DAY 1: TRIESTE ARRIVAL – BOVEC
Tumbling down to the Adriatic from a wild, karstic plateau and almost entirely surrounded by Slovenia, Trieste is physically and psychologically isolated from the rest of the Italian peninsula. As such, it preserves its own unique border-town culture and retains a fascinating air of fluidity encapsulated in the Triestini dialect, a strange melange of Italian, Austrian-German, Croatian and Greek.
Soča Valley’s “capital”, Bovec offers plenty for adventure-sports enthusiasts. With the Julian Alps above, the Soča River below and Triglav National Park all around, you could spend a week here rafting, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and, in winter, skiing, without ever doing the same thing twice. It’s beautiful country and Bovec’s a pleasant town in which to base yourself for these activities.
Private transfer from the airport in Trieste to to your hotel in Bovec.
Overnight in Bovec.
DAY 2: BOVEC AREA HIGHLIGHTS EXPLORER WITH GORIŠKA BRDA WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
The private sightseeing covers the emblematic landmarks and major sights, giving a good overview of Bovec and the region for first time visitors.
Together with the local guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Why was the Kluže Fortress building built? You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. When is the first time the name of the city is mentioned in the stationery? And what is the meaning of the name?. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of Bovec.
Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin area offers plenty of day trip opportunities. There are some wonderful natural and cultural attractions in the area, like the beautiful Soca River, the world-renowned World War I Museum in Kobarid, and the Kozjak waterfall near Kobarid, which is famous for an underground chamber with a pool of emerald water. Other highlights include the Tolmin gorges, the Boka and Virje waterfalls near Bovec, and Fort Kluže near Bovec.
In the afternoon enjoy the scenic ride to Goriška Brda wine region combined with tasting local winegrowers’ specialities. This region is often called as “Slovenian Tuscany”! Instead of Alps’ limestone peaks you’ll be welcomed by rounded ridges full of vineyards and picturesque views towards Po Valley which perfectly complete the placid atmosphere of this region. Our guide will show you interesting places of the region and give you tips for tasting. Wines will be presented and served by local wine producer.
Overnight in Bovec.
DAY 3: CYCLING NATIONAL PARK TRIGLAV
The Triglav National Park mountain biking trip runs on the most impressive MTB trail in the park. The route provides information boards, which you will discover with the help of a guide and learn about the cultural heritage and natural sights while making shortstops. You will cycle on an asphalt path, but when you would like to see one of the sights you will make a turn off the track. You will be surrounded by meadows and forests as you cycle along the Radovna River. The terrain is quite diverse, with steady and gradual ascents and descents.
Cycling across the Radovna Valley will lead you to a famous monument from World War II, the 800-year-old Gogal linden tree and the old Psnak water mill.
You will also make a stop at Lake Kreda, which is known as a summer bathing site and a natural ice rink in the winter. When you reach Zgornja Radovna village, you can take a rest in a village inn and try their traditional meals. At the Zgornja Radovna village, the valley divides into three valleys below Mt. Triglav, such as Krma, Kot, and Vrata Valley. These valleys are also starting points for hiking tours in the Julian Alps. On the way back, you will cycle on MTB trails across the valley, so you will enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains.
Overnight in Bovec.
DAY 4: BOVEC – BLED
Today we continue towards the Alpine region, where on the banks of the mountain lake, beneath the peaks of Julian Alps a charming little town of Bled is situated. This pearl of Slovenia and the whole Alpine region, with a tiny island and St. Mary’s Church in the middle of the Lake and an old medieval Castle up on the cliff that offers you an amazing views is definitely something you will be enchanted with.
Upon arrival hotel check in and rest of the day at your own leisure.
Overnight in Bled.
DAY 5: SIGHSEEING LAKES BLED & BOHINJ WITH VINTGAR GORGE
Join your guide and walk around scenic Lake Bled and the surrounding town, stop to taste the famous Bled cream cake. The dynamic landscapes of Slovenia, with their countless natural beauties, are ideal for a biking holiday, so if you feel adventurous we can upgrade this tour and rent some bikes – just let us know. You will finish your day with a dinner in a Bled Castle restaurant, where local and regional dishes are made in contemporary and sophisticated way with an aim to preserve the gastronomical heritage of Upper Carniola region and Slovenia. One of the most rewarding gifts the human being can enjoy is to gaze at picturesque Bled’s nature, your relaxation is guaranteed.
Not far from Bled is the Pokljuka plateau, covered in amazing forests that are a part of Triglav National Park which stretches all the way to Bohinj Lake, an absolute gem nested in the heart of the Julian Alps. The glacial lake Bohinj is considered the most beautiful place in Slovenia. It is the country’s centre of eco tourism and outdoor adventures. It is the largest and most beautiful Alpine lake in Slovenia. Being part of the Triglav national park, Bohinj will impress you with its natural beauty and its serene peacefulness and you will surely vow to return.
Vintgar gorge is deeply carved into the limestone by the Radovna river, which you can follow on a 1.6 km path full of bridges and galleries that show you the truly remarkable landscape of the gorge. The river accompanies you in rapids and pools of amazing colour and finally leaves the gorge at Šum waterfall which is also the end of the trail.
Pokljuka is a high-elevation karst plateau that goes as high as 1,400 meters above the town of Bled and is already a part of the Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia. You will be able to admire the thick spruce forests that are only broken by scant roads and swamps. Pokljuka is also famous for its Biathlon Centre, where some of our best athletes train in the winter time.
Overnight in Bled.
DAY 6: BLED CULINARY WORKSHOP
Eating traditional cuisine is always one of our primary objectives when travelling, and traditional Slovenia cuisine is some of the ultimate comfort food. Plus you’re in Bled, the home of the legendary Bled Cream Cake, which means you’re legally obligated to have dessert after each and every meal. Bon apetit!
Since the traditional Slovenian cuisine will be the highlight of your trip, why wouldn’t you take a piece of it back home? The cooking class in Bled will teach you how to prepare a three course traditional meal, so you can enjoy the flavours of Slovenia even after you return home. Local chef will guide you step by step and provide you with plenty tips how to master the skill.
Learn to prepare traditional Barley thick soup, stew with Carniola sausage, Slovenian Cheese Dumplings and famous Bled Cream Cake. Enjoy the sit down with you local hosts and enjoy the meal you’ve prepared all together.
Overnight in Bled.
DAY 7: BLED – LJUBLJANA
Private transfer to Ljubljana airport.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
DAY 8: LJUBLJANA HIGHLIGHTS EXPLORER
Today, explore the capital of Slovenia with your local guide. Ljubljana Castle, standing on a hill above the city for about 900 years, is arguably the main attraction for visitors to the city. The castle’s Outlook Tower and ramparts offer some of the most beautiful views of the city. But all that lies beneath it from the Old Town to Ljubljana’s multitude of museums and galleries are more than worthy of further investigation.
The extraordinary combination of treats, from the architecture of Jože Plečnik’s to the historic atmosphere of the Old Town to the occasional blast-to-the-past burst of retro-Yugoslav urban planning all work together in harmony to create this small and perfectly formed city. Strolling along the Ljubljanica River and the Old Town, we will hear all about its fascinating history.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
DAY 9: SLOVENIA FULL OF NATURAL WONDERS: POSTOJNA CAVE – PREDJAMA CASTLE – ŠKOCJAN CAVES
Meet your local guide and enjoy the scenic ride from Ljubljana to Postojna Cave as your first stop on today’s adventure. The mesmerizing beauty of the Postojna Cave and the mysterious castle of Predjama rank among the most precious jewels of Slovenia. Discover the wonderful underground world of Postojna Cave and explore the striking medieval Predjama Castle.
Next stop are Škocjan caves, really unique natural phenomenon, the creation of the Reka River, which has carved out one of the largest underground canyons in the world (which you’ll cross by bridge). The panoramic view at the exit of the cave will certainly leave you speechless.
Enjoy this 2-hour guided tour of the caves and explore multi-colored stalactites and stalagmites. The exceptional volume of the underground canyon is what distinguishes the Škocjan Caves from other caves and places and is easily placed among the most famous underground features in the world.
After a well spent day, you will end today’s adventure back in Ljubljana, with a drop-off at your hotel.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
DAY 10: FLY OUT
Private transfer to Ljubljana airport.
Fly out.
