Highlights
- Paddle to the fairytale island in Lake Bled and climb the church's 99 steps
- Ascend limestone peaks through beech, spruce, and larch forests in the Julian Alps
- Go biking in the Soča Valley and rafting in the blue-green Soča River
- Stay two nights in Goriška Brda wine country, nicknamed the "Slovenian Tuscany"
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Ljubljana, Transfer to Lake Bled | Bled |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Kranjska Gora, Hike the Vršič Pass | Moutain Hut |
| Day 3 | Hike from Vršič to the Soča Valley | Soča Valley |
| Day 4 | Hike and Bike in Soča Valley, Overnight in Bovec | Bovec |
| Day 5 | River Rafting, Transfer to Goriška Brda | Goriška Brda |
| Day 6 | Explore Goriška Brda Wine Country | Goriška Brda |
| Day 7 | Depart Slovenia |
Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana, Transfer to Lake Bled
Welcome to Slovenia! Meet your transfer at the Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport* to make your way to the fairytale town of Bled.
Popular with honeymooners and adventure-seekers alike, this picture-postcard lake with its island is one of Slovenia's main attractions. You can choose between a plethora of shorter hikes through gorges or to scenic viewpoints. The craggy walkways and waterfalls of the popular Vintgar Gorge are just 2.5 miles from town.
Depending on how much time is left in the day, you can also climb up to the castle and tour its smithy, wine cellar, and printing press before enjoying a traditional meal in the restaurant, or row or paddleboard across the placid waters. Once you reach the fairytale island at the lake's center, climb up the church's 99 steps, where legend has it the ringing of the bell can grant your wishes.
Day 2: Transfer to Kranjska Gora, Hike the Vršič Pass
Take a morning transfer to Slovenia's northwestern corner and start your hike near the Kranjska Gora ski resort. Head toward the central Julian Alps, where you'll ascend the famous Vršič Pass surrounded by the limestone walls of some of Slovenia's highest peaks. You'll travel through both soaring mountain views and Slovenian history as you walk over paths built by Russian prisoners of war during WWI, before reaching the cozy Alpine hut where you'll spend the night.
Hiking time: 3.5 hours
Hiking distance: 7 miles (11 km); +1,804 feet (550 m)
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Day 3: Hike from Vršič to the Soča Valley
Continue your hike after breakfast as you travel through beech, spruce, and larch forests up to the highest point of your journey. Take in the impressive 360-degree view of the mountains before you descend into the Soča Valley. Today's trek ends at the source of the Soča River, also known as the Emerald River for its bright natural colors, where you'll stay on a friendly local farm.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Hiking distance: 9 miles (14 km); +1,312 feet (400 m), -2,953 feet (900 m)
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Hike and Bike in Soča Valley, Overnight in Bovec
Make sure you eat your breakfast before setting out for today's combination of hiking and biking. Take advantage of the best of both methods of transportation to experience the hidden spots of the Soča Valley, including bright pools, WWI forts, and river gorges.
End the day when you reach the mountain town of Bovec, one of Slovenia's top outdoor sports destinations, and relax at a local microbrewery
Hiking time: 4.5 hours
Hiking distance: 9 miles (14 km); +984 feet (300 m), -2,395 feet (730 m)
Biking time: 2 hours
Biking distance: 10 miles (16 km); +591 feet (180 m), -951 feet (290 m)
Day 5: River Rafting, Transfer to Goriška Brda Wine Country
Start off by getting up close with the Soča as you raft your way down a section of the river. Once you've dried off, continue on foot to the town of Kobarid, home to the region's WWI Museum. Learn about the region's involvement in the war, also featured in Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms."
Leave the Alps behind with a transfer to Goriška Brda, also known as "Slovenian Tuscany." This wine region earns its nickname with its rolling hillsides, medieval villages, and cypress and fruit trees covering the countryside. And, of course, plenty of local food and wine: The region is home to Ana Roš, voted World's Best Female Chef in 2017, whom you can visit with a reservation at House Franko restaurant.
Hiking time: 3 hours
Hiking distance: 5 miles (8 km); +656 feet (200 m), -984 feet (300 m)
Day 6: Explore Goriška Brda Wine Country
Set off by foot or bike to explore wine country, whether you meander through the hills to whatever winery strikes your fancy or sneak in a bit more sightseeing. Make your way the Gonjače view tower for views all the way from the Alps to the Trieste Gulf of the Adriatic, or visit the museum at Dobrovo Castle for a glimpse of life in the eighteenth century. If you prefer to stay off your feet and spend the day by the pool instead, the local cured meats and cheeses served in the surrounding inns are not to be missed.
Day 7: Depart Slovenia
It's time to say farewell to Slovenia! Enjoy your last moments in this beautiful country with a leisurely breakfast and nature stroll before you drive to Ljubljana for your return flight home.
Map
