Hiking & Fly-Fishing in Slovenia: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Soča Valley, Goriška Brda & Piran - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana, Transfer to your Hotel

Welcome to Slovenia!

Upon arrival at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Ljubljana (30 minutes away).

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, and with a population of around 300,000, it's also the country's largest city. Ljubljana is so old that it even predates the Romans, but its city center was shaped much later, during the Middle Ages. The area is a pedestrian zone and is very easy to walk around. You can explore the narrow streets or stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River.

At the top of the hill above the city, Ljubljana Castle is another great place for a short walk with a beautiful view. Have a drink along the riverbank or take the funicular up to the castle. Then, have dinner in one of the city's many restaurants, which are run by young talented chefs. 

If you arrive early, you can also join a biking tour and explore Ljubljana on two wheels or have a food expert take you around the best local bars, bistros, and cafes to discover the local food scene. 

Day 2: Full Day in Ljubljana

Take a full day to explore Slovenia's charming capital. You can walk around on your own, visit the castle and Tivoli Park, or choose a guided tour to explore the city on foot or by bike. Another option is to book a tour with a food expert, who can introduce you to the city's culinary scene.

Here are some suggestions:

• Stroll along the bank of the Ljubljanica River on your own or with a local guide.
• Check out Metelkova Mesto, the capital of alternative culture. Every year Metelkova Mesto hosts more than 1,500 alternative events and is considered to be one of the most successful urban squats in Europe.
• On the way to Metelkova, stop by the Ethnographical Museum and learn about Slovenian culture.
• Book a bike trip around Ljubljana to see some interesting parts of the city that you would otherwise miss. 
• Meet a food expert and try local specialties.
• Rent a canoe or a stand-up paddleboard and paddle on the Ljubljanica River. You can also paddle upstream, as the river is very slow.
• Have a walk in Tivoli Park, Ljubljana's largest green space, and a great place to get away from the busy streets. If you have the energy, you can walk all the way to Roznik Hill.

Day 3: Hiking in Velika Planina 

In the morning, pick up your rental car and drive to the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, just north of Ljubljana. Here you'll go on a four-hour hike across the beautiful Velika Planina meadow. You'll be able to admire the traditional shepherds' huts that dot the landscape.

Stop for a tasty traditional alpine lunch, then in the afternoon hop back into your rental car to continue on towards Lake Bled. You'll also have the option to stop in the medieval town of Radovljica on the way. 

Day 4: Explore around Lake Bled

Located in the foothills of the Julian Alps, this postcard-perfect lake and its island are one of Slovenia's main attractions. Climb up to the castle and tour its smithy, wine cellar, and printing press before enjoying a traditional meal in the castle restaurant. 

Here are some other suggestions:

• Choose from a plethora of shorter hikes through gorges (like nearby Vintgar Gorge) or to scenic viewpoints. 
• Rent a bike and explore roads that will take you through scenic Slovenian countryside.  
• Rent a stand-up paddleboard or a rowboat and sail to the island, or simply board one of the traditional Pletna boats and let the oarsman take you.
• Visit a local beekeeper and learn about beekeeping tradition.
• Go fly fishing.
• Go summer tobogganing.
• Drive to nearby Radovljica, which has one of the best-preserved town squares in Slovenia. 

Day 5: Hiking around Lake Bohinj

Spend the day at Lake Bohinj, a 30-minute drive away from Bled. Bohinj is surrounded by mountains and dense forests, and there are plenty of hiking trails for all ages and skill levels around. 

Suggested activities include:

• Take the cable car to Mount Vogel, from where you can see beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings. There are several trails that start at the ski center, some of which lead back to Lake Bohinj.
• HIke to the Savica Waterfall.
• Walk along the clear waters of the Mostnica Gorge.
• Get your adrenaline pumping by going paragliding over Bohinj Valley. 

Day 6: Hiking in the central Julian Alps and Vršič Pass 

After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and get back on the road. Drive across Vršič Pass, Slovenia's highest mountain pass located in the Julian Alps. Admire the limestone mountains as you make your way up the road. You'll have the option to make several detours and short hikes of varying lengths, including one with a dark history—it was built by Russian prisoners of war. 

After your hike, stop for a coffee and a traditional Slovenian lunch at a cozy mountain hut with great views. Then, continue your drive to the Soča Valley and explore its hidden gems, including WWI forts, river gorges, and the mountain town of Bovec, where you'll spend the night. Once you've settled in, grab a drink at one of the town's microbreweries.

Day 7: Fly-fishing & Hiking in the Soča Valley

The Soča River runs through the Soča Valley and is famous for its abundant marble trout. There are lots of fly-fishing options and beautiful hikes along the river.

Your fly-fishing guide will pick you up and take out for a full day of fly-fishing on one of the nearby streams. If you prefer, you can also combine your fishing day with some hiking and biking. 

Day 8: Hiking in the Soča Valley

Enjoy a day hiking in the Soča Valley. There are plenty of different options of varying difficulty levels that allow you to explore the surrounding area. Bovec is also known for its many outdoor adventure sports options, which include rafting, canyoning, and zooming down a zip line. 

Day 9: From the Mountains to the Wine Hills

In the morning, drive south and leave the mountains behind you as you enter "Slovenian Tuscany," the Goriška Brda wine region. This area is only one hour away from the mountains but looks completely different: you'll see rolling hills covered in vineyards, small hilltop villages, and orchards. Goriška Brda is also known for its amazing food and wine scene. 

Drive around the hills, visit a few vineyards to sample some food and wine, or go on a hike or bike ride around the area. There are several options in the area to choose from. 

Day 10: Exploring the Wine Hills

Spend a day enjoying Slovenia's wine country and exploring the area. 

If you want to keep up the active pace, there are plenty of hiking and cycling options. You can also tour a few wineries in the afternoon or enjoy a wine tasting with dinner.

Make sure to visit the medieval village of Šmartno and the beautiful scenery of Dobrovo.

Day 11: Drive from Goriška Brda to Škocjan Caves & Piran

After breakfast, visit the Slovenian Karst region and head underground into the limestone Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boardwalks will lead you through the specialized ecosystem of one of the world's largest known underground caverns, which humans have been visiting since the Iron Age. 

In the afternoon, continue driving towards the Adriatic Coast to Piran, and check into your hotel. Piran is known for its old city walls, Venetian-style architecture, and pebbly beaches. Get lost in the town's history as you stroll through the narrow streets, then enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the town's restaurants.

Day 12: Drive from Piran to Ljubljana, Depart

It's time to say farewell to Slovenia! Enjoy your last few hours in the country with a leisurely breakfast and a stroll around town before you drive to Ljubljana for your return flight home.