Overview
This is a one-week walking trip through the beautiful Slovenian landscape, ideal for anyone who loves a series of shorter, easy and pleasant daily walks along well-crafted trails through the green nature of western Slovenia. You will walk pathways with gentle uphill sections across high mountain pastures and meadows, through dense forests in the Triglav National Park, constantly enjoying the stunning views of the Julian Alps. Further on, you will pass through beautiful glacial lakes, valleys and crystal clear rivers, before visiting the mysterious caves of the Slovenian Karst and finally, along the magical Adriatic coast.
Besides the natural beauties of Slovenia, you will also explore its capital Ljubljana, a green city with picturesque bridges, the towns of Bled and Bohinj with their blush-green lakes, as well as the enchanting alpine town Bovec and its dramatic mountain backdrop. The medieval seaside town of Piran, which grew with the aid of salt, will provide a glorious, relaxing end to your trip.
Your journey will also be enriched by our native Slovenian guides, who will help you experience Slovenia’s natural treasures and historical places in the best possible way. Our groups are small (around 10 people), so you can expect to travel in a friendly atmosphere and get private attention.
- Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia
- Lake Bled
- Lake Bohinj
- The beauty of the Julian Alps
- Skocjan Caves
- Town of Piran
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Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Ljubljana
In the afternoon, upon arrival in Ljubljana, you’ll meet your trip guide over a welcome drink to discuss all trip details and get to know all other travellers joining the tour.
Enjoy your free time in vibrant Ljubljana to taste delicious food and wine in some of the best bars and restaurants on the banks of the green Ljubljanica River. We suggest coming a day earlier so you can explore at leisure the picturesque old city centre, it’s historic landmarks and impressive architecture.
- Accommodation: 3* hotel in Ljubljana (City hotel Ljubljana or similar)
- Included meals: none
Day 2: Velika Planina Plateu | 10km
Today you will head towards Kamnik-Savinja Alps, just a short drive north from Ljubljana, where your walking adventure begins. First on the agenda is a visit to Velika Planina (The Big Meadow), Slovenia’s biggest and most charming alpine pasture, also known as Europe’s largest and oldest active shepherds’ settlement.
While walking through vast alpine pastures, you’ll be amazed by the shepherds’ villages’ unique alpine architecture and learn about their culture by visiting the oldest hut in the pastures. After the walk, we’ll encourage you to participate in making some traditional Slovenian food, then treat you to a delicious home-cooked lunch in a very special place: our best-kept secret.
You’ll return to Ljubljana in the afternoon and are free to enjoy an evening to yourself.
- Accommodation: 3* hotel in Ljubljana (City hotel Ljubljana or similar) or similar
- Walking for the day: 10km, ↑300m ↓305m, approx. 3h
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 3: Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj | 14km
The day will start with a transfer to the foothills of the Julian Alps, to explore Slovenia’s most popular and most authentic lakes, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, which are about a one-hour drive from Ljubljana.
The walking trip at Lake Bohinj will take you through typical villages, beside crystal-clear streams that feed the lake, as well as along its gorgeous shores and deep gorges with spectacular mountain scenery.
After a nice lunch, you’ll go to Lake Bled and walk to it’s most spectacular viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy views over this lovely lake with its iconic island and the medieval castle perched on the edge of a rocky cliff. The Karavanke Alps in the backdrop provide the final ingredient for the perfect photo.
If you prefer, you can skip the viewpoint walking trip and instead relax by the lake and swim in its freshwater.
- Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Bled or Hotel Jezero Bohinj or similar
- Walking for the day: 14km, ↑400m ↓400m, approx. 4-5h
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 4: Triglav National Park | 12km
Today you’ll experience the most challenging part of this walking holiday. After a short drive, we will set off for a walk in the high mountains to Slovenia’s only national park, the Triglav National Park. Here, mountain trails of easy to medium level of difficulty lead to magnificent vistas over the Triglav National Park and its glacial alpine valleys.
To begin with, you’ll enjoy walking through the dense and magical spruce forest on Pokljuka Plateau. The forest path will take you to an alpine area and a peak (almost 2,000m high), where you will have the chance to taste dairy products made by the local shepherds. A short walk along the single track later, you’ll experience lunch in a typical Slovenian mountain hut.
You’ll return to your hotel late afternoon so that you can enjoy some free time too. Alternatively, you can skip the summit ascent by cutting the hike short at the lovely mountain hut, where you can enjoy some downtime or take the rest of the day off instead.
- Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Bled or Hotel Jezero Bohinj or similar
- Walking for the day: 12km, ↑700m ↓700m, approx. 5h
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 5: Vrsic Pass and Julian Alps | 10km
It’s a day to enjoy a series of shorter walks and admire a rich diversity of landscapes, rivers, lakes, forests, trees, colourful flowers, and unusual rocks.
First, we’ll go hiking 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, before heading towards the heart of the Julian Alps along the high mountain road, built during World War I by Russian POWs. It winds upwards to the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and the eastern Julian Alps, Vrsic pass (1,611m), where you’ll enjoy a short walk, which highlights the beautiful Julian Alps.
You’ll be treated to a well deserved and tasty lunch at the mountain hut on top. Later on, you’ll end the day with a transfer to the lush Soca valley.
- Accommodation: Hotel Mangart Bovec or similar
- Walking for the day: 10km, ↑400m ↓400m, approx. 4-5h
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 6: Soca Trail and Emerald Soca River | 12km
On this day, you’ll discover Slovenia’s true natural beauty on the western side of the Triglav National Park. While we’re out on shorter walking tours in the beautiful Soca Valley, exploring its hidden spots, you’ll learn about World War I history and its influence on north-western Slovenia.
Lunch will bring delicious local specialities of the Soca Valley to your plate. Afterwards, the allure of the emerald Soca River will tempt you to go for a swim in its turquoise waters, for which the river is well known all around Europe as Slovenia’s most beautiful river.
Optional extra: Go rafting or kayaking on the beautiful Soca River.
- Accommodation: Hotel Mangart Bovec or similar
- Walking for the day: 12km, ↑250m ↓250m, approx. 5h
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 7: Skocjan Caves and Gulf of Piran | 7km
Today you’ll explore south-western Slovenia, its karst landscapes and phenomena, as well as the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, the Slovenian Adriatic Coast.
In the morning, we’ll go touring the spectacular subterranean chambers of the Skocjan Caves, a UNESCO Natural and Cultural World Heritage Site, which are known for having the longest underground canyon in Europe. Later on, you’ll discover the wine region of south-western Slovenia by tasting its strong wines and local food, as we’ll visit a local winemaker in the karst vineyards.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the loveliest town of the Slovenian coast, Piran. You’ll love crawling this tiny peninsula, with its narrow streets and tiny squares. Sea-lovers however, will be enchanted by the luminous waves along the coast at night.
Your guide leaves the group tonight and returns to Ljubljana.
- Accommodation: Hotel Piran or similar
- Walking for the day: 7km, ↑150m ↓150m, approx. 3h
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 8: Departure
After a hearty breakfast, this unforgettable walking adventure in lovely western Slovenia ends. Treat yourself to a final swim in the Adriatic Sea and wave Slovenia goodbye, until next time.
- Included meals: breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 3-star hotels (all in private en-suite double/twin rooms). We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view default hotels
Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide to you the exact accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning, and lunch package on each walking day (as listed in the itinerary). For the evening meals, you will have the chance to enjoy the many local restaurants in the places where you will stay overnight.
Difficulty and terrain
This holiday is appropriate for both beginner and intermediate hikers. Average walking distance is 10km per day, with average daily elevation gain is 400m (read more about difficulty grades). For those who find the walking part difficult, alternative options are possible, depending on the situation and the guide’s decision.
When to go
We offer several guaranteed departure dates (one in March, and multiple options between June and September) – you can see them by clicking on the See Dates and Prices link above. Private dates for individual groups can be organised upon request.
Climate is mostly of a mountain and alpine character, cold and moist influenced by high altitudes. Snow cover in valleys and peaks persists from 180 to 250 days of a year. Windy weather is typical, and during summer afternoon storms are usual. The average temperature in July is 15C.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Ljubljana.
By train or bus
Transfers to/from Airports
Getting from Ljubljana airport to the city centre is easy, as there is a regular bus line and many taxi options on the spot. The return from Piran is also possible through public transport (bus or train), and a private transfer is also available upon request. You can also directly enquire about airport transfers here.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnights (breakfast included) in a conveniently located 3* hotels, all in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
- 6 walking routes with English speaking local guide, who is also the driver
- All transfers as listed in the itinerary, starting in Ljubljana and ending in Piran
- Van with 8+1 seats is always available to the group while walking. In the case of more than 8 guests, we will have 2 vans and 2 guides
- Welcome meeting over a drink in Ljubljana
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- One wine tasting
- Skocjan Caves entrance fee
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Guide tips
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- Where members of the group require a single room, a supplement is applicable at a surcharge
- Private transfers to/from airport
- Extra nights before/after the trip
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