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Grab a glass of eggnog and join France, Slovenia, and Croatia for a holiday soiree that transcends borders. See Paris dress up and get more radiant than ever. Witness Ljubljana weave its storybook charms into a real-life fairytale. All before having Zagreb trigger a debate on who has the best Christmas market in Europe (knowing it will probably win). Whether raising a glass of Champagne in Reims, cooking up treats in Bled, or gift shopping in Zagreb, this is one holiday get together you don’t want to miss!

• 4 Nights in Paris
• 3 Nights in Ljubljana
• 2 Nights in Zagreb

Ideal Travel Time: Late November to December 25^th

Perfect for: Families, couples, lovers of Christmas markets, and pretty much anyone who isn’t a grinch.

Day 1 – Arrival in the City of Light & Festive Drive

Let the holiday magic begin by having Paris demonstrate why its one of France’s top holiday season destinations. Once checked into your hotel of choice, set off on a champagne-sparkling drive through the merry streets of the capital. With a classic Citroen 2CV as your sled, glide down the Champs-Élysées, where twinkling lights guide you toward the Arc de Triomphe. See the Eiffel Tower shimmer and transform into a giant festive ornament, before crossing the elegant Pont Alexandre III on your way to toast the newfound glow of Notre Dame and Montmartre.

Suggested Accommodations

Bring in the holidays in true French style at one of the following properties:

Day 2 – Window Shopping & Winter Warmth

Paris knows how to dress for the season, and its iconic “Vitrines de Noël” (holiday window displays) are testament to that. Watch the world’s fashion icon drape itself in more luminous chic than ever as you stroll past the magical displays of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, where every sparkling layout tells a story of glistening wonder. Then, follow your guide through your favorite Parisian neighborhoods, pausing for a velvety hot chocolate in an iconic café or a mulled wine at a bustling market stall. If you thought Paris glamorous before, wait until you see it gear up for the holidays!

 Day 3 – A Festive Toast in Champagne

How much more festive can it get? Answer that by raising a glass in the birthplace of bubbles! Set a celebratory tone by heading to a prestigious Champagne house in Épernay, where cheers and clinks promise to ring on until New Year’s. Then, journey through the scenic Montagne de Reims and trace Dom Pérignon’s heritage at the charming village of Hautvillers. After a cozy lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Reims, where Gothic cathedral spires meet twinkling holiday markets in a spellbinding setting of pure fantasy.  There, conclude the day with another sparkling tasting, leaving you wrapped in the warmth of Champagne’s festive elegance. 

Day 4 – Masterpieces, Mysteries & Magic on the Seine

True magic carries an air of mystery. So today, jump on the detective trail of renowned art works and sculptures at the world famous Orsay Museum. After uncovering clues hidden among Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir masterpieces, spend the afternoon at leisure, knowing that you’ve cracked the case of a century. Come evening let a cruise along the Seine carry you past glittering Parisian landmarks as you savor a full-course dinner paired with champagne among the city’s festive splendor.

Hint: Make sure to investigate Charles Garnier’s grand model of the Paris Opera House!

Day 5 – A Fairytale Arrival in Ljubljana

It’s not every day that you step into a fairytale, but in Ljubljana, it’s just another Tuesday; especially during the holiday season! As you bid au revoir to Paris and land in Slovenia’s storied capital, ready yourself for a stay filled with castles and dragons in a city of baroque facades and storybook charms. Upon checking into your place of lodging, meander across the famed Triple Bridge, waltz past festive stalls along the Ljubljanica River, and soak up the cozy cheer that turns the city center into a real-life fantasy.

Suggested Accommodations

Opt for one of the following properties for a fairytale stay in the heart of Ljubljana:

Day 6 – Market Magic in Ljubljana

Speaking of fantasies. Now that you’ve had a taste of its storied charms, feast upon them with a quest into the heart of Ljubljana’s dreamland. Begin in Prešeren Square, where garlands sparkle and the city’s great Christmas tree rises like a beacon of joy. Follow the glow into Town Hall Square and winding cobbled streets, where festive stalls brim with handmade crafts, ornaments, and gifts that carry Slovenia’s tales in every detail. Sip mulled wine, warm your hands with roasted chestnuts, and sample spiced gingerbread as carolers and musicians fill the air with holiday spirit.

Day 7 – A Winter’s Tale in Bled

If ever there were a place made for winter tales, it’s Bled. Encircled by mountains and crowned with a castle, come December, this jewel turns into a bona fide snow-dusted wonderland. See its charms in full bloom as you wander through its cozy market stalls, where handmade crafts, mulled wine, and honey-kissed delicacies tempt at every turn. Watch its eponymous lake unfold like a blanket of crystal against a backdrop of the Julian Alps. Then, roll up your sleeves for a private cooking class, where local flavors come alive in traditional recipes, ensuring you savor every bit of its warm holiday spirit.

Day 8 – Castles on the Road to Zagreb

As you turn the last page of your Slovenian fairytale, open the final chapter of journey by heading to Croatia, where Zagreb awaits to boast its renowned holiday delights. En route, enjoy one last fable at the Trakošćan Castle, a 13th-century icon rising from the forest like something dreamt up by the Brothers Grimm. Stroll its grand halls and gaze out over a mirror-like lake, where winter mists weave an air of quiet enchantment. Upon reaching Zagreb, check in, and soak in the festive atmosphere of lanterns, music, and merriment as Croatia’s capital welcomes you with open arms.

Suggested Accommodations

Rest up before taking to Zagreb’s festive streets at one of the following properties:

Day 9 – Holiday Splendor in Zagreb’s Iconic Market

There is a reason why Zagreb’s Advent (Christmas Market) is considered one of the best in Europe; and that’s because it transforms every corner of the city into a scene of pure holiday enchantment. Dip a gingerbread biscuit in a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy some live music in the heart of Ban Jelačić Square. Watch the locals engaged in merry pirouettes on the ice-skating rink in King Tomislav Square. Stroll along the Strossmayer Promenade and savor panoramic views of the gleaming city. Or make sure you don’t go home empty handed at the European Square, where cheerful stalls are filled with handmade gifts, ornaments, and local crafts.

Foodie’s Note

Zagreb’s Advent is home to some of the tastiest European Christmas treats. When roaming between market stalls, make sure to try the following:

• Kuhano Vino – Traditional mulled wine infused with spices, perfect for warming up on chilly evenings
• Fritule – Mini doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar, often flavored with citrus zest or rum
• Štrukli – A local pastry filled with cheese, available in both sweet and savory versions
• Čvarci – Crispy pork cracklings, a savory snack enjoyed with a glass of local beer
• Medenjaci – Honey cookies intricately decorated with festive designs, often given as gifts

Day 10 – Until the Next Holidays

Now that you’ve experienced the festive spirit of France, Slovenia, and Croatia, it’s time to carry it home. As your private driver whisks you off to Zagreb Airport, sneak one last glance at its lantern-lit squares and festive stalls, and ponder which Christmas market had the best treats or where the lights shone the brightest. Regardless, know that when brought together, these three countries embody the very meaning of holiday magic, and that’s what you’ve just witnessed!

The post In the Market for Some Magic: A Festive Getaway to France, Slovenia & Croatia appeared first on Blog | Travelive.

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice dinner invitation, especially one across borders! Prepare to pay compliments to two lovely European neighbors as Slovenia and Italy host you in some of their most tasteful locations. From savoring the finest of Slovenian cuisine in Ljubljana and pairing Castle charms with wine in Trieste to raising a toast to Venetian splendor in the City of Canals, this trip is one get-together that you definitely don’t want to miss!

• 4 Nights in Ljubljana
• 2 Nights in Trieste
• 2 Nights in Venice

Day 1 – Arrival in Ljubljana

Feel the warm greeting of Slovenia’s charming capital, where riverside cafés, leafy boulevards, and its eponymous castle make for a welcome you will never forget. Settle in and seize the rest of the day by enjoying your first taste of the city. Venture on a gentle stroll along the Ljubljanica River, linger past the pastel facades of the Old Town, and let the open-air markets make you feel at home. It’s the perfect introduction to a journey where every bite, view, and story feels like an invitation.

Day 2 – Slow Food with a View

Discover Slovenia’s essence with a slow food experience that slows down time and lets you savor every second. Hosted within the historic Ljubljana Castle, pair thoughtfully prepared cuisine with sweeping views, as each dish tells a story of local ingredients, timeless recipes, and a nation proud of its culinary roots. As you dine at your own pace, you’ll discover that Slovenian hospitality is one that deserves to be relished, one unforgettable course at a time.

Day 3 – A Taste of Tradition in Bled

Trade the dining room table for a countertop as you roll up your sleeves like a true Slovenian in the fairytale town of Bled. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn the delicious secrets of time-honored dishes as you try your hand in preparing them using the freshest regional ingredients. With every recipe, traverse Slovenia’s heritage through its flavors, before sitting down and sampling their enduring delights surrounded by Bled’s alpine charm and a captivating air of tradition.

Day 4 – Coastal Flavors in Piran

Grab your taste buds and head to Slovenia’s sun-drenched coast, where olive groves rustle with the salty touch of a gentle sea breeze. Begin with a guided tasting of locally crafted extra virgin olive oils, diving into stories of patience, soil, and Mediterranean sun with every bottle.  Then, head to the colorful town of Piran for a leisurely lunch amid terracotta-topped facades and azure waters. There, every regional specialty and every coastal delight reveals that good taste is truly a thing of beauty.  

Day 5 – From Slovenia to Trieste, with Castles, Cuisine, and Coastal Romance

Bid farewell to Slovenia’s warm charms as you head to Italy, bridging two picturesque European neighbors through history and hospitality. En route, pause at Miramare Castle, a 19th-century seaside marvel that once belonged to Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife Charlotte. Let its opulent halls and wind-swept gardens reveal tales of romance and melancholy against a backdrop of the Adriatic, before tracing the border to Lokev. There, enjoy a lunch at the Michelin Plate-awarded Hisa Hrasna, where Istrian and Karst flavors come together in a flourish of cultural synergy. Upon arrival in Trieste, reveal its many layers of Slovenian, Austrian, and Italian influences with an immersive walking tour. Wander through the sweeping Piazza Unità d’Italia, past 19th-century Austro-Hungarian façades, and along the Canal Grande, ending the day in a city that feels like an heirloom of a storied past.

Day 6 –Flavors and Fortresses at Duino Castle & Colli Orientali

Greet the day perched over the Adriatic as you bask in sea breezes and storybook views at Duino Castle. Feel like a true aristocrat amid elegant salons and ornaments of a 14th-century fortress that once housed the Thurn und Taxis family and even fuelled the musings of poets like Rainer Maria Rilke. Then it’s off to get a stronghold on flavor at Colli Orientali, where among ancient vineyard-cloaked hills, a family-owned estate invites you to sample robust local wines, paired with cold cuts, cheeses, and handmade biscotti. Finally, discover the syrupy art of traditional balsamic vinegar production, tasting its depth and complexity one drop at a time.

Day 7 – Trieste to Venice with Prosecco in Hand

Ease into the day along rolling vineyards and sun-dappled hills as you make your way from Trieste to Venice on a journey that can easily be called a toast in motion. Follow the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Wine Road, where bubbly isn’t just poured, it’s celebrated. Pause for a light lunch and guided tasting, letting each glass sparkle with the flavors of the land. By the time you arrive and check into your hotel in Venice, your palate will be primed and ready for the next course in this exquisite adventure.

Day 8 – A Venetian Finale of Sights and Sounds

Have your final full day unfold like a love letter to Venice with a walking tour of its most enchanting gems. Begin in St. Mark’s Square, where domes and campaniles rise above a sea of history. Meander through tucked-away courtyards and over quaint bridges to find the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a spiraled architectural gem that blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Byzantine flair. Catch an echo of an aria in front of La Fenice Theatre, before concluding with a quintessential gondola past faded palazzos and hidden gardens, where every gentle ripple beneath you becomes a graceful farewell from the City of Canals.

Day 9 – Departure

Every great dinner ends with a fond farewell, and so too does this flavorful journey. As you say arrivederci to Italy and nasvidenje to Slovenia, you leave with memories shared over wine, laughter that echoed through ancient halls, and the taste of two cultures that came together at one table. Though the plates are cleared, the invitation remains, because when neighbors host you this well, you know it won’t be your last visit.

The post Cross Over for Dinner: A Tasteful Journey From Slovenia to Italy appeared first on Blog | Travelive.