The walking holiday starts in the capital of Slovenia, Llubljana and finishes in Venice. There are daily flights to Llubljana from the UK and many other European cities. The Slovenian national carrier is Adria Airways. Llubljana also has good train connections with Venice in Italy, Austria and Germany. We offer an airport and train station meeting point. Venice has flights to many European cities. Both cities are worth spending a couple of days exploring.
Day 1
Meet Llubljana at 11am. Drive to the medieval village of Skopja Loka for a visit before continuing to Lake Bohinj via beautiful Lake Bled with its fairytale castle. We stay for the next 3 nights in Hotel Jezero, a 4-star hotel with indoor pool overlooking picturesque Lake Bohinj. Later in the day there is the opportunity for a short but wonderfully scenic walk along a gorge dotted with waterfalls to a viewpoint where we can enjoy an aperitif overlooking the lake. Dinner this evening in a local Gostilna (Inn). (6.5km/4.1 miles)
Day 2
We head out from the hotel into the lush alpine pastures typical of this region. Our walk takes us up to a low mountain, Rudnica, at 946m before descending through beech woods into the fields for our picnic. In the afternoon we visit the Alpine Dairy Museum and taste some of the local cheese at a local inn before returning to the hotel. Opportunity for a refreshing dip in the lake before dinner. (12km/7.5 miles)
Day 3
We take a cable car above Lake Bohinj to 1534m where we start walking. Our trail climbs up past mountain dairies and through flower-filled pastures. A short scramble takes us to a spectacular ridge at 1800m. Enjoy magnificent views as we picnic on high. Descend via a different route and return to the valley by cable car. (8km/5miles – no van access today. Both guides will accompany the group and carry the picnic). Dinner in a local inn.
Day 4
We depart Lake Bohinj after breakfast and drive through into central Primorska to start our walk. Our path passes remote farms and small villages before following a narrow gorge to emerge at the fascinating Partisan Hospital. The hospital, hidden in a canyon, treated wounded Partisan soldiers from Yugoslavia and other countries from late 1943 until the end of World War II. (9km/5.6 miles) Lunch is at a characteristic Gostilna. In the afternoon a short drive following the turquoise Soca River brings us to Kobarid (Caporetto) where we stay for two nights. Dinner in the award-winning Topli Val restaurant.
Day 5
We head up into the hills behind Kobarid, passing the remains of an ancient fort and exploring the trenches which bear witness to World War I battles of the Isonzo front. Cross the turquoise waters of the Soča (Isonzo) River on a suspension bridge and visit a stunning waterfall before continuing through woods and farmland to a small village overlooking the valley. Time to visit the fascinating museum in the town before dinner in an outstanding local restaurant. (9.5km/6 miles)
Day 6
We depart Kobarid and start our walk at a small village at 860m. We hike, climbing steadily on good paths, through beautiful woods and pastures. We cross the border between Slovenia and Italy on foot at Mount Matajur (1648m). Take in the views to the mountains of Slovenia and Austria and down to the coast near Trieste in Italy. A short descent through Alpine pastures where we enjoy a picnic before ending our walk at a mountain refuge. In the afternoon we visit the Unesco World Heritage city of Cividale di Friuli before a short drive takes us to Gorizia where we stay for 3 nights. (9.3km/5.8 miles)
Day 7
We drive to one of the cradles of Italian and European civilization at World Heritage listed town of Aquileia near the coast. Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta which conserves one of the most impressive mosaics in the world. Later in the day we return to Gorizia where there is time to visit the castle, explore the shops and stroll the elegant streets of the old town before dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 8
We walk between Slovenia and Italy on foot in the pretty Collio (Italy) and Brda (Slovenia) hills which surround the city of Gorizia. The spirit of the people who have kept the tradition of wine-making alive is intertwined with the turbulent history and cross-border culture of this small wine region. Hike through vineyards – renowned above all for their wonderful white wines - past small villages and castles and enjoy the hospitality of local winemakers before returning to Gorizia for our final dinner. (14km/8.9 miles) The June departure of this tour coincides with the cherry season in Brda - our Blog has more details.
Day 9
We return to Venice Marco Polo (airport) for 11. 30am.
Walking
Shortest day: 6.5km/4.1 miles
Longest day: 10.5km/6.6 miles
There are 7 days of walking on the trip. The terrain is very varied. We walk on farm and woodland tracks, mountain trails, through vineyards (which are muddy after rain) and along quiet tarmac roads. Although the daily distance is relatively short, this is one of our more challenging hiking holidays and we climb/descend 300-400m on most days, with an 800m ascent on Day 6. The mountain trails are rocky in places with short sections of exposed terrain on Day 3. Sturdy walking boots, with good grip and ankle support, are essential. Walking poles are highly recommended, especially on steeper sections.
In order to maximize your enjoyment of your holiday it is important to exercise regularly prior to the trip in order to build up your fitness level.
