December 2023

How about a gift for yourself?

Treat yourself to an experience in the Paradise Valley

The magical lead-up to Christmas and the New Year is traditionally characterized by the spirit of giving and sharing. Year in and year out, we make sure to get our loved ones something special. However, do we ever consider a gift for ourselves? What’s the one wish that would evoke that wonderful sense of having treated yourself? A holiday perhaps? A journey to a place you’ve never been before? Perhaps some type of experience that makes you feel alive? The Vipava Valley and Goriška offer a cornucopia of opportunities for an active time-out in a paradise-like setting to unwind in the slow pace of rural life, or savour unforgettable culinary delights. Passionate about preserving the region’s traditional landscape and the ancient customs related to food and wine, the locals will make you feel genuinely welcome. Treat yourself to a meaningful experience. The Paradise Valley is real.

A must-do experience

Have you ever daydreamed about travelling back in time and being the lord or lady of a medieval castle? Or perhaps about spending a few days being one with nature, making your own cheese from locally produced milk? How about soaring across the sky and, once you’re back on earth, trying some wine from the exact vineyards you just flew over? This and much more is available as part of the "must do" experiences in the Paradise Valley. Local guides have hand-picked the most fascinating stories and exciting locations from which to take you to explore the rich heritage of the area and experience thrilling activities in pristine nature. Whether you prefer to take it slow or love a proper adrenaline rush, whether you’re curious about history or culinary traditions, our website abounds with a variety of suggestions. If you’re a more independent spirit, you can put together your own set of experiences as you browse through the offering of outdoor activities, culinary explorations or tales from our cultural heritage. Accommodation is also very varied. Located in a scenic outdoor setting, campsites and glamping sites invite you to be re-inspired, the rooms and apartments peppered around the picturesque countryside beckon with their coziness, and urban centres abound with neat and friendly hotels.

Local traditions are charmingly different

If you decide to visit the Vipava Valley and Goriška during this upcoming festive season, don't miss out on the places displaying nativity scenes. In recent decades, the beautiful Christian tradition of depicting biblical stories has spilled from the churches and the intimacy of homes onto the streets. Today, there are several places in the valley inviting visitors to experience the story of the birth of Jesus through the nativity scenes set up in front of houses, on window sills, and in designated exhibitions. Imaginative crèches are set up against the backdrop of festive lights in the ancient alleys of the medieval Vipavski Križ, among the many bridges in Vipava and smack-dab in the middle of the village of Tabor above Dornberk. The crèche exhibitions in Sveta Gora and Vipavski Križ make for a distinctive Christmas spectacle.

However, brilliance and creativity extend beyond the biblical scenes marking the transition from the old year to the new, bleeding into local traditions and longstanding events as living expressions of local culture throughout the year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most of the traditions and events include wine, food, as well as farming-related customs. The region’s wine and food festivals are typically hosted against the backdrop of historic landmarks. Might you consider planning your visit to the Paradise Valley just in time for one of these events?

Bike & Taste in the Paradise Valley

Looking for opportunities for a one of-a-kind getaway? The unique configuration of natural features and cultural characteristics makes the Vipava Valley and Goriška Region ideal places for an extraordinary mix of activities and astounding experiences. Among these is the Bike & Taste in the Paradise Valley, an invitation to a cycling tour from one culinary experience to the next – from taste to taste. The Vipava Valley is celebrated as a unique wine country with many wine highlights and a culinary offering rooted in tradition. At the same time, the area is nothing short of perfect for a plethora of outdoor activities. Hit the pedals and discover heavenly flavours while indulging in wine tastings at local cellars and savouring authentic cuisine! Owing to its mild climate, cycling is a year-round pursuit in the Vipava Valley. And if you’re not really into cycling, you can easily transform your excursion into a Hike & Taste adventure. The wine-growing hills abound with easy hiking trails that wind through the old villages and past delightful agritourism farms. Of course, you can also embark on your flavour tour by car. In this case, we recommend that you also make arrangements for a safe ride back when booking your wine tasting. Relish the heavenly flavours!

A thrilling New Year

May 2024 be filled with travels and may all your wishes come true.

From the heart of the Paradise Valley, Happy Holidays!