Highlights
- Follow the border between Slovenia and Austria in the Karawanken Alps
- Taste delicious local cheese in the town of Tolmin
- Walk along the emerald waters of the Soča River
- Cross the border into Italy to visit Cividale del Friuli
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Lake Bled | Lake Bled |
| Day 2 | Start of the hike | Kranjska Gora |
| Day 3 | The Vršič Pass | Julian Alps |
| Day 4 | To the Soča Valley | Soča Valley |
| Day 5 | Following the river | Bovec |
| Day 6 | Waterfalls and WWI sites | Drežnica |
| Day 7 | Shrovetide Masks and the Tolmin cheese | Tolmin |
| Day 8 | Kolovrat Mountain Range | Kolovrat Mountain Range |
| Day 9 | Roman Forum Iulii | Cividale del Friuli |
| Day 10 | Back to Slovenia and Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Lake Bled
Located in the foothills of the Julian Alps, this postcard-perfect lake and its island are one of Slovenia's main attractions.
Touring Bled Castle and visiting the island are two of the most popular activities in the area. Bled is also a great place for outdoor sports, like hiking and biking through the surrounding mountains to see forests, gorges, and old villages.
Have a stroll around the lake, and make sure to visit a local cafe and try a traditional Bled cream cake.
You can also visit the nearby town of Radovljica, meet a local bee-keeper, or walk through the nearby Vintgar Gorge.
Day 2: Start the Hike
Today, you'll start your walking adventure. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Bled and drop you off just below the main ridge of the Karawanken Alps. You'll follow the border between Slovenia and Austria, before descending back down into the valley to reach the town of Kranjska Gora.
Hiking: 10.5 miles (17 km) / 2,600 ft (800 m) ascent / 3,930 ft (1200 m) descent / total 7 hours
Day 3: Vršič Pass
Continue through the central Julian Alps and ascend the famous Vršič Moutain Pass. You'll walk along beautiful trails that offer amazing views, and be surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Slovenia, along with their abrupt limestone walls. Then, spend the night in a rustic, cozy mountain cabin.
Hiking: 7 miles (11 km) / 1,800 ft (550 m) ascent / 0 ft 0 m descent / total 3.5 hours + optional side hikes
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: The Soča Valley
Hike through beautiful beech, spruce and larch forests until you reach the highest point you'll ascend to today, and enjoy the impressive 360° views. The trail continues into the lush green beauty of the Soča Valley. Visit the Soča River's source, then continue on to a local farm, where you'll spend the night.
Hiking: 11 miles (18 km) / 1,640 ft (500 m) ascent / 3,280 ft (1000 m) descent / total 7 hours
Day 5: Following the river
Today you'll follow the river as it winds its way down the valley, and explore lots of hidden spots, and small pools along the way. Eventually, you will reach the town of Bovec, Slovenia's outdoor sports capital, where you'll spend the night.
Hiking: 14 miles (23 km) / 1,250 ft (380 m) ascent / 2,625 ft (800 m) descent / total 7 hours
Day 6: Waterfalls and WWI Sites
Visit the waterfalls in the valley, and keep following your trail along the Soča River. You can also walk to the historic town of Kobarid and learn about the sad WWI history of the area, before reaching the small village town of Drežnica.
Shrovetide carnivals are a big part of Slovenian culture, and Drežnica is famous for traditional Shrovetide wooden masks. Try to see some while you're in town, they are quite special.
Hiking: 13.5 miles (22 km) / 1,345 ft (410 m) ascent / 1,180 ft (360 m) descent / total 7 hours
Day 7: Shrovetide Masks and the Tolmin cheese
Today, continue your hike towards the Krn Mountain. Walk past alpine meadows and farms famous for their tasty local cheese. Finally, descend into the town of Tolmin to spend the night there.
Hiking: 13.5 miles (22 km) / 2,430 ft (740 m) ascent / 3,600 ft (1100 m) descent / total 8 hours
Day 8: Kolovrat Mountain Range
Climb the Kolovrat Mountain Range, visit an outdoor WWI museum, and walk on the Path of Peace. Enjoy your first views of the Adriatic Sea and spend the night in a small private house.
Hiking: 12 miles (19 km) / 3,930 ft (1200 m) ascent / 2,790 ft (850 m) descent / total 8 hours
Day 9: Roman Forum Iulii
Walk through vast chestnut forest and slowly descend into Italy to visit the town of Cividale del Friuli, whose rich history dates all the way back before the Romans. You'll sleep in a guesthouse in the city center.
Hiking: 19 miles (24 km) / 1,970 ft (600 m) ascent / 3,610 ft (1100 m) descent / total 7 hours
Day 10: Back to Slovenia and Departure
Send the morning in the town, explore the narrow streets and squares and the fascinating history of the place, or simply relax and enjoy freshly grounded coffee on the main square. Then, return to Slovenia for your return flight home.
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