Autumn. The Soča Valley dazzles in yellow, red, and gold shades. Mist covers the morning down by the Tolminka river. It's early, and everyone is asleep. Well, almost everyone. Ivan Mangani and Anja Bukudur are leaning over their field of gold - hand-picking tiny purple flowers. Flower after flower, thread by thread, they patiently created an inspiring story about Slovenia’s first saffron cultivation.

It smells like the 80s, sounds like the 70s. Once you step into this place, you can feel the past and see the future. I did not get stuck in a time machine. In fact, I am in Kobarid, having coffee with Karmen Koren - a designer who sews new life into old things.

The colours, the smell, the gentle warmth. It is peaceful and cosy on the flower meadows and for a second it seems like heaven. But if you listen very closely the lively bird song is joined by the buzzing rhythm of the insect world. Spring has arrived in Slovenia and Carniola bees are in full swing performing their bee dance.

Barva, vonj, nežna toplina. Na cvetočih travnikih je mirno in prijetno, za trenutek se zdi kot v nebesih. Živahni ptičji pesmi se pridruži brenčeči ritem sveta žuželk. Eksperimentalni jazz. V Slovenijo je prišla pomlad in kranjske čebele so v polnem razmahu.

Home to magnificent peaks, deep canyons, waterfalls, and the outstanding Soča river, the valley is a real treat! If you love food and you are seeking an authentic experience, you are in the right place. From Trenta to Nova Gorica, the Soča Valley region hosts some of the best fine dining places in the country, but let’s start where it all began – in the mountains.