Italian Dolomites & Slovenian Alps

European Mountain AdZENture

The Dolomites and Slovenian Alps hit different – and hitting them back-to-back? That’s next level. These aren’t your average mountains. The Dolomites are these insane jagged limestone towers that look like someone sculpted them out of pale stone and then lit them on fire at sunset (seriously, the alpenglow is unreal). Cross into Slovenia and suddenly you’re in a different world – the Julian Alps with their emerald rivers, hidden valleys, and peaks that feel wilder, less touched, more mysterious.

We’ll be hiking through Italian alpine meadows, weaving through rocky Dolomite mazes with views that’ll make you stop mid-step, then venturing into Slovenia’s pristine valleys where the trails follow crystal-clear rivers and lead to mountain lakes so blue they don’t look real.

Experience alpine life at its best – from the some of the most iconic mountain ranges in central Europe. We will visit Slovenian bivouac and mountain huts and Italian refugios. Immerse yourself into the alpine way of living – simple, authentic and wholesome. Restore your mind, body and spirit in the mountains!

October 18-24

6 nights/7 days || 5 Rooms Available

Activity Level: Active

Led by the AdZENtures Team

What Makes This Adventure Different

We heard you loud and clear: you want to get outside, stay active, experience authentic culture, and see jaw-dropping landscapes – without breaking the bank. So we created this special, hiking-focused AdZENture exploring two fantastic mountain ranges in two extraordinary countries where Alpine life is a cornerstone of the culture.

The Dolomites and Slovenian Alps are special for different reasons – and together, they tell the complete story of alpine life.

The Italian Dolomites: These dramatic limestone towers were once an ancient coral reef that got pushed up by tectonic forces millions of years ago – which is why they look so different from any other mountain range you’ve seen. The rock literally glows pink and orange at sunrise and sunset (the famous “alpenglow”), and the Italian and Austrian cultures blend here in the most delicious ways – think hearty mountain food, centuries-old traditions, refugios perched on gorgeous ridges, and villages that feel frozen in time. Here, mountain culture is about la dolce vita at altitude – savoring biscotti with your espresso, lingering over multi-course refugio dinners, and understanding that even in the mountains, Italians don’t rush a good meal.

The Slovenian Alps: Cross the border and you enter a different world – one where alpinism isn’t just a hobby, it’s the cornerstone of the entire culture and way of life. Slovenia is a nation of mountaineers. Most Slovenian kids learn to hike and climb at a young age. Their folklore is written in these peaks. This is where mountain culture runs deep – it’s in their bones, their identity, their way of life. The Julian Alps feel wilder, less manicured, more raw – with emerald rivers carving through valleys, mountain huts that are social centers for local communities, and a genuine pride in the alpine lifestyle.

Our small group of AdZENturers isn’t just about conquering the hardest peaks – it’s about variety and cultural immersion across both regions. We’ll explore Italian alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, hike to crystal-clear Slovenian mountain lakes (like the famous Triglav Lakes), traverse trails with epic views in both countries, and wind through valleys where you can hear cowbells echoing in Italy and spot Slovenian mountain goats scaling impossible cliffs. Some days we’ll challenge ourselves with longer treks. Other days we’ll take it easy with shorter scenic walks that let us soak in the different cultural vibes. The goal? Experience as much of these UNESCO World Heritage landscapes as possible while understanding what makes each special.

And between hikes? We’ll immerse ourselves in both mountain cultures – visiting family-run refugios in Italy where the pasta is made by nonna and the grappa flows after dinner, then dining in Slovenian mountain huts where locals gather to share stories of alpine conquests. We’ll savor Italian gelato in Dolomite villages and hearty Slovenian štruklji in alpine towns. We’ll learn what it means to live at altitude where nature dictates the rhythm of life – but see how two neighboring cultures interpret that rhythm in completely different (and equally beautiful) ways.

This isn’t just a hiking trip. It’s a deep dive into two distinct alpine cultures – one Italian, one Slovenian! This is active travel that doesn’t feel like your being herded around like sheep – just good hiking, great company, and landscapes that will feed your soul.

Daily Adventures & Experiences

Inclusions

3 Nights in exclusive villa in the heart of the Dolomites

3 Nights in the exclusive Alpine ranch, situated amongst Slovenia mountains

*Airport and AdZENture transportation from Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Daily Hikes in the Dolomites and Slovenian Alps

Mountain meadow picnic

Riverside campfire dinner

Refugio hike & meal

Alpine hut experience

All meals and snacks from welcome dinner to farewell breakfast

Local wine and craft beer

Daily yoga and mats

AdZENtures Kit

Extras

Flights to/from Venice, Italy (VCE)

Travel insurance

Personal purchases

Alcohol, other than what’s provided at meals

Additional excursions/activities

Additional gratuity for your hosts, guides, instructors

Investment Per Person

$2400 for a shared room (6 spots available)

$3000 for a private room (2 available)

To book our European Mountain AdZENture, we require a $750 non-refundable, non-transferrable deposit.

($750 non-refundable/non-transferrable deposit is included in the listed price above)

Payment plans and options available!

Your Homes in the Mountains

The chalet in the Dolomites is designed for togetherness – where everything speaks to alpine tradition – the wood-beamed ceilings, the mountain hospitality, the unhurried pace of life at altitude. It’s the perfect base for our adventures: close enough to hit the trails easily, comfortable enough that you’ll actually want to linger over breakfast, and cozy enough that evening wind-downs feel like gathering with old friends.

The alpine Ranch in Slovenia is near and dear to our hearts as it serves as the home base for all European AdZENtures. The ranch is nestled on 5 acres of sprawling meadow, nestled beneath 3 towering mountains – in autumn, these mountains are painted with the colors of larch and evergreen trees making the most beautiful palette for your viewing pleasure! Cozy cabins and newly renovated rooms make for the most comfortable stay after days in the mountains.

Your Hosts in the Mountains

Lindsey || CEO & Lead AdZENturer

Lindsey is the owner/founder of AdZENtures and has lead 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!

Jordan || Chief Adventure Officer

Jordan is our Chief Adventure Officer and lead AdZENturer. He’s been co-leading retreats since 2019 and has a knack for all things adventure and nature oriented. He’s 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! Jordan obtained his Wilderness First Responder certification from NOLS and has traveled all over the world. He loves to find off-the-beaten-path experiences and immerse himself in the local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your European Mountain AdZENture

What makes October perfect for this trip?

October is the best time of year in these mountains. Autumn colors are starting to set in and summer crowds have left. Sunny days, cooler nights that are perfect for saunas and cozy evenings amongst the larch trees and evergreen forests.

What should I pack for this Mountain AdZENture?

The weather in these mountains is famously changeable (that’s part of their charm!). Pack layers including a good raincoat, comfortable waterproof walking boots, and a warm layer for evenings. We’ll send you our detailed packing guide, but the key is being ready for four seasons in one day!

How challenging are the walks in the Dolomites and Alps?

Our walks range from gentle valley strolls to heart-pumping mountain hikes. We have two guides that lead two different paces. One is geared more towards those looking for a workout and the other is those who are more interested in photography, observing the surrounding nature and taking it easy. Most days involve 2-4 hours of walking on varied terrain.

All hikes and experiences are 100% optional with other activities offered so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything!

How do I get to the retreat from major cities?

Fly into Marco Polo Airport in Venice, Italy. We handle everything from there! We’ll meet you at a central point and whisk you away to our Mountain Hiking AdZENture. If guests want to schedule a pre or post retreat in Venice or Ljubljana, that’s a great idea and we would be happy to help with logistics.

For ARRIVAL: We will have one shuttle for pickup on October 18 at 3:00pm, Location: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).

For DEPARTURE: We will have one shuttle drop off on October 24 at 12pm, Location: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).

It is IMPORTANT that you schedule your flights to arrive AT LEAST 2 hours BEFORE the scheduled pickup time as transportation to our first location is pricey and timely if you miss the group transport. DO NOT MISS THE PICKUP TIME!

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Your Mountain Hiking AdZENture includes all meals, those prepared at our villas as well as special meals out. 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 MOST dietary restrictions on this AdZENture as long as it’s noted on the Guest Form. THIS RETREAT IS NOT IDEAL FOR VEGAN DIETS and an upcharge of $100 will be applied for this dietary restriction. 

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. 

Is solo travel welcomed?

Some of our most magical moments happen when solo travelers connect! Many of our guests come alone and leave with new friends. We structure our days to balance group time with personal space, and our small group size means no one ever feels left out.

Itinerary

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. Note: most of our AdZENturers who had a tough time with this in the beginning, end up loving the element of surprise in the end!

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

For our first 3 nights, we will be whisking you away to our chalet in the Dolomites. For the latter part of our AdZENture, we will head into the heart of the Slovenian Alps to Lepena Valley Ranch. Each place we stay has been chosen for its character, comfort, and the proximity to some of our amazing experiences. Expect comfortable beds, hot showers, and the kind of authentic alpine hospitality you can’t find in big hotels. We have two accommodation options for this AdZENture:

  • Private room with private bathroom
  • Shared room and shared bathroom

*If you are traveling alone, we will pair your with another solo guest

*Solo travelers will be paired with a member of the same sex

What makes this Mountain Hiking AdZENture experience different from other tours?

This AdZENture is full of beautiful views and unparalleled nature excursions. We will spend most 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, ranging from meadow strolls to mountain hikes.

All activities are available to anyone who participates in moderate fitness activities on a fairly regular basis. We will have some longer hikes with various elevation gains during this AdZENture, however, we will have several hosts leading each hike to accommodate a variety of paces.

We will have a few longer transportation days (2+ hours in the car). If you do not do well in the car for over an hour, please let your hosts know before booking this AdZENture!

Can I opt out of an experience?

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.

Do I need to train for this AdZENture?

This AdZENture is available to anyone with a moderate level of physical fitness. We will provide details about hiking duration and elevations as we get closer to our retreat start date. Please note that we have several 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 take a bit more time to enjoy scenery, take photos, and hike at a slower pace.

Guests won’t be slowed down or pushed to hike faster. Everyone can go at their own pace without pressure. It is recommended that you have a moderate level of fitness in order to actively participate in each activity and enjoy every bit of this active AdZENture!

What should I pack?

After you book your Mountain Hiking AdZENture, 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.

Is alcohol permitted?

Yes, we will provide a few local pints and tasty wine that can be enjoyed with dinners at the highland chalet. 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 of the villas, 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.

Travel Insurance

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.

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!

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