Moderate/Strenuous Hiking in Slovenian Alps with Ljubljana & Mediterranean/Adriatic Slovenia

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: /
 

In the morning, after breakfast, we will drive with a van to a starting position of a three-day hut-to-hut hike, one of the best summer hikes in the Julian Alps. The trail will take us off the beaten track, along forest paths, alpine meadows and rocky mountain trails close to Slovenia’s highest mountain – Mt. Triglav. 
First, we will cross alpine pastures in the hills near Lake Bohinj - be ready for Heidi and The Sound of Music scenery. There we might have the chance to see the true farm to table, fair-trade experience because sometimes we can taste and buy fresh cheese and sour milk from the local herdsman.

Further on, we will start ascending to and descending from the mountain passes on the slopes of the surrounding mountains. Even if you have hiked the best of the Alps and other world-famous hiking destinations, you will find these views and trails breathtaking.
Step by step we will reach areas that You can not visit by car and usually we notice that hardly any people trek in this part of the Triglav National Park. As the mountain hut appears on the hillside, you will have a chance to admire the highest mountain in Slovenia, Mt Triglav (2864m, 9396ft). Triglav is for sure one of the most important national symbols of Slovenia.

The most eager hikers will be able to hike a mountain peak on the way or from the mountain hut where we will stay over the night (extra 1 hour) 
We will provide a picnic lunch.

Hiking: 9 km (5,6 miles) / elevation +900 m, -250 m (+3000ft, -820ft)/ approx. 6 hours .
Accommodation: Mountain hut with shared rooms 1/4, 1/6, and 1/10, shared bathroom.
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner.
 

Today, one of the most challenging days on the tour will take us through the heart of the Julian Alps, Triglav National Park. 
Because we will start our hike close to tree line we will be able to enjoy aromatherapy of a dwarf pine forest. Above tree line even more gravel path will take us over rocky terrain through stunning alpine scenery to one of the highest mountain passes on the tour. There is a great place to relax among endemic Triglav roses for a while and to enjoy one of the best views of Mount Triglav on the tour. After relaxation the most eager hikers will have the chance to climb a mountain peak (extra 1 hour and 250 meters, 820ft altitude gain and loss). In case of good weather and visibility we will have at the top views over the highest summits of the Slovenian, Italian and Austrian Alps. 

After the pass we will start our descent on the Via Alpina and Slovenian Mountain Trail towards the valley of the Seven Triglav Lakes. Once we will reach the valley hiking will be more relaxed because we will hike along the valley on an easier and very popular trail. The valley is truly a mountain paradise with amazing karst mountain formations, fossils and endemic flowers. Because of it´s geological and Flora & Fauna importance the valley and the lakes are protected as natural monuments within the Triglav National Park. There is also a high possibility to see some of the alpine wildlife. For example marmots and Alpine ibex. Well if we don’t see the marmots we will hear their whistles. 

Late in the afternoon we will reach the mountain hut beside one of the Triglav lakes-great place to relax and to take some memorable photo. 
For a lunch we usually get a picnic, take away, lunch from the hut at breakfast and then we have plenty of extraordinary spots along the way and with their help this could be one of the best lunch breaks of your life:). Another option where to get some food is mountain hut along the trail.

Hiking: 12 km (7,5 miles) / elevation +700 m, -750 m (+2300ft, -2460ft) / approx. 7 hours. 
Accommodation: Mountain hut in shared rooms 1/4, 1/6, and 1/10 and shared washroom.
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner.
 

After breakfast will be time to say till the next time to the mountain paradise - the valley of the Seven Triglav Lakes. Before we will finish the loop we will explore a bit more into the details the land of alpine pastures. First there will be the option to hike to a lovely mountain peak. Why lovely? From the top we will be able to enjoy the panorama over the Seven Triglav Lakes valley and the Julian Alps.

Ongoing from the mountain peak we will hike through the alpine pastures, dwarf pines and forest area. Among many other details we will admire very picturesque Herdsmen´s cabins and their perfect alpine setting. If it sounds like that You are reading fairytale - there we are having from time to time feeling that we are part of the one.

Every fairytale has an end - this time happy one because after the three-day hike will be time for Bohinj Valley. There we will have for lunch traditional local food and after the lunch big final. Imagine - after long hikes we will be able to jump into crystal clear waters of Lake Bohinj, Slovenian largest permanent lake.
Afterward, You will have some free time to explore the area and to have dinner on your own.

Hiking: 8 km (5 miles)/ elevation +200 m, -800 m (+650ft, -2620ft) / approx. 4 hours. 
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bohinj or Bled.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
 

For the next part of the tour, we will continue by van to starting points for day hikes.
First, 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.

After Bled we will continue to explore the northern part of the Slovenian mountain region. First, we will drive up the upper Sava Valelly and 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 day hike. The forest path will lead us to a solitary mountain peak in the middle of a mountain arena.

After the hike and lunch is in a cosy 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 (6,2miles) / elevation gain +650 m, -650 m (+2130 ft, -2130 ft) / approx. 5 hours split into 3 different hikes.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bovec, Soca valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.

The day will bring many different options. One would be a relatively short and strenuous hike to Mountain Mangart. Mangart is the third highest mountain peak in Slovenia and one of the highest in the area of Soča Valley. Another optional extra would be adventures in Soča Valley. For example rafting, kayaking, canyoning and zip-lining. Usually, our guests decide for both options - morning hike to Mountain Mangart and afternoon adventures on the famous Soča river.

We will start the day early, winding up on one of the most panoramic Slovenian roads - Mangart road to Mangart saddle. Soon after the beginning of the hike, a steep rocky trail protected with steel wire ropes will quickly take us from the mountain base. There we will experience a higher altitude, limestone, alpine terrain with vertical walls and lots of loose rocks. You will find the steel wire ropes aids handy for climbing the tall steps. At the top, we will have a chance to enjoy amazing mountain panorama. We will be able to admire mighty western Julian Alps stretching from Slovenia to Italy and part of the Central Alps in Austria. If You think that strenuous hike to Mountain Mangart is too much, we will recommend an easy hike with amazing views at the top of Mangart saddle.
After the descent will be time for a delicious local lunch.

As mentioned in the afternoon there will be still enough time for some optional 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: 8 km (5 miles) / elevation gain +650 m, -650 m (+2130 ft, -2130 ft) / approx. 5 hours.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bovec.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.

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 hike some sections of the Juliana Trail and the 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. 

From Kobarid, we will drive to the low rolling hills of Goriska Brda, a wine region in Mediterranean/Adriatic Slovenia. In Goriška Brda vineyards, orchards and olive grove terraces are covering the landscape. The region is extremely charming thanks to a mild climate, long tradition, hard-working farmers and small villages/towns.

In the evening we will have an unforgettable, last group dinner on the tour. 

Hiking: 8 km (5 miles) / elevation gain +100 m, -160 m (+330 ft, -520 ft)  / approx. 2.5 hours.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Goriska Brda.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

After breakfast, our hiking adventure in Slovenia will end.
But please note that we highly recommend You to join the following one-day extension. Like this, You will be able to experience even more Slovenian high diversity on a short distance. We will have time to explore Škocjan Caves, the karst vineyards and the Slovenian coast with the coastal town of Piran.

EXTENSION:
As mentioned 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. You are free to overnight in Piran or return to Ljubljana with the guide.

Hiking: 7 km (4.4 miles) / elevation gain +150 m, -150 m (+490 ft, -490 ft) / approx. 3 hours.
Accommodation: Of your own choice.
Meals included: Breakfast. The optional extension includes lunch with wine tasting.