Overview
From enchanting Ljubljana to the high peaks and mountain lakes of the sharp-edged Julian Alps and the unforgettable towns and villages of the sun-splashed Mediterranean coast, Slovenia offers a spellbinding—and largely undiscovered—world of adventure. Our exclusive journey brings us deep into this stunning realm, with hikes through dramatic gorges laced with meandering rivers and glacier-carved valleys flanked by steep limestone peaks, and a boat ride to an island in dreamy Lake Bled. Along the way we savor fresh seafood at charming waterfront cafes and overnight at welcoming hotels, including Hisa Franko, where we dine at its acclaimed restaurant—the chef, Ana Ros, was recently named the “World’s Best Female Chef!”
Slovenia should be on everyone's list of places to travel. It's beautiful and WT's itinerary couldn't be better. It's a rich combination of hiking, culture, and adventure. We loved the museums, castles, salt pans, etc. in addition to the challenging hikes.
— CB B., Santa Fe, NM
Days 1-4
Ljubljana / Ptuj / Logarska Dolina National Park
After exploring Ljubljana’s charming squares and arched stone bridges, we head to Ptuj, dating from Roman times, for a hike in vineyard country, lunch at an organic farm, and a private wine tasting. In Logarska Dolina, a stunning valley dotted with tiny churches and traditional farmsteads, we hike through meadows and forests to the 300-foot-high Rinka waterfall, with views of towering snow-dusted peaks.
Ljubljana / Ptuj / Logarska Dolina National Park - Days 1-4
Hotel Cubo
Day 1 (1 night), Ljubljana, SloveniaOld World charm meets modern styling at the Hotel Cubo, set in the center of downtown Ljubljana. With views of the hilltop castle and only a short walk to the Old Town center, the hotel has a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. Spacious guestrooms have plush bedding and chic bathrooms, and there's a comfortable lobby bar where you can unwind after a day exploring the city.
Hotel Mitra
Day 2 (1 night), Ptuj, SloveniaThe only hotel in the medieval district of the tiny town of Ptuj, the Mitra is housed in a cozy historic building that offers simple but comfortable rooms. There’s a cafe-bar downstairs and the hotel offers a small spa as well as a wine cellar.
Hotel Plesnik
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Logarska Dolina, SloveniaWith delightful chalet styling, the Plesnik has a great location in a beautiful and unspoiled mountain valley below the mighty summits of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. There’s a great view from the hotel terrace out to the valley’s flower-filled meadows. The rooms are comfortable, and we can take advantage of the sauna, whirlpool, and indoor pool for relaxing at the end of our hiking day.
Days 5-6
Radovljica / Lake Bled / Mostnica Gorge
Explore Radovljica, with its Renaissance-era architecture, and taste honey at its enchanting museum of beekeeping. A gondola brings us across the fairytale setting of Lake Bled to reach its exquisite 17th century island-church, followed by a hike through sun-dappled beech forests along the tumbling jade-green river that cuts through Mostnica Gorge.
Radovljica / Lake Bled / Mostnica Gorge - Days 5-6
Grand Hotel Toplice
Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Bled, SloveniaThis historic hotel, celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2011, has lots of Old World charm and is the only hotel right on the shores of Lake Bled. The hotel’s bar and lounge have stunning lake views, as do the swimming pool and the dock with its comfy lounge chairs for sunbathing. You can walk out of the hotel right onto a pathway the circles the lake. There is an elegant tea service in the afternoon, and the buffet breakfast is plentiful and delicious.
Days 7-8
Mt. Krn / Dreznica / Kobarid
After a hike below the face of the glorious North Triglav Wall, we head to the Soca Valley, an Old World realm of tiny villages, translucent rivers, and deep forests that formed the infamous Soca Front during World War I. One of our hikes traces a route below snow-capped Mt. Krn (7,300'), with a descent to the peaceful village of Dreznica.
Mt. Krn / Dreznica / Kobarid - Days 7-8
Hotels in Kobarid
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Kobarid, SloveniaIn Kobarid, we stay at one of the following properties:
Hotel Hisa Franko
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Kobarid, SloveniaWe’ll dine on some of the best food in Slovenia at this family-run hotel near the beautiful Soca River. Valter and Ana, the husband-and-wife owners, prepare meals with ingredients fresh from their garden, and Valter keeps good wines in his cellar. Guest rooms are simple but nicely furnished. The staff is always helpful.
Hotel Hvala
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Kobarid, SloveniaThis family-run hotel is set in the heart of the Soca Valley in the history-filled town of Kobarid. Guest rooms are simple but nicely furnished and the staff is very welcoming. The hotel's restaurant specializes in fish and seafood (try the squid ink risotto!).
Days 9-11
Piran
Slovenia’s coastal karst region is renowned for its ruby-red Teran wine and air-dried prsut ham. We savor these local specialties at lunch, then walk through the vast underground world of the Skocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Piran, a tangle of cobbled streets nestled close to the sea, we boat to the nature reserve at Secovlje, with its marshes and wading birds, and visit the fascinating Saltworks Museum, ranked as one of the top 12 museums in Europe. Depart on Day 11.
Piran - Days 9-11
Hotel Piran
Days 9 to 10 (2 nights), Piran, SloveniaSet right on the waterfront, the Hotel Piran features basic but comfortable and clean guest rooms offering views of the sea or the cobbled streets and quaint squares of medieval Piran. The outdoor terrace overlooking the sea is a great place for a drink at sunset.
Hiking in Slovenia
Highlights
Highlights
Details
8 hiking days on moderate trails (some steep sections), 3-5 hours a day, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day’s hike).
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