dossier

Slovenian Alpine Adventure

Day 1: Arrive in Slovenia
We meet you at Ljubljana airport and take you to Kranjska Gora (75 mins) in time for dinner.

Day 2: Kranjska Gora circular walk  12km/7mi/3.5hr or 18km/5.5mi/5hr
Gently ascending through forests dense with chestnut, hazelnut and birch trees, you arrive at a high plateau with views extending right across the Italian and Austrian Alps - truly breathtaking. After lunch in the Martuljek gorge, it’s a lovely stroll through meadows dotted with orchids, narcissi and blue gentian as you head back down to Kranjska Gora at the entrance to the Triglav National Park.

Day 3: Kranjska Gora to Bovec  12km/7mi/4hr Today starts with a breathtaking drive up the Vrsic Pass (1611m) from where your path follows the turquoise crystalline Soca River as it cascades through limestone gorges - look out for Trenta brown butterflies. Lunch today is at Metoja mountain restaurant. Then the Trenta Mountain range - comprising the towering peaks of Javorscek, Svinjak and Romsom - frames the horizon as you head across to the Jelicnic Refuge for a refreshing drink. Lift from here to Bovec in time for dinner.

Day 4: At Bovec  10km/6mi/3hr or 13km/8mi/4hr
The mountain range of Bovec was fiercely fought over in the WW1. Today you can follow a trail that climbs through bluebells and primula auricola past dramatic Koritnica Gorge to Kluze fortress -  a WW1 stronghold -  built into the mountain above a twisted ravine. Returning there’s time to relax on the alpine terrace - amazing views - of your hotel before dinner.

Day 5: Bovec to Kobarid  20km/12mi/6hr
Crossing first a carpet of brightly coloured wild flowers underneath the Kanin mountain range you reach the mighty 106m drop Boka waterfall. It’s then alongside the Soca River to Trnovo where you can enjoy a picnic (and a paddle!). Then an ancient Roman path leads into Kobarid and to one of the friendliest, family-run hotels we’ve ever stumbled upon. The restaurant here is a real gem serving local specialities such as trout and fresh water crayfish, as well as mushrooms and truffles in season.

Day 6: At Kobarid  7km/4mi/2hr (optional)
Hard to imagine this little town witnessed the largest battle in history that inspired Hemmingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”. There’s a historical trail past the old Italo-Austrian defences and Italian war memorial offering breathtaking valley views. And the award winning First World War Museum is worth a visit. If you fancy driving into the nearby Vipava vineyards, car hire can be arranged locally.

Day 7: Kobarid to Bohinj  8km/5mi/2hr or 11km/7mi/4hr
The easy option today is a panoramic railway journey - views as far as the Gulf of Venice - to Bohinj to follow a circular path around the lake. Or you can take the high mountain path to Mt Globoko for a panoramic picnic. Descending, you enjoy sweeping vistas of Mt Triglav and Lake Bohinj shimmering below as you take the cable car down to your hotel on the lake shore.

Day 8: At Bohinj  
The four-star Hotel Jezero is ideally placed to make the most of Lake Bohinj today. Maybe hire a rowing boat or swim in its clear azure waters. For the more energetic, there’s a great hike up narrow Mostnica Gorge over Devil’s Bridge (only the virtuous can pass, the bridge can sense bad intentions!) to the Mostnica Waterfall. Time for a dip in the hotel’s indoor pool before your final dinner.

Day 9: Return home
We take you to Ljubljana airport (1hr) in time for your return flight, or extra nights in the city.