When it comes to outdoor activities, Slovenia is a land of limitless possibilities and none is as diverse and picturesque as the mountainous region of the Julian Alps. Everywhere you turn, there’s a scenic valley to hike through, a majestic mountain to climb, a cave to explore, or a crystal-clear river to raft down. On this 8-day adventure tour of our Alpine fairy-tale you will receive an unforgettable dose of sport, nature and culture – the main three ingredients of an active holiday.
Before entering the magnificent Triglav National Park, your adventure will already be well on its way. Located on the outskirts of this mountainous wonderland is Lake Bled, the symbol of Slovenia’s natural and cultural richness. Strolling around the lake, paddle boarding on its surface and hiking up a nearby hill will give you a tiny taste of what’s to come. Even staying in Bled’s immediate area for some canyoning down underground streams and kayaking on the impressive Sava River is only the tip of the iceberg of thrills that lay ahead.
Venturing deep into the wilderness of one of the oldest national parks in Europe, we will take you high up a breath-taking mountain pass with views beyond compare. But this type of incredible natural splendour isn’t meant to be observed from afar. Descending back to the valley, it’s time to hike along the emerald jewel called the Soča River, explore the deep ravines of the Soča Gorge, and experience these hidden gems up-close. After ziplining on top of a mountain and checking in at Bovec, Slovenia’s adrenaline capital, the rapids of Soča River await. Whitewater rafting accompanied by insanely perfect countryside is definitely the way to travel. From the watery fun of below to a drive up the highest mountain road in Slovenia, the Mangart Saddle. So saddle up and make sure your cameras and phones are fully charged for the flood of incoming photo ops.
An amazing waterfall and a gorgeous gorge later, you will be back in civilization and ready to hit the streets of vibrant Ljubljana. When in town, a food tour is highly recommended to get a proper taste of the local cuisine and recharge your batteries for the cave exploring ahead. Yup, next on the menu is caving in some of the less-known caves of Slovenia. And if these caves just happen to be in close proximity to bear country, why shouldn’t you be in even closer proximity to this striking wild animal? Joining a bear watching safari in the wilderness makes for a great afternoon trip.
On the final leg of your adventurous journey, we will take you to another very attractive part of the country and go for some black water kayaking in an abandoned mine. After a hearty miner’s lunch and a visit to Logar Valley, probably Slovenia’s most stunning valley, it’s back to the capital. And to end your travels in the same active spirit you started them in, a relaxing bike tour of Ljubljana is the best way of getting to experience the sights and sounds of the greenest capital in the world.
What better place to start your adventure holiday than the most popular place in Slovenia, Lake Bled? Get settled at your accommodation, change into your sports equipment and explore the lake on a paddle board. Stop at Bled island and take in all the panoramic views of the area and perhaps treat yourself to some amazing gelato. Finish the day with an evening hike to Osojnica Hill, a marvelous lookout spot with some of the best views of Lake Bled.
For early risers, we have the option of waking up before dawn and hiking up a small hill called Ojstrica to get a great view of sunrise above Lake Bled. We return in time for breakfast and some downtime before heading to the area of Lake Bohinj. Enjoy the thrills of canyoning in a nearby canyon, abseiling, tobogganing and jumping down the cool stream. After a lunch break, we will kayak across Lake Bohinj and onto the Sava River for some more water fun. The rest of the afternoon will be spent more leisurely around Lake Bohinj, but if you still prefer to stay active, there is a trail around the lake, as well as the possibility of bike hire to explore the area further.
Important:
Bring a swimsuit and towel for canyoning and kayaking.
Start the day by driving up the spectacular road leading over the Vršič Pass and take in the amazing scenery of the Julian Alps with numerous photo stops. Continue to the valley of the emerald Soča River, where we will stop for some light hiking, before reaching Bovec, the adrenaline capital of Slovenia and your home for a couple of days. After a lunch break, it will be time to get back into the harness, quite literally, and head to the mountains above the resort, where a series of steel cables promise great thrills and spectacular views as you zipline across the valley. To finish the day off, we will explore the area around Bovec on foot and visit the nearby Virje Waterfall.
Take the morning off, sleep in or enjoy the area of Bovec and fill up with energy for the afternoon. We will gear you up for an exciting adventure of white water rafting down the Soča River, the best way to really experience this alpine jewel. To finish your holiday on a high note, we will continue the day with an exciting drive up the highest road in Slovenia the Mangart Pass at about 2,000 m (6500 ft) elevation, where you will really feel like you are at the top of the world.
Important:
Bring a swimsuit and towel for white water rafting.
The valley of the Soča River has numerous magnificent natural attractions and as we leave Bovec, we will head south to Kobarid to hike to the amazing Kozjak Waterfall and then further to Tolmin Gorge. In the afternoon, we will make our way back to Ljubljana, where you will have some time off for leisure.
The underground world of the Slovenian Karst is not to be missed! But forget about the leisurely stroll through a lit up cave and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the caverns below in full caving equipment, paddling across underground waters like the first explorers. The rest of the day will be spent above ground in pristine Slovenian forests looking for an encounter with the brown bear in its natural habitat. Don’t worry, it will be done from a safe lookout with an expert guide, but thrilling nonetheless!
Normally you don’t associate mines with adventure, but that is about to change. We will head north to a town called Mežica, once a famous mining town with a flooded lead and zinc mine, which we will explore by kayak for a truly unique experience. After all the hard work, you will be treated to a hearty miner’s lunch for an immersive finish of your underground adventure. On our way back, we will stop in Logar Valley, one of the most picturesque valleys in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
Finish your adventure holiday by exploring Ljubljana, Slovenia’s lively capital, on two wheels. Visit all the main attractions in the center and broaden your horizons as the tour will take you further afield, to green parts of the city and some attractions, easily missed on regular tours.
Why not spend a few more days in Slovenia? Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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