Compare Hiking Slovenia: Europe's Hidden Treasure by Adventure Women vs Slovenia: Hike, Bike & Raft by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Trieste Hiking and Transfer to Kobarid, Slovenia

Meals: Dinner

Accomodation: Hisa Franko Hotel

Today we rendezvous at the airport in Trieste at 1 p.m. for our group pick up.

Once the main port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before it became part of Italy after WWI, Trieste is a melting pot of East and West. It was home to such diverse luminaries as Sir Richard Burton, Rainer Maria Rilke, and James Joyce, who wrote two of his masterpieces here.

We begin our European hiking adventure with a short walk along the cliff tops to the tiny fishing village of Duino, Italy. One of Italy's most panoramic walks, known as Rilke’s Walk, the poet was said to have strolled here while composing some of his more important works. At just over a mile, the hiking trail starts in the town of Sisiana and ends at the Duino castle, with breath-taking views. The spectacular scenery on our Italian hike includes the gulf of Trieste and a coastal environment characterized by the cliffs and a beautiful mix of flora. Walking along the path, there are a number of look-outs and gun emplacements overlooking the sea.

This afternoon we drive to Kobarid in Slovenia and stay at the gorgeous Hisa Franco Hotel, our base for the next two nights. (2 hour hike)

Day 2: Hiking in Slovenia Along the Soca River

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hisa Franko Hotel

The town of Kobarid was immortalized by Hemingway in his novel, Farewell to Arms. This strategic Slovenian outpost was the site of some of the bloodiest battles during WWI, and over 600,000 men were killed in the space of two months. It was here, in 1917, that the Austrian forces decidedly beat the Italian forces. However, with the final defeat of the Austrian/German alliance, Kobarid came under Italian jurisdiction between the two world wars and only became part of Yugoslavia at the end of WWII. Today, it is a peaceful town in Slovenia continuing to capitalize on its magnificent mountain setting.

Our Slovenia hiking trail follows the Soca River, reputedly the cleanest river in Europe. It is glacier-fed and as a result is a startling turquoise color that is almost unreal in its intensity. People travel from all over Europe to kayak and raft its emerald rapids. From here there are panoramic views of the valley and the green pools of the Soca River. Then we'll follow the Kozjak stream to the dramatic Kozjak Waterfall, before continuing on to our picnic lunch.

On our return to Kobarid, we'll visit the award-winning museum which commemorates the battles of WWI. (5-hour hike) 

Day 3: Magnificent Lake Bohinj

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Vila Park Inn.

This morning we leave Kobarid and head further south into Slovenia. We transfer by van to Most na Soci to pick up the train for a panoramic journey through the mountains to our next destination, Lake Bohinj. This beautiful glacial lake is called the pearl of the Julian Alps and is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia. It is 3 miles long and 135 feet deep. Thanks to sound environmental practices the lake shore has not been developed and the entire lakefront is wonderfully pristine.

Our railway journey culminates in a 4 mile long tunnel, where we emerge to Bohinj Bistrica. From our drop off point we hike the trail to the magnificent alpine Voje Valley. Crossing the Devils bridge, we hike into the picturesque Mostnica Gorge and visit the beautiful Mostnice Waterfall. This 180 foot high waterfall feeds Slovenia’s longest river of the same name. We stop along the way at a mountain refuge for lunch before our return journey to the lake shore. (4-5 hour hike)

Day 4: Exploring Triglav National Park at Lake Bohinj

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Vila Park Inn, Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj lies within the Triglav National Park, home to Slovenia’s highest peak, Triglav (8,592 feet). This peak has a special place in Slovenia’s history. It was believed to be home to a three-headed god who governed the sky, the earth and the underworld. The name Triglav means three-headed and its peak was not climbed until the end of the 18th century. During the 19th century the idea for climbing Triglav became part of the Slovenian identity. This tradition still exists today and a true Slovenian must climb this mountain at least once in a lifetime.

We won’t climb Triglav, but weather permitting we will take a cable car to the plateau and take a hike among the peaks for magnificent views of the Julian Alps. Easier options are also available.

(5 hour hike)                          

Day 5: Lake Bohinj and Mount Rudnica

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Vila Park Inn, Lake Bohinj

Today we'll explore the beautiful area surrounding Lake Bohinj. We hike from the hotel into the lush alpine pastures typical of this region in Slovenia. Our hike takes us along the lake shore and then up to a lower elevation mountain, Rudnica, at 2,838 feet, before descending through beech woods into the fields for our lunch at a Gostlina, a typical Slovenian inn.

This afternoon we'll visit the Alpine Dairy Museum before returning to the hotel. (4-5 hour hike)                                                                         

Day 6: Spectacular Lake Bled

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Lovec

This morning we travel to Lake Bled. One of the most beautiful lakes in the world, this body of water has attracted artists, poets and lovers over the centuries. Its limpid green waters, picturesque island, and medieval castle complete the picture. It is no secret that it is one of the most visited places in all of Slovenia.

On our hike today we explore the rural villages around Lake Bled. Although only a short distance from the tourist bustle at the lake shore, this hike shows us a very different aspect of Slovenian everyday life. The trail takes us through a pastoral landscape of fields, hayracks and traditional barns, to the small villages of Bohinska Bela and Kupljenik, where traditional farming methods are still in evidence. Look out for the brightly colored chest-of-drawers beehives along the way, a feature of rural life in this part of Slovenia. (4 hour hike

Day 7: Vintgar Gorge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Lovec

Today's trail again takes us through a pastoral landscape of fields, hayracks and traditional barns to the magnificent Vintgar Gorge. Through the dramatic and narrow ravine, we hike on boardwalks above the rushing Radovna River. This ravine is a great example of the effect of water erosion on limestone bed rock. The river's channel is several hundred meters deep in places, and has been sculpted over many centuries by the relentless action of the river. The path through Vintgar Gorge takes us along the wooden bridges and galleries for almost a mile, before ending with 75 foot waterfall, Šum.

Our return trail takes us through the woods to St. Catherine's Church, where we have marvelous views of Lake Bled, the Karavanke Mountains, and Mount Triglav. (4 hour hike)

Tonight we celebrate the wonders and beauty of Slovenia, with our Farewell Dinner and overnight at Hotel Lovec.

Day 8: Ljubljana

Transfer to Ljubljana, Slovenia for flights home, or for a flight to Paris to join our French Barge trip!

Day 1 Ljubljana

Zivjo! Welcome to Slovenia – often known as ‘Europe in Miniature’. Luckily for adrenaline junkies, Slovenia is perfect for a wide array of active adventures, like cycling, hiking, skiing, canyoning, caving and boating. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Ljubljana (pronounced 'Lyoob-Li-Yana'), the capital of Slovenia. After, you’re free to explore the streets at your own pace or to head out as a group for dinner at a local traditional restaurant. Your trip leader will have all the best recommendations!

Day 2 Ljubljana / Bled

Head out on an orientation walk around cosmopolitan Ljubljana – a city full of history, monuments, churches, museums and great restaurants. The Old Town consists of three main squares and Baroque houses and you can visit the Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Triple Bridge and the open market under the arcade. In the early afternoon, board a local bus to Bled – with dense green mountains, a rocky cliff-top castle and an emerald lake (with a church atop the island smack bang in the middle), it’s hard to take a bad photo here! You’ll head out on a hike around Bled through Vintgar Gorge, stopping for snacks and photo breaks along the way. Explore Bled’s gorgeous architecture and scenery, then walk across rapids, waterfalls and pools via an elevated boardwalk that clings to the craggy rock face.

Day 3 Lake Bohinj and Hiking on Mt Vogel

After breakfast, take a public bus to Lake Bohinj – the largest permanent glacial lake in the country. Take the cable car to the top of Mt Vogel within Triglav National Park. The upper station lies above 1500 m (4920 ft), and from here you'll hike along the lush trails, looking down into the valley. Depending on weather conditions, you might head south towards the peak of Sija. After a rest stop at Suha hut, continue through the alpine scenery along the Bukovska Valley towards the final destination of Ribcev Laz – a little village that’s dominated by a 17th-century church with a fresco of St. Christopher on the outside wall. The church, the mountains and the little bridge over Lake Bohinj make the surroundings feel like you’re inside a movie set!

Day 4 Bled

You have a free day to choose your own adventure in Bled today. Maybe visit the 100 m high clifftop castle and chill out on Grajska Plaza (Castle Beach) – dating from the 11th century, the views from Old Bled Castle are nothing short of spectacular. You could take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled, where you can climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church and ring the wishing bell. If you’re chasing a thrill, maybe go ziplining or kayaking on the Sava River. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake (nearly every cafe in town claims that theirs is the best).

Day 5 Rafting on Soca River

Pack your swimming gear and towel for a rafting trip on the Soka River today. A professional guide will lead the group on a 1.5-hour journey through Class 2 and 3 rapids as well as gates and pools. You’ll pass alpine scenery and cypress trees as you navigate moss-covered boulders all the way downriver to Lancovo. There will be plenty of time for swim stops in the fresh water here and you’ll see the cascades of Boka Waterfall. After an exhilarating day, it’s a short drive back to Bled. Later, maybe dine on sausages or fresh fish with a side of the local vino. Luckily, Slovenia only exports a small amount of their wine, keeping the best local.

Day 6 Biking in Bled

Head out for a morning of biking. You’ll have your bike fitting and a safety briefing to set you up for the journey ahead, then it’s time to get your wheels in motion. With your leader, you’ll begin cycling from Bled, first pedalling gradually uphill through the mountains, following the low-traffic forest paved road. This route offers plenty to look at – mountain views next to Radovljica River, scenic stops along the way and a loop around the beautiful Lake Bled. Your final stop of the day is a flower and tree-filled valley, where you can refuel at a mountain house. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries – you may like to explore Triglav National Park or rest and recharge before dinner.

Day 7 Bled

Your trip ends after breakfast today and with no further activities planned, you’re free to leave any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay in this postcard-perfect place, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.