Hiking best of Alps to Adriatic sea

Gross Glockner High Alpine road (Austria)

Scenic ride from Salzburg to Grossglockner high alpine road Hike along Gross Glockner High Alpine road. Our journey takes us into the mountains along the High Alpine Road, one of the most picturesque Alpine roads in all of Europe. While the total transfer time will be about 90 minutes driving, we stop along the way to learn how the road was built, stretch our legs on short walks, and take in the stunning vistas—including the 360-degree views from the Edelweissspitze, the highest accessible point on the road.

After lunch (and perhaps, a dessert of fluffy Kaisershmarn), we continue to the charming little Alpine hamlet of Heiligenblut. Here, we have time to rest, enjoy the onsite sauna, or explore the village before gathering for our celebratory welcome dinner this evening.

Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Hohe to Nationalpark Lodge GroßglocknerFollowing a hearty breakfast, we set off for the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe information center and the official starting point of Alpe Adria Trail. The visitor center was named for the Kaiser, a great fan of the mountains, after he hiked to that spot from Heiligenblut to marvel at the Grossglockner—Austria’s highest peak—in the mid-19th century.

After taking in the panoramic view of the tallest mountain in Austria ourselves, we hike down to Pasterze Glacier, the oldest remaining glacier in Austria. The descent is steep, on a mix of rocky singletrack trail and large steps. Hiking poles may be helpful here. At the bottom, we enjoy views of the glacier and a hike along the base of the Grossglockner, then return to Heiligenblut in the afternoon. Once again, there is time to walk around the village and enjoy the amenities of our lodge before dinner.
*Please not there is quite a lot of descent on Day 1. Hiking poles recommended.

Path of Love - Millstatter Alps

This morning, we transfer south to Millstatter Lake and the adjacent resort town of Millstatt. In the hills above town, we first stop at Lammersdorfer Hut, known for their local delicacies. After enjoying a taste of their cheeses and cured meats, we follow a dirt trail through idyllic cow pastures to Garnet Gate, where we are rewarded with a beautiful vista above the fjord-like lake. We continue our hike along the Path of Love and end back at Lammersdorfer Hut.

This evening, we enjoy the Hotel Pragant, a very unique and relaxing place. This family-run hotel makes their own delicious pastries and strudels, and we have time this evening to enjoy the patio and sauna.

Hike UNESCO Biosphere Park Nockberge

Our hike today is a loop hike in the UNESCO protected Nockberge Biosphere park. We continue along the trail above the Lanmgaltal valley, climbing gradually to Lake Nassbodensee.

A special feature of this area is the geology, because here the calcareous rock alternates with the crystalline primary rock, which in turn is decisive for the diversity of different flowers and herbs. From your trail below the summit of the Predigerstuhl you will see forests and open alpine meadows in the valley.

From Lake Nassbodensee you continue via the Thörl to the Predigerstuhl at 2.170 m above sea level. From there you can enjoy a wonderful view over the Nockberge mountains to the Carnic and Julian Alps as well as to the glacier of the Hochalmspitze. One can also see the Erlacher Bockscharte very nicely, where the traces of the former mining are still clearly visible.

Continue over the Erlacher Bockscharte via trail no. 14 to the Pfannock (2.254 m), which is the highest point of the hike. At the summit of the Pfannock you can see the Mallnock as well as the Pfansee lakes located at the foot of the Pfannock. Continue past the Pfannseen to the Roter Burg on where we come back to our starting point of the day.
* We´ll use gondola today.

Free Morning / Transfer to Ljubljana

Today you´ll have a chance to choose among different activities before continuing on to Ljubljana, Slovenia right after lunch.
- Half day walking tour in the Bad area (guided)
- Relaxing morning in the spa area
- Morning on your own in Bad village

You are spoilt for choice on your summer holiday in and around Bad Kleinkirchheim. Explore the gentle alpine world of the Carinthian Nockberge mountains on a bike tour, immerse yourself in the unique panorama on a leisurely hike, look forward to exciting rounds on Carinthia’s highest golf course, take a refreshing dip in Lake Brennsee or relax at one of the two spas.

Transfer from Bad Kleinkirchheim to Ljubljana

Arrival to 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.

Guided walking historic and food tour of Ljubljana / Open Kitchen Food market @Ljubljana

Meet your guide for an introductory half day historical walking tour of Ljubljana and visit of Ljubljana Castle (4hrs)

In the afternoon, relax and enjoy this wonderful city on your own.

Ljubljana castle is a key landmark of the town; originally a medieval fortress was constructed in the 11th century. Several walkways lead to the castle hill, it can also be reached by funicular or by car.

Do not miss Friday´s weekly foodie event called Open Kitchen: https://www.odprtakuhna.si/en/
Odprta kuhna (the Open kitchen), Slovenia's favourite gourmet food market, has since its beginnings in 2013 become an integral part of Ljubljana's liveliness. Bringing together the best eateries from all over the country it offers a colourful culinary experience you would not want to miss out on. Join us every sunny Friday on Pogačarjev square!

Drive from Ljubljana to Velika Planina / Velika Planina Pleateau - hike

A 45-minute drive to Kamniska Bistrica, you enter a glacial valley where the river Kamniška Bistrica rises and carves its way through a succession of magnificent gorges, followed by a short gondola ride up to the fairytale highlands of the Velika planina, high mountain plateau.

Accompanied by our friend Katja, renowned Slovenian forager, we will hike 3 – 5 miles with 600ft altitude gain, among traditional wooden huts, shepherds and cows, and forage for wild, edible plants and herbs. The sound of cowbells with the picturesque backdrop of limestone peaks and green, flower-studded alpine meadows is like a scene from ‘The Sound of Music’. We enhance our taste of the Slovenian culinary tradition in the most genuine alpine environment. Meet our friend and savior the taste of her local  stews, buckwheat dumplings, herbal teas and local brandies.

Bled Lake – Triglav National Park - Bohinj 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.

It’s a short ride further to Bled Lake's wildest brother, Lake Bohinj, in the heart of Triglav National Park that just won honorable award at World Travel Market as Best in Responsible tourism.

Hike to Valley of 7 Triglav lakes - day hike

We suggest and earlier start today.
Bohinj lake is perfect base for superb hikes or just any other outdoor activity. In the early morning we first hike up to Planina pri Jezeru hut where we stop and get strong coffee or strudel. Afterwards we continue on a undulating trail all the way to Valley of Seven Triglav lakes.

We descent back to Bohinj lake in the afternoon and enjoy another night by the lake.

Morning: Cheese Trail in Triglav National Park / Afternoon: Forest bathing "Melody of the forest"

In the Morning we first hike along the lake shore and Further up the mountain to Mostnica Gorge (3 mi).

After lunch we stop in a home of the local cheese maker in the quaint alpine village of Stara Fuzina. Enjoy a sampling of her fresh cheeses, hand-crafted breads, local cold cuts and seasonal fruit.

Lunch and cheese tasting included.

After lunch, go on a forest adventure in which you discover the melodiousness of the trees and learn about the secrets of the forest.

Surrender yourself to the melody created by the forest
Did you know that melody and sound can be elicited from trees, that trees talk to each other and transmit messages? Only certain people can coax mysterious sounds from the trees. You too can make this happen on a guided experience.

Every tree is a musical instrument of its own
Melody of the Forest is an intimate, profound, but nevertheless very intense experience of the forest.  A forest bath and meditation makes you realise how very alive, sonorous and fragile the forest really is - once you become silent. The exclusive private micro-location ensures intimacy and privacy. You will discover the resonance of individual trees and together create a harmonious forest melody. You will learn about the disappearing handicraft skills in the local environment, which makes the experience also a story about the living cultural heritage of Bohinj. Conclude the experience with a forest tea party, a rest in hammocks and a sound bath, and natural foot reflexology by walking on the forest ground.

Kranjska Gora - Vrsic pass - Soca valley

After relaxing morning we take scenic drive encircling the Julian Alps. 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.

Hike the Vrsic peak (2-3 hrs) among the limestone peaks and then descend into the valley of Soča, the site of WWI’s Isonzo Front, vividly described in Ernest Hemingway's novel ‘Farewell to Arms’.

Today, the “emerald river of adventures” is a playground for world-class fly-fishing and water sports. Stop for lunch at a mountain hut to sample traditional mountain stews and then hike along the sparkling emerald and turquoise waters of the Soča River trail.

Soca Valley Hike

This stage follows the marked, well-kept Soča Trail and leads almost continuously along the emerald green Soča River and at the same time through the part of the unspoilt Triglav National Park. At the suspension bridge over the Kršovec gorge on the border of the Triglav National park, the route continues towards Vodenca, crossing the confluence of the Soča and Koritnica rivers and reaching Bovec soon afterwards.
The narrow Trenta Valley, through which the emerald Soča River flows, widens out and enthrals with its typical grassy areas and farms. Attractive campsites invite hikers and visitors to relax. In this section, the Alpe Adria Trail coincides with the Soča Trail which leads along the Soča River, crossing it from time to time, until the Trenta Valley widens into the Bovec Basin. Now the trail leads into the centre of Bovec. Bovec was first mentioned 1174, but the moving history of this attractive place extends much further back. Along this section of the trail, largely running through the Triglav National Park, there are numerous resting places with descriptions of attractions.

Hike Juliana Trail: Bovec - Kobarid

The stage runs through the gorge of Kobarid and Trnovo, along the Soča River, i.e. in the part where the river is most picturesque and wild.

The stage between Bovec and Kobarid and Bovec takes us from harsh conditions of the mountainous world to the soft and gentle atmosphere of Soča, softly running across gravel pits in its lower part, foams in wild rapids and deep pools. We can follow its wild stream whole day long, and hike through the areas that have carried the name and the glory of the river among the wild water buffs all over the world.

E-biking the valley of Soca

There are numerous cycling trails around Kobarid.
We are off to explore the side valley of Soca river on an e-bike together with a local bike guide. (Half-day)

• Distance: 12,5-21 miles, 2-3 hrs

Morning: Goriska Brda Wine Region: e-bikes / Lunch at Kambreško - Museum Collection Lukčeva hiša

Together with our bike guide you´ll embark on a spectacular bike ride.
We will continue our journey towards Brda wine country. Slovenia is a land of exceptional cuisine and delightful wines. In the evening 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.

Goriska Brda are also known for their excellent fruits, do not miss what its in season; from local freshly picked cherries, peaches, apricots and figs.

Lunch at Kambreško
In order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage that are characteristic of the area of Kanalski Kolovrat, the kitchen with fireplace from the 19th century in the Lukčeva hiša was proclaimed as an ethnological monument of local importance. The fireplace in the Lukčeva hiša is one of the last preserved fireplaces on Kanalski Kolovrat, and it is an excellent example of the development of the architecture in these villages.

Apart from the fireplace, visitors can also admire the ethological collection, the collection of old documents, letters, paintings and the museum collection of items from World War I, which were found in the vicinity of Kambreško and Globočak.

Wine safari through Brda wine country / Art Gallery

Looking for a different wine-country experience? We´ll embark on a one of a kind Wine safari with our friends in Goriška Brda, Slovenia's "Tuscany". Half-day. Lunch in the vineyards is included.

Then continue to the Medana and Art Gallery. Alma House, a modern art gallery where you can find tradition mixed with fascinating content. The estate puts on display various exhibited works of visiting artists. Martina, our lovely host will show us around and share her contagious passion for art and life. Martina is also indispensable part of Edi Simcic vineyard that produces world-class wines made with passion and stewardship of the land.

Morning Unesco Skocjan Caves walk / Afternoon: Groznjan - artisan village

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.
Tour take 2hrs.

After visiting Caves we suggest a stop for lunch in local agritourism that serves home made prosciutto ham and local delicacies.

Then transfer from Slovenia to Istria (Croatia)

We get to explore another hilltop town, the Medieval town of Grožnjan, offering a 360º view on surrounding Istrian villages all the way to the sea. Grožnjan is known as the town of artists and music - its “hippy” artistic revival began in 1965, when artists from all over the world inhabited the empty houses abandoned by Italians after WWII. Thanks to that it is now home to some twenty galleries and art studios and valuable works of art can be found, from wonderful antique furniture to works of young painters. Come sit on stairs or stone benches around the town with artists, owners and other tourists, enjoying a cup of coffee and talking about life.

Rovinj to Brijuni National Park - walk - 2 hrs / Olive oil tasting

Satisfied with leisurely breakfast we’ll set off to explore famous islands of Brijuni, known as a State Summer Residence of the late Yugoslavian president Tito.
Brijuni islands were settled since ancient Roman times, but became more prominent only at the end of the 19th Century when Vinnese business magnate bought the whole archipelago and created an exclusive beach resort. He soon invited Robert Koch to conduct his malaria eradication experiments on Brijuni and in 1901 the island was declared malaria-free.

After 2nd WW the Brijuni became part of Yugoslavia and served as a meeting place and playground for many a foreign head of state as well as film stars including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren and many more. Brijuni gained worldwide fame mid 1956, when Nasser (President of Egypt), Nehru (PM of India) and Tito (President of Yugoslavia) met to discuss their opposition to the Cold War and signed the Brioni Decleration which served as a foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement. After Tito’s death the islands were declared a National Park, holding a “safari park” filled with animals, given to Tito, such as Sony and Lanka, two Indian elephants donated by Indira Gandhi.

Grubić Olive Oil Tasting with light lunch
Learn about olives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) production among more than 400 years old olive trees, and learn how to taste the quality of the oil.

Truffle hunting and wine experience

After breakfast put on some truffle hunting pants (they are like regular pants, but just give you the lucky feeling you will find some truffles)* and join us for a visit to the Miro family. Scouting out truffles and training hunting dogs for three generations now, they are full of good stories and experiences they will share with us while hunting for these delicious and fragrant underground fungus, that some call “the diamonds of the kitchen”.
Leaving playful hunting dogs behind, we’ll set of to visit Motovun, surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town. It was built on top of a prehistoric hill-fort where later Romans extracted clay for the production of amphorae. In Middle Ages the 13th century bell tower was built and in the 17th Century a Parish Church of St.Stephen. Motovun’s oak was used for building columns under Venice and Austro-Hungarian ships and the town is nowadays most known for the Motovun film festival held every summer.

Istrian peninsula is also one of the main wine regions of Croatia producing some of the top-notch wines to rival world competitors. Moderate Mediterranean climate, conditioned by the sea currents and seemingly constant breezes, has blessed Istria with at least four viticulture-wise fertile soil types, providing perfect conditions for cultivating multitude of wine sorts, from whites to reds.

End of Tour / Transfer to Venice

Tour ends in Rovinj, Istrian peninsula.

We can organize private transfer to:

• Drive from Rovinj to Venice and Venice airport takes around 3-3,5hrs.