Slovenia Adventure

Begin the adventure in Bohinj, a glacial valley framed by forested slopes and Lake Bohinj, the largest permanent lake in Slovenia. It sits within Triglav National Park, the country’s only national park, established in 1981 to protect the alpine ecosystems surrounding Mount Triglav. Around 6pm, say zdravo to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and hear more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a warm Slovenian welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Ljubljana? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Warm up for the week with a serene 7.5mi (12km) hike around beautiful Lake Bohinj, which should take us three to four hours. As we go, our tour leader shares stories from the region, from Zlatorog (the legendary chamois said to guard the mountains) to how local communities live alongside the national park today. With a mixture of gravel roads and forest paths, plus old-style wooden bridges typical of Bohinj, the trail delivers a changing perspective on Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest summit at 9,396ft (2,864m). Return to the lake after lunch for a two-hour stand-up paddleboard adventure, learning the technique on calm water before striking out to explore. Because motorboats are heavily restricted here, the lake remains one of the most peaceful in the Julian Alps.

Transfer to the nearby railway station for a one-hour train ride to Kanal ob Soči; tracking the Idrijca and Soča rivers, it is considered one of the most beautiful railway routes in Slovenia. On arrival, we collect our e-bikes, fit our helmets and set off on a 24mi (38km) cycling adventure. We start by the emerald-green Soča River, following the waterway before gently climbing into the hills of Goriška Brda, a renowned wine region close to the Italian border. Often known as Little Tuscany, the area is characterised by vineyards, olive groves and cherry orchards. Around 1pm, we pause at a local winery for a sommelier-led wine tasting before a ride to the city of Nova Gorica. Here, we catch the train (with our e-bikes) back to Bohinj, where we cycle back to our hotel.

Back on the e-bikes, we head to Lake Bohinj, riding through landscapes that reveal why this corner of Slovenia is so closely tied to nature. Our 18mi (30km) loop, which should take three to four hours, includes stops to appreciate the canyons, caves and cascades shaped by the Bohinjka river over centuries. Midway through the ride, we pause at a family-run farm, where you’re welcome to join an optional cheese tasting. It’s also a chance to hear how alpine dairy traditions shaped life in this corner of the park − a story that comes to life when you meet the people who still practise them. After seeing traditional Slovenian hayracks known as kozolci in Studor village and the award-winning Bicycle Bridge Across the Sava River, we finish at our hotel around 3.30pm, with a free afternoon to explore or relax. Come evening, we set out on a gentle lantern-lit walk to the lakeshore. On this 45-minute excursion, the light fades over the water, and the lanterns cast just enough glow to guide us along the path.

Set off early to cross the Julian Alps and head into the Soča Valley. The transfer takes us through Kranjska Gora and may continue briefly into Italy via Predil, depending on local traffic conditions. First, we head to the Soča River for white-water rafting, navigating 5mi-6mi (8km-10km) of clear alpine water (Class I-IV rapids) with experienced skippers. After a short lunch break, those who’ve opted in tackle one of the longest zipline routes in Europe, descending 10 cables suspended high above the valley. Speeds build gradually, reaching up to 37mph (60kph). Those not ziplining join the tour leader for a guided walk in the hills, which should take around 1hr 30min, before returning to the hotel around 7pm.

Travel one hour to the entrance of Vintgar Gorge, a narrow chasm carved by the Radovna River. A wooden walkway leads us for 1mi (1.6km) between near-vertical walls, where the river funnels into rapids, whirlpools and small cascades. After returning to our vehicle, we continue (20 minutes) to the magical town of Bled, set beneath the Julian Alps and known for its small island church and clifftop castle. After a guided tour, you have free time to explore further. You could choose to climb to Bled Castle, whose 11th-century fortifications stand on a rock bluff above the lake, or join a boatman rowing a pletna, a traditional flat-bottomed wooden vessel, to the island church famous for its wishing bell. This evening, we enjoy our farewell dinner – an excellent chance to relive our adventures together and perhaps start planning the next. Please note: On some departures, we may visit Bled first, followed by Vintgar Gorge.

You’ve walked the Vintgar Gorge boardwalks, ridden the trails around Bohinj and Brda, and rafted the lively Soča River, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our range of extension options.