Croatia & Slovenia Nature Discovery

You’ve likely heard of Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), but what about Europe’s charismatic quintet? Crowned based on their appearance, behavior, rareness and the emotions they trigger, these large carnivores—gray wolf, lynx, brown bear, wolverine and bison—should top the “must-see” list for your next European nature adventure. Learn all about biology, behavior and conservation status of these species from Expedition Leader Andrea Serena, and find out where to look for them on our Nat Hab Europe trips.

Wonder what it’s like to experience wild nature amid the camaraderie of an all-women group? Our guests on these popular adventures often tell us they feel more comfortable in an all-women setting, especially when it comes to trying new things—from snowshoeing to kayaking with belugas to camping in brown bear territory. Expedition Leaders Judy Wilson and Jessica Morgan discuss our empowering Women's Journeys trips and the positive impact they have on our travelers. Not only are these adventures women-only and women-led, but the itineraries have a special focus on the contributions of women in the destinations we visit.

In this installment of his Ghosts of the Woods series, Expedition Leader Andrea Serena introduces us to one of his favorite amphibians: the fire salamander. With their black skin and fiery orange or yellow markings, these distinctive denizens of European forests are at once elusive and hard to miss. Uncover their biology (they breathe through their skin!), behaviors (they shoot poison from their eyes!) and the vital roles they play in their woodland ecosystems.