European Mountain Retreat
Italian Dolomites & Slovenian AlpsAlpine Culture Immersion
DATES
October 16-22, 2026
DURATION
6 Nights / 7 Days
GROUP SIZE
8 Spaces
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Very Active
Where the Dolomites Meet the Julian Alps
Where the dramatic spires of the Italian Dolomites meet the raw beauty of Slovenia's Julian Alps, we've carved out something special. This isn't your typical hiking trip—it's a journey through two mountain ranges, two cultures, and one unforgettable autumn experience where golden larches paint the peaks and the trails are blissfully quiet.
Over seven days, we'll split our time between a cozy chalet near Cortina in the heart of the Dolomites and my own ranch in Slovenia's Lepena Valley. Think slow morning coffee with mountain views, hearty dinners around the table after big mountain days, and the kind of small-group intimacy (just 8 of us) that turns strangers into friends.
This is alpine life the way locals live it—eating at mountain refugios where recipes have been passed down for generations, hiking with guides who know every trail and legend, and connecting with a landscape that's been shaped by shepherds, climbers, and dreamers for centuries.
Two Mountain Ranges
Cross from Italy's iconic Dolomites with their dramatic limestone towers into Slovenia's marble-white Julian Alps. Experience high-altitude alpine treks mixed with scenic river walks through valleys that glow golden in October's light.
Alpine Culture & Cuisine
Discover the mountain way of life at traditional refugios and family-run huts where lunch is served with stories and wine. Farm-to-table isn't a trend here—it's how it's always been done with hearty polenta, local cheeses, and generational recipes.
Small Group Experience
Just 8 guests means real connections, flexible pacing, and the ability to follow the day wherever it leads. No crowds, no rushing, no feeling like you're on a tour bus. Just you, the mountains, and fellow adventurers.
Gallery
Daily Adventures & Experiences
Dolomites to Julian Alps
Start in the dramatic limestone towers of the Dolomites—UNESCO World Heritage peaks that glow pink at sunrise—then cross into Slovenia's marble-white Julian Alps. Finish your journey along the emerald Soča River, one of Europe's most stunning alpine waterways, where the water runs so clear and turquoise it doesn't look real.
Italian & Slovenian Soul Food
Experience two mountain cultures through their kitchens. Italian polenta and hearty stews in Cortina's refugios. Slovenian štruklji and local cheeses at family-run huts. Pair it all with wines from the Friuli region (Italian side) and Slovenia's hidden gem vineyards. These aren't recipes from cookbooks—they're the ones grandmothers still make, passed down through generations of mountain families.
Fall Colors & Off-Season Magic
October brings golden larches painting the peaks and virtually empty trails. The quaint alpine villages of Cortina and the Soča Valley slow down after summer's rush, giving you a more authentic glimpse into local life. Crisp mountain air, cozy evenings, and that perfect autumn light photographers dream about.
Your Local Mountain Guide
Our Italian mountain guide lives and breathes these peaks. They know which trails offer the best views, which refugios serve the best food, and the legends behind every mountain. This is the kind of local knowledge you can't get from a guidebook—the secret spots, the stories, the shortcuts only locals take.
Hikes for Every Mood
Some days we'll tackle high-altitude alpine treks with panoramic views that stretch forever. Other days, we'll wander riverside paths through valleys where the only sound is water over stones. Variety keeps it interesting, and having two guides means we can split the group based on energy levels and pace preferences each day.
Small Group, Real Connections
Eight guests total. That's it. Small enough that everyone gets to know each other, flexible enough to adapt plans based on weather or energy, intimate enough that we can snag tables at tiny refugios and actually have conversations. This isn't a tour—it's an adventure with friends you just haven't met yet.
🧘 Daily Restorative Yoga with Lindsey
Unwind after mountain days with gentle, restorative yoga sessions designed to help your body recover and your mind settle. All sessions are optional and perfect for all levels—from energizing morning flows to evening stretches that help sore muscles relax and rejuvenate.
What's Included & What's Extra
✓ What's Included
- 3 nights in alpine chalet near Cortina, Italy
- 3 nights at Lepena Valley Ranch, Slovenia
- Airport & retreat transportation from Venice
- All meals from welcome dinner to farewell brunch
- Wine, local beers & choice cocktails at meals
- Daily restorative yoga sessions & mats
- All guided hikes & excursions
- Mountain refugio lunches with local cuisine
- Dolomite alpine treks with certified guide
- Julian Alps exploration
- Soča River valley walks
- Traditional Italian & Slovenian meals
- Local wine tastings
- Village exploration in Cortina & Soča Valley
- AdZENtures welcome kit
- Professional mountain guides
✗ Not Included
- Flights to/from Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
- Travel insurance (required for medical)
- Personal purchases & souvenirs
- Additional alcohol beyond meals
- Optional add-on excursions
- Gratuity for hosts & guides (optional)
💰 Payment Plans Available
We offer flexible payment options to make your alpine adventure accessible. $750 non-refundable deposit required to secure your spot.
Your Alpine Homes
Your accommodations are more than just a place to sleep—they're part of the experience. We've chosen two distinctly different but equally special mountain settings that embody the character of each region.
Cortina Chalet - The Italian Dolomites (3 nights)
Nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites near the iconic mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, our alpine chalet offers cozy comfort with authentic mountain character. Wake up to dramatic Dolomite peaks outside your window, enjoy slow morning coffee with panoramic mountain views, and gather around the dining table for warm dinners after big adventure days. The chalet has been updated with modern amenities while maintaining its traditional alpine charm—think exposed wood beams, mountain stone, and that unmistakable feeling of being high in the Italian Alps.
Lepena Valley Ranch - Slovenian Julian Alps (3 nights)
My own property in Slovenia's remote Lepena Valley becomes your home base for exploring the Julian Alps. This is authentic alpine living in one of Europe's most pristine valleys—surrounded by towering karst peaks, with the emerald Soča River just minutes away. The ranch offers that same cozy mountain atmosphere with updated comforts, but with the added benefit of total seclusion and direct access to hiking trails right from the property. Evening yoga on the lawn overlooking the valley, dinners featuring local Slovenian ingredients, and the kind of peace that only comes from being tucked into a remote alpine valley.
Alpine Character
Traditional mountain architecture blending Italian and Slovenian alpine styles with exposed wood, stone details, and authentic regional charm in both locations.
Modern Comforts
Updated amenities and comfortable furnishings ensure you rest well after mountain days. Cozy common spaces for group gatherings and private areas for downtime.
Mountain Views
Wake up to dramatic Dolomite spires in Italy and the marble peaks of the Julian Alps in Slovenia. Both locations offer that pinch-me-I'm-really-here mountain magic.
Room Types & Accommodation Options
Shared Room
$2,600
Occupancy: Shared with 1 person (same-sex pairing)
Bathroom: Shared bathroom facilities
✓ 3 shared rooms available
Private Room
$3,200
Occupancy: Your own private room
Bathroom: Shared bathroom facilities
⚠️ Only 2 private rooms available
Accommodation Gallery
Meet Your Guides
Lindsey Conroy
Lindsey is the owner/founder of AdZENtures and has led every retreat since our start in 2016. She is an avid traveler, people person, nature-lover, wellness practitioner, dog mom and logistics junkie…she handles all the details so you can enjoy your AdZENture. She has her 500hr Yoga Certification and has been teaching yoga since 2011. She also received her Wilderness First Responder certificate through NOLS and loves the outdoors just as much as she enjoys learning about new cultures and sharing her findings with her guests!
🇮🇹 Your Italian Mountain Guide
Local Expertise in the Dolomites
We work with certified Italian mountain guides who were born and raised in the Dolomites. Their knowledge of the region goes beyond trail maps—they know the legends, the hidden rifugios serving the best polenta, the secret viewpoints locals keep to themselves, and which paths offer the most spectacular autumn larch colors. This is the kind of expertise you can't get from guidebooks—only from someone who calls these mountains home.
Frequently Asked Questions
October is magical in the Alps! The summer crowds have left, the golden larch trees are at peak color, the weather is crisp and clear for hiking, and the refugios and mountain huts are still open but much quieter. You get authentic alpine experiences without the peak season chaos, and that autumn light photographers dream about.
Mountain weather can change quickly, so layers are key. Pack good waterproof hiking boots (broken in!), warm layers including fleece or down jacket, rain gear, hiking pants, and a daypack. After you book, guests will receive a detailed packing guide specific to this adventure with complete recommendations for gear and clothing.
Our hikes range from gentle valley walks to more challenging alpine treks. Most days involve 3-5 hours of hiking on varied terrain with elevation gain. We have two guides who lead at different paces—one for those wanting a workout, another for those who prefer a slower pace for photography and nature observation. All hikes are 100% optional with alternative activities available.
For ARRIVAL: We will have one shuttle on October 16th for pickup at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Shuttle departs from the airport at 2:00pm local time. For DEPARTURE: We will have one shuttle on October 22nd for drop off. Shuttle will drop off guests at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 11:00am local time. If your travel schedule does not align with these times, we can book you a private shuttle for an additional cost (estimated $125 USD one way).
Your alpine adventure includes all meals, both at our accommodations and at mountain refugios. We ARE able to accommodate dietary restrictions as long as it's noted on the Guest Form. Please note: if you choose a specific diet, special meals will be prepared just for you and changes may not be possible on short notice.
Absolutely! Many of our guests come solo and leave with new friends. Our small group size (just 8 people) means no one ever feels left out, and we structure days to balance group time with personal space. Some of our most magical moments happen when solo travelers connect over shared mountain experiences.
As a company policy, we do not share an 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. If this sounds unbearable, this might not be the best trip for you.
We'll spend 3 nights in a cozy alpine chalet near Cortina in the Italian Dolomites, then 3 nights at my property in Slovenia's Lepena Valley in the Julian Alps. Both locations offer authentic alpine character with updated modern amenities. We have two accommodation options: Private room with shared bathroom, and Shared room with shared bathroom (paired with another solo guest of the same sex).
This alpine adventure blends cultural experiences with mountain exploration. Mornings start slow with delicious local foods and optional yoga. Days include a variety of hikes from challenging alpine treks to gentle riverside walks, lunches at mountain refugios, and village exploration. All activities are available to anyone who participates in moderate fitness activities on a fairly regular basis.
EVERY single experience is optional. AdZENtures 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.
This adventure is available to anyone with a moderate level of fitness. We will provide details about hiking duration and elevations as we get closer to our retreat start date. We have guides on each hike who will lead at various paces. One guide will hike at a quicker pace while another guide will take their time and lead guests who want to enjoy scenery, take photos, and hike at a slower pace.
Yes, we will provide local wines, Italian and Slovenian beers, and regional spirits that can be enjoyed with dinners. If guests choose to buy their own or additional alcohol throughout their AdZENture, they are welcome to do so. Guests are required to be respectful to all other guests, hosts and staff at all times and are expected to be mindful of their personal alcohol consumption.
As all of our AdZENtures are quite active, we do require insurance for all guests. Insurance is required not only in the case of a medical emergency but it's also a good idea to include travel insurance in the case of emergency or conflicts preventing you from joining our AdZENture after you book. Medical coverage is required. Travel insurance is not required, it's suggested.
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