Highlights of Slovenia
Description
Journey through the storybook scenery of Slovenia on this active nature and culture adventure through the Alps to the Adriatic.
Starting in the hip baroque capital of Ljubljana, travel from valley to valley including picture-postcard Lake Bled, complete with a tiny 15th C chapel on a picturesque island under the dramatic castle looming above. In Triglav National Park, saunter along the Bohinj Lake cheese trail to the quaint alpine village of Stara Fuzina for lunch with a local cheese maker. The Vršič Pass, one of most scenic and historical byways in the Alps, is your highway to a day of alpine trekking and hiking along the sparkling emerald green Soča River. Sample wines in the heart of the Goriska Brda vineyards, considered the little (and undiscovered) ‘Tuscany of Slovenia’ and walk through the hilltop medieval village of Smartno. Further down the road lies the coastal town of Piran – a gem of Venetian Gothic architecture perched on a tiny peninsula jutting into the sea. From family farms, local bistros, and mountain huts, to the world famous restaurants, this is a wine and culinary adventure in one of the world’s most sustainable farm to table slow food networks in the world.
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Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive in Ljubljana
This charming little city is one of the hippest and greenest in Europe, reminiscent of Salzburg or Prague – without the crowds. It is small enough to easily explore on foot along the willow-lined pedestrian path bordering the Ljubljanica River or jump on a boat to admire this friendly city from a different perspective. Lively with bars, cafes and art galleries, this “Green Capital of Europe” is worth a full day visit.
* Meet your guide for a trip overview and introductory walking tour of Ljubljana.
Bled Lake
We leave charming Ljubljana behind and transfer (40min) to enchanting Bled Lake. This is the prettiest lake in the Alps, with a tiny 15th-century chapel perched on an island in the center with a dramatic medieval castle rising overhead. We get the best view of the lake and the surrounding from little viewing point just above the lake (30min walk one way) from where we admire Bled Castle standing guard atop a rocky cliff with panoramic views over the mountain and lake landscape.
After lunch enjoy free time for optional activities to absorb this beautiful haven including a ‘Pletna’ boat ride on Lake Bled to the island monastery, or time-permitting enjoy a traditional "kremsnita", creme cake overlooking the lake in Tito’s former summer retreat with pictures of world dignitaries he entertained there.
Bohinj Lake and Triglav National Park – Walk, Cheese tasting, Cooking class
Lake Bohinj, tucked in the heart of Triglav National Park in the gorgeous Julian Alps, part of the Slovenian Alps. Bohinj Lake just won the award for Best in Responsible Tourism at World Travel Market.
Bohinj is a sustainability-oriented destination committed to preserving the environment, biodiversity and traditional way of life. Its tourist infrastructure follows best practices of sustainable mobility, and there are numerous activities you can enjoy—all happily free of the tourist crush.
Mostnica Gorge walk - 2-3hrs
Mostnica Gorge and the Voje Valley are among the most beautiful and most visited natural attractions in Bohinj. On the way through the Gorge, you can admire the crystal-clear water and the boldly reshaped rocks, and enjoy the rich flora, fauna and cultural landscape that has been nurtured by the local people over the centuries. In autumn, the path leads you among the cows and their tinkling bells to the waterfall where the Voje Valley ends.
Cheese tasting
More than 100 years old Farm in Triglav National Park. More than 20 years of experience in making cheese and other products, passed down from generation to generation.
The authentic and distinctive taste of our products with only natural spices.
At Tourist Farm in Triglav National Park, we create with love. Depending on the season, you will find Bohinj alpine cheese, Bohinj smoked cheese, cheese Mohant, albumin cottage cheese, butter, cooked butter (ghee), dried sausages, and minced lard or “zaseka”.
Afternoon: Cooking class with dinner
Get to know Bohinj through its cuisine. Traditional dishes, intertwined with local ingredients, flirt with haute cuisine under expert guidance. You will use the recipes found in Bohinj’s rich culinary heritage, which have been expertly adapted to modern tastes, in your everyday kitchen.
The cooking workshop will be led by Katica Mikelj, who, together with members of the Rural Women Association, is selflessly sharing her knowledge and more than 30 years of experience in the catering industry with students and other trainees and course participants.
Morning: Pericnik Waterfall and Vrata Valley / Afternoon: Vrsic Pass - Soca Valley - Bovec
We leave Bohinj Lake behind and continue our journey encircling the Julian Alps.
We make a short stop and stretch our legs on a sort hike to a photogenic Peričnik waterfall, also one of the tallest waterfalls of Slovenia, Pericnik (170ft).
Pericnik is now protected as a natural heritage site and there is a nice hiking path that brings you closer, you can actually walk behind the waterfall.
Vrata valley ( Vrata translates to "the doors") is one of the most famous valleys in Slovenia, as it leads to the highest mountain of Slovenia, mt. Triglav. From here you can admire its magnificent Northern wall, one of the mightiest walls in the Julian Alps, Being 3,000 m wide and 1,000 m high with around 100 Alpinistic climbing routes represents the endurance and challenges world famous Slovenian alpinists.
In the afternoon we drive high into the Alps through Kranjska Gora, 6km from Italy and 12km from Austria, up hair pin turns to the Vrsic Pass (5316ft) – the highest in Slovenia. One of the most scenic mountain passes in Europe, the “Russian Road” was built by the Austrian Army in WWI by Russian prisoners of war for a strategic military access route.
We stop for lunch in rustic wooden mountain hut that serves hearty stews and local dishes. Their blueberry - apple struddle is also a must.
After lunch, we hike the Vrsic peak (1 hr) among the craggy alpine peaks before descending into the valley of Soča, the site of WWI’s Isonzo Front, vividly described in Ernest Hemingway's novel ‘Farewell to Arms’.
We end our day Bovec.
Rafting in the Soca Valley / Optional afternoon activities
The rafting adventure on the Soča River is one of the most beautiful Slovenian experiences and throughout the years, it has also become the most popular adrenaline activity in Bovec. It’s a great way to spice up your active holiday in the Soča valley with an adrenaline packed activity, that is suitable for all generations as our crystal river offers sections with various difficulty levels.
Brda Wine Country
After breakfast we swap the rugged alpine landscape for the verdant rolling hills of the Goriska Brda wine region, nicknamed “the Tuscany of Slovenia”.
Goriska Brda Wine Region
Brda wine country. is a land of exceptional cuisine and delightful wines. We will sample world-class wines in the heart of the Goriska Brda vineyards, considered to be little and undiscovered ‘Tuscany of Slovenia’.
You will get to see the change between the rough Alpine environment and the lush green hills of the south and wine growing region. We climb up Gonjace tower for 360 views and meander through charming medieval town of Smartno.
Wine safari - half day experience with picnic lunch
Join local conoseurs on a wine safary! This unique experience will take you deep into the vineyards of Goriška Brda wine country. Before you drink all that wine, make sure to have them show you the Šmartno village and the Gonjače viewpoint tower.
Unesco Skocjan Caves and Piran
We start the day with a 1h 45min drive to reach Slovenian Karst, where water carved and shaped rocks and stones into a unique and iconic landscape of subterranean world. Karst lent its name to all karst-like landscapes and phenomena across the world. Speleologists discover about 100 new caves in Slovenia every year, which amount to more than 10,000 known by date, but only about 20 of them are open to visitors.
We will explore the underground of UNESCO heritage Skocjan caves. Impressive caves are a natural phenomenon of global significance, with the largest known underground canyon in the world, ranking side by side with the Grand Canyon.
After visiting Caves we suggest a stop for lunch in local agritourism that serves home made prosciutto ham and local delicacies.
Continue on to the town of Piran, a small picturesque town situed right on the Adriatic coast. Piran is one of the best-preserved historical towns anywhere in the Mediterranean, and a true jewel of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Farewell Dinner!
Transfer back to Ljubljana or Trieste
Transfer back to Ljubljana is included.
Explore Tours
Journey through the storybook scenery of Slovenia on this active nature and culture adventure through the Alps to the Adriatic.
Starting in the hip baroque capital of Ljubljana, travel from valley to valley including picture-postcard Lake Bled, complete with a tiny 15th C chapel on a picturesque island under the dramatic castle looming above. In Triglav National Park, saunter along the Bohinj Lake cheese trail to the quaint alpine village of Stara Fuzina for lunch with a local cheese maker. The Vršič Pass, one of most scenic and historical byways in the Alps, is your highway to a day of alpine trekking and hiking along the sparkling emerald green Soča River. Sample wines in the heart of the Goriska Brda vineyards, considered the little (and undiscovered) ‘Tuscany of Slovenia’ and walk through the hilltop medieval village of Smartno. Further down the road lies the coastal town of Piran – a gem of Venetian Gothic architecture perched on a tiny peninsula jutting into the sea. From family farms, local bistros, and mountain huts, to the world famous restaurants, this is a wine and culinary adventure in one of the world’s most sustainable farm to table slow food networks in the world.
Included/Exclude
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Arrive in Ljubljana
This charming little city is one of the hippest and greenest in Europe, reminiscent of Salzburg or Prague – without the crowds. It is small enough to easily explore on foot along the willow-lined pedestrian path bordering the Ljubljanica River or jump on a boat to admire this friendly city from a different perspective. Lively with bars, cafes and art galleries, this “Green Capital of Europe” is worth a full day visit.
* Meet your guide for a trip overview and introductory walking tour of Ljubljana.
Bled Lake
We leave charming Ljubljana behind and transfer (40min) to enchanting Bled Lake. This is the prettiest lake in the Alps, with a tiny 15th-century chapel perched on an island in the center with a dramatic medieval castle rising overhead. We get the best view of the lake and the surrounding from little viewing point just above the lake (30min walk one way) from where we admire Bled Castle standing guard atop a rocky cliff with panoramic views over the mountain and lake landscape.
After lunch enjoy free time for optional activities to absorb this beautiful haven including a ‘Pletna’ boat ride on Lake Bled to the island monastery, or time-permitting enjoy a traditional "kremsnita", creme cake overlooking the lake in Tito’s former summer retreat with pictures of world dignitaries he entertained there.
Bohinj Lake and Triglav National Park – Walk, Cheese tasting, Cooking class
Lake Bohinj, tucked in the heart of Triglav National Park in the gorgeous Julian Alps, part of the Slovenian Alps. Bohinj Lake just won the award for Best in Responsible Tourism at World Travel Market.
Bohinj is a sustainability-oriented destination committed to preserving the environment, biodiversity and traditional way of life. Its tourist infrastructure follows best practices of sustainable mobility, and there are numerous activities you can enjoy—all happily free of the tourist crush.
Mostnica Gorge walk - 2-3hrs
Mostnica Gorge and the Voje Valley are among the most beautiful and most visited natural attractions in Bohinj. On the way through the Gorge, you can admire the crystal-clear water and the boldly reshaped rocks, and enjoy the rich flora, fauna and cultural landscape that has been nurtured by the local people over the centuries. In autumn, the path leads you among the cows and their tinkling bells to the waterfall where the Voje Valley ends.
Cheese tasting
More than 100 years old Farm in Triglav National Park. More than 20 years of experience in making cheese and other products, passed down from generation to generation.
The authentic and distinctive taste of our products with only natural spices.
At Tourist Farm in Triglav National Park, we create with love. Depending on the season, you will find Bohinj alpine cheese, Bohinj smoked cheese, cheese Mohant, albumin cottage cheese, butter, cooked butter (ghee), dried sausages, and minced lard or “zaseka”.
Afternoon: Cooking class with dinner
Get to know Bohinj through its cuisine. Traditional dishes, intertwined with local ingredients, flirt with haute cuisine under expert guidance. You will use the recipes found in Bohinj’s rich culinary heritage, which have been expertly adapted to modern tastes, in your everyday kitchen.
The cooking workshop will be led by Katica Mikelj, who, together with members of the Rural Women Association, is selflessly sharing her knowledge and more than 30 years of experience in the catering industry with students and other trainees and course participants.
Morning: Pericnik Waterfall and Vrata Valley / Afternoon: Vrsic Pass - Soca Valley - Bovec
We leave Bohinj Lake behind and continue our journey encircling the Julian Alps.
We make a short stop and stretch our legs on a sort hike to a photogenic Peričnik waterfall, also one of the tallest waterfalls of Slovenia, Pericnik (170ft).
Pericnik is now protected as a natural heritage site and there is a nice hiking path that brings you closer, you can actually walk behind the waterfall.
Vrata valley ( Vrata translates to "the doors") is one of the most famous valleys in Slovenia, as it leads to the highest mountain of Slovenia, mt. Triglav. From here you can admire its magnificent Northern wall, one of the mightiest walls in the Julian Alps, Being 3,000 m wide and 1,000 m high with around 100 Alpinistic climbing routes represents the endurance and challenges world famous Slovenian alpinists.
In the afternoon we drive high into the Alps through Kranjska Gora, 6km from Italy and 12km from Austria, up hair pin turns to the Vrsic Pass (5316ft) – the highest in Slovenia. One of the most scenic mountain passes in Europe, the “Russian Road” was built by the Austrian Army in WWI by Russian prisoners of war for a strategic military access route.
We stop for lunch in rustic wooden mountain hut that serves hearty stews and local dishes. Their blueberry - apple struddle is also a must.
After lunch, we hike the Vrsic peak (1 hr) among the craggy alpine peaks before descending into the valley of Soča, the site of WWI’s Isonzo Front, vividly described in Ernest Hemingway's novel ‘Farewell to Arms’.
We end our day Bovec.
Rafting in the Soca Valley / Optional afternoon activities
The rafting adventure on the Soča River is one of the most beautiful Slovenian experiences and throughout the years, it has also become the most popular adrenaline activity in Bovec. It’s a great way to spice up your active holiday in the Soča valley with an adrenaline packed activity, that is suitable for all generations as our crystal river offers sections with various difficulty levels.
Brda Wine Country
After breakfast we swap the rugged alpine landscape for the verdant rolling hills of the Goriska Brda wine region, nicknamed “the Tuscany of Slovenia”.
Goriska Brda Wine Region
Brda wine country. is a land of exceptional cuisine and delightful wines. We will sample world-class wines in the heart of the Goriska Brda vineyards, considered to be little and undiscovered ‘Tuscany of Slovenia’.
You will get to see the change between the rough Alpine environment and the lush green hills of the south and wine growing region. We climb up Gonjace tower for 360 views and meander through charming medieval town of Smartno.
Wine safari - half day experience with picnic lunch
Join local conoseurs on a wine safary! This unique experience will take you deep into the vineyards of Goriška Brda wine country. Before you drink all that wine, make sure to have them show you the Šmartno village and the Gonjače viewpoint tower.
Unesco Skocjan Caves and Piran
We start the day with a 1h 45min drive to reach Slovenian Karst, where water carved and shaped rocks and stones into a unique and iconic landscape of subterranean world. Karst lent its name to all karst-like landscapes and phenomena across the world. Speleologists discover about 100 new caves in Slovenia every year, which amount to more than 10,000 known by date, but only about 20 of them are open to visitors.
We will explore the underground of UNESCO heritage Skocjan caves. Impressive caves are a natural phenomenon of global significance, with the largest known underground canyon in the world, ranking side by side with the Grand Canyon.
After visiting Caves we suggest a stop for lunch in local agritourism that serves home made prosciutto ham and local delicacies.
Continue on to the town of Piran, a small picturesque town situed right on the Adriatic coast. Piran is one of the best-preserved historical towns anywhere in the Mediterranean, and a true jewel of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Farewell Dinner!
Transfer back to Ljubljana or Trieste
Transfer back to Ljubljana is included.
