Julian Alps & Coast

Welcome to Slovenia! Today you make your way to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital city. Arrive early to explore the area. This small city hosts an array of vibrant cafes, squares, bars and shops and is best explored on foot or by bike. Perched high above the city is Ljubljana Castle, the city’s main attraction, perfect for delving into Slovenian history and admiring the superb views over the city below.

This evening you meet your guide and your tour companions for a short walk through the city centre. Your guide will brief you on the trip details while you have a welcome drink, before recommending a good place for dinner (at your own expense). Get to know those you’ll be discovering the delights of Slovenia with before it all begins tomorrow.

The morning starts with a 40-minute transfer to Lake Bled, located at the foothills of the Julian Alps. Here, in the midst of spectacular scenery, you’ll meet local bee-keepers Blaz and Danijela. Bee-keeping is a long standing Slovenian tradition and your hosts are very passionate about their work. They’ll share their knowledge and local stories with you as well as offering the chance to try their honey.

From the bee-keepers we start walking. Our hike to Lake Bled offers a fantastic vantage point for an eagle’s view over the sky-blue lake with its postcard-perfect church on a central island. After pausing to take in the view, and listening to the bells that folk ring for their wishes to come true, we continue around the lake shore, via meadows and traditional villages, to Vintgar Gorge. Located in Triglav National Park, Vintgar Gorge has been carved out and sculpted by the beautiful Radovna River. We meander through the gorge alongside and over the river via a boardwalk – an enchanting way to finish our second day. A short 30-minute transfer takes us to the ski town of Kranjska Gora and our boutique alpine-style accommodation for the night.

500m ascent, 300m descent

Meals: B, L

After breakfast we start our hike from the hotel’s doorstep and enter the Triglav National Park, one of the largest national reserves in Europe. We hike beautiful trails surrounded by epic limestone peaks, including some of the highest in Slovenia, as we make our way towards the central Julian Alps. This pristine wilderness offers majestic views from every angle and the trail leads us through beautiful beech, spruce and larch forests as we approach Vršič Pass and our cozy mountain hut accommodation. Vršič Pass sits at 1611m and is an incredibly scenic spot to rest for the night.

900m ascent

Meals: B, L, D

• There is an option to extend today’s hike an additional 3km (300m ascent). Your guide will take into consideration the group’s overall fitness and desire for more hiking before deciding on this option. 
• Accommodation in the mountain hut is shared (max 4-bed dorm). Waking up in this stunning location makes the shared accommodation worth it.

We set off early today on a lovely hike to Slemenova Spica through peaceful, flower-filled valleys to enjoy one of the best views in the Julian Alps. On a clear day you will be able to see Austria and Italy in the distance. Continuing on, our route descends steeply on narrow trails to the stunningly beautiful Soĉa Valley. Once we have reached the source of the Soĉa River, we follow the trail through the valley to the rustic homestead that will be our accommodation for the night. Here expect a warm welcome from your hosts Joži and Mitja, who will show you to your charming log cabin, nestled in a beautiful meadow beneath the Jalovec Peak, before serving up a traditional homemade dinner.

600m ascent, 1400m descent

Meals: B, L, D

We leave our little alpine haven behind and follow pretty trails through lush vegetation, alongside the Soĉa River. We cross several hanging bridges over water that varies in colour from ice-blue to turquoise and emerald. It is no exaggeration to say that the Soĉa River is one of the most beautiful in the world. Here we rest a little, taking our time to relax in a nice hidden spot. Here those who like ice bathing can take a dip, while others may enjoy soothing their feet in the icy water. In the late afternoon we take a short transfer to reach Bovec, Slovenia’s ‘outdoor sports capital’. This is an area where adventurous visitors hike, bike, raft, kayak and ski. Your evening meal is in your hands tonight,  but your guide will happily offer suggestions.

400m ascent, 800m descent

Meals: B, L

The Soĉa Valley is filled with outdoor museums explaining the stories of WWI. This morning we explore this further on our walk from Bovec, when we pass WWI trenches, caverns and military positions. After our educational insight into Slovenia’s past, we continue along the Soĉa Valley, visiting three lovely waterfalls and admiring the engaging views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon our driver picks us up and transfers us approximately 1 hour away to the wine-producing region of Goriska Brda. This small area could be Tuscany, with its rolling hills, vineyards and hilltop villages. It is described by Lonely Planet as “one of Europe’s best kept secrets”. Tonight we stay in Šmartno (San Martino), a quaint, fortified village brimming with Italian influence. Once you have checked into the hotel, we suggest you take a relaxing walk around this photogenic town to discover its stone walls and 16th-century tower. End the day with a glass of wine from the hotel cellar on the terrace that overlooks the village and surrounding hills.

350m ascent, 450m descent

Meals: B, L

Enjoy breakfast before setting out on an easy, gently undulating 3-hour hike through the vineyards, orchards and olive groves of Goriska Brda. The area is well celebrated not only for its wine, but also olive oil, cheese and fruit — especially cherries in June. Our morning hike leads us to a local winemaker for a wine tasting and 3-course lunch.

After lunch we travel by vehicle to Škocjan Caves, one of Slovenia’s national treasures. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a highlight of the trip and you’ll explore it on a guided 2-hour walking tour. This immense cave system is one of the largest underground canyons in the world, with a striking array of limestone formations, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and what is thought to be the biggest underground chamber ever discovered. Walk along paths created by the first explorers to the underground river canyon before an invigorating crossing over a bridge suspended 50m above the riverbed.

After emerging from the caves, we take a 45-minute transfer to the alluring town of Piran. The jewel of the Adriatic Coast, Piran is situated on a narrow peninsula, jutting out to sea and backed by coastal hills. This snug little harbour town is now a popular tourist attraction, however it is still endearing and will not disappoint. Piran was part of the Republic of Venice for over 500 years and this is evident in its architecture, food and well-preserved medieval Venetian ports. Meander narrow laneways and discover colourful squares, medieval walls, bell towers with grand views and a delightful old town.

Dinner is your choice tonight and there are many wonderful restaurants to choose from. Head to the harbour for exceptionally fresh seafood and perhaps match it with a glass of local wine while you unwind and reflect on the week’s amazing adventure.

600m ascent, 600m descent

Meals:B, L

Today you will say goodbye to your guide and group members and depart for your next destination. You may wish to consider extending your stay in the lovely town of Piran, or hire a car to further explore the wine and spa regions of Slovenia. Alternatively, Venice is just a hop, skip and jump away by ferry and another excellent destination choice.

Meals: B

• 6 nights accommodation in hotels or mountain lodges with ensuite bathrooms
• 1 night in a mountain hut: 4-bed rooms with shared bathroom
• All transfers as per the itinerary
• Daily luggage transfers on tour
• English speaking licensed hiking guide throughout the trip
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners
• Bee-keeper experience
• Wine tasting
• WWI historian on day 6
• Entrance fee for Vintgar Gorge
• Guided 2-hour tour of Škocjan caves
• Emergency contact in Slovenia and Australia

• Flights to and from your destination
• Local bus and train tickets
• Airport transfers
• Meals other than mentioned above
• Drinks other than water at meals
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Travel insurance