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Croatia and Slovenia: Food, Wine & Photography

Who says "You can't photograph your cake and eat it too?"

This unique photo tour of Croatia and Slovenia focuses on the breadbasket of this beautiful multicultural region.  Our photography concentrates on the autumn-hued landscapes of rolling hills, traditional villages, lush vineyards, private estates and wine cellars, as well as the Adriatic seacoast.  For much of this trip we are “off the beaten path” of the usual regional tourist destinations.  A big bonus comes as this trip also features a large culinary component where we sample and photograph the exceptional cuisine and excellent regional wines as we learn the art of natural light food photography, and food arrangement, with the help of a professional food stylist.

231024 X1012966 Edit

Avid wine enthusiasts are encouraged to partake in private wine tastings and sample some of the region’s best wines—directly at the vintner’s beautiful estates and private wine cellars—and hear the story of how it is made and what makes it so special.  We have excellent access to some of the area’s most photogenic private estates.  Of course, food is high on our list as each day we sample some of the region’s delicacies such as organic olive oil, truffles, homemade brandies, and cheeses.  Every location we visit is handpicked for its excellent food, wine, and photography.

slovenia croatia food esenko 32

 Autumn is the best season to photograph in Slovenia’s wine country.  The vineyards glow in red and yellow hues and low-angle light creates wonderful contrasts.  It is also the time of year where misty veils hang artistically over hill and dale adding a mysterious softening element to our landscape panoramas.

slovenia croatia food esenko 21

We traverse a broad spectrum of picturesque culinary regions, explore diverse Croatian and Slovenian traditional villages, shoot some of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, sample delicious regional food and wine in private estates, and try our hand in the art of styled food photography.

On this delightful “off the beaten path” Croatia and Slovenia food, wine, and photo tour, you can have your cake and eat it too!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Depart from home.

Day 2 (Oct 23, 2024)
Meet the group at the Ljubljana, Slovenia airport and drive to the Vipava valley wine country. We check into our hotel followed by tour orientation. In the evening we have our first photoshoot and sunset followed by a wine tasting. (D)

Day 3
Vipava valley is known for the best prosciutto in Slovenia and some of the best wines. Some local varieties can be sampled only here, such as Zelen or Pinela. Or you can try one of the region’s best Pinot Noirs. We explore the valley and its traditional villages. The typical village is built entirely of stone and the traditional design is still well preserved. We are not rushed. Depending on the pace of our previous photography session and lunch we may also visit the nearby Karst region which is known for Lipizzaner horses and delicious Teran wine. (BLD)

Day 4
Today we visit Goriška Brda, the most famous wine region of Slovenia where winemakers regularly list on the Wine & Spirit 100 top wines list. This is a small hilly area bordering Italy. Incredibly scenic views are everywhere as we drive the curvy roads from village to village. We stop at Šmartno village for lunch and to sample some of the local delicacies. We might have an opportunity to visit the drying chamber for prosciutto and salamis. Dinner and wine tasting at one of the best wineries of Slovenia. (BLD)

Day 5
After breakfast we drive to the Slovenian Coast and visit Piran. This tiny coastal town has Venice written all over it. On a clear day you can see Venice from there! A stroll along the waterfront and a visit of the Tartini square offers many photo opportunities. We enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants before we travel across the border to Croatia. The next four nights we reside in Istria, the northernmost peninsula of the Adriatic Sea. Istria is a true delight for food and wine lovers. The iconic little towns on the coast and hilltops provide plenty of photographic opportunities. (BLD)

Days 6-8
We have three full days to explore Istria and sample its foods and wines. Here, a professional food photographer/stylist joins us, as we learn practical and simple techniques on how to get the most out of our staged food shots. Istria has been a food production hub since Roman times and nowadays it is a prime destination for food and wine connoisseurs. It is also known for truffles and excellent olive oil. Some of the cities we visit include Motovun, Grožnjan, Rovinj and Pula with its Roman theater. With proper timing and cooperative weather, we might witness olive oil production at a local olive press. Istrian wines are quickly becoming internationally recognized, and we can try some local varietals such as Malvazija. (BLD)

Day 9
Today we leave the Istrian peninsula and head to one of the most traditional parts of Slovenia. Our journey takes us to Ptuj, a small medieval town that is our base for the last three nights of our trip. In the afternoon we explore the streets of Ptuj and visit its photogenic castle. Ptuj is also known for the oldest and the largest wine cellar in Slovenia. We have open access to photograph it—with a selection of local wines of course! (BLD)

Days 10-11
Prlekija, Prekmurje and Kozjansko. The northeastern wine region of Slovenia features beautiful rolling hills and vineyards. As photographers, we find plenty of graphic motifs here. Typical vineyards are built on terraces which add an additional graphic quality to our images. The food of this region is completely different from the coastal area, and we learn that pumpkin seed oil is the king here! One of the highlights of this area is a visit to a local wine maker who was the first in Slovenia to start producing organic wines. His winery is very entertaining to photograph and each year he hosts an art colony. We can wander around among the vineyards to find the best spot for a sunset. In the meantime, local women prepare a hearty dinner for us. (BLD)

Day 12 (Nov 2)
If time and weather conditions allow, we have a sunrise shoot before breakfast. Today we pack our gear and drive to the airport for flights home. (B)

Tour Details

Oct 22 2024 – Nov 02 2024
Register Now
Fee: $7,695 from Ljubljana, Slovenia
Deposit: $2,000
Limit: 12 participants
Activity Level: Moderate
Single Supplement: $418

Tour Highlights

  • Visit Croatia and Slovenia at the height of autumn color
  • Travel “off-the-beaten-path” away from crowded tourist destinations
  • Photograph the autumn-hued landscapes of rolling hills, traditional villages, lush vineyards, private estates and wine cellars, and the Adriatic seacoast
  • Learn natural light food photography with the assistance of a professional food photographer and stylist
  • Sample and photograph the diverse local cuisine and excellent regional wines
  • Includes all meals, lodging, ground transportation, wine tasting sessions, entrance fees, photo guides and instruction

Tour Details

Oct 22 2024 – Nov 02 2024
Register Now
Fee: $7,695 from Ljubljana, Slovenia
Deposit: $2,000
Limit: 12 participants
Activity Level: Moderate
Single Supplement: $418

This unique photo tour of Croatia and Slovenia focuses on the breadbasket of this beautiful multicultural region.  Our photography concentrates on the autumn-hued landscapes of rolling hills, traditional villages, lush vineyards, private estates and wine cellars, as well as the Adriatic seacoast.  For much of this trip we are “off the beaten path” of the usual regional tourist destinations.  A big bonus comes as this trip also features a large culinary component where we sample and photograph the exceptional cuisine and excellent regional wines as we learn the art of natural light food photography, and food arrangement, with the help of a professional food stylist.

231024 X1012966 Edit

Avid wine enthusiasts are encouraged to partake in private wine tastings and sample some of the region’s best wines—directly at the vintner’s beautiful estates and private wine cellars—and hear the story of how it is made and what makes it so special.  We have excellent access to some of the area’s most photogenic private estates.  Of course, food is high on our list as each day we sample some of the region’s delicacies such as organic olive oil, truffles, homemade brandies, and cheeses.  Every location we visit is handpicked for its excellent food, wine, and photography.

slovenia croatia food esenko 32

 Autumn is the best season to photograph in Slovenia’s wine country.  The vineyards glow in red and yellow hues and low-angle light creates wonderful contrasts.  It is also the time of year where misty veils hang artistically over hill and dale adding a mysterious softening element to our landscape panoramas.

slovenia croatia food esenko 21

We traverse a broad spectrum of picturesque culinary regions, explore diverse Croatian and Slovenian traditional villages, shoot some of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, sample delicious regional food and wine in private estates, and try our hand in the art of styled food photography.

On this delightful “off the beaten path” Croatia and Slovenia food, wine, and photo tour, you can have your cake and eat it too!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Depart from home.

Day 2 (Oct 23, 2024)
Meet the group at the Ljubljana, Slovenia airport and drive to the Vipava valley wine country. We check into our hotel followed by tour orientation. In the evening we have our first photoshoot and sunset followed by a wine tasting. (D)

Day 3
Vipava valley is known for the best prosciutto in Slovenia and some of the best wines. Some local varieties can be sampled only here, such as Zelen or Pinela. Or you can try one of the region’s best Pinot Noirs. We explore the valley and its traditional villages. The typical village is built entirely of stone and the traditional design is still well preserved. We are not rushed. Depending on the pace of our previous photography session and lunch we may also visit the nearby Karst region which is known for Lipizzaner horses and delicious Teran wine. (BLD)

Day 4
Today we visit Goriška Brda, the most famous wine region of Slovenia where winemakers regularly list on the Wine & Spirit 100 top wines list. This is a small hilly area bordering Italy. Incredibly scenic views are everywhere as we drive the curvy roads from village to village. We stop at Šmartno village for lunch and to sample some of the local delicacies. We might have an opportunity to visit the drying chamber for prosciutto and salamis. Dinner and wine tasting at one of the best wineries of Slovenia. (BLD)

Day 5
After breakfast we drive to the Slovenian Coast and visit Piran. This tiny coastal town has Venice written all over it. On a clear day you can see Venice from there! A stroll along the waterfront and a visit of the Tartini square offers many photo opportunities. We enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants before we travel across the border to Croatia. The next four nights we reside in Istria, the northernmost peninsula of the Adriatic Sea. Istria is a true delight for food and wine lovers. The iconic little towns on the coast and hilltops provide plenty of photographic opportunities. (BLD)

Days 6-8
We have three full days to explore Istria and sample its foods and wines. Here, a professional food photographer/stylist joins us, as we learn practical and simple techniques on how to get the most out of our staged food shots. Istria has been a food production hub since Roman times and nowadays it is a prime destination for food and wine connoisseurs. It is also known for truffles and excellent olive oil. Some of the cities we visit include Motovun, Grožnjan, Rovinj and Pula with its Roman theater. With proper timing and cooperative weather, we might witness olive oil production at a local olive press. Istrian wines are quickly becoming internationally recognized, and we can try some local varietals such as Malvazija. (BLD)

Day 9
Today we leave the Istrian peninsula and head to one of the most traditional parts of Slovenia. Our journey takes us to Ptuj, a small medieval town that is our base for the last three nights of our trip. In the afternoon we explore the streets of Ptuj and visit its photogenic castle. Ptuj is also known for the oldest and the largest wine cellar in Slovenia. We have open access to photograph it—with a selection of local wines of course! (BLD)

Days 10-11
Prlekija, Prekmurje and Kozjansko. The northeastern wine region of Slovenia features beautiful rolling hills and vineyards. As photographers, we find plenty of graphic motifs here. Typical vineyards are built on terraces which add an additional graphic quality to our images. The food of this region is completely different from the coastal area, and we learn that pumpkin seed oil is the king here! One of the highlights of this area is a visit to a local wine maker who was the first in Slovenia to start producing organic wines. His winery is very entertaining to photograph and each year he hosts an art colony. We can wander around among the vineyards to find the best spot for a sunset. In the meantime, local women prepare a hearty dinner for us. (BLD)

Day 12 (Nov 2)
If time and weather conditions allow, we have a sunrise shoot before breakfast. Today we pack our gear and drive to the airport for flights home. (B)

Tour Highlights

  • Visit Croatia and Slovenia at the height of autumn color
  • Travel “off-the-beaten-path” away from crowded tourist destinations
  • Photograph the autumn-hued landscapes of rolling hills, traditional villages, lush vineyards, private estates and wine cellars, and the Adriatic seacoast
  • Learn natural light food photography with the assistance of a professional food photographer and stylist
  • Sample and photograph the diverse local cuisine and excellent regional wines
  • Includes all meals, lodging, ground transportation, wine tasting sessions, entrance fees, photo guides and instruction