Slovenian Hiking Adventure: Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, Goriška Brda, and Piran - 9 Days

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: Lake Bled

Spend the morning in Ljubljana, where we will meet you for a welcome drink to go over the details of your trip. After lunch, a transfer will take you to Lake Bled. 

Located at 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 3: Julian Alps & Vršič Pass

In the morning, a transfer will take you to Kranjska Gora to start your hike in the mountains. You'll trek through the central Julian Alps and ascend to the Vršič Pass, Slovenia's highest mountain pass. Along the trail, you'll see amazing views and be surrounded by some Slovenia's highest peaks, with their characteristic abrupt limestone walls. You'll also be able to visit several out-of-the-way viewpoints. Spend the night in a rustic mountain hut.

Hiking: 8 miles (13 km)/ elevation +3,000 ft (900 m,) -985 ft (300 m)/ 4-5 hours

Day 4: From Vršič Pass to the Soča Valley

Get up bright and early for a sunrise hike to an amazing viewpoint and beat the crowds. From there, your route descends slowly into the beautiful green landscape of the Soča Valley. You'll visit the river's source, then continue on to a charming local farm, where you'll be spending the night. You also get to taste some delicious, home-grown organic food. 

Hiking: 9 miles (15 km)/ 2,300 ft (700 m) ascent, 3,600 ft (1100 m) descent/ 6.5 hours (there are several ways to make it shorter though)

Day 5: Along the Soča River to Bovec

Today you'll follow the river down the valley. You can explore hidden spots along the way to relax, dip your feet into the cold water, or even go for a swim. After about two hours of hiking, you'll find a campsite, where you can pick up a mountain bike and continue down towards Bovec on two wheels. 

You'll reach Bovec—Slovenia's outdoor adventure sports capital—in the afternoon. 

Follow the river down the valley, explore its hidden spots to relax, dip your feet into the cold water or even take a swim.  After about 2 hours of walking, you will come to a campsite where you hop on a mountain bike and continue towards Bovec on 2 wheels. There are many nice spots to stop by the river and enjoy. In the afternoon reach Bovec - Slovenian outdoor sports capital.

Hiking & biking: 12.5 miles (20 km)/ elevation +985 ft (300 m), -2460 ft (750 m) descent/ 6-7 hours

Day 6: Rafting in the Soča Valley

Start the day on the water, and go rafting near Bovec on the beautiful Soča River. Afterward, you'll lace up your hiking shoes again to walk all the way to Kobarid, where you'll have a traditional local lunch and visit the town's WWI museum to learn about the region's history. 

In the afternoon, a transfer will take you to the wine hills of Goriska Brda, where you'll spend the night. 

Day 7: Culinary adventure in Goriška Brda

Embrace a change of pace on the Goriška Brda wine region. This low-traffic area's country roads lead to scenic viewpoints over the valley, from where you can see peaceful villages and panoramic views. Gorgeous vineyards and fruit plantations are scattered across this hilly region and give you endless options for culinary adventures and local wine tastings. 

If you want to keep up your active pace, there are numerous options for cycling and hiking nearby. Tour a few wineries in the afternoon, or enjoy a wine tasting with dinner. Make sure to visit the medieval village of Šmartno or the beautiful scenery of Dobrovo.

Day 8: Drive from Goriška Brda to Škocjan Caves & Piran

After breakfast, it's time to visit the Slovenian Karst region and the Adriatic coast. Go underground to visit the stunning canyons of the limestone Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boardwalks will lead you through the unique ecosystem of one of the world's largest known underground caverns. The caves are believed to have been visited by humans since the Iron Age. 

In the afternoon, continue driving towards the Adriatic coast and check in to your hotel. Piran's old city walls, Venetian-style architecture, and stony beaches are filled with history and charm. Get lost among the picturesque narrow streets and squares and enjoy the evening in one of Piran's many seafood restaurants with a casual drink and fresh seafood.

Day 9: Drive from Piran to Ljubljana, and say goodbye to Slovenia

It's time to say farewell to Slovenia! Enjoy a last breakfast on the coast in Piran before you drive back to Ljubljana for your return flight home.