Overview
From alpine peaks and gleaming lakes to tiny villages of Venetian Gothic architecture along the Adriatic, Slovenia is gorgeous—and still relatively undiscovered by travelers, which makes it perfect for a WT adventure. We enjoy a fantastic mix of hiking, history, and culture as we make our way from the snow-capped Julian Alps to medieval Piran nestled by the sea. Along the way, we taste Slovenia’s regional wines and delightful cuisine fresh from the mountains and sea. At one of our hotels, the family-run Hiša Franko, we dine at its acclaimed restaurant—the chef, Ana Ros, was recently named the “World’s Best Female Chef.”
The lodging was ideal, and it was wonderful having the meals included, especially the breakfast spreads at each of the hotels. The treats during hikes were not expected but were much appreciated, and they were timed perfectly!
— Amber K., North Olmsted, OH
Days 1-4
Ljubljana / Ptuj / Logarska Dolina
From beautiful Ljubljana, we head to Ptuj for a vineyard hike, lunch at an organic farm, and a private wine tasting. After a visit to Ptuj’s castle, we head to Logarska Dolina, a magnificent glacial valley of emerald meadows flanked by steep limestone peaks. We’ll enjoy hikes among the traditional farmsteads of this valley and views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
Ljubljana / Ptuj / Logarska Dolina - 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 5-8
Radovljica / Lake Bled / Mostnica Gorge / Mt. Krn / Drežnica / Kobarid
We explore the Renaissance-era town of Radovljica, taste honey at its unique museum of beekeeping, and hike along the Radovna River. A gondola ride brings us across Lake Bled to visit the tiny island in the center of the lake, and we head to nearby Lake Bohinj for a hike through the Mostnica Gorge. After a hike below the spectacular north wall of Triglav, we head to the Soca Valley, an Old World realm that formed the infamous Isonzo 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 Drežnica.
Radovljica / Lake Bled / Mostnica Gorge / Mt. Krn / Drežnica / Kobarid - Days 5-8
Grand Hotel Toplice
Days 5 to 7 (3 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.
Hotels in Kobarid
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Kobarid, SloveniaIn Kobarid, we stay at one of the following properties:
Hotel Hisa Franko
Days 8 to 9 (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 8 to 9 (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 9-12
Piran
In Slovenia’s karst landscape, we walk through the breathtaking Škocjan Caves, a World Heritage Site, then head to Piran, a spectacular coastal hub of the Venetian Republic. We boat to Piran Bay’s wetland reserve and visit the historic salt flats at Secovlje. Depart on Day 12 via Ljubljana.
Piran - Days 9-12
Hotels in Kobarid
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Kobarid, SloveniaIn Kobarid, we stay at one of the following properties:
Hotel Hisa Franko
Days 8 to 9 (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 8 to 9 (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!).
Hotel Piran
Days 10 to 11 (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)
