Slovenia Photography Tour 2027

Tour dates: 12 – 21 October 2027 (Plitvice Lakes extension 21 October – 24 October 2027)
Tour led by: Seng Mah
Minimum 7 guests. Maximum 10 guests.
Pace: Easy to moderate.

Slovenia in Autumn offers photographers a vibrant tapestry of landscapes — from the golden forests and sweeping mountain-peak views of the Julian Alps to the turquoise currents of the So?a River and the shifting colours of Lake Bled, vividly painted in the shifting light and hues from sunrise light to twilight. 

Join us for memorable photography tour in one of the most picturesque and untouched places in Europe — a unique blend of everything that is majestic and magical to be found in the the high alps and deep green vales. The landscapes of Slovenia look as if they’ve formed out of the fairytale books, what an observer has commented as: “a fantastical blend of ‘The Sound of Music’ and Heidi.” And they are absolutely correct!

And if you’d like to extend your landscape photography experience, we offer an optional extension to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.

This tour begins and ends with your transfer from Zagreb in Croatia, and takes us into the very heart of beautiful Slovenia (which, incidentally, is the only country in the world with “love” in its name).

Slovenia is a landscape photographer’s dream come true — morning mist, autumn colours, magnificent mountains, mirror lakes, picture-perfect hills and villages. But more than just photography, this tour brings authentic experiences to your travel in Slovenia, including the most scrumptious regional cuisine (for such a small country, there is remarkable variation in regional cuisine), wine tasting, lunch at a local farm-stay, perhaps a visit to a wine cellar for more tasty tipples…

Photography guidance and support

I’m a professional photography teacher who has been in the business for 17 years, 12 of them as a photography tour operator. You won’t need to second guess anything on this fully escorted tour — we will take care of you so that all you need to do is focus on photography and the sublime travel experiences to be had.

Highlights

Any photography tour to Slovenia has to include big ticket items, such as Lake Bled, Vintnar Gorge and St Thomas Church; but this itinerary also takes us to some of the less visited places where the landscapes are even more amazing — think alpine mountains clad in pine forests, framed by the burnished hues of autumnal trees at the base, and rolling green hills and vales spotted with cottages, drystone walls and hayracks.

Along the way, we visit some of Slovenia’s most picturesque hilltop churches — timeless symbols of the landscape — perfectly positioned for sunrise light, sweeping panoramas, and atmospheric autumn moods.  Each day balances the search for soft fall light, colourful foliage, and dramatic scenery with opportunities to experience Slovenia’s warm hospitality and local traditions. 

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb and transfer to Ljubljana
We meet in Zagreb and drive to northeast Slovenia towards the wine growing countryside. The adventure starts with an afternoon shoot, capturing ‘golden light’ as it sweeps across the rolling vineyard hills. Evening get-together for a welcome dinner and to discuss plans for the tour. 

Day 2: The Jeruzalem Wine Region

We’ll explore beautiful countryside dotted with vineyards and hilltop churches. We can start our day by capturing sunrise and possible mists over glowing vineyards. We will also taste some of the best food and wine of this welcoming region, all locally grown and organic. We will explore some of the hidden gems of Slovenia, not many foreign visitors ever heard of. 

Day 3: The Landscapes of Kozjansko

After breakfast, we will drive southeast towards the heritage-rich region where gentle hills, traditional farms, and autumn-coloured forests create pristine rural beauty. On the way we will stop at Ptuj town to photograph one of the most picturesque medieval towns of Slovenia. We´ll have the opportunity to photograph both sunrise and sunset over the hilltop vineyards, capturing traditional homes in soft morning tones and glowing evening light. 

Day 4 – 6: The Gorenjska Region (Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj)

We bid farewell to the vineyard-covered hills and head toward the beautiful Gorenjska region. This is iconic Slovenia. We’ll take 2 full days to explore the beautiful Alpine valleys, starting with a sunrise shoot at the shore of Lake Bled. Visit the spectacular Vintgar Gorge, the perfect location to experiment with capturing fast-flowing water and try out some long exposures.

Our second glacial lake is Bohinj and has a very different feel. Here we’ll take time to hone our composition skills at the lake shore and capture creative reflections. A short drive takes us to the surrounding picturesque villages where you’ll have the opportunity to capture traditional agricultural architecture including the landmark hayracks of Slovenia, as well as scenes of rural village life. Cap off the evenings with a sunset shoot at the lakeside. 

Day 7 – 8: Soca River Valley and Triglav National Park

We cross the high Vrsic Pass, the highest pass in the Julian Alps with incredible views across the Slovenian Alps. We travel down to the Soca River Valley to explore more of the Triglav National Park. Capture the incredible emerald waters of the Soca and discover gorges and waterfalls as we hike along the riverbanks. Our route will take us on an exciting tour of some of the highest mountains in Slovenia offering incredible views across Slovenia and into Italy. Imagine the most rugged peaks bathed in the dramatic glow of first and last light, raging alpine blue rivers surging through deep gorges, and villages nestled in deep valleys. This is Slovenia at its rawest and most dramatic!

Day 9: Return to Ljubljana

We leave the Alps behind and head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia and a gem of a city. We’ll wander the charming streets of the old city camera in hand and capture the highlights of Ljubljana including baroque churches, diverse architectural details and the castle as well as trying our hand at some street photography and candid portraits in Ljubljana’s bustling marketplace and along the café-strewn riverbanks. 

Day 10: Departure from Ljubljana

After breakfast at the hotel in Ljubljana, we transfer to Zagreb airport and either fly to our next destination, or continue with the Plitvice Lakes Extension (see below).

Plitvice Lakes Extension

Dates: 21 – 24 October 2027
Extension led by: Seng Mah
Minimum 7 guests. Maximum 12 guests.
Pace: Easy to moderate.

This extension takes us to Croatia’s iconic and breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here, autumn transforms the turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls into a breathtaking palette of colours — an unforgettable finale for any photographer.

The Plitvice Lakes are a series of tiered lakes, each connected by cascades and dramatic waterfalls. In autumn, the foliage takes on a piebald mixture of golds and reds and greens, all reflected in the emerald and turquoise waters of the lakes.

To do this place photographic justice, it’s wise to stay here for three nights (two full days), which gives us the opportunity to also visit the nearby Rastoke, a village of impossibly beautiful wooden houses and watermills surrounded by waterfalls.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Ljubljana – Plitvice Lakes National Park (this is the last day of the Slovenia Tour) 

After breakfast we say farewell to Slovenia and drive to a stunning national park in Croatia – Plitvice Lakes. We’ll head straight to the park after check in, for our evening photography and sunset shoot. 

DAYS 2 – 3: Plitvice Lakes National Park 

We’ll have two full days to photograph the lakes, waterfalls, and caves in this incredible UNESCO world heritage site. Here you’ll have the opportunity to try different photography techniques using tripods and long exposures as well as work on composition. Enjoy free time exploring the lakes alone before meeting late afternoon to make the most of the play of golden light and reflections in the water. 

DAY 4: Departure from Plitvice Lakes 

We visit one of the sunrise locations at Plitvice lakes or head to nearby Rastoke village where the Korana river created another set of beautiful waterfalls and cascades. After breakfast, we transfer to Zagreb airport to catch your flight home.

Accommodation on this tour

An important part of this tour is the accommodation for our guests. You will enjoy a variety of accommodation, from comfortable hotels to charming homestays and pensiones with local and regional character. A good night’s sleep is essential for this landscape photography tour — after all, you will be waking up early for sunrise shoots most days, and having later evenings in order to capture the magical twilight of Slovenia.

Tour price

This tour and extension are priced in Euro as our travel partners and operators in Slovenia charge in Euro.

Slovenia Photography Tour price: €6890, including your own private room (with ensuite).

Plitvice Lakes Extension price: €2740, including your own private room (with ensuite).

If you are traveling with a life partner, please contact us for a twin-share price.

A discount is also available if you are a frequent traveller on our tours (having completed three or more tours with us). Contact us for more information if you qualify.

Inclusions

• 9 nights accommodation (3 nights for Plitvice extension)
• Transportation during the tour.
• Airport transfers on the tour dates. If you are arriving before, or departing after the tour dates, your airport transfer will be at additional cost.
• All main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and non-alcoholic drinks.
• National park entrance fees.
• Photographic guidance, advice, mentoring and support,

Exclusions

• International flights to / from Zagreb.
• Comprehensive international travel insurance (mandatory).
• Alcoholic drinks.
• Gratuities.
• Personal expenses, such as laundry, wifi, incidental meals and medication.
• Photographic equipment.

Reserve Your Place

A deposit of €1500 will secure your place on this tour. Deposits are due on reservation, with the balance paid by 31 May 2027. Note that deposits are fully refunded if the tour is cancelled due to not attaining minimum numbers.

For details of the Terms and Conditions of our tours, including cancellation charges, please read our Photography Tours Terms and Conditions.

To join this tour or contact us with your questions, please use the form below or email seng [at] venturephotography.com.au or telephone +61 417 604 614.