Slovenia Ecovillage Tour

9 DAYS | Experience an ecovillage-infused country in the heart of Europe

Travel to little-known but remarkable communities.

Slovenia is a green gem on the “sunny side of the Alps” in central Europe. Known for its stunning biodiversity, sustainable lifeways, and enduring cultural traditions—it's not a stretch to imagine the entire country as an extended ecovillage. Your tour of Slovenia will go off the beaten track, with visits to intentional communities, organic farms, authentic wine cellars, and (of course) truffle restaurants.

Enjoy one of Europe's best kept secrets—a small country with big lessons about what it means to enjoy sustainable living.

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Slovenia Ecovillage Tour
Save your spot with a $500 deposit.

All meals, lodging, and tour transport included.

Sept 21-29, 2024

Apply for a tour scholarship:
Ecovillage Explorer Exchange

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Tour Highlights

What you can expect to experience during your time in Slovenia.

  • Experience Life in an Ecovillage: Immerse yourself in the tour’s homebase, Sunny Hills, a center for sustainability and village restoration in the hinterlands of Slovene Istria overlooking the Adriatic sea.

  • Visit Traditional and Emerging Villages: Take day trips to ancient villages rooted in ecological ways of life as well as the newer community projects they have inspired.

  • Sample the Flavors of Slovenia’s Gastronomy: Walk through lush valleys to find wine cellars, truffle-rich restaurants, and farm-to-table dining from organic producers.

  • Enjoy the Country’s Incredible Landscapes: Relax by the sea, explore the mazes of ancient cities, hike to hidden waterfalls, enjoy peaceful river valleys, and go deep into some of the longest caves on earth.

  • Build Community within a Small Group: Our group will itself become an intentional community on wheels, deepening relationships and practicing cooperative culture with each other.

  • Practice Slow Living: Enjoy the simple life with days off to hang in a hammock, help out in the garden, and take in the beauty of your surroundings.

Featured Communities

Experience the below communities during the September ecovillage tour. Subject to change.

Sunny Hills

Location: Slovene Istria

Our home base during the tour, Sunny Hills is a village restoration project in the hinterlands of Slovene Istria overlooking the Adriatic sea. The center is a space of cooperation, innovation, and supportive environment for research, education and active practice of sustainable development. Since 2014, the project has restored a 200 year-old dry stone stacked building and is now in the process of restoring their second building.

The community is 80% food self-sufficient with vegetables, fruits, eggs, and goat milk. Their composting toilets, water catchment systems, and wood heating make the community’s energy consumption a fraction of the average European. They host numerous events throughout the year that provide for the community’s economy.

Mokri Potok

Location: Kočevje, Slovenia

Website:  mokri-potok.si

A growing ecovillage project in what was once a traditional village in a river valley in the Southern hills of Slovenia.  

In 2013, 4 formal members founded the Mokri Potok Zoo Cooperative and bought the abandoned nomadic village of Mokri Potok from the municipality of Kočevje. We are a group of families and individuals with the goal of creating an ecovillage according to sustainable and permaculture principles with an emphasis on self-sufficiency in coexistence with fellow humans and nature. It is designed on the principle of family or family estates, while the common lands are managed by the Mokri Potok cooperative. We made a plan for 7 off-grid houses, of which 2 are finished and two are under construction. 

Pachamama Center

Location: Kunova, Slovenia

Pachamama Center is a small meditation and ecological project in the remote Slovenian village Kunova. Renowned for their ecological design, this community is replete with clay construction, artistic mosaics, and holistic natural buildings. Their shop includes handmade natural soaps and beauty products such as creams, deodorant, organic hair dye, and salves. They also sell handmade wooden bowls made in their woodturning workshop and other wood-art as well as jewelry and small musical instruments. They have an organic garden and strive to be as self-sufficient as possible.

The Ninth Eden

Location: Slovene Istria

Website: N/A

The Ninth Eden needs to be seen to be believed. A hidden eco-community tucked into the hills of Slovene Istria with intricate gardens and natural buildings. Learn the story of the woman founder and what she has built over decades with her own hands and the help of a growing community of artists and cultural creatives.

Ekološka Kmetija Planko & Kleh

Location: Sveti Štefan, Slovenia

Website: koza.si

This eco-farm run by a couple has the vision to transform into an eco-community, to create a simple model of sustainable living where the safety of every individual is taken care of from a social, economic and spiritual point of view. Located in the beautiful hills of Eastern, Slovenia since 2012.

Hiša Virstan

Location: Podcetrtek, Slovenia

Hiša Virstan is a holistic living center and “eco-hamlet” striving to live a simple life in alignment with traditions in Slovenia as well as the best of ecological practices.

Glamping Camp Rinčica

Location: Rinčica, Slovenia

A delightful glamping and farm operation outside a traditional village within a peaceful river valley in Southeastern Slovenia. Explore what makes this eco-business unique as a model for a responsible economic model for the region.

Abitanti Village

Location: Slovene Istria

Website: N/A

Abitanti is a traditional village of Slovene Istria, home to a charming vineyard and wine cellar practicing the same methods as they have for centuries. We’ll reach this remote village on foot, taking in time to imagine the slow way of life that’s been lived in this valley since time immemorial. Learn how the next generation of farmers is carrying on the traditions of the past. 

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Itinerary

Get a taste for what awaits you on the tour. Itinerary subject to updates.

Overview

Just under 8,000 square miles, Slovenia boasts one of the most biodiverse and forested landscapes in Europe (with 60% blanketed in lush forest). The dramatic scenery includes a bit of everything - the Mediterranean on the South-West coast, plains at the North-East, awe-inspiring Julian Alps across the North-West, and rolling hills for the rest of it. Having stood at the cultural crossroads of history for centuries, Slovenia houses a rich architectural heritage and delicious cuisine (including 40 distinct regional cuisines).

Over 9 days we’ll journey through much of Slovenia’s diversity, focusing on its many intentional communities and ecovillages.

Day 1: Settle In

Our tour will begin in the city of Koper, Slovenia on the tour start date. Please plan your arrival in Koper to be before 4pm local time, so we have enough time to pick you up for the 30 min drive to our tour’s base at Sunny Hills of Istria. The first day will be spent settling into Sunny Hills with a farm-to-table dinner and cultural program in the evening. 

Day 2: Tour Sunny Hills of Istria

Take the day to relax and get to know where you have landed! Enjoy a tour of the Sunny Hills of Istria project, help out in the gardens, try your hand at goat milking, and learn about ecovillages in our evening presentation.

Day 3: Stroll Through Rural Villages

Today we will venture further afield on foot. Get ready for a longer hike through the countryside, visiting two scenic villages with wine cellars and tasty local snacks. We’ll wrap up the day in a legendary truffle restaurant.

Day 4: Explore the Istrian Peninsula

Istria is the largest peninsula within the Adriatic Sea, and the Slovenia portion of it holds many gems. Today we’ll drive to inspiring Istrian community projects, visit traditional salt fields, and relax in the afternoon on the beach, enjoy an evening walk in the town of Piran, and have fish dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Overnight Adventure Begins

Leaving our base at Sunny Hills, we’ll get to know other regions of Slovenia, including its alpine regions, rolling hills of the south east, and of course the Soča River Valley, with its azure blue waters. We’ll visit two community eco-projects in the mountains with an optional hike to a stunning waterfall.

Day 6: Discover Pachamama Center

Known for its natural buildings and transformative retreats, we’ll spend the day exploring Pachamama Center in the easternmost region of Slovenia. Try your hand at eco-soap making, turning wooden bowls, and building with clay. 

Day 7: Visiting Mokri Potok

Our next day will focus on a visit to Mokri Potok, a growing ecovillage with several families who have built their own homes. Enjoy lunch with the families before heading off for our last overnight away from Sunny Hills, staying at an ecological glamping center. 

Day 8: Relax at Sunny Hills and the Sea

Our final full day of the tour will be spent back at Sunny Hills where our journey began. We’ll enjoy the morning on a wild beach with a group reflection and celebrate our last evening with a farm-to-table meal lovingly prepared by friends at Sunny Hills.

Day 9: Wrap Up!

Time to pack up, say our farewells, get in one last garden stroll, and view the Adriatic Sea the final time before being dropped off back at the city of Koper.  

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Trip Details

Explore detailed trip information to prepare for your adventure.

Included

  • All ground transportation from tour start and end point

  • All lodging in shared rooms (Private surcharge for single room upgrade)

  • All meals, except when you choose to eat separately or purchase extra drinks

  • All entrance and tour fees

Not Included

  • Transportation to/from country

  • Insurance of any kind

  • Alcoholic beverages (outside of wine cellar visits)

  • Optional gratuities to guides

  • Laundry fees and items of a personal nature

Pick Up & Drop Off

Pick Up

We will pick you up in the city of Koper, Slovenia on the tour start date.  Please plan your arrival in Koper to be before 4pm local time. Inform us of your arrival time in advance and we’ll coordinate a pick up time in the city based on the arrival of other participants. Koper is about 30 min drive from our tour’s base at Sunny Hills of Istria.

If needed, pick up in Trieste, Italy is available for €30 (to be paid in cash at the time of pick up). Pick up in Koper is included in the tour price. 


Koper is about a 30 min drive from where our tour will be based Sunny Hill (or Soncni Grici in Slovene).

Drop Off

Our formal programming will end shortly after breakfast on the last day of the tour. You can plan your departure anytime that day. We’ll bring you back to Koper at whatever time you need. Drop off in Trieste, Italy is available for €30 (to be paid in cash at the time of pick up). Drop off in Koper is included in the tour price. 

Extending Your Stay
You can extend your stay at Sunny Hill for a day or two at either end of the trip if it is more convenient for travel or if you’d like more time to relax and explore Slovenia on your own. Please notify us in advance if you’d like to extend your stay. The rate will be €80 for a shared room / €100 for a private room per extra day. Rate includes meals.

Please be in touch with any questions regarding your travel planning. We’re happy to help!

Flights

You are responsible for booking your own flight, which we recommend you book as far in advance as possible to get the best price. 

Keep us informed about your flight and we can recommend to you the best and most convenient way to reach Koper, Slovenia from your destination airport.

The closest airports to Koper are:

  • Ljubljana - This is a good option if you’d like to experience the capital city of Slovenia (not included in the tour itinerary). The best transport from Ljubljana to Koper is either by bus, train, or by prevoz.org, local car-sharing that is safe and affordable.

  • Zagreb - The airport in the capital of Croatia is aiming to be a local hub and sometimes you can get the cheapest and most convenient flight to Zagreb. From Zagreb, there are regular bus and train connections to Ljubljana and from there you can easily get to Koper. You can take a bus from Zagreb to Buzet in Croatia and we can offer you a ride from there to Sunny Hill for 10 dollars.

  • Venice - Often the cheapest option and also nice to visit if you haven’t already. From Venice, you can take the airport shuttle to the train and then a bus from Trieste to Koper. Prevoz is also an option all the way from Venice or we can pick up in Trieste for an additional fee of 15 dollars.

  • Trieste - This is the closest airport (less than 1-hour drive to Koper by bus or train) but flights can be more expensive. Buses run between Trieste and Koper every hour. We can pick you up in Trieste for an additional fee of 15 dollars.

  • It's worth checking a few other airports nearby in Italy, such as Milan, Bergamo, Padova, and Treviso for cheaper flights. Italian trains are fast and you can get from Milan to Trieste in about 5 hours. Also, carpooling and shuttle services connect all these airports with Slovenia.

Lodging

Lodging will be rustic and often in a beautiful rural setting. We ask you to be respectful and open to new experiences, such as using a composting toilet and sharing bathroom facilities. Some accommodations may have limited to no wifi, or wifi in only common areas. There will be no air conditioning.

Rooms will be shared with fellow travelers. If possible, couples can have their private double room. We will separate male and female rooms, unless your preferences are to stay together.

Private Room Upgrades 

Please note that while we offer the option to upgrade to a private room for accommodations, it's important to understand that this upgrade is not guaranteed. Given the nature and locations of our tours, many of the accommodations we utilize may be unable to provide private room upgrades. However, when available, we will make every effort to assign you to a private room. Please be aware that refunds for unfulfilled room upgrade requests are not provided, as this upgrade is subject to availability and the discretion of the accommodation providers. Your comfort and satisfaction are our priorities, and we strive to accommodate all requests to the best of our ability.

Meals

As much as possible our meals will be fresh, local and organic, with produce grown on-site. Most meals will be vegetarian. When eating out at restaurants, we will have a fixed menu with a few options of local specialties. One beverage is usually included with lunch and dinner. Extra dishes and drinks are on you. We can accommodate a range of dietary requirements, to a point, so please contact us to inform us about any food allergies and come prepared with your own specialty food or supplement needs. We will stop at grocery stores where you can purchase your own snacks.

Weather

June is typically warm and sunny, especially at the coast. Daytime temperatures typically range from 60°–85°F but could go up to 90°F. In the mountains, rainy afternoons are likely and evening temperatures can drop to 50°F and cooler, but days can be warm and even hot. Please be prepared with basic rain gear, sun protection, and a warm layer.

Packing

A full packing list will be provided after booking the tour. Laundry service will be available at some of our locations.

During day trips and overnights away from Sunny Hill, we ask that you only bring a day pack and one carry-on sized luggage due to limited space in our vehicle. Extra luggage can be stored at Sunny Hill while we are away.

Physical Requirements

This trip will include several day hikes and walks up hills and on uneven terrain. We will visit a few waterfalls and rivers with slippery footing. Some of our accommodations have narrow stairs and no elevators. You will be responsible to carry your luggage to and from your rooms, which will not always be paved surfaces. 

Please consider your physical fitness before registering for the tour.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Unfortunately, due the nature of the tour we cannot accommodate anyone with mobility requirements.

Traveling with Children

It is possible to bring children on this tour, however not all children and families may be suited to this adventure. Kindly contact us if you are thinking of bringing any children under the age of 12 years old.

This tour includes long periods of sitting for presentations, strenuous walking, uneven terrain, some long car rides, and moving among multiple locations for sleeping. Laundry services are limited. We want to encourage families to join, so long as they are prepared for these challenges. We look forward to speaking with you about if your family is a good fit for the opportunity.

If we decide that this tour is a fit for your family, please know that we have limited reduced rate tickets for children under 12 years of age. Parents or guardians assume full responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of their children throughout the tour.

Children 4-6 years old need a booster seat if they are under 1.5 meters tall. Please be sure to bring a car seat if your child needs one, or you may rent one at cost.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

A refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking to secure your space. Full payment is required 60 days before the departure date. 

At the time of booking you can choose to make your payment in full, just pay the deposit, or pay the deposit and make your remaining payments in three auto-payment installments.

Cancellation and Refunds

Your tour deposit is 100% refundable for 30 days from the date it is received unless noted otherwise. Deposits made 60–90 days before a tour departs become non-refundable on the final payment due date. If you book a tour less than 60 days before its departure date, the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after 7 days but may be creditable in the event of a medical or family emergency. Once your deposit refund date has passed, your deposit will not be refunded under any circumstance. Please read our Tour Conditions for more information.

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Reviews

Read authentic reviews to make informed decisions about your journey.

Are you looking at the itinerary and thinking, "This is too good to be true."? Well, I can assure you, it's all true and more! Nara will guide you on a magical journey through Slovenia showing you all his favorite places found over years of exploration. From the pastel-tinged coast to the awe-inspiring mountains and caves, you will experience the hidden gem of "sLOVEnia" not possible with any other tour. Whether your focus is on the inspiration of budding ecovillages, the diversity of natural beauty, or finding the finest food and wine locales, this trip will exceed your wildest dreams.

—Jess Moore

I had an amazing time on the tour!  It gave me an opportunity to experience things that I could have never done on my own. We were able to see so many sides of Slovenia and so many unique villages. The guides, my tourmates, and the people who opened up their ecovillages to us, were all so friendly and welcoming. It was more than I could have imagined, and I am so grateful to have been a part of this trip!

—Mallorie Sulaski

Best summer camp ever! A must see!! People, food and lodging were more than I could have hoped for in a travel experience like this!! Definitely will be back.

—Megan Zimmerman

The Ecovillage Tour in Slovenia in 2023 was a magical experience. Our hosts at our main base at Sunny Hill Community were magnificent, and our guides were excellent at sharing their knowledge and experiences. The group added to the great time I had. And Slovenia is truly a picturesque country, and we were welcomed by all of our project hosts in such a warm and open way. I could do nothing but recommend this tour!

—Kate Schummer

This was a one-of-a-kind experience. We were able to visit communities and see parts of Slovenia that would never be possible on a regular vacation. Our guides provided an incredible immersion into both Slovenia and ecovillage culture, and it really changed my perspective on how I want to travel and interact with the places I visit in the future. It was a moving experience with a wonderful group, and I am so glad that I took this trip. A thousand thanks for all the planning and preparation that went into creating it, and to the group for being so open-hearted.

—Whitney Purdum

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Meet Your Guide

Embark on your journey with confidence – get to know your experienced guide.

SLOVENIA GUIDE

Nara Petrovic

Nara has crisscrossed Slovenia many times and knows a thousand charming nooks of this vibrant land. He is a co-founder and resident of Sunny Hills of Istria community. When he’s not at Sunny Hill, he’s supporting sustainable projects around the world, visiting communities, teaching--and, of course, being a guide for Ecovillage Tours!

  • Nara speaks numerous languages and what’s more, he speaks the cultures of the whole rugged but flamboyant Balkan peninsula. When he brings you to his favorite places, he brings you to his friends, wholehearted and genuine.

    Nara is a bestselling author of several books in Slovene and the new English edition of Human: Instructions for Use. Despite having travelled around the world, he’s lived barefoot for over a decade and uses only chewing sticks to brush his teeth.

    He was instrumental in organizing a nationwide clean up movement in Slovenia and is active in the World Cleanup Day. He was a council member and research officer in ECOLISE, a European coalition of sustainability organizations. He supported CLIPS, the community learning incubator program for sustainability. You can learn more about Nara at narapetrovic.com.

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Is this tour right for me?

On the fence? Discover if this tour is meant for you.

Choosing to embark on an ecovillage tour is an investment in your journey into intentional community living. Thanks to years of relationship building with community founders, we’re able to give you an experience that’s simply not available to the regular traveler.

Still unsure?

Explore if this tour is right for you…

This tour ideal for those who want to:

Join intentional communities: Engage directly in projects that focus on environmental and social regeneration, creating vibrant, sustainable spaces for communal living.

Explore sustainable living: Dive into the world of ecovillages as a lifestyle choice, integrating principles of ecological balance and community harmony into your daily life.

Network with regeneration leaders: Forge deep connections with key figures in the regenerative movement, gaining inspiration and momentum to advance your life's purpose.

Get a true eco-vacation: Embark on adventure travels that support ecovillages, choosing experiences that contribute positively to the planet and align with your values.

Learn from successful projects: Observe and study the approaches of others, applying their strategies and innovations to develop your own land or community initiative effectively.

Why choose this tour?

Knowledgeable guides: Led by experts in ecovillages and intentional communities.

Authentic experience: We partner with local communities for a genuine and unfiltered experience.

All-inclusive: From eco-friendly lodging to local cuisine, we've got you covered.

Small group size: We limit the number of participants to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.

Hassle free travel: We cover all the logistics, so you can get the most out of the experience.

What’s the alternative?

You could try visiting intentional communities on your own, except that…

  • Many communities are not open to the public and, if they are, the founders will not give you their undivided attention as a just normal passer-through.

  • Figuring out the logistics of getting yourself around the country is a headache and you’ll have no immediate support if something goes awry.

  • Traveling alone isn’t as nourishing or nearly as fun journeying with a small group in an intentionally held container for connection.

  • It’ll take years of relationship building and financial investment to even come close to the experience that Ecovillage Tours is able to offer… because we’ve done all that work for you already!

Still have questions?

We are happy to help! Sign up below to book a discovery call with one of our team members.

Ready to go?

The communities are excited to welcome you.

Let your adventure begin.