The recommended airport for this tour is the Venice Marco Polo airport. Conveniently located near the airport is your group's meeting spot: the Hilton Garden Inn Venice Mestre San Giuliano. Meet the group and your taxi service outside the hotel lobby at 11:00am. You'll be transferred to the town of Bovec (pronounced "bo-vets") in the heart of the Soča River Valley. On the way, you'll meet up with your guide at a magnificent waterfall. Continue into town together for an orientation, welcome dinner, and night at a 4-star hotel in Bovec (D-Dinner provided).
Distance: 1 mile | Ascent 100 ft | Descent 100 ft (optional walking around town)
We start with a gentle, undemanding hike on the Kobarid Historic Trail. This trail offers great scenery and a taste of the rich history and culture of the Soča Valley. We start in the historic town of Kobarid, walk to Kostnica sanctuary, and then on to Tonovec Castle, which was settled in the Stone Age. After lunch in a scenic spot near the Soča River, we will visit Slap Kozjak - one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. Along the route we discover remains and fortifications from the First and Second World Wars. The region is one of the most important ancient hilltop settlements in the Alps. (BLD)
Distance: 5 miles | Ascent 350 feet | Descent 350 feet (may vary)
Bovec (pronounced “bo-vets”) offers access to the beautiful Soča River, an adventure paradise! Enjoy the option of river rafting or hiking. Get your adrenaline pumping on the water, or enjoy walking along the river's scenic banks. Suspension bridges along the route provide stunning views of the turquoise waters below. Today is also a great time to do any last minute outfitting before we take off for the alpine reaches of the Julian Alps. (BLD)
Distance: 4.5 miles | Ascent 600 feet | Descent 250 feet (may vary)
Our day begins with a short shuttle transfer from Bovec into Triglav National Park, ascending deep into the picturesque Lepena Valley. The adventure kicks off with a steep, rocky ascent leading to Planinski dom Krnskih Jezerih, a perfect stop to enjoy a coffee, apple strudel, or fresh cheese amidst the stunning alpine landscape. Continuing the hike, we'll traverse striking limestone terrain and pass remnants from World War I, offering a glimpse into history. We continue our ascent to Bogatinsko Saddle which offers commanding views, and where we'll break for a satisfying picnic lunch. After a final descent, the day concludes at a mountain hut situated at 1,520 meters, where we'll settle in for traditional dormitory-style experience. (BLD)
Distance: 9.5 miles | Ascent 4,280 ft | Descent 500 ft (may vary)
From our refuge high in the Julian Alps, we begin our descent through glacial tarns and into deep forest before arriving at the pristine alpine setting of Lake Bohinj. The Savica waterfall is an exciting stop before we head to the lake to cool our feet following a long descent (on foot or by shuttle, depending on energy levels). A shuttle transfer then takes us to our hotel on Lake Bled. Take some time to explore the town and enjoy dinner on your own. (BL)
Distance: 6-9 miles | Ascent 1805 ft | Descent 4120 ft (may vary)
After our challening traverse through Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps, you'll enjoy a less strenuous, but very active day to explore the rich history and cultural treasures around Lake Bled. We visit cliff-hanging Bled Castle. This destination has a thousand years of history and a sweeping view of the lake and surrounding region. In the afternoon, we row across the lake to an island called Blejski Otok, which is capped by a 17th-century Baroque church. A visit to a large apiary introduces us to the Slovenian traditional beekeeping. Learn about the importance of beekeeping in Slovenia from a local expert, and taste some local honey. (BLD)
Distance: 4 miles | Ascent 300 ft | Descent 300 ft (may vary)
A favorite but little known hike near Lake Bled takes us to the Vintgar Gorge where sheer canyon walls rise up to 300 feet overhead. This dramatic gorge remained inaccessible and unexplored until 1890. We ascend the gorge, carved at the end of the last ice age by the Radovna River. We arrive at Sum Falls (literally "noisy falls"), the largest river waterfall in Slovenia. (BLD)
Distance: 5 miles | Ascent 890 ft | Descent 890 ft (may vary)
Departing the scenic shores of Lake Bled, we'll continue through rustic countryside and small hilltowns to the Postojna Caves (poh-STOY-nah), which contain over 12 miles of explored caverns, many of which are illuminated and made easily accessible by a train. Enjoy exploring these interesting and ornate formations. To conclude the day and the trip, we'll have a farewell lunch in Postojna before returning to Venice and our hotel near the airport. (BL)
Distance: 3 miles | Ascent 200 feet Descent: 200 feet (may vary)
Breakfast and a shuttle to the Venice airport will be provided. Note that the earliest shuttle departs at 7:30 am. (B)
A Note On Hiking Stats
Daily distance measurements may vary depending on the device you use to record them. Use our listed stats as an estimate and a reference point while training for this tour.
We rate this trip as moderate, with 1 strenuous day. Most days include 3-5 hours of walking or hiking, averaging 1100 feet of elevation per day. The exception to this is one day of trekking into Triglav National Park. You will cover 9.5 miles and gain 4200 feet of elevation. You should be capable of hiking 7 hours over some rocky trails and steep ascents and descents. You should be capable of hiking at up to 7000 feet above sea level.
