Food & Nature in Slovenia - 8 Days
Highlights
- Hike through the majestic Julian Alps and Triglav National Park
- Get adventurous with white-water rafting, zip lining, and biking near Bovec
- Explore the peaceful Soca River, setting for a "Chronicles of Narnia" film
- Sit down to a world-class meal at Casa Franko, featured on Netflix's Chef's Table
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Ljubljana | Ljubljana |
| Day 2 | Lake Bled and a walk in the Vintgar gorge | Lake Bled |
| Day 3 | Hikes at Lake Bohinj | Lake Bled |
| Day 4 | Hike to Vrsic Pass and Mt. Sleme | Kranjska Gora |
| Day 5 | Hike the "Soca trail" | Bovec |
| Day 6 | Soca valley and hike to Krn Lake | Bovec |
| Day 7 | Kobarid - Brda Wine country | Goriška Brda |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Ljubljana, end of tour |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ljubljana
Welcome to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia! A trendy and vibrant city, Ljubljana has become one of Europe's top destinations. Visitors will find an oasis of lush green parks, open-air libraries, cobblestone streets, and a medieval old town district.
Spend the day exploring this quiet and calm city. Take a funicular to visit the 11th-century Ljubljana Castle to get a panoramic view of the surroundings, take a bike ride around Ljubljana Lake, and enjoy an aperitif at one of the many open-air cafes that line the river bank. Get on the river with a stand-up paddleboarding excursion or try slacklining at the city park. On a rainy afternoon head to the Museum of Illusions or try the locally-famous Escape Room.
In the afternoon meet your guide for a trip overview and a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Lake Bled and a walk in the Vintgar gorge
In the morning head outside the city to the Blejski Vintgar gorge to stretch your legs and see the local scenery. Walk across the narrow gorge on one of the many suspended bridges, stroll in nearby alpine meadows, and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view—a classic Slovenian activity.
Continue to Bled, a postcard-worthy town with a rich history. Spend the afternoon on Lake Bled and grab a coffee and local Kremsnita dessert at Café Belvedere near Vila Bled, the former residence of Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito. Take a traditional pletna boat across the lake to the 12th-century pilgrimage church, set on a tiny rocky island.
Visit the 11th-century medieval castle on the cliffs above Lake Bled, then take an afternoon bus to the old town of Radovljica. Stop in the Museum of Apiculture in Radovljica to learn about local beekeeping culture, then gather at a family restaurant for a traditional mountain dinner with local favorites like porcini mushroom soup, cheese dumplings, and more.
Day 3: Hikes at Lake Bohinj
Today's adventure takes you to the Julian Alps and Bohinj Lake. Catch a gondola up to see the vistas of the surrounding Triglav National Park, then take a walk around the lake to find the perfect secluded beach. If you want to explore, take a trail into the gorge of Mostnica River and walk upstream to see trout swimming in the crystal-clear water.
In the afternoon visit the Alpine Dairy Museum in Stara Fuzina to learn about the centuries-old traditions of high-alpine pasturing, or choose from one of the many other optional activities—horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, or biking.
At dinner tonight try the local delicacies—spring asparagus soup, cherry tarts, chestnut cake, fresh ricotta cheese, and hearty full grain bread.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Hike to Vrsic Pass and Mt. Sleme
In the morning make your way to Vrsic Pass, originally built by the Russian Military in the early 20th century. At the top stop for tea and a picnic, enjoying the surrounding views. Lucky visitors will catch the meadows when the alpine flowers are in full bloom, but the hike is lovely any time of year.
Head down to Kranjska Gora, a small village and ski resort which hosts many World Cup Alpine Ski Races. From here the Italian and Austrian borders are a 10-minute drive.
The full hike is 7 miles (11 km) and will take 5-6 hrs. Visitors who choose not to hike can get to Vrsic Pass by car or by bicycle, but be advised that the mountain roads here are challenging to ride.
Spend the afternoon relaxing in town or strolling around nearby Jasna Lake.
Day 5: Hike the "Soca trail"
In the morning transfer to the Soca River Valley to see one of Slovenia's most incredible natural landscapes. From the top of the pass, a series of hairpin turns brings you down the emerald waters, where kayakers and white-water rafters take advantage of the rushing rapids. This region was the setting for one of the Chronicles of Narnia films, and it is easy to see why—snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and clear water make for a fairytale-like setting.
End the day in Bovec, the adventure capital of Slovenia, where you can opt for one of many outdoor adventures, including white-water rafting, mountain biking, a hot air balloon ride, or zip-lining. Options for kids include kayaking and biking.
Grab dinner at a casual restaurant and enjoy freshly caught trout and local craft beer, or choose a higher-end gourmet dinner prepared by Slovenia's top chefs.
Day 6: Soca Valley and hike to Krn Lake
Today is another day in the great Slovenian mountains, with a morning hike to Krn Lake in the western region of Triglav National Park. This area was used heavily during World War I and was also the setting for Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms". Try your hand at fly-fishing for marble trout on the Soca River or simply enjoy the serene environment. The hike is 4 miles (6.5 km) and takes about 5-6 hours.
On your way back to town stop at a shepherd's farm to learn more about high alpine pasture grazing and try some freshly made cheese.
In the evening sit down to an elegant gourmet at Casa Franko headed by chef Ana Ros, who was featured on Netflix's popular show Chef's Table. Her approach to local, seasonal ingredients put Slovenian cuisine on the world culinary map and earned her the title of World's Best Female Chef of 2017. Casa Franko was voted in the Top 50 Restaurants in the World in 2018 and is an international destination.
Day 7: Kobarid - Brda Wine country
In the morning learn about regional history with a guided tour of the World War I Kobarid Museum, which houses displays on the battles of Isonzo Front that took place locally.
As you drive further from the mountains you reach Slovenia's Goriska Brda wine-making region, which is characterized by picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. This hilly area borders the Collio Goriziano region of Italy and bears a strong resemblance to Tuscany.
The climate and local cuisine give it a distinctly Mediterranean flair, which is reflected in the world-famous wines, including the indigenous Rebula vine which dates back to the 13th century. Several of the local wine producers, including Kabaj and Movia, are ranked on the Top 100 List of Wine and Spirits Magazine.
Sit down to a mouth-watering local farm-to-table dinner with home-cured Prosciutto, olives, cherry brandy, and gooseberry desserts. Families traveling with children can choose to participate in a scavenger hunt in the nearby medieval village of Brda.
Day 8: Transfer to Ljubljana, end of tour
Enjoy one last morning cappuccino in the peaceful countryside, then head back to Ljubljana. Enjoy an afternoon stroll around the city and a relaxing aperitif before catching a shuttle to the Ljubljana Airport or other nearby cities/airports. Safe travels!
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