Slovenia
Bereavement HIking retreat
May 30- June 4, 2027
AWC Grief Support and Cedar Path Expeditions Collaboration
Join us for a bereavement-centred hiking retreat in Slovenia.
This unique retreat brings together the expertise of grief therapists and an professional hiking guide to create a supportive and meaningful experience for adults who have experienced the death of someone important to them. Through guided hikes, reflective practices, and connecting with others who have experienced a death, participants are invited to explore how grief can be integrated into their lives—not as something to overcome or leave behind, but as an experience that becomes woven into their ongoing story..
Set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Slovenia, this retreat draws on the wisdom and restorative qualities of the natural world. As we walk through forests, mountains, rivers, and changing terrain, we are reminded that change, loss, growth, and renewal are all part of life. Nature offers opportunities for reflection, perspective, and presence.
Within a compassionate and supportive community, participants will have space to honour their grief, share their experiences if they wish, and explore what it means to live alongside loss while remaining connected to what matters most.
Who is this retreat for:
This retreat is for adults (18+) who:
Have experienced the death of someone important to them
Find comfort, meaning, or enjoyment in spending time in nature
Appreciate being alongside others who understand bereavement
Value travel, exploration, and new experiences
Are seeking opportunities for reflection, connection, and personal growth following a death
What you may gain or find value in:
Learning practical strategies for living alongside grief
Participating in rituals of on-going connection with the person who died
Connecting with others who have experienced the death of someone important to them
Spending meaningful time in nature
Creating space for reflection, remembrance, and self-compassion
Discovering renewed confidence in carrying grief as part of your ongoing journey
This isn't about moving past your grief—it’s about finding the space to live with it. Surrounded by Slovenia’s natural beauty, you’ll walk alongside skilled therapists, experienced guides, and a community that truly understands. You will discover gentle ways to carry your grief with more awareness and compassion, while maintaining a strong connection with your person who died.
Itinerary
Slovenia Bereavement-Centred Hiking Retreat
May 30 - June 4, 2027
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We will meet in the evening in Ljubljana, Slovenia for orientation and dinner together. Accommodation is on your own tonight.
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After a morning in the capitol city, we will shuttle together to the Soca River region of Slovenia, making our way to the Guesthouse in the mountain town of Koseč. The evening will be spent settling in, enjoying the sauna and welcoming you into the retreat.
Rooms will be private wth shared bathrooms and living spaces. Please let us know if you are traveling with someone and would like to share with them.
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The next 3 days will spent hiking, exploring the mountains, dining on fresh farm foods from the region, exploring guided ceremonies for grief integration, relaxing in the sauna, and sharing each others company and the stunning environment.
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Today we will travel back to the beautiful capitol and enjoy a final dinner together. Hotel included. Please book travel for the following day.
Taking the Next Step
Spaces for this retreat are limited to ensure an intimate, supportive environment. To help us understand your needs and ensure this experience is a good fit for you, please take a few moments to complete our interest survey below.
Application Window: Open now
Invitations Extended: September & October 2026
We read every response with the utmost care and confidentiality.
Trip FAQ
How do I get there?
Arrival- May 30th This evening we will meet in Ljubljana, the capitol of Slovenia. Meeting location TBD. Ljubljana is a beautiful European city with many sites to see. It is walking friendly and safe. We recommend coming early to explore.
NOTE- Hotel is not included this night. Dinner is included.
Departure- Our last night together is in Ljubljana on June 4. Book your flight out of Ljubljana on June 5 or later.
NOTE- Hotel and dinner on June 4 are included.
There are taxis available to/from the airport.
What is the cancellation policy?
There is a $200 booking fee that is non-refundable.
For the May 30, 2027 retreat:
Before Feb 28, 2027- 100% refundable (minus the booking fee)
March 1, 2027 until March 29- 50% refundable (minus the booking fee)
Two months prior, March 30, 2027- not refundable.
What kind of grief programming and support will be provided?
Throughout the retreat, our two experienced grief therapists will facilitate gentle, intentional group circles, reflective exercises, and conversations designed to help you explore your grief in connection with others. The programming is woven naturally into the rhythm of our days, using the landscape of Slovenia to help ground the work we do.
What happens if I have an emotionally overwhelming moment during this experience?
Nature has a way of opening things up, and waves of grief are completely natural and welcome. Our therapists and guides walk with you. If you need to slow down, step aside for a private moment, or need immediate emotional grounding, someone will always be there to support you. You will never have to navigate a heavy moment alone on the trail.
Is this retreat a replacement for one-on-one therapy?
While our facilitators are licensed therapists, this retreat is designed as a therapeutic group experience and community building initiative rather than clinical, one-on-one therapy. It serves as a complement to individual therapy, offering a unique space to connect with others who truly understand the physical and emotional weight of grief.
Can I bring my phone & tech devices?
We highly recommend you disconnect from your devices as much as possible while on retreat.
If you need to connect with someone, we ask you do so in private spaces and not in the group setting.
How difficult is the hiking?
There are a variety of trails in the area but you should be comfortable hiking for 3-5 hours at a time and gaining up to 2000 ft elevation with a light day pack.
Do I need a Visa to enter Slovenia.
No. USA and Canadian citizens do not need a Visa to enter Slovenia. If you travel through the UK, you will need to purchase a ETA online. Even for airport transfers.
Do I need travel medical insurance?
Yes. You will need to purchase travel insurance that includes sports and/or hiking and back country travel for the expedition. We recommend our umbrella company Finisterra Travel for your insurance quote and easy purchasing. We require proof of medical travel insurance for all of our expeditions.
What can I expect for weather?
June: June is an ideal time to visit the Soča Valley in Slovenia. You'll experience spectacular alpine landscapes, rushing waterfalls, and blooming wildflowers while avoiding the peak crowds of July and August.
What is the accommodation like?
We will be staying at a beautiful ‘Tourist Farm’ house at the base of the mountains in a small village called Kosec, one km away from the more well known town of Dreznica. Tourist farms (turistične kmetije) offer one of the most authentic, sustainable, and memorable ways to experience Slovenia’s countryside. These family run properties combine local accommodations with home-cooked culinary traditions, livestock interactions, and direct access to outdoor activities.
Everyone will have a private bedroom with shared bathrooms, living spaces and outdoor spaces such as a sun terrace and sauna. We have the farm to ourselves.
Please let us know if you are traveling with someone and want to share a bedroom.
What is the food like?
Abundant breakfasts could include fresh cow's or goat's milk, farm-fresh eggs, homemade jams, cottage cheese, and traditional dark spelt bread.
Hearty Dinners are multi-course affairs that never leave you hungry. They generally start with a warm, comforting soup, followed by roasted or cured meats (like prosciutto, pork, or deer), and an array of seasonal vegetable side dishes to accommodate vegetarians.
There are many homemade drinks in the region. Meals are traditionally accompanied by house-made wines, ciders, fresh orchard juices, and local herbal schnapps (like blueberry or honey brandy).
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
To a certain degree, yes. Let us know about your dietary restrictions and we will make sure the Farm can accommodate you.
What should I pack?
Bring clothing for town, hiking, comfortable outfits for relaxing at the farm, and a bathing suit. Please pack small and light. Bring a day pack for hiking to carry layers and water. Packing list will be available closer to the retreat date.
Is this area safe; how do we deal with emergencies on the trip?
Yes, this area is safe to hike and travel in.
We carry backcountry emergency devices and have access to local support.