Hike & Bike in Slovenia: Ljubljana, the Julian Alps, Goriška Brda, & Piran - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana, Transfer for your Hotel

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: Full Day in Ljubljana

Take a full day to explore Slovenia's lively capital. You can walk around on your own and visit the castle and Tivoli Park. Or, choose a guided walking tour to explore the city by bike, or have a food expert introduce you to the city's culinary scene.

Here are some suggestions:

• Stroll along the riverbanks of the Ljubljanica River on your own or with a local guide.
• Check out Metelkova Mesto, the capital of alternative culture. Every year Metelkova Mesto hosts more than 1,500 alternative events and is considered to be one of the most successful urban squats in Europe.
• On the way to Metelkova, stop by the Ethnographical Museum and learn about Slovenian culture.
• Book a bike trip around Ljubljana to see some interesting parts of the city that you would otherwise miss. 
• Meet a local food expert and try local specialties.
• Rent a canoe or a stand-up paddleboard and paddle on the Ljubljanica River. You can also paddle upstream, as the river is very slow.
• Have a walk in Tivoli Park, Ljubljana's largest green space, and a great place to get away from the busy streets. If you have the energy, you can walk all the way to Roznik Hill.

Day 3: Transfer from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bled and explore the amazing lake and its surroundings.

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.

Make your day as active or as relaxed as you want.

Day 4: Hike on Pokljuka Plateau

Today, a driver will take you to Pokljuka Plateau, where you can hike to amazing viewpoints in the central Julian Alps.

There are lots of different trails for all fitness levels. You can choose hikes that are anywhere between three and six hours long, with 2,300 to 3,280 ft (700 to 1000 m) elevation gain. 

At the end of the hike, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful mountain scenery and sleep in a simple mountain hut.

Hiking: 6 miles (10 km) / elevation: +2,300 to 3,280 ft (700 to 1000 m) / -1,300 to 2,300 ft (400 to 700 m)

Day 5: Across the Summits of Pokljuka

Today, continue your journey across the high alpine landscape. This is a serious, five to six-hour hike, with a few rugged descents and fantastic scenery. You will end the day at the beautiful Uskovnica Meadow and spend another night in a cozy mountain hut. 

Hiking: 6 miles (10 km) / elevation: +1,640 ft (500 m), -3,280 ft (1000 m)

Day 6: Hike from Uskovnica Meadow to Lake Bohinj

Hike down from Uskovnica Meadow to Lake Bohinj. You'll walk along the craggy rock formations and colorful river of the  Mostnica Gorge, before ending your day the shore of one of Slovenia's most beautiful lakes. The hike takes around four to five hours. 

Hiking: 6 miles (10 km) / elevation: +330 ft (100m), -2,625 ft (800 m)

Day 7: Discover Lake Bohinj

Now that you've settled in Lake Bohinj, take the day to explore the area's pure, unspoiled nature. The main highlight is the lake itself, which is a great spot for water sports. Other options nearby include walks, bike rides, fishing, or visiting the nearby villages. 

• Rent a bike and explore the region. Lake Bohinj is a cycling paradise, all different kinds of trails,  from flat roads to steep mountain biking paths. You can explore alpine villages, waterfalls, viewpoints, and the area's many alpine pastures.
  
  
• Jump into the lake and go for a swim. The lake is always a bit chilly; but on a hot summer day, nothing is more refreshing than a dip in Lake Bohinj. There are several swimming spots along the shores, and you'll find plenty of tourists and locals enjoying the shallow waters near the town of Ribčev Laz.
  
  
• Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard for a unique view of the lake. Boat and paddleboard rentals are available at different spots around the lake. And with such calm waters, it's a leisurely and enjoyable activity suited for all levels.
  
  
• Go on a horseback riding or fly fishing trip. A large local ranch offers horseback riding tours around the lake's alpine pastures. You'll catch views of Lake Bohinj, the surrounding mountains, and some of the nearby villages. Or stay at the lake and try your luck with a fly fishing experience!

Day 8: Peričnik Falls and Mt. Vošca

In the morning, your guide will pick you up in Bohinj and take you to the stunning Peričnik Falls. Feel the cool water on your face and snap a few pictures before continuing on to Kranjska Gora for a hike that follows the border with Austria. Mt. Vošca offers amazing views of both sides of the border. 

End the day at a beautiful mountain hut just under Vršič Pass.

Day 9: Hike over Vršič Pass, Descend to Bovec

Hike over Vršič Pass, to the heart of the Julian Alps. Start along an old Russian road that dates back to WWI, learn about local legends and history, and if the snow levels and weather permit, hike up steep limestone mountains to Slemenova Špica.

Then, drive to the Soča Valley. Grab a beer at one of Bovec's many microbreweries and get settled in at your hotel. 

Day 10: Hiking & Water Activities in the Soča Valley

Spend the day enjoying the Soča River, which is also called the Emerald River for its bright colors. Bovec is Slovenia's outdoor adventure sports capital, and you can raft, zipline, go canyoning, swim, or bike nearby. If you want to do something more relaxing, you can also walk along the banks and visit nearby attractions, like the WWI Museum in Kobarid. 

Another option for the day is to grab a fishing rod and try to catch the famous Soča trout, which is coveted by fishermen from all over the world. Or, simply try the fish at one of the town's restaurants. 

Day 11: From Bovec to Goriška Brda Wine Hills

Next, it's time for a change of scenery. Leave the Alps behind for a land of rolling wine hills, medieval hilltop villages, countless orchards, and an amazing food and wine scene. 

Goriška Brda is known as the "Slovenian Tuscany." Here, you can ride a bike, walk through the vineyards, visit a winemaker to learn more about the wines produced in the region, or simply relax by your guesthouse's pool. 

Day 12: Drive from Goriška Brda to the Škocjan Caves & Piran

After breakfast, visit the Slovenian Karst region and the Adriatic Coast, and head underground into the limestone Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boardwalks will lead you through the specialized ecosystem of one of the world's largest known underground caverns. It's believed that humans have been visiting the caves since the Iron Age. 

In the afternoon, continue driving towards the Adriatic coast to Piran, and check into your hotel. Piran is known for its old city walls, Venetian-style architecture, and pebbly beaches. Get lost in the town's history as you stroll through the narrow streets, then enjoy some fresh seafood at one of Piran's many restaurants.

Driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Driving distance:  88 miles (124 km)

Day 13: Full Day Exploring the Coastal City of Piran

Spend the whole day on the Slovenian coast and enjoy the easygoing lifestyle of the Mediterranean. There are lots of active options in the area, including biking, hiking, and water sports. If you prefer to relax, head to one of Piran's spas for a famous salt treatment, or grab a spot on one of the pebbly beaches nearby. 

Day 14: Drive from Piran to Ljubljana, Depart

It's time to say farewell to Slovenia! Enjoy your last few hours in the country with a leisurely breakfast and a stroll around town before you drive to Ljubljana for your return flight home.

Driving time: 1.5 hours
Driving distance: 80 miles (128 km)