Culture, Connection & Adventure

June 10–20, 2027 | 11 Days | 8–12 Travelers

Early Bird: $4,500 per person
through October 31, 2026
$4,895 regular price | $500 deposit
Double occupancy; single rooms available for an additional cost.

Experience Slovenia through its alpine mountains, emerald rivers, villages, food traditions and Adriatic coastline.

More than a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to experience Slovenia through the people who call it home. Together we'll hike spectacular landscapes, share meals with local families and artisans, learn centuries-old traditions, and discover how Slovenia's history, culture, and connection to the land continue to shape everyday life.

Along the way, there will be time for adventure, conversation and simply enjoying this beautiful corner of Europe together.

THE JOURNEY
Ljubljana → Velika Planina → Lake Bled & Bohinj → Soča Valley → Piran → Trieste

Trip Highlights

• Food, markets & cafés in Ljubljana

• Alpine shepherd traditions at Velika Planina

• Hiking & paddling at Bled and Bohinj

• Adventure in the emerald Soča Valley

• Meals with local farmers & producers

• Slovenia's Adriatic coast & Trieste

Itinerary Highlights by Region

LJUBLJANA | Days 1–2

Food, culture, and the rhythms of everyday life

Begin our journey in Slovenia's welcoming capital as we explore its vibrant food, history, architecture, and café culture.

• Wander Ljubljana's Old Town and riverside neighborhoods

• Browse the Central Market

• Visit Ljubljana Castle

• Join a local guide for a food and culture experience

• Sample regional cuisine and Slovenian wines

• Meet local people who are passionate about sharing their country's traditions

• Optional morning yoga overlooking the city

VELIKA PLANINA | Day 3

Shepherd traditions in the Slovenian Alps

Ride a cable car into the mountains to one of Europe's last traditional shepherd settlements and experience a way of life deeply connected to the alpine landscape.

• Explore the traditional shepherd village

• Learn how families have lived and worked on these mountain pastures for generations

• Sample locally produced cheeses

• Enjoy a picnic in the alpine meadows

• Learn about Slovenia's enduring relationship with its mountains and agricultural traditions

LAKE BLED & LAKE BOHINJ | Days 4–5

Mountains, water, adventure, and tradition

Experience two of Slovenia's iconic alpine lakes while combining outdoor adventure with the stories and traditions of the people who live here.

• Cross Lake Bled in a traditional pletna boat

• Visit Bled Castle

• Explore Lake Bohinj and Triglav National Park

• Hike to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints

• Swim or paddleboard in crystal-clear alpine waters

• Spend time with local guides, artisans, and producers

SOČA VALLEY | Days 6–7

Adventure, history, and local hospitality

Travel into Slovenia's spectacular emerald river valley for two days that blend outdoor adventure with food, farming, history, and community.

• Choose from whitewater rafting, kayaking, or hiking

• Visit family farms and local producers

• Enjoy farm-to-table meals

• Sample regional cheeses and other specialties

• Learn how generations of families have lived in relationship with this landscape

• Depending on local availability, meet artisans preserving traditional Slovenian crafts

PIRAN & THE ADRIATIC COAST | Day 8

A taste of Mediterranean Slovenia

Travel to Slovenia's Adriatic coast, where Venetian architecture, olive groves, seafood, and seaside traditions reveal another side of the country.

• Wander Piran's colorful streets and waterfront

• Enjoy fresh local seafood

• Learn about regional olive oil or winemaking traditions

• Swim in the Adriatic

• Experience the relaxed rhythm of Slovenia's Mediterranean coast

TRIESTE, ITALY | Days 9–10

Where Central Europe meets the Mediterranean

Cross the nearby border into Italy to explore Trieste, a historic port city shaped by Italian, Slovenian, Austrian, and Mediterranean influences.

• Explore Trieste's elegant piazzas and waterfront

• Visit historic cafés

• Tour Miramare Castle

• Discover the city's multicultural history

• Enjoy time to wander, shop, or relax

• Gather for a farewell dinner celebrating the friendships, conversations, and experiences we've shared

DAY 11 | DEPARTURE

After breakfast, airport transfers are included for departures from either Trieste or Ljubljana.

Included

• Small-group experience with 8–12 travelers

• Two full-time trip leaders: Heather Miller of Acacia Tree Travels and Rebecca Lindberg, Educational Consultant

• All accommodations

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the journey

• Transportation throughout the trip

• Airport transfers on designated arrival and departure days

• Cultural experiences with local guides, artisans, farmers, and families

• Regional food, wine, cheese, and agricultural experiences

• Listed tours and entrance fees

• Hiking, paddling, and outdoor adventures

• Yoga experiences led by local instructors

• Mindful eating and reflection experiences with Rebecca

• Pre- and post-trip learning and connection opportunities

Not Included

• International airfare

• Travel and health insurance

• Passport expenses

• Airline baggage fees

• Personal phone expenses

• Personal items and souvenirs

• Additional snacks and beverages not included with meals

• Optional activities or trip extensions

International airfare is not included. Travelers should wait to purchase flights until Acacia Tree Travels provides recommended arrival and departure information.

October 31–November 14, 2027 | 15 Days | 8–12 Travelers

Early Bird: $6,600 per person
through October 31, 2026
$6,995 regular price | $500 deposit
Double occupancy; single rooms available for an additional cost.

Experience South Africa and Lesotho through their landscapes, history, food, wildlife and the people who call this region home.

From Cape Town's dramatic coastline and the history of Soweto to a Big Five safari in Madikwe and the mountain communities of Lesotho, this journey brings together very different parts of southern Africa.

We'll explore with local guides, share meals, spend time learning about South Africa's past and present, experience extraordinary wildlife, and finish among the mountains and villages of Lesotho. There will also be room for adventure, conversation and time to simply enjoy where we are.

THE JOURNEY
Cape Town → Johannesburg & Soweto → Madikwe Game Reserve → Lesotho

Trip Highlights

• Cape Town's coastline, food & neighborhoods

• Robben Island and South Africa's history

• Soweto by bike or tuk-tuk

• Big Five safari in Madikwe

• Mountain life & Basotho culture in Lesotho

• Hiking, village visits & local connections

Itinerary Highlights by Region

CAPE TOWN | Days 1–5

Coast, food, history and everyday life

Begin in Cape Town, where mountains meet the ocean and South Africa's history, cultures and communities come together in one remarkable city.

• Visit Robben Island

• Hike or take the cableway up Table Mountain

• Explore District Six and its history

• Travel along the coast to the Cape of Good Hope

• Experience Cape Town through a local food tour

• Spend time exploring neighborhoods, markets and the waterfront

JOHANNESBURG & SOWETO | Days 6–7

History, resistance and a changing South Africa

Travel to Johannesburg and Soweto to learn more about apartheid, the people who resisted it, and the ways that history continues to shape South Africa today.

• Explore Johannesburg with a local guide

• Visit the Apartheid Museum

• Experience Soweto by bike or tuk-tuk

• Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial

• Spend time learning from local guides about the area's history and present-day life

MADIKWE GAME RESERVE | Days 8–10

Wildlife and the African bush

Spend three days in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, slowing down and experiencing one of South Africa's remarkable wildlife regions.

• Head out on multiple Big Five game drives

• Experience the landscapes and wildlife of Madikwe

• Spend time in a nearby community

• Enjoy time between game drives to rest and take in the surroundings

LESOTHO | Days 11–13

Mountains, community and Basotho culture

Cross into Lesotho, the mountain kingdom surrounded entirely by South Africa. Based at Malealea Lodge, we'll explore the surrounding mountains and spend time learning about Basotho life, culture and community.

• Stay at Malealea Lodge in the mountains

• Explore on village walks and hikes

• Optional horseback riding

• Experience local music and dance

• Learn about the work of the Malealea Development Trust

• Share a final meal together before beginning the journey home

DAY 14–15 | RETURN TO JOHANNESBURG & DEPARTURE

Travel from Lesotho back toward Johannesburg for the journey home. Final transportation and airport-transfer timing will be arranged around recommended flight schedules.

Included

• Small-group experience with 8–12 travelers

• Two full-time trip leaders: Heather Miller of Acacia Tree Travels and Rebecca Lindberg

• All accommodations

• Daily breakfast and most lunches and dinners

• All in-country transportation, including regional flights

• Airport transfers on designated arrival and departure days

• Listed tours and entrance fees

• Big Five safari and game drives

• Experiences with local guides and community partners

• Gratuities for included activities

• Pre-trip opportunities to connect and prepare for the journey

Not Included

• International airfare

• Travel and health insurance

• Passport or visa expenses

• Airline baggage fees

• Meals not included in the itinerary

• Personal phone expenses

• Personal items and souvenirs

• Additional snacks and beverages

• Optional activities, add-ons or trip extensions

International airfare is not included. Travelers should wait to purchase flights until Acacia Tree Travels provides recommended arrival and departure information.

Category: Small Group Cultural Journey

Trip Dates: April 4–11, 2027
Arrive in Guatemala City on April 4 for group transportation to San Lucas Tolimán. The trip concludes with departures from Guatemala City on April 11.

Group Size: 8–12 travelers

Spots Available: 12

Trip Price: $2,195 per person, based on double occupancy
Early Bird Pricing through October 31, 2026

Regular Price: $2,495 per person, based on double occupancy

Single rooms may be available for an additional cost.

Deposit: $500 per person

A $500 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot and is applied directly toward the total cost of your trip.

Experience Guatemala through the people, traditions, history, and communities that continue to shape life today.

Our journey begins in San Lucas Tolimán, a predominantly Maya community on the shores of Lake Atitlán. Staying for five nights gives us the opportunity to settle in, build relationships, and experience the community beyond a brief visit. Through shared meals, hands-on experiences, community visits, and time together, we'll learn about Maya culture, everyday life, and the community-led programs that have grown here over generations.

From San Lucas, we'll travel to Antigua, where colorful streets, historic architecture, markets, food, and surrounding volcanoes offer another perspective on Guatemala's complex history and vibrant present.

Travelers who want to continue exploring can add an optional two-night extension to Tikal and Guatemala's ancient Maya world.

Highlights

San Lucas Tolimán • Lake Atitlán • Antigua • Optional Tikal Extension

Included

• Small-group experience with 8–12 travelers

• Trip leader: Heather Miller

• 5 nights at the San Lucas Mission

• 2 nights in Antigua

• All meals in San Lucas and Antigua

• Transportation throughout the trip

• Group airport transfers on designated arrival and departure days

• Cultural and community experiences in San Lucas Tolimán

• Lake Atitlán boat excursion

• Local guides and community educators

• Antigua activities and tours

• Listed tours and entrance fees

• Pre-trip learning and connection opportunities

Not Included

• International airfare

• Optional Tikal extension

• Travel and health insurance

• Passport expenses

• Airline baggage fees

• Personal phone expenses

• Personal items and souvenirs

• Additional snacks and beverages not included with meals

• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

SAN LUCAS TOLIMÁN | April 4–9 | 5 Nights

Living, learning, and participating in community

Our journey begins on the shores of Lake Atitlán in San Lucas Tolimán. Five nights here gives us something increasingly rare in travel: time. Rather than passing through as tourists, we'll have the opportunity to get to know the community and learn from the people and organizations who live and work here.

Our days will combine community experiences, hands-on learning, exploration, shared meals, and time for conversation and reflection.

Experiences may include:

• Stay and share meals at the San Lucas Mission

• Learn about the history of San Lucas Tolimán and the Mission's long relationship with the community

• Visit community-led programs focused on education, healthcare, housing, agriculture, and economic opportunity

• Spend time at the Women's Center learning about traditional weaving, sewing, cooking, and programs supporting local women

• Learn to make tortillas and prepare traditional Guatemalan foods

• Visit the Mission's coffee program to learn how coffee is grown, harvested, processed, and connected to local farming families

• Depending on seasonal needs, participate alongside community members in a hands-on project such as housing construction or preparing food supplies

• Take a boat journey across Lake Atitlán and experience other communities and perspectives around the lake

• Learn about contemporary Maya culture, traditions, and everyday life

• Explore local markets, neighborhoods, and the surrounding landscape

• Time to slow down, talk, reflect, and simply experience being part of the community

Specific community activities will be determined in partnership with the San Lucas Mission based on current programs, seasonal opportunities, and the needs and priorities of the community at the time of our visit.

ANTIGUA | April 9–11 | 2 Nights

History, culture, and the layers of Guatemala

Travel to Antigua, Guatemala's historic former capital, where cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, markets, churches, food, and surrounding volcanoes offer another window into the country's history and culture.

We'll arrive with time to begin exploring before spending a full day experiencing the city.

• Explore Antigua with a local guide

• Visit historic churches, plazas, and neighborhoods

• Experience local markets, food, and everyday life

• Learn about Guatemala's colonial history and its continued influence today

• Participate in a local food, chocolate, coffee, or cooking experience

• Enjoy time to wander, shop, eat, and explore independently

• Gather for a farewell dinner and reflection on our journey together

APRIL 11 | DEPARTURE

Group transportation from Antigua to Guatemala City for international flights home.

International airfare is not included. Travelers should wait to purchase flights until Acacia Tree Travels provides recommended arrival and departure information.

OPTIONAL TIKAL EXTENSION | April 11–13 | 2 Nights

Ancient Maya history in the heart of the rainforest

Continue the journey with two nights in Guatemala's Petén region and a full day exploring Tikal, one of the most significant ancient Maya cities in the world.

After spending time learning about contemporary Maya life and traditions in San Lucas Tolimán, we'll travel north to explore Guatemala's ancient Maya history and consider the connections between Guatemala's past and present.

April 11 | Antigua → Flores
Travel from Antigua to Guatemala City and fly to Flores. Settle into our accommodations and enjoy time to explore the colorful island town of Flores before dinner together.

April 12 | Tikal National Park
Spend a full day exploring Tikal with a knowledgeable local guide. Walk through the rainforest among ancient temples and plazas while learning about Maya history, architecture, science, daily life, and the remarkable civilization that built this city.

April 13 | Flores → Guatemala City → Home
Fly from Flores to Guatemala City for connecting international flights home.

Tikal Extension Includes

OPTIONAL TIKAL EXTENSION | April 11– 13

Ancient Maya history in the heart of the rainforest

Travelers who want to continue exploring Guatemala can add an optional extension to Tikal, one of the most significant ancient Maya cities in the world.

After spending time learning about contemporary Maya life in San Lucas Tolimán, Tikal offers an opportunity to explore Guatemala's ancient Maya history and consider the connections between past and present.

• Round-trip flights between Guatemala City and Flores

• Two nights in the Petén region

• Guided exploration of Tikal National Park

• Explore ancient temples, plazas, and archaeological sites

• Learn about Maya history, architecture, science, and society

• Experience the rainforest surrounding Tikal

Tikal Extension Price: $850 per person for double occupancy. additional cost for single supplement.

The Tikal extension is optional and is not included in the core Guatemala trip price.