Wild Slovenia: Brown Bear Photography Tour

Get your camera ready for a unique journey across Slovenia to develop your wildlife photography skills and discover the natural and architectural wonders of this beautiful country. This group tour is created especially for you to discover the best tricks of the camera as well as encounter different native bears, absorb incredible landscapes and uncover the charm, cultures and history of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana.

Following your explorations of Ljubljana’s quaint old towns and wandering the scenic streets either by bike or foot, you’ll be transferred to the southern Dinaric Alps ready for your photography experience to begin. After your briefing on the important bear-watching information, you’ll go on to spend two days hopping between purpose-built hides to try and get that perfect snapshot. We've arranged this tour to be timed for you to hopefully capture pictures of mother bears with their cubs.

With Slovenianbears, you’re in the best place in Central Europe to enjoy some bear-friendly wildlife spotting - all the while staying in a tranquil retreat framed by pristine forests and located a few kilometres from the hides.

Along the way, you’ll be joined by our Travel Specialist and keen, expert photographer, Jonathan Moffat, who's excited to pass on his wealth of photography knowledge. If you don't have a camera, don't worry. Photography equipment is provided throughout.

"For those looking to kick start a passion for photography and just learn how things work, my role is to help teach you about your camera and how best to use it. For those a little more advanced, I'll be on hand to help you think about composition to push your skills further and hopefully unlock the next chapter of your photographic journey." – Jonathan Moffat, Europe Travel Specialist

*Please note: The wildlife can be very cautious around people, so patience is essential; you’ll spend up to five hours at a time in the hides, which have no toilet facilities. A comprehensive briefing on hide conduct will be provided on your first night. The landscapes we visit can be rocky and uneven, with some hides accessible only by ladder, requiring a reasonable level of fitness. The itinerary order may change based on local conditions.

This exceptional experience is perfect for those wanting to be closer to nature and explore more of the country with the possibility of extending the trip to more picturesque destinations in Slovenia like Bled. Speak to our Travel Specialists today to begin planning this extraordinary adventure.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

FLY TO LJUBLJANA

On arrival in Ljubljana, you’ll be transferred to The Best Western Premier Slon, where you’ll stay overnight. Relax and unwind after your journey, and spend your free time exploring and wandering the streets of the compact city of Ljubljana. Later in the day, you’ll meet with our Travel Expert, Jonathan, who’ll be your tour guide.

Accommodation

Best Western Premier Hotel Slon

• Hotel Description

DAY 2

LJUBLJANA TO LOSKA DOLINA

Enjoy a delicious breakfast this morning before exploring more of the charming old towns, culture-rich museums and striking architecture of Ljubljana. As the mid-afternoon approaches, you’ll be transferred to the southern Dinaric Alps (which will take around one hour), ready to check in to your hotel. Then in the evening, savour a traditional Slovenian dinner. Our local guide together with Jonathan will provide an overview of the upcoming activities and share important hide etiquette for bear-watching photography. (B,D)

DAY 3

SLOVENIANBEARS

Spend the afternoon engaged in brown bear photography sessions from the purpose-built hides. Some hides are just a few kilometres from the guesthouse, while others are slightly further away. Each hide offers unique settings, allowing you to capture pictures of different bears and picturesque landscapes, ensuring a variety of photographic opportunities. (B,L,D)

DAY 4

SLOVENIANBEARS

Continue your photography sessions in various hides across the forests of the Notranjska Region. The settings include Dinaric Karst Forest, a spruce forest with moss-covered rocks, overgrown grass with pine trees and junipers, and forest clearings. Each location is carefully selected to provide diverse and stunning backdrops for your bear photography. (B,L,D)

DAY 5

FLY TO THE UK

This morning, enjoy some free time before a mid-afternoon transfer to Ljubljana ready for your flight back to the UK. (B,L)