September 9 – 19, 2024
Trip Overview
| This exciting adventure takes us to Slovenia, a small country in Central Europe noted for its majestic mountains, ski resorts and beautiful lakes. Slovenia is a charming destination and one of Europe’s best kept travel secrets. On this unique adventure we will experience the charm of its picturesque capitol Ljubljana before heading off to explore the impressive Julian Alps, serene mountain valleys, medieval towns, and a relaxing coastal resort town.
The tour begins in Ljubljana a city of 280,000 people and, one of Europe’s most livable capitals. Ljubljana is known for its large university population, parks and green spaces, and the outdoor cafés and markets along the Ljubljana River promenade which winds its way through the ancient city. Ljubljana has many museums and an impressive architecture. Slovenia has many wonderful areas for hikes and walks amid awesome landscapes. In our private van and with our driver/guide, we will visit three of the most interesting. First, we visit Bled, Slovenia’s leading mountain resort located in the foothills of the Julian Alps. We also visit the picture-perfect Lake Bled, a glacial lake with an island and the 17th Century St. Mary’s Church. Next we visit Bled Castle, a medieval castle built on a precipice above the city. The Bled area is a great place for hiking as it is surrounded by majestic mountains. We also visit the stunning Lake Bohinj located in the Julian Alps and with vistas to the surrounding mountains, gorges and waterfalls. We hike a trail by the lake. Next we visit the Soca Valley one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Slovenia. The region is particularly known for its emerald-blue Soca River, which makes its way through mountain landscapes, green valleys and narrow gorges. Finaly, we visit Piran, a resort town on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, noted for its medieval architecture, medieval walls, Venetian-style bell tower, and wonderful relaxing beaches. The old town is a maze of interesting narrow cobblestoned streets and colorful houses.
Itinerary Day 1 – Monday, September 9, 2024. Arrive in Ljubljana In the evening, we meet our Slovenian tour guide for a short walking introduction to the major attractions of the city. After the tour, we have a welcoming drink followed by dinner at a local restaurant and discuss upcoming trip details. Day 2 – Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Walking in Velika Planina Walking: 6 miles, elevation gain/loss +980 feet, -980 feet/ approx. 3 hours Day 3 – Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Travel to Bled & Hike We lodge for two nights at the four star Hotel Bohinj located on Lake Bohinj about 30 minutes west of Lake Bled. . Our hotel has a restaurant, lounge/bar, fitness center and hot tub and spa and internet service. Walking: 6.8mi, elevation gain/loss +787 feet -1100ft. Day 4 – Thursday, September 12, 20234. Hike Lake Bohinj area & Cheese Tasting In the afternoon we learn about cheese making in Slovenia. We visit the Gartner Farm and have a glimpse into living at the high alpine pasture in Planina v Lazu in the summer. Sample their different cheeses, delicious homemade cold cuts and typical desert “potica”. We wouldn’t be Slovene if this wouldn’t be accompanied by a selection of local schnapps – the Slovenian old-fashioned medicine (when consumed in small quantities!). We lodge for a second night at the Hotel Bohinj. Walking: 3-4 hours, 6 miles. Day 5 – Friday, September 13, 2024. Travel to the Soca Valley & Mountain Hikes There are a numerous interesting stops along the 1.5 hour drive which goes over the 5,285 foot high Vrsic Pass, the highest pass in the Julian Alps. This road was built during World War 1 by Russian POWs. We do a series of shorter walks and admire a rich diversity of landscape, passing rivers, lakes, forests, trees, colorful flowers, and unusual rocks. First, we’ll hike to the spectacular Pericnik Waterfall in the Vrata Valley. In summer the cold water spray will compel you to walk behind the water curtain and freshen up. We do a hike on the pass with views to the beautiful Julian Alps. We will enjoy a tasty lunch at the mountain hut on the pass. Later on, we end the day with a transfer to the lush Soca valley. Time permitting we will stop for a refreshing swim in the inviting pools of the Soca River. We lodge at the four star Hotel Soca which has a restaurant, bar, internet, fitness center and a pool. Walking: 6 mi / elevation gain/loss +1300 ft, -1300 / approx. 4 hours Day 6 – Saturday, September 14, 2024. Hike Soca Valley, River Swim For lunch we will enjoy delicious local specialties of the Soca Valley. After lunch we head to the Soca River for a swim in the turquoise water. We will also find time for a zip-line experience. We return to the Hotel Soca for a second nights lodging. Walking: 7.4 mi / elevation gain +800 ft, -800 ft / approx. 4 hours Day 7 – Sunday, September 15, 2024. Goriska Brda Wine Tour & Hike We lodge and dine at the Majerja Guest House hidden among the vineyards and orchards. Our hotel’s restaurant serves traditional cuisine with a contemporary touch. Walking: 3.6 mi / elevation gain/loss +800 ft, -230 ft / approx. 2.5 hours Day 8 – Monday, September 16, 2024. Visit Skocjan Caves and Piran In the afternoon, we travel to Piran, a charming resort town on the Slovenia’s Adriatic Coast known for its medieval architecture, medieval walls, Venetian-style bell tower, and inviting beaches. We lodge at the 4 star Hotel Piran. Our hotel has a restaurant, spa, and internet. We have dinner at a local restaurant. Walking: 4 mi / elevation gain/loss +500 ft, – 500 ft / approx. 3 hours Day 9 – Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Truffle Hunting & Afternoon at the Beach We return to the Hotel Piran in the afternoon and can relax on the beach and/or go for a swim. Piran oozes an air of coziness and relaxation. The narrow arches of the city streets has lots of cute spots and laid back cafes. Meals included: breakfast, lunch. Day 10 – Wednesday September 18, 2024. Travel to Ljubljana & Food Walk By conversing with your foodie guide and the people behind the countertops, you will discover small businesses with daily fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, showcasing their unique dishes and stories. You’ll make at least four sit-down stops to experience a variety of tastings, including special coffee and desserts. There will be a choice of three drinks, including craft beer, wine, or non-alcoholic options. Walking distance is about 1.5 miles. Later in the evening we have a farewell dinner. We lodge at the Best Western Premier Hotel Slon Meals included: breakfast, food walk lunch, dinner Day 11 – Thursday, September 19, 2024. Depart for Home Meals included: breakfast.
COSTS Land Cost: $4,300 per person (for 10-12 travelers), based on double room occupancy. $600 single room supplement. Cost Includes: 10 nights bed & breakfast in 4 * hotels or B&B’s, 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 4 dinners, food walk, cheese tasting, wine tasting, truffle hunt with lunch, welcome and farewell drinks, Vintgar Gorge entrance fee, Skocjan Cave entrance fee, 10 days English speaking guide/driver, van with 9 seats (larger van with 10-12 travelers), airport arrival and departure transfers. Cost Does Not Include: International airfare to & from Slovenia, travel insurance, lunches and dinners not included in the itinerary, and alcoholic beverages except where noted in the itinerary. GRADE We hike for seven days on well maintained trails. Hiking distances range from 4-7 miles and elevation gains range from 500-1300 feet and elevation descents range from 200 – 1300 feet. The hikes are rated as easy to moderate. All hikes can be shortened to accommodate all hikers abilities. REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION You may also download our trip registration form, and mail it in to us.
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Ljubljana
