Highlights
- Kayak underground in a cave beneath Mt. Peca
- Explore the mountains around Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled
- Sip on Slovenian wine in Goriška Brda, the country's wine region
- Take in a coastal sunset in Piran, on the Adriatic
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Ljubljana | Ljubljana |
| Day 2 | Cave kayaking and the Logar Valley | Logar Valley |
| Day 3 | Velika Planina mountain meadow | Lake Bohinj |
| Day 4 | Hiking in Bohinj | Lake Bohinj |
| Day 5 | Bled and Peričnik Falls | Kranjska Gora |
| Day 6 | Vršič Pass and the Soča Valley | Bovec |
| Day 7 | Mt. Matajur and Goriška Brda wine hills | Brda |
| Day 8 | Škocjan Caves, vineyards of Karst & Piran | Piran |
| Day 9 | Piran and departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana
Welcome to Slovenia!
Upon arrival at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, you will get a transfer to your hotel in Ljubljana (30 minutes away).
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, and with a population of around 300,000, it's also the country's largest city. Ljubljana is so old that it even predates the Romans, but its city center was shaped much later, during the Middle Ages. The area is a pedestrian zone and is very easy to walk around. You can explore the narrow streets or stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River.
At the top of the hill above the city, Ljubljana Castle is another great place for a short walk with a beautiful view. Have a drink along the riverbanks or take the funicular up to the castle. Then, have dinner in one of the city's many restaurants, which are run by young talented chefs.
If you arrive early, you can also join a biking tour and explore Ljubljana on two wheels or have a food expert take you around the best local bars, bistros, and cafes to discover the local food scene.
Day 2: Cave kayaking and Logar Valley
In the morning, your guide will pick you up and take you to the northeast of Slovenia, where you'll go cave kayaking deep beneath Mt. Peca. After a nice local lunch, your guide will take you to the bucolic Logar Valley. This seven-kilometer valley is a protected nature park, where you can see lots of local flora and fauna. You'll hike to the beautiful Rinka Waterfall before settling in for the night at your local hotel.
Day 3: Velika Planina mountain meadow
Today, visit one of Slovenia's most charming alpine pastures, Velika Planina (the Big Meadow in English). Here you'll discover unique alpine architecture and peaceful green pastures. You'll also learn about the local shepherds and their culture by visiting one of the oldest huts in the area. After your walk, you'll continue on to Radovljica for a late lunch, visit the Museum of Apiculture and meet a local beekeeper. In the evening you'll reach Lake Bohinj, where you'll sleep tonight.
Day 4: Hiking in Bohinj
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today, you'll do a serious hike in the Bohinj region. One option is to start on Mt. Rodica, from the Vogel ski resort, but there are many other beautiful hikes on the northern side of the lake to choose from. Depending on snow conditions and the weather (there can be snow on the peaks until late May), your guides will propose the best possible hike for you.
You'll eat a picnic lunch in the peaceful Slovenian countryside. After the hike, you can relax by the lake—and even hop in for a swim if the water is warm enough. Then, head to your hotel in Bohinj for the night.
Day 5: Bled and Peričnik Falls
In the morning, you will hike up to a stunning viewpoint above Lake Bled, and then visit the Vintgar Gorge. You'll have time to paddle or swim to the lake's island, and try a piece of typical Bled cream cake. Then, you'll visit Peričnik Falls in the Vrata Valley. You'll be able to walk beneath the waterfall and feel its cold curtain of water on your skin. You'll end the day in the ski town of Kranjska Gora.
Day 6: Vršič Pass and the Soča Valley
Today you will hike through the heart of the Julian Alps, through Vršič Pass and to Slemenova Spica. The hike's starting point is very high, but the path is simple and not too long. You'll see towering limestone walls and incredible views along the way.
After the hike, you'll drive to the beautiful Soča Valley. You'll hike along the emerald-colored waters of the Soča River and take a dip in sparkling pools. Afterward, you'll visit a local WWI museum in Kobarid to learn more about the area's history, and spend the night in Bovec.
Day 7: Mt. Matajur and the wine hills of Goriška Brda
In the morning, you'll hike to Mt. Matajur on the Slovenian-Italian border for great views that span the Alps and the Italian flatlands. Then, you'll cross the Italian border for lunch in the charming town of Cividale del Friuli. Afterward, return to Slovenia and head to Goriška Brda, an area that's also known as the "Slovenian Tuscany." This is a land made of rolling hills covered in vineyards, hilltop villages, countless orchards—and of course, an amazing food and wine scene. You'll spend the night at a hotel in the area.
Day 8: Škocjan Caves, Vineyards of Karst & Piran
Next, it's time to visit the Karst and the coast. You'll travel underground to walk through the stunning canyons of the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO heritage site. Then, visit the vineyards of Karst to try some excellent local food and wine. In the afternoon, you'll continue on to the coast to the picturesque town of Piran. Make sure to try some fresh seafood at one of the town's restaurants.
Day 9: Piran and departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and explore Piran's narrow streets and charming squares. If you have time, you can also visit the salt flats in Secovlje. Afterward, transfer to Venice for your return flight home.
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