Easy/moderate hiking in Slovenian Alps till Mediterranean/Adriatic Slovenia with Ljubljana
Duration
Max guests
Highlights:
- Ljubljana, one of the greenest capital cities, Europe`s hidden gem,
- hiking in the picturesque settings of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj,
- amazing views of the highest peaks in the Slovenian Alps,
- hike&explore Soča valley,
- hike on Velika Planina, Europe’s largest active herdsmen settlement,
- Škocjan caves; a UNESCO site with one of the largest cave canyons in the world,
- big final, romantic Piran on the Slovenian coast and swim in the Adriatic Sea.
- experience traditional Slovenian food and wine.
Overview:
Easy/moderate hiking in Slovenian Alps till Mediterranean/Adriatic Slovenia with Ljubljana is a one-week hiking tour through the beautiful Slovenian landscapes. The tour is ideal for anyone who loves a series of shorter, easy/moderate day hikes along well-crafted trails with enough private time. Your experience will be enhanced with the amazing natural sights of Alps and Mediterranean/Adriatic Slovenia.
For example, we will hike gentle uphill sections across high mountain pastures and meadows. Additionally, the experience of dense forests and beautiful valleys in the Triglav National Park will be memorable. While enjoying some of the best viewpoints of the Julian and Kamnik-Savinja Alps we will have time to relax. Further on, we will have a chance to jump into beautiful alpine lakes and crystal clear rivers. One of the true highlights will be the best caves in the world of the Slovenian Karst region and finally, charming sea on the Adriatic coast.
To complement cultural experiences You will have time to explore Ljubljana, the Capital City of Slovenia. Further on we will enjoy the sceneries of Slovenian alpine region towns of Bled and Bovec and the medieval seaside town of Piran.
Together with local, Slovenian hiking guides, you’ll meet people with similar interests and enthusiasm. Due to small groups, we can have on the tour personal approach and infotainment presentation. Along with Fair-trade, cooperative and nature-friendly principles you’ll have the chance to experience one of our slogans: Come as a guest and leave as a friend.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome meeting, time for Ljubljana.
In the afternoon, the tour guide will meet You at Your hotel in Ljubljana.
First, as hosts, we will invite You for a welcome drink. There will be a chance for the guide to present the details of the tour and answer questions you might have. Besides that, you’ll get to know your new colleagues, other hikers that will be part of the team on the tour. Before the meeting and afterward, you’ll be able to explore Ljubljana on your own. The tour guide will be happy to give You some extra tips of what to do and to see in Ljubljana (To get some information`s about Ljubljana in advance we recommend you to read Vandrovc - Globetrotter blogs about Ljubljana)
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Ljubljana.
Meals included: /.
Day 2: Hiking on Velika Planina, time for Ljubljana.
To start our hiking tour adventure we will have a short drive towards Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The mountains and our main goal Velika Planina are visible from Ljubljana.
Velika Planina (Translated from Slovene: The Big Alpine Meadow) is Europe’s largest active traditional herdsmen settlement. Besides that fact scenery on Velika Planina is unique and outstanding with reminiscent on scenes from Heidi and The Sound of Music.
While hiking through vast alpine pastures, you will be impressed by the unique alpine architecture of the traditional herdsmen settlement. On top of it, we will learn about their culture and special way of life.
After the hike, we will have a chance to learn how to make traditional Slovenian food. This will be a great introduction to a delicious home-cooked lunch in a very special place: Our secret spot.
After the day tour, You will be able to enjoy in Ljubljana a late afternoon and evening on Your own.
Hiking: 10 km (6 miles) / elevation gain +300m, -300m(+1000ft, -1000ft) / approx. 3 hours.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Ljubljana.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Day 3: Hiking in the area of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj.
We will start the day with an about a one-hour long transfer to the part of the Slovenian Alpine region where is the Julian Alps mountain range. There we will have a chance to explore the area of Slovenia’s most known and iconic lakes, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj.
The hiking tour at Lake Bohinj will include the experience of typical villages, crystal-clear streams, the lake, gorgeous gorge and viewpoints adorned with spectacular mountain scenery.
After a delicious local lunch, we will visit the most known place in Slovenia, Lake Bled. With a genuine experience of Bled, it is soon clear why Bled is one of the most visited places in Slovenia. It is simply picturesque. To see and to feel all the mentioned facts and to avoid the majority of the other visitors we will hike to one of the best viewpoints and photo spots of the lake. There all the beauty of the Bled will be revealed. The main actors of the show are island church and clifftop castle with the Karavanke Alps mountain chain in the background. Meanwhile, if relaxing on the lakeside sounds a better option for You, You will be welcome to do just that.
Hiking: 14 km(8,5 miles) / elevation gain +400m, -400m(+1300ft, -1300ft) / approx. 4 hours.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bled or Bohinj.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Day 4: Hiking to panoramic mountain peaks in Triglav National Park.
We will be able to have panoramic mountain peaks experience thanks to the most demanding hike of the tour.
First a short drive to Triglav National Park, more precisely to high Pokljuka Plateau, where we will start to hike through magnificent spruce forests. After, the trial of easy to moderate level of difficulty will lead us up towards the panoramic mountain peaks that are close to the main star of the park - Mountain Triglav. On the top will be a great place to relax and to enjoy amazing views over the Triglav National Park and its glacial origin alpine valleys. The hike will be a good excuse for another Slovenian mountain experience - lunch in a typical Slovenian mountain hut.
We will return to the hotel in the afternoon, therefore there will be enough time to enjoy some free time.
Hiking: 12 km(7,5 miles)/ elevation gain +700m, -700m(+2300ft, -2300ft) / approx. 5 hours.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bled or Bohinj.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Day 5: Hiking to waterfall and around Vršič pass in Julian Alps.
The day to enjoy a series of shorter hikes to experience and admire nature sights of Julian Alps.
First, we will hike to feel the spectacular Peričnik Waterfall in the Vrata Valley. The experience to remember is the waterfall cold water spray during the summer.
After we will continue to explore the northern part of the Slovenian Julian Alps mountain range. Close to Kranjska Gora and lake Jasna we will start with a scenic drive on a winding road among the limestone mountain peaks towards Vršič mountain pass. The name of the road is the Russian road. Why? Join us and part of the debate will be also historical facts about World War One and why there is a Russian chapel. The area is a perfect starting point for our next hike.
After the hikes and lunch in a cozy mountain hut, we will cross Vršič mountain pass and descend to the other side of the pass, the Soča valley. There we will find one the most biodiverse place in the country with emerald waters, dense forests and the biggest variety of outdoor adventures in Slovenia. The little town of Bovec is its center, as well as the country’s outdoor adventure capital. This will be our hometown for the next two nights.
Hiking: 10 km (6 miles)/ elevation gain +400m, -400m(+1300ft, -1300ft) / approx. 4 hours.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bovec (Soča valley).
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Day 6: Hiking Soča trail area and time to enjoy emerald Soča River Valley.
The day to enjoy the natural beauty, outdoor adventure and historic/cultural details of Slovenia on the western side of the Triglav National Park in the famous Soča River Valley.
First, we will hike some hidden spots of the area of the Juliana Trail and Soča trail. We will see why Soča is considered to be one of the most beautiful alpine rivers in the world. Besides that, we are planning to visit Kobarid, a town of rich historical heritage. Kobarid is especially known because of the First World War - Isonzo front. Today Kobarid is a charming small town and a perfect spot for a great local lunch.
Optional extra for the afternoon would be adventures in Soča Valley. For example rafting, kayaking, canyoning and zip-lining. As mentioned in the afternoon there will be still enough time for some outdoor adventures, or simple relaxation and explorations on your own. The variety of restaurants, inns and bars beside local happening in Bovec will be helpful to have a memorable afternoon/evening.
Hiking: 12 km(7,5 miles) / elevation gain +250m, -250m(+820ft, -820ft) / approx. 4 hours.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bovec (Soča valley).
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Day 7: Visit Škocjan Caves and Piran, Mediterranean/Adriatic Slovenia.
Today we will experience Slovenian high diversity on a short distance in one day. We will start the day in Alpine Slovenia and finish the day in Mediterranean/Adriatic Slovenia.
First, we will visit the Škocjan Caves; a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the largest cave canyons in the world and many amazing underground Karst phenomena.
After the caves, we will visit a local winemaker in the Karst region of Slovenia. The family will prepare a lunch with wine tasting just for us.
The big final of the day will be the most beautiful town in Slovenian Istria, Piran. The historical part of Piran is extremely picturesque. We will explore the town’s narrow streets and squares, have a final gelato and use a chance for a swim in the Adriatic Sea.
The guide will finish the tour in the evening in Piran and will then return to Ljubljana.
Hiking: 7 km(4,3 miles) / elevation gain +150m, -150m(+500ft, -500ft) / approx. 3 hours.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Piran.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Day 8: End of the tour.
After a breakfast, unforgettable hiking adventure and cultural experience of Slovenia with us will end.
Thank You and You are always welcome in S-love-nia.
Tour details
Good to know:
- Fully guided group hiking tour with English and Spanish speaking guide.
- Shared group tour. Hikers with similar interests and enthusiasm.
- Fixed departure dates.
- Small groups, max 16 travelers and 2 guides.
- Accommodation: Comfortable, clean and conveniently located 3* hotels.
- Expect to hike from 4 hours per day. Be a keen hiker to fully enjoy this tour.
More details You can find under FAQ. For example:
- Hiking difficulty.
- Trail difficulty.
- Dangerousness and annoyances: (Weather, etc.).
- More about accommodations.
- What to bring for the tour.
- Etc.
Price and payment
Trip price: 3,450 EUR per person
Included:
- 7 nights bed & breakfast in a conveniently located 3* hotels. Double or twin rooms.
- 6 guided days with English and Spanish speaking hiking guide, who is also the driver.
- All transfers listed in the itinerary. Starting in Ljubljana and ending in Piran.
- Van with 8+1 seats is always available to the group. In the case of more than 8 guests, we will have 2 vans and 2 guides.
- A drink during welcome meeting in Ljubljana.
- All meals specified in the itinerary.
- Wine tasting.
- Škocjan Caves entrance fee.
- Organisation, 24-hour holiday service & support
Excluded:
- International flights.
- Airport transfers to Ljubljana and from Piran.
- Drinks.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Guide gratuities.
- Other services not specified under “Included”.
Optional extras:
- Single room supplement: 350 €.
FAQ
How difficult is the hiking on easy/moderate hiking tour?
Expect and be ready to hike 4-5 hours per day, with 8-12 km (5-7,5 miles) in distance and up to 700 m (2300 ft) of elevation gain and loss on the hardest day (most of the days around 400 m (1300 ft) of elevation gain and loss). The Fact is that we will hike on some mountain trails, therefore, we recommend You to be at a reasonable fitness level with basic experiences to fully and safely enjoy this tour.
What are the trails like on easy/moderate hiking tour?
The trails are uneven, sometimes rocky with lots of loose rocks - scree and narrow. We will need to overcome some short steep, sometimes slippery sections on the uphills as well as on the downhills. Most of the days we will hike in the shade of a forest. However, be prepared for sun exposure too.
What is the weather usually like easy/moderate hiking tour?
Weather can change a lot and fast. On the highest Slovenian mountain peaks, it can snow even in the summer (although it is not very common). Usually, the weather during the summer(from June to early September) is sunny it can be very hot. Even up to 35 deg C (95 deg F), which is a must for sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (for shade)! If the weather during the summer is rainy and windy you will need really warm clothes. Be prepared for temperatures as low as 0 deg C (32 deg F). This does not mean you have to bring a thick down jacket and thermal pants, just keep in mind that it can get cold and unpleasant and bring in a backpack with You some extra layers.
We recommend You to have in your backpack a thin (lightweight) layer to cover your arms, legs and the back of your neck to prevent sunburns.
Of course, don’t forget your swimsuit and a small towel! Lakes and rivers will be calling us for a refreshing swim!
p.s. For more detail please check under the FAQ the packing list for the tour.
How big are the groups on the hiking tour?
Depending on the departure date, maximum group sizes are from 8 to 16 travelers. In the case of more than 8 travelers on the tour, there will be 2 guides guiding the tour and driving two 8-seater minivans during the transfers on the tour. In the case of two guides on the tour, You will be able to join either the faster or more leisurely hiking group. Therefore, everyone can enjoy the pace they feel most comfortable with. The more physically fit hikers will be able to add some extra miles while others will have more time to rest and relax. By doing so we keep the feeling, flexibility and personal approach with pristine contact of a small group tour, so you can have the best hiking/group tour.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in easy/moderate hiking tour?
You will stay in selected nice and clean centrally located 3 star hotels, in double or single rooms with en-suite bathroom.
Please note that different departure dates may include a different selection of hotels. Feel free to ask for accommodation details for your preferred departure dates.
What to pack for this easy/moderate hiking tour?
Apart from your main travel luggage, follow the packing checklist below, which we recommend for this trip:
- Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes (preferably high-cut)
- Long hiking pants (preferably zip off and fast dry fabric)
- Short pants
- T-shirts and tank tops
- Long sleeve shirts
- Warm jacket (fleece)
- Rain & wind protection jacket (lightweight rain & windproof jacket)
- Comfortable hiking socks
- Thin gloves
- Sun protection (sunscreen with 30+ factor, hat with visor, sunglasses)
- Personal items (personal hygiene, medicine etc.)
- Hiking poles (if you usually use them for hiking)
- A water bottle or hydration bladder (2l volume is recommended, tap water in Slovenia is potable)
- A small backpack to carry your things while walking (15l is recommended)
- Swimsuit and a small towel
- Travel insurance
What is the payment & cancelation policy and travel insurance is recommendation?
The tour is organized by our partner Slotrips. It is required a 20% deposit to confirm your booking. Unless stated differently in our communication the balance is to be paid 45 days before the trip. Both payments are non-refundable. for more details please read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of Slotrips.
Purchasing travel insurance is recommended, as anyone can encounter unforeseen circumstances while traveling. So you don’t lose your money, we suggest including trip cancellation, medical coverage, baggage loss, loss of passport or wallet, etc. in your insurance policy.
Other dangerousness and annoyances in Slovenia and during the tour?
Health:
In general, there are no specific health concerns for traveling in Slovenia.
There are very few Environmental Hazards in Slovenia. Ticks are one thing to point out if You are practicing outdoor activities.
Ticks are common anywhere in Slovenia below 1500 meters (4900 ft) and because Slovenia is the third most forested country in Europe probably most of Slovenians already had a tick and we are still very relaxed with hiking and outdoor activities.
Ticks are a problem in Slovenia and many other places on the northern hemisphere because of Lyme disease and Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The good news is that not every tick is infected and both diseases are not harmful in the same way for all people.
In any case, everyone should take precautions to avoid being bitten, especially during the warmer months in rural or forested areas:
- Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) and breathable garments, including long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tuck pants into socks.
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin. Re-apply according to the manufacturer's directions.
- When hiking in wooded areas, stay in the middle of the trail and avoid tall grasses and shrubs.
- Carefully examine your body, clothing, gear for ticks before entering a dwelling and take a shower and check yourselves immediately after you return from hiking (If You remove attached ticks as soon as possible You reduce the possibility to get the disease).
p.s. For more information`s You could check web pages: WHO, IAMAT, Wikipedia.
Safety:
Slovenia is very safe. What crime there is mainly involves theft. Therefore, take the usual precautions with purses and wallets in busy places like bus and train stations. Besides that, don’t leave valuables unattended in a hut while hiking or on the beach. Also, secure any bikes with good locks.
p.s. Our office and guides will be happy to answer Your questions regarding these topics.
Your guides
Primož Kadunc
Slovenia is the only country in Europe that has all four listed geographic units!
Each unit has different landscape, climate, flora & fauna, history & cultural background, traditional food, architecture, character and life style of its inhabitants and we could continue with listing.
Like we mentioned geographical factors are having huge influence so it would be interesting to learn with who we are sharing this four big European geographic units:
- Alps (Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France),
- Adriatic/Mediterranean (Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, Albania),
- Pannonian Basin (Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Romania),
- Balkan peninsula/Dinaric Alps (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosna&Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo)
-
Alpine part of Slovenia, mountain Mala Mojstrovka -
Adriatic/Mediterranean part of Slovenia, Cliff above Mesečev Zaliv -
Pannonian Basin part of Slovenia, Špičnik-Štajerska, Styria -
Balkan peninsula/Dinaric Alps part of Slovenia, Trška Gora, Dolenjska-Lower Carniola -
Alpine part of Slovenia, mountains Mala Mojstrovka and Jalovec, Slap/Waterfall Peričnik, river Soča -
Adriatic/Mediterranean part of Slovenia, Mesečev Zaliv, Piran, Olive orchards Izola, Goriška Brda -
Pannonian Basin Slovenia, Špičnik-Štajerska, Styria, Prlekija, Jeruzalem, Prekmurje-pumpkin seed oil -
Balkan peninsula/Dinaric Alps Slovenia, Dolenjska-Lower Carniola, Dinaric Alps forests, porcini
