Highlights
- Check out Ljubljana's classic European castle, parks, and churches by foot or bicycle
- Stay three nights in mountain huts as you hike through the alps
- Summit Mount Triglav, aka "three heads," featured on the Slovenian flag
- Swim in Soča River or explore the valley on a raft, zipline, or canyoning excursion
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Ljubljana | Ljubljana |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Lake Bled, Hike to Pokljuka Plateau | Mountain hut |
| Day 3 | Hike to Mount Triglav | Mountain hut |
| Day 4 | Hike from Mount Triglav to Mount Kanjavec | Mountain hut |
| Day 5 | Hike and Bike from Mount Kanjavec to Soča Valley | Bovec |
| Day 6 | Free Day in Soča Valley | Bovec |
| Day 7 | Transfer from Bovec to Ljubljana, Depart |
Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana
Welcome to Slovenia! Upon arrival to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport*, you'll catch a transfer from the airport to your accommodation. Settle into your lodging with a welcome drink, then get out and explore the capital's lovely city center.
Saunter down the main street along the banks of the Ljubljanica river, stopping in whatever small boutique, outdoor cafe, or wine bar terrace strikes your fancy as you breathe in the fresh air of one of the continent's greenest cities. A classic European castle, parks, and churches are all on offer as you wind your way around by foot or bicycle. Warm weather sees outdoor markets popping up all over the city, while winter prompts a warm drink in a cozy cafe. The Puffy Li'l Pancakes stall, however, is delicious in every season.
You'll notice the legacy of modern architect Jože Plečnik around the city at worthwhile stops such as the National Library, Central Market, Triple Bridge, and Plečnik's own home turned museum, all under the watchful eyes of the city's many signature dragons.
*Alternate airports include Venice (144 miles /231 km) and Zagreb (87 miles / 140 km).
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Bled, Hike to Pokljuka Plateau
Take a bus to Lake Bled for a scenic outdoor triathlon of activities. Whether you walk through forest trails, bike through the surrounding countryside, or swim to the island at the center of the lake, you can take your pick of ways to experience the area.
Once you've had your fill of the lakeside, you'll catch a transfer to the trailhead to start up the mountain. Take in the tall surrounding trees as you make your way to your evening hut in Triglav National Park.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Hiking distance: 7 miles (11 km); +2,723 feet (830 m), -1,640 feet (500 m)
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Day 3: Hike to Mount Triglav
Continue up the limestone paths of the central Julian Alps with an optional summit side trip. You'll make your way up the mountains until you're just under the Mount Triglav massif. The name of the mountain roughly translates to "three heads," which you may recognize from its silhouette on the Slovenian flag and can now see for yourself as it towers in front of your path.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Hiking distance: 7 miles (11 km); +2,133 feet (650 m), -1,312 feet (400 m)
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Hike from Mount Triglav to Mount Kanjavec
Ascend Mount Triglav's highest neighbor, Mount Kanjavec, and take in the bird's eye views of the surrounding peaks, potentially seeing as far as the Adriatic. You'll head toward the Seven Lakes Valley to spend the night at its higher end and survey its up to ten lakes.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Hiking distance: 7 miles (12 km); +3,445 feet (1,050 m), -2,625 feet (800 m)
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Day 5: Hike and Bike from Mount Kanjavec to Soča Valley
Make sure you eat your breakfast before setting out for today's combination of hiking and biking. Take advantage of the best of both methods of transportation to experience the hidden spots of the Soča Valley, including bright pools, WWI forts, and river gorges.
End the day when you reach the mountain town of Bovec, one of Slovenia's top outdoor sports destinations, and relax at a local microbrewery.
Hiking time: 4 hours
Hiking distance: 6 miles (10 km); +164 feet (50 m), -4,921 feet (1,500 m)
Biking time: 2 hours
Biking distance: 10 miles (16 km); +591 feet (180 m), -951 feet (290 m)
Day 6: Free Day in Soča Valley
Get up close with the Soča River, also known as the Emerald River for its bright colors. Explore on a raft, zipline, or canyoning excursion, or just take a leisurely swim in its scenic pools. If you prefer to stay dry, walk along the banks or bike the area, with nearby destinations including the WWI Museum in Kobarid.
You can also cast your rod in search of the famous Soča trout, sought after by fishermen from all over the world. Try it for yourself without the effort at the Dobra Vila restaurant, known for its traditional cuisine.
Day 7: Transfer from Bovec to Ljubljana, Depart
Wrap up your time in Slovenia with a leisurely morning in Bovec before you catch the bus back to Ljubljana.
Map
