as well as meals out at restaurants. You will be asked to provide any special dietary restrictions before the start of your retreat so we are able to accommodate your requests.
We ARE able to accommodate any dietary restrictions on this AdZENture as long as it’s noted on the Guest Form.
Please note: if you choose to select a specific diet, special meals will be prepared just for you and that is what you will be served. Changes may not be possible on short notice.
Example: “I don’t eat seafood” means that our chef will design a special, non-seafood dish just for you when the rest of the guests will receive a seafood meal. You will not be able to ‘try’ the seafood dish as these meals are made to order specifically for each guest. Thank you for your understanding.
As a company policy, we do not share a detailed itinerary with our guests. This is done with intention and for a reason. Our guests are often planning every aspect of their lives and others’…during our AdZENtures, we give guests the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the present moment.
Every night at dinner, we will disclose the following day’s activities, what to pack, what to wear and when we will depart. This allows guests to be prepared but also immerse themselves in the present.
Itineraries listed above are for reference ONLY…schedules and days may change due to weather and other circumstances. There will likely be changes to the itinerary so we encourage guests to enjoy each day as they come. Your hosts will do everything to ensure that the days flow smoothly and all activities are held at the opportune time.
We have two accommodation options for this AdZENture:
- Private room with private bathroom
- Shared room and shared bathroom with 1 other person
- In one accommodation, there are two shared rooms that share a detached common bathrooom
This Photo AdZENture in Slovenia is full of unique and cultural experiences. We will spend our mornings enjoying a slow start with delicious, local foods for breakfast and an all-levels, optional yoga practice. Our days will include a variety of adventures in the mountains and in the valley and villages. All activities are available to everyone with a moderate level of fitness and no prior experience or knowledge is necessary to participate in what we have planned.
It is required that all guests are able to manage walking on uneven surfaces (trails, cobblestone streets, etc.) and are able to walk for 1-2 hours consecutively in order to get the most out of this experience.
EVERY single experience is optional. Your hosts chose the experiences on this retreat based on firsthand experience and the unique value each holds for guests. Guests are able to ‘choose your own AdZENture’ by opting out of any experience.
If you’d like to add an experience to your week in Slovenia, you’re welcome to do that! Let your hosts know in advance so we can coordinate that experience for you!
- Massage
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Whitewater SUP
- Skydiving
- Paragliding
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- WWI Museum Tour
- Castle Tour
- Vogel Gondola
- Whitewater Rafting
- Dinner at Hiša Franko (*** Michelin Restaurant)
- Have something else in mind? Let us know and we’ll sort it out!
After you submit your deposits, guests will receive a welcome email containing a detailed AdZENture Travel Guide specific for this AdZENture. It will contain all the necessary travel information and common questions that guests have about this AdZENture. You will also receive a very detailed packing list in your AdZENtures Travel Guide.
Yes, we will provide a few local beers and wine that can be enjoyed with dinners. If guests choose to buy their own or more alcohol throughout their AdZENture, they are welcome to do so. We have a few meals out, meals will be covered, alcohol will be available for purchase at an additional cost to guests.
Guests are required to be respectful to all other guests, hosts and staff at all times and are expected asked to be mindful of their personal alcohol consumption.
This experience requires good mobility and stamina with the ability to navigate the cobblestone streets of small villages throughout our tour. Centuries-old buildings might have high thresholds to step over, steep and/or narrow stairways to climb with no elevator access, and lack customary US safety controls such as hand railings. Excursions are in rural areas with dirt roads and require the ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
Our Photo AdZENture in Slovenia is quite active, we do require proof of international medical coverage for all guests. It’s possible that your primary insurance holder covers international medical emergencies. Please verify that you have international coverage and provide the policy information in the Guest Form that you receive after submitting your deposit.
Travel insurance is also suggested in the unfortunate instance that guests have to cancel their trip for any reason and are unable to receive a refund from AdZENtures. Please refer to our refund and cancellation policy for more information.
If guests are unable to join the retreat, travel insurance will often issue a refund when purchased within 7 days of the original purchase. We advise that all guests book travel insurance within a week of submitting your deposit for your AdZENture in order to protect your investment!
Medical coverage is required. Travel insurance is not required, it’s suggested. Travel insurance often includes air transport in the case of an emergency. Please ask us if you have questions about this and your AdZENtures team can give you some suggestions!
All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY
Guest deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The host and guests are encouraged to ensure all investments are covered by insurance. Typical insurance policies will offer a Cancel for Any Reason option if booked within 7 days of the initial payment.
Refunds for cancellations:
Before December 15, 2025: Guests will receive a 50% refund on all payments submitted to this point (excluding the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit).
Between December 16-April 1, 2026: Guests will be refunded 25% of their payments (excluding the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit).
After April 2, 2026: Guests will not receive a refund for their submitted payments.
Upon submitting your non-refundable deposit, every guest will be required to fill out the Liability Waiver & Release Form that you can view here before booking.
Site photos courtesy of AdZENtures, Merrill Images and Rob Denney