Hiking from the Alps to the Adriatic: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, 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 riverbanks 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: Drive from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, Explore Lake Bled

After breakfast in the capital,  take the rental car at your hotel and drive to Lake Bled (45 minutes).

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 between 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. 

Driving time: 45 minutes
Driving distance: 34 miles (55 km)

Day 4: Explore Lake Bohinj (Day trip from Lake Bled)

Bohinj is located in Triglav National Park, only 30 minutes away from Bled (by car). What makes Bohinj different from Bled is the unspoiled surrounding nature and its aura of tranquility, which really allows you to relax and enjoy the moment. There are several easy hikes up to different viewpoints in the area that take you through gorges and past beautiful waterfalls. 

Here are some other suggestions: 

• Take the cable car up to Mount Vogel, from where you'll have beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings. 
• Go paragliding on Mount Vogel for a truly unique view of the valley. 
• Rent a bike and explore nearby alpine villages. You can do one of several mountain biking tours, either on your own or with a guide.
• Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard and go out on Lake Bohinj's smooth water.
•  Go on a horseback riding tour.
• You'll return to Bled in the late afternoon.

Driving time: 1 hour (both ways)  
Driving distance: 31 miles (50 km)

Day 5: Walk the Ridge Between Austria and Slovenia

A driver will take you into the mountains to begin your self-guided, point-to-point hike. You'll hike on the trails that follow the ridge between Slovenia and Austria, before ending the day in the alpine resort town of Kranjska Gora. 

Hiking: 10.5 miles (17km) / elevation +2,625 ft (800m), -3,940 (1200m) / 6 to 7 hours

Day 6: Vršič Pass and the Julian Alps

From Kranjska Gora continue towards the central Julian Alps and climb the famous Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in the country. The beautiful trails you'll walk on today offer amazing views, and you'll be surrounded by some of the highest limestone peaks in Slovenia. You'll also have the option to go on several detours to take in even more spectacular views. 

After your hike, spend the night in a cozy mountain hut. 

Hiking: 10 miles (16 km) / elevation +3,770 ft (1150 m), -985 ft (300 m) / 5-6 hours

Day 7: From Vršič Pass to the Soča Valley

Wake up to beautiful views, and go on an (optional) sunrise hike to a nearby viewpoint before the crowds get there. Then, the trail descends into the beautiful Soča Valley. You'll visit the Soča River's source before continuing to a local farm in Trenta, where you'll spend the night in a renovated hay barn. 

Hiking: 10.5 miles (17 km) / elevation +1,310 ft (400 m), -3,280 ft (1000 m) / 5-6 hours

Day 8: Along the turquoise Soča River to Bovec

Today's hike follows the Soča River down into the pristine valley. Discover the river's hidden spots while you relax, dip your feet into the cold water, or even go for a swim. Take a few breaks by the riverside, soaking in Triglav National Park's pure nature. You'll arrive in Bovec—Slovenia's outdoor sports capital—by the afternoon.

Hiking: 12.5 miles (20 km) / elevation +985 ft (300 m), -1,805 ft (550 m) descent / 5-6 hours

Day 9: Hike and Drive from Bovec to Goriška Brda

After breakfast, it's time to put on your hiking shoes and get back on the trail. You'll continue along the wildest section of the Soča River, almost to the northwestern edge of the country. You'll walk mostly downhill until you reach the town of Kobarid, where you'll catch a ride to Goriška Brda.

The steep mountains of the alps will give way to rolling hills as you enter Goriška Brda, Slovenia's wine region. Dotted with family vineyard estates, tiny churches, and cypress trees, you'll see why the area is called "Slovenian Tuscany."

Gorgeous vineyards and fruit plantations dot this hilly region, with plenty of options to taste local wine and food.

If you want to keep up the active pace, there are numerous options for hiking and cycling. Tour a few wineries in the afternoon, or enjoy a wine tasting with dinner. 

Driving time: 2,5 hours

Day 10: Drive from Goriška Brda to Piran

After breakfast, visit the Slovenian Karst region and the Adriatic Coast, with a stop underground in 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. It's believed that humans have been visiting the caves 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 Piran's many restaurants.

Driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Driving distance:  88 miles (124 km)

Day 11: Full day in the Coastal Town of Piran

Spend the whole day on the Slovenian coast and enjoy the easygoing lifestyle of the Mediterranean. There are lots of outdoor options in the area, including biking, hiking, and water sports. If you prefer to relax, head to one of Piran's spas for a famous salt treatment, or grab a spot on one of the pebbly beaches nearby. 

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 before you drive to Ljubljana for your return flight home.

Driving time: 1.5 hours
Driving distance: 80 miles (128 km)

*Alternate airports include Venice (119 miles / 192 km) and Zagreb (158 miles / 254 km).