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2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£1720GBP

Overview

Trip Code: LBJ

Trip highlights


  • Experience breathtaking scenery of high mountain lakes and rugged limestone peaks
  • Visit the picturesque town of Bled and enjoy a swim in the lake.
  • View the well-known and beautiful Kozjak Waterfall.
  • Hike along the Soca river walking trail - Emerald River Trail

Slovenia has been endowed with incredible natural beauty that stuns and inspires, and this active trip explores the highlights. This two centred holiday begins with time in Bled, a lovely lakeside town nestled in the foothills of the Julian Alps. Here you can try the creamy local cake, visit the cliff perched Bled Castle and walk around the famous glacial lake that features a picturesque island with a church on it. Discover the magic within nearby Vintgar Gorge and follow trails to Osojnica View Point for magnificent panoramas over Bled. Encounter tranquil Lake Bohinj in the Triglav National Park and perhaps spot wild chamois or ibex native to the area. In the adrenalin town of Bovec, choose between a challenging walk to rugged Mt Rombon or an optional white water rafting experience on the Soca River. Travel the fantastic Soca trail and cross pretty footbridges over clear alpine springs. Finish this unforgettable holiday in Slovenia's charming capital Ljubljana, a small city full of homely restaurants, cobblestone streets and an enchantment with dragons.

Countries:

Slovenia

Starting Point:

Ljubljana


Arrive Ljubljana and transfer to Bled (approx 30-40mins drive) and your accommodation. There will be a briefing with our local representative at the hotel. On arrival in Bled, the first thing you see is the famous Lake Bled. It's very picturesque, decorated with a church on Slovenia’s only island, overlooked by a 1000-year old castle on a 130m rock and embraced by two major mountain ranges - the Karawanks and the mighty Julian Alps. After an introductory briefing with our representative to discuss your day-by-day programme, you can choose to just sit by the shore and take in this spectacular view or take a walk around it. Your accommodation for three nights is a comfortable hotel in Bled.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast you will start your hike towards Vintgar Gorge, a fantastic display of mysterious and powerful Slovenian nature. The 1.8-kilometre long gorge is carved into the vertical rocks and its green, crystal clear water is full of rapids and small pools. The gorge is accessible via a wooden walkway stretching from the entry point all the way to 16m high Šum Waterfall, the biggest river waterfall in Slovenia. It's an easy circular route through the quaint villages of Podhom and Zasip, the beautiful rural area surrounding Bled. In the afternoon you can go on an optional self guided cycle around Bled (bike hire not included). Ascent/descent: +100m/-100m Walking overview: Easy walk on a trail through the gorge.

Meals:  B

In the morning you you willl be transferred to Lake Bohinj (Koca pri Savici, at 653m) to hike to the Triglav Lakes Valley. Hike across the steep hillside of Komarca until you reach Black Lake (Crno jezero), the most southern and final lake in the series of lakes of the Triglav Lakes Valley. It was named for its location, in a basin between pine forests, which give the crystal clear water a very dark colour. Continuing your hike you will come to Double Lake (Dvojno jezero) and its fairy tale-like mountain hut (at 1685m). After some rest and an optional lunch at the hut, return on the same path to Koca pri Savici. If you still have energy you can take a short 20-minute hike to the 78m Savica waterfall, one of the largest and most well-known waterfalls in Slovenia. Return by bus to Bled at your leisure. Ascent/descent: +1032m/-1032m Walking overview: Steep ascent for the first 1.5 hours, easier on the second half. Return the same way.

Meals:  B

After breakfast you will be transferred from Bled towards beautiful Kranjska Gora town. Just before the road turns towards Vršic mountain pass, there's a quick stop to visit the enchanting Lake Jasna. Upon arrival to Log pod Mangartom you commence walking along stage 14 of the Juliana Trail to Bovec, this is arguably one of the most scenic stages. 11.1km/6.8m, +344m/1128ft, -157m/515ft In the afternoon after reaching Bovec you can either take an easy hike to Krn Lake, the largest alpine lake in Slovenia (at 1340m) or go white water rafting on the Soca river (additional cost applies, must be pre-booked and pre-paid). Your accommodation for the next three nights is in a comfortable hotel or private accommodation in Bovec. Walking overview: Easy hike on a gently sloped trail.

Meals:  B

Today you can have a relaxing day in and around Bovec, exploring the beautiful town and vicinity of the river Soca, or transfer to the Lepena Valley and take an easy hike to Krn Lake, Slovenia's largest high alpine lake, which is nestled within towering mountains. If you are feeling energetic there are two further options you could consider, however they are far more strenuous. Enjoy a moderate hike to ascend Mt Svinjak, which is the easier ascent. Setting out from Kal-Koritnica (at 460m), the mountain is right above Bovec and has a distinct shape (it's known as "The Matterhorn of Bovec"). There are great views of the valley. Ascent/descent: Svinjak +1100m/-1100m, (5-6hrs) Alternately you may choose a demanding full-day hike in high alpine terrain to the mighty Mt Rombon (2208m) This mountain has a dark history. Many tunnels and bunkers were built during WWI by the Austrian soldiers and the mountain has been the location of many brutal battles. The tunnels, bunkers, passages and ruins are a constant reminder of them, all the way to the top of the mountain. An early transfer takes you to the start of the walk at Kluze Fortress (at 532m) where you begin the ascent. The path leading to the top of this glorious mountain leads through the forest and the tunnels. It has some steep inclines and hillside passages that, after approximately 5 hours of demanding walking, bring you to the summit. The return takes you on an alternative route down to your hotel in Bovec. *This walk should only be attempted in good weather as there is no hut on the mountain to seek shelter. Ascent/descent: +1700m/-1700m (9-11hrs) in high alpine terrain

Meals:  B

After breakfast you will be transferred to the hut at the spring of river Soca (at 985m) where the Soca trail begins. There is a 15-minute walk on a well-marked path to the spring of the river, which is one of the most beautiful karst springs in the Julian Alps. The water flows from the slopes of the mountains and gushes out of an abyss, joining the riverbed in a waterfall. The trail leads entirely alongside the river Soca on a walking path and connects the tranquil parts of the Trenta Valley. A peaceful walk is livened up by loose footpath bridges crossing the river. On the way you pass by another of nature’s wonder - The Big Troughs of the Soca (Velika korita Soce). Standing on a swinging footbridge you will have a marvellous view of the 750m long, 12m deep and at some parts only 2m wide emerald troughs. Walking overview: easy hike along the Soca river, mostly downhill.

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements end after breakfast with a bus journey to Kranjska Gora (with your luggage) followed by a private transfer to Ljubljana.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee and tea
  • 6 nights in 3 star hotels / private accommodation with private facilities on a twinshare basis
  • Tour briefing on day 1
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps & GPX tracks
  • Transfers as described in the itinerary
  • Transfer from Ljubljana (airport or centre) to Lake Bled (day 1), Bled to Bohinj (Day 3), Bled to Log pod Mangartom or Bovec (Day 4), Bovec to Lepena (day 5), Bovec to Soca spring (Day 6) and Kranjska Gora to Ljubljana (Day 7)
  • Bus tickets: Bohinj to Lake Bled (day 3), Lepena Valley to Bovec (Day 5), and Bovec to Kranjska Gora to meet private transfer to Ljubjana (Day 7)
  • Vintgar Gorge entrance ticket (day 2)
  • Emergency contact number

  • Travel to and from Ljubljana
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Optional private transfers to replace bus travel - supplement applies
  • Optional rafting on Soca river on day 4 - must be pre-booked and pre-paid
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 2 This is an introductory to moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. You should be able to walk for up to 5 - 6 hours a day over hilly to steep terrains (note: the optional hikes on day 5 are more challenging - Mt Svinjak is graded moderate and Mt Rombon is challenging with 9-11 hours of walking). Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. A reasonable to good level of fitness is required and prior experience is advisable. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.


Departure dates

Daily from 15 May to 15 Oct
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Bookable date
Limited
Closed
Sale/Offer

Priceper person from

£1720GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Optional rafting on Soca river on day 4GBP£60
  • Single SupplementGBP£540
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£580
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Rating:

Slovenia is amazing. A small country that is a well kept secret. A great way to avoid the crowds & tourist traps. Make sure to watch Rick Steves short YouTube on this lush country. We loved lake Bled. The cream cake is ‘to die for’. Walk around the lake. Take a boat ride to the church on the island. Walk up to the castle for super views. We ate at the Art cafe at least three times. The Soca river walk and raft trips were great. The gorges were gorgeous. I can’t wait to return.

Paul Pastore | Chandler, Arizona, United States8 Jul 2024


Rating:

The communication with the local company was excellent and flexible. On arrival, the itinerary was changed and updated, partly based on weather and also as there were significant discrepancies between distances vs time. When we queried, alternatives and pick ups were freely offered. I should say the distances quoted vs those recorded on my Garmin were way out. Also, you quoted Lake Krn as an easy afternoon walk. It’s a 2600 foot climb from the get go. Took us 2hrs 50 up and 30 mins less on the return - we’d class as moderate to strenuous Bled accommodation was excellent, Bovec a little sterile. The difference in warmth was stark. Pick ups all on time and very helpful people Katarina was fabulous, so responsive and helpful

M. Cleeve | Newport, United Kingdom28 May 2024



Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.