ENCHANTED SUMMERLake Bled, Slovenia Summer 2025 |
A WRITING RETREAT WITH MANUSCRIPT ACADEMY.
AN ART RETREAT WITH MARY TELFER FINE ART.
AND IN BETWEEN, A LEAPING HOUND TRAVEL SIGNATURE TOUR.
AN ART RETREAT WITH MARY TELFER FINE ART.
AND IN BETWEEN, A LEAPING HOUND TRAVEL SIGNATURE TOUR.
THREE WONDERFUL VACATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM.
ONE EXTRAORDINARY DESTINATION.
ONE EXTRAORDINARY DESTINATION.
Create. Transform. Discover.
Spend a week, or two, or three at this blue-green jewel of the Julian Alps. With its thousand-year-old castle, its shore lined with charming cafes and shops, and its tiny island containing only a church, a bakery, and a fabulous legend, Lake Bled is the perfect place to step out of regular life and into enchantment.
There's something for everyone in the summer of 2025. Explore the region--with a hike through stunning Vintgar Gorge, a boat trip to Bled island, and a visit to the medieval Old Town of Ljubljana--on Leaping Hound Travel's Signature Tour. Immerse yourself in the written word during the Lake Bled Writing Retreat, a partnership with Manuscript Academy. Let the stunning scenery be your inspiration as you paint and draw during the Lake Bled Art Retreat, a partnership with Mary Telfer Fine Art. Join us for one or all of these incredible experiences!
Writing Retreat with Manuscript Academy:
June 29 - July 5, 2025
Leaping Hound Travel's Signature Tour:
July 6 - 12, 2025
Art Retreat with Mary Telfer Fine Art:
July 13 - 19, 2025
June 29 - July 5, 2025
Leaping Hound Travel's Signature Tour:
July 6 - 12, 2025
Art Retreat with Mary Telfer Fine Art:
July 13 - 19, 2025
Read more about each week below! But also...
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This is the sort of view to expect from your hotel room balcony. Seriously. |
Learn more about each week!
(just click on each heading below)
Writing Retreat
June 29 - July 5, 2025
June 29 - July 5, 2025
Write pages while lounging on your balcony with its stunning view of the lake and mountains, discuss plot details with your fellow writers at a charming local cafe, or reflect on your work while strolling along the shore. This retreat will be a relaxing escape where you can immerse yourself in your writing, bond with your fellow writers, and create lifelong memories.
You don't need to be a professional writer, or be working on a particular type of project. Everyone is welcome, from creatives drafting their latest piece of fiction to academics working on a scholarly publication to first-time writers just exploring the written word.
Literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer and conference organizer, media professional, and writer Julie Kingsley are the creators of the Manuscript Academy, where writers can find the help they need to take their work from good to great. They are experts in creating a warm atmosphere of creativity, a place for you to explore and enrich your writing, no matter what stage you're at or genre you write.
This writing retreat includes 6 nights in lakeview balcony rooms at Hotel Park--a historic four-star hotel right on the shore of Lake Bled--plus drinks and snacks at group receptions and all breakfasts. Each day will include a discussion, creative exercise, or critique, and will leave you plenty of open-ended time to use as you prefer for your creative process. You'll also get a one-on-one consultation to discuss your work with Julie or Jessica. They can look at the beginning of your novel, or the query letter you want to send to agents, or whatever else you'd like.
Step away from the hustle of daily life and have the space and peace to further your craft in this idyllic location.
You don't need to be a professional writer, or be working on a particular type of project. Everyone is welcome, from creatives drafting their latest piece of fiction to academics working on a scholarly publication to first-time writers just exploring the written word.
Literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer and conference organizer, media professional, and writer Julie Kingsley are the creators of the Manuscript Academy, where writers can find the help they need to take their work from good to great. They are experts in creating a warm atmosphere of creativity, a place for you to explore and enrich your writing, no matter what stage you're at or genre you write.
This writing retreat includes 6 nights in lakeview balcony rooms at Hotel Park--a historic four-star hotel right on the shore of Lake Bled--plus drinks and snacks at group receptions and all breakfasts. Each day will include a discussion, creative exercise, or critique, and will leave you plenty of open-ended time to use as you prefer for your creative process. You'll also get a one-on-one consultation to discuss your work with Julie or Jessica. They can look at the beginning of your novel, or the query letter you want to send to agents, or whatever else you'd like.
Step away from the hustle of daily life and have the space and peace to further your craft in this idyllic location.
Signature Tour
July 6 - 12, 2025
July 6 - 12, 2025
Imagine these scenes: While sitting at a cafe on the shores of the bluest lake you've ever seen, you're served a stunning slice of cream cake, a local delicacy invented at that very spot seventy years before. Another day, a wooden boat carries you to a tiny island where you ring a bell fabled to grant wishes. You sip coffee while gazing down from a castle high on a hillside. A fairytale bridge, complete with dragon sentries, carries you into a quaint old town square. A glimmering river winds through a gorge, leading you to a powerful waterfall.
All that and more is in store for you when you join us for our Signature Tour. This 6-night trip includes lakeview balcony rooms at Hotel Park--a historic four-star hotel right on the shore of Lake Bled--plus excursions and activities like a boat trip to Bled Island, a hike through Vintgar Gorge, coffees with a view at Bled Castle, a day trip to the beautiful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, and more!
In addition to the above activities, we'll have a welcome reception (where you can try the famous Bled cream cake!), a group dinner, and a visit to a delicious local bakery to try more traditional Slovenian delicacies. And if you've been on one of our group tours before, you know we prioritize unique experiences along with enough free time to truly unwind and to make the trip your own.
Join us for a magical exploration of this incredible place.
All that and more is in store for you when you join us for our Signature Tour. This 6-night trip includes lakeview balcony rooms at Hotel Park--a historic four-star hotel right on the shore of Lake Bled--plus excursions and activities like a boat trip to Bled Island, a hike through Vintgar Gorge, coffees with a view at Bled Castle, a day trip to the beautiful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, and more!
In addition to the above activities, we'll have a welcome reception (where you can try the famous Bled cream cake!), a group dinner, and a visit to a delicious local bakery to try more traditional Slovenian delicacies. And if you've been on one of our group tours before, you know we prioritize unique experiences along with enough free time to truly unwind and to make the trip your own.
Join us for a magical exploration of this incredible place.
Art Retreat
July 13 - 19, 2025
July 13 - 19, 2025
As soon as you see the blue of the lake and the green of the mountains, you'll know why there is no better place for an art retreat than Lake Bled. Whether you want to spend a long afternoon painting en plein air from the courtyard of Bled Castle, curl up with a sketchpad in front of Hotel Park's floor-to-ceiling lakeside windows, or explore the town and countryside for inspiration, you'll have plenty of opportunity for artistic inspiration.
Everyone is welcome, from working artists with years of experience, to people who want to re-discover their artistic creativity, to writers or other non-visual artists looking to try something new!
Mary Telfer is a professional artist and art coach with an MFA and 20+ years of teaching experience. Her classes and online communities are places where artists not only learn new techniques and further their skills, but also feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things in a warm, collaborative environment.
This art retreat includes 6 nights in lakeview balcony rooms at the historic Hotel Park, plus drinks and snacks at group receptions and all breakfasts. Days will include painting exercises as well as group critiques and discussions, and will include plenty of free time to do whatever you want. A one-on-one critique with Mary is also included--discuss the work you're creating in Bled, or bring photos of pieces you've been working on at home. You'll have the chance to get Mary's warm, thoughtful analysis to help you take your art from good to great.
Step away from the hustle of daily life and have the space and peace to further your craft and have fun in this idyllic location.
Everyone is welcome, from working artists with years of experience, to people who want to re-discover their artistic creativity, to writers or other non-visual artists looking to try something new!
Mary Telfer is a professional artist and art coach with an MFA and 20+ years of teaching experience. Her classes and online communities are places where artists not only learn new techniques and further their skills, but also feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things in a warm, collaborative environment.
This art retreat includes 6 nights in lakeview balcony rooms at the historic Hotel Park, plus drinks and snacks at group receptions and all breakfasts. Days will include painting exercises as well as group critiques and discussions, and will include plenty of free time to do whatever you want. A one-on-one critique with Mary is also included--discuss the work you're creating in Bled, or bring photos of pieces you've been working on at home. You'll have the chance to get Mary's warm, thoughtful analysis to help you take your art from good to great.
Step away from the hustle of daily life and have the space and peace to further your craft and have fun in this idyllic location.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
⛰️ ALL WEEKS INCLUDE...
- Six nights in gorgeous rooms at Hotel Park, with stunning views of Lake Bled right from your balcony
- A delicious breakfast each morning
- Drinks (and cake!) at a welcome reception; and
- Drinks (and cake!) at a farewell reception
- Delicious treats at a traditional Slovenian bakery
- A group dinner at a charming lakeside restaurant
- A private driver between Ljubljana Airport and Hotel Park
- Liz and Adam's guidance, advice, and support both before and during the trip
📖 PLUS, THE WRITING RETREAT INCLUDES...
- A one-on-one meeting with Julie and Jessica of Manuscript Academy to discuss your work
- Daily gatherings with Julie, Jessica, and your fellow writers to brainstorm, socialize, and bond
- A fun and supportive live reading
- Lots of indoor and outdoor spaces to write, write, write! (Spaces quiet and private, or others convivial for collaboration!)
🏰 PLUS, THE SIGNATURE TOUR INCLUDES...
- A visit to Bled Castle, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view, explore the castle's museum, and sip a coffee on the terrace
- A boat ride to Bled Island on a traditional Pletna, a style of flat-bottomed wooden boat used in Slovenia for over 400 years
- A walk through Vintgar Gorge (on a beautiful, easy trail that traces the sparkling blue Radovna River through the mountains)
- A day trip to Ljubljana, including a walking tour of its medieval Old Town as well as free time for individual exploration
🎨 PLUS, THE ART RETREAT INCLUDES...
- A one-on-one meeting with Mary of Mary Telfer Fine Art to discuss your work (either something new or a piece you've previously done--your choice!)
- Daily activities including painting exercises, group critiques, and discussions
- Get-togethers with Mary and your fellow artists to brainstorm, socialize, and bond
- Lots of beautiful places to paint, sketch, and find inspiration! (Spaces quiet and private, or others convivial for collaboration!)
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare to/from Europe (but we're happy to arrange it for you!)
- Remaining meals not otherwise mentioned
- Incidental expenses
- Mandatory travel insurance
- A travel insurance quote will be provided upon booking, for your convenience. You do not have to purchase that specific plan, but you must have some form of travel insurance to cover your trip(s).
No giant tour buses packed full of people will be found here!
Spots are limited to 20 people or fewer per trip.
Prices and Ways to Save
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Writing Retreat:
Standard price per person, shared room: $4590 Standard price per person, single room: $5190 Signature Tour: Standard price per person, shared room: $4590 Standard price per person, single room: $5190 Art Retreat: Standard price per person, shared room: $4590 Standard price per person, single room: $5190 Payment Schedule:
Cancellation Policy:
Your deposit is non-refundable. Any other payments you choose to make before March 1, 2025, are refundable, minus a 4% fee. No refunds of any kind will be issued after March 1, 2025. We ask all of our group tour travelers to purchase travel insurance, and will provide you with a quote upon registration. If you have to cancel on or after March 1, 2025, your travel insurance policy may provide reimbursement, depending on the reason for cancellation. |
WAYS TO SAVE:
Membership Discounts: Members of the Manuscript Academy receive a $150 discount on the writing retreat! Members of the Creative Collective receive a $150 discount on the art retreat! Multi-trip Packages: Double the Fun: Save $150 on each individual trip if you sign up for two trips (a total savings of $300) Triple Threat: Save $200 on each individual trip if you sign up for all three trips (a total savings of $600) Free Connecting Night: Sign up for two or more consecutive trips, and enjoy your "connecting" night between them for free! (For instance, if you sign up for the Signature Tour ending on July 12 and the Art Retreat beginning on July 13, you'll keep your room on the night of July 12 at no additional charge to you!) Yes, you can combine all of these discounts! For example, if you decided to sign up for all three trips, and you're a member of both Manuscript Academy and The Creative Collective, you'd save a total of $900 (that's $200 savings per trip for the multi-trip discount, plus two $150 membership discounts)--plus you'll get two free "connecting" hotel nights! When you register, you won't see the Membership or Multi-trip discounts applied, but your invoice will be updated to include the discounts within 48 hours. |
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For the Signature Tour, it's easy! Just click the button above to fill out your registration form and pay your deposit--then you'll be all set!
For the Writing and Art Retreats, you'll first fill out an application. The retreat spots are not meant to be super competitive; the application process is in place simply to make sure that the people going are indeed interested in art or writing, with goals that make the retreat a good fit for them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to get from the U.S. to Bled, Slovenia?
Quite easy! If you fly from a major city in the U.S., you will likely have just one layover, typically in London, Paris, Frankfurt, or Munich, then a short flight to Ljubljana Airport. (If you're departing from a smaller U.S. airport, you may have one layover in a U.S. city first.)
Once you arrive in Ljubljana, a private driver will be waiting for you (with a sign with your name ). The driver will take you straight to Hotel Park in Bled, about a 30-45 minute drive, where we'll be waiting to welcome you!
Once you arrive in Ljubljana, a private driver will be waiting for you (with a sign with your name ). The driver will take you straight to Hotel Park in Bled, about a 30-45 minute drive, where we'll be waiting to welcome you!
Can you help me book my flights?
Absolutely! Whether you'd like to run your itinerary by us before you book it, or have us suggest a flight itinerary for you, we're happy to help!
I'd like to arrive a couple of days early, before the trip begins. Is that possible?
Yes! We have a limited number of extra rooms reserved for the two nights before each trip. Just email us ([email protected]) to inquire about availability.
I'd like to add on a trip to other destinations in Europe before or after the trip. Can you help with that?
Absolutely! We'd be happy to arrange, say, a few nights exploring Vienna, or a few days lounging in the sun in Tuscany, or a week of eating at all the great restaurants in London, or whatever you'd like!
I want to attend the art retreat or the writing retreat, and would like to bring my partner along, too, who is not interested in attending the retreat. Can we make that happen?
Certainly! We can arrange for your significant other to tag along while you attend a retreat. Just email us ([email protected]) to get more info.
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Vegan? Gluten free? Halal? Kosher? If you have any special dietary needs, just let us know--we will make sure the group meals accommodate your needs, and we'll be happy to help you research your options for your independent, individual meals, too.
Questions about accessibility? Though our group trips are designed for the moderately active, with a fair amount of walking, we are happy to work with you in advance and discuss the possibility of alternate arrangements if you need them. (And of course, we are also happy to work with you to create custom individual vacations for any level of mobility.) Need more time in Europe? Want to extend your stay? If you are interested in adding days to your trip on either end, we would be happy to arrange and book things for you, for no additional service fee. |
At Leaping Hound Travel we strongly believe in a world that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. We are committed to supporting BIPOC, trans, and queer travelers. We donate a portion of our profits to organizations such as Black Lives Matter, we research the safety and security of potential travel destinations, and we partner with minority-owned businesses whenever possible.
