Compare Slovenia Hiking – The Julian Alps by REI Adventures vs Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter 2022 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Starting in Ljubljana, visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj

Meals: Dinner

Arrive at the airport in Ljubljana, Slovenia, by 12pm today. We provide one group-pickup from a downtown hotel at 1pm, and a second pickup from the airport at 2pm. A short transfer brings us to Bled, a picturesque blue-green lake with an 11th-century castle—the oldest in Slovenia— built on a precipice overlooking the lake and town. In the middle of the lake, a 17th-century baroque church is perched on a tiny, tear-shaped island. We'll stroll a section of the pathway that surrounds the lake to take in the remarkable views. Next we continue to Lake Bohinj, the largest lake in the country and our home for the next two nights. Located in the heart of the Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj is surrounded by steep mountain peaks including Mt. Vogel (5,905') and Mt. Triglav (9,396').

Transfers: 2+ hours; Walking/sightseeing: 1.5 hours; Terrain: Paved pathways and lakeside road.

Day 2: Hike Mostnica Gorge or the ridgeline toward Mt. Rodica

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Depending upon factors such as weather and group makeup, your guide will recommend two hiking options. The first is a hike up the narrow canyon of Mostnica Gorge to a cascading 200' waterfall. The path here winds through beech forest and past interesting rock formations such as the "elephant's head." We are almost always within view of the aqua-marine river below. There's time after the hike to visit the quaint villages of Studor (famous hay racks), Srednja Vas (known for making some of the best Slovene cheese) and Stara Fuzina at the southern end of the lake. The second hiking option is more rigorous but offers one of the most spectacular views over the whole Bohinj area and the Julian Alps. After a short ride on the gondola-cable car followed by another ride on a ski-lift to the Mt. Vogel ski area , we enjoy a stupendous ridge hike toward Mt. Rodica. This is an uphill trail with huge views of mountains in all directions. We return to Bohinj for the evening.

Transfers: 20-50 minutes depending on selected hike; Hiking: 6-10 miles, 4-6 hours, elevation gain up to 2,000'.

Day 3: Trek from Lake Bohinj to our rustic mountain hut near Mt. Bogatin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

An early breakfast, a full daypack, and securely tied boots add up to two days of rugged hiking in Triglav's breathtaking high country. Much of our trail takes us along exposed and rocky terrain, and our hike is dependent on favorable weather conditions. Commencing at the end of Bohinj Lake, we hike west toward the Mt. Bogatin area made famous by Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”. A series of switchbacks takes us up out of a box canyon and into alpine country. We stop at a mountain hut for a picnic lunch before continuing our hike to another traditional mountain hut where we spend the night. The hut has electricity and hot water as well as beautiful mountain scenery in all directions.

Transfers: 20 minutes; Hiking: 11 miles, 5-6 hours, elevation gain 3,000'; Terrain: Forested pathways, open meadows and rocky trails.

Day 4: Summit Mt. Krn, offering views of the Dolomites and Austrian Alps

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We depart for the summit of Mt. Krn (7,365’), an impressive peak that rises more than 6,000 feet above the Soca Valley to the west. This is a steep, strenuous and open hike on a rocky trail leading to the summit from where, weather permitting, we enjoy a stunning view of the Gulf of Trieste to the southwest, the Dolomites in Italy and the Austrian Alps. We stop for lunch in a small hut about 10 minutes short of the peak before winding our way down the rocky, switchbacked and sometimes steep western slopes of Triglav park. We definitely want our hiking poles here. At the end of the trail, we meet up with the support vehicle and transfer to a family-owned lodge near historical Kobarid, where we spend the next two nights. Enjoy the hot showers and the sauna!

Transfers: 45 minutes; Hiking: 9 miles, 7-9 hours, elevation gain 3,100'/loss 4,000'. Terrain: Dirt and rocky trails.

Day 5: Explore the Iron Age town of Kobarid or raft the Soca River

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

There are several options for this day. Take it easy and explore picturesque Kobarid, a town with a history that reaches back into the Iron Age. Be sure to visit the Kobarid Museum (voted Best European Museum in 1993), which displays exhibits of the events that occurred during World War I on the Soška Fronta - Isonzo Front. A pleasant stroll takes you across a Napoleonic bridge to the lovely Kozjak waterfalls and further along the scenic Soca River. For something completely different, there is also an option of trying the water sports on the unbelievably clear, emerald-blue Soca River. There are few rivers as wildly lovely as the Soca cutting through the Julian Alps.

Transfers: 30 minutes; Activity level based on various options; Optional rafting: Class III-IV, 2.5 hours.

Day 6: Hike the vast meadows from Livek to Mt. Matajur ending in Piran

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We transfer to the small village of Livek and hike through flower-filled meadows to Mt. Matajur, located on the border of Italy. Mt. Matajur offers incredible views to the Krn ranges of Slovenia as well as the plains of Friuli and the Gulf of Trieste in Italy. Our day ends in Piran, one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic Coast. This delightful medieval town is located on the tip of a peninsula on coastal Adriatic. Our next two nights are spent in Piran.

Transfers: 3 hours; Hiking: 6.8 miles, 4 hours, elevation gain 2,600'/loss 2,600'; Terrain: Meadows, dirt and rocky paths.

Day 7: Enjoy a beach walk and an Istrian picnic on a traditional fishing boat

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

We stroll the beaches along the coast from Piran, passing through a pedestrian tunnel that takes us to the charming little town of Portoroz. Nearby, the Sečovlje saltpans and their natural elements – salt, brine, Fango mud – are prized for their healing properties. Later this morning we board a traditional fishing boat and spend the afternoon cruising the Slovene coastline. We take time for a swim in the Adriatic and enjoy an authentic Istrian "fish picnic" on the boat. The food is delicious and it is great fun! The remainder of the afternoon and dinner are on your own. We gather in the evening for a final dessert together, and raise a toast to a wonderful week of mountain adventures.

Transfers: 15 minutes; Walking: 4 miles, 2 hours; Terrain: Seaside promenade with a mix of paved, sandy and pebbled sections.

Day 8: Our Slovenia hiking adventure in the Julian Alps ends in Ljubljana

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we transfer to Ljubljana in time to meet afternoon flights or train departures. Or, extend your stay to explore the city's Old Town, baroque cathedrals and vast, colorful marketplace.

Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb

Transfers to your hotel depart from Zagreb airport at 11:30 and 14:00. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the nearby King Tomislav Square and try ice skating. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.

Day 2: Zagreb sightseeing Relaxed Start

Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Drive through the squares of the Lower Town, Donji Grad, designed to give a sense of grandeur. See the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square and continue to Ban Josip Jelacic Square en route to the cathedral. Board the city's funicular to the medieval Upper Town, Gornji Grad. It's a network of little streets, stretching between the Kaptol and Gradec hills. View the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower. The afternoon is at leisure.  Discover the city’s Christmas markets or perhaps take an Optional Experience to the Zagorje region to learn about the local traditions and visit the house of Marshall Tito?

Day 3: The Postojna Caves and Ljubljana

Leave the Croatian capital and head to neighbouring Slovenia and visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Marvel at the five-metre tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Later, arrive to charming Ljubljana and tonight enjoy a dinner of Slovenian specialities with wine.

Day 4: Ljubljana sightseeing Relaxed Start

Your Local Expert will reveal the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital. The medieval castle stands as an ancient guardian, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance, while the Triple Bridge spans the river adorned with cafes and restaurants. Spend time at the Christmas markets, rich with the heady aromas of sweet treats and drinks. Meet Urban Modic, the local artist who designs Ljubljana's Christmas lights, for an insight into the city's famous decorations. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 5: The Slovakian capital of Bratislava

Today’s journey takes you through Austria. In Graz see the Castle Hill and Town Hall in the well-preserved, UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city centre on your orientation. Walk among colourful buildings, take a stroll along River Mur and explore the festive market stalls. Travel past the Foot of the Alps as you make your way towards Bratislava. Spend your night in the charming Slovakian capital and take a walk in the Old Town to sample the delicious offerings of the Christmas markets.

Day 6: Bratislava sightseeing and Vienna

Bratislava might be one of the smaller capitals in Europe but it has a long and rich history influenced by various cultures and nations. Explore Bratislava with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert to see the main sights of the city. Enjoy the vistas form the Bratislava Castle then take a walk in the charming Old Town among 19th century palaces and see the Slovak National Theatre, Michael’s Gate and the Old Town Hall. Alternatively, an avid foodie takes you around the market on a Christmas food tour. Enjoy time at leisure and maybe try some of the Slovakian dishes for lunch before travelling to nearby imperial Vienna.

Day 7: Vienna sightseeing

Explore Vienna with Insight Choice. Tour Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during an inclusive workshop and take to the floor in a Viennese Waltz dance workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. Then ready your camera for a dazzling drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence, Austrian Parliament Building and the Neo Gothic Town Hall. The afternoon is at yours to explore the historic core of the city and the offerings of the many Christmas markets. Tonight, toast your journey with your fellow travellers at your Celebration Dinner of Austrian specialities.

Day 8: Depart Vienna

A transfer arrives at Vienna airport at 08:00.