Cassandra McIntosh
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Ljubljana
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver. Once you've had a moment to settle into Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel, meet your guide at the hotel reception to experience the charm of Ljubljana during a historic walking tour.
As you stroll through its streets, you’ll be captivated by the capital's elegant architecture, inspired by its vibrant art scene, and delighted by its culinary scene. One of Ljubljana's greatest advantages is its compact size, which allows you to easily reach most attractions on foot or with a short bike ride.
Two thousand years ago, the Roman city of Emona was located in this area. Enjoy the stunning views of the medieval city from the hilltop of Ljubljana Castle. For dinner, the Strelec Restaurant at Ljubljana Castle has delicious medieval-themed meals in this historic setting. Dishes such as venison, homemade bread, pastries, and elements of medieval cuisine are combined with modern culinary techniques to create a unique dining experience.
Dating back to the 18th century, the boutique hotel Zlata Ladjica has been elegantly restored with a modern yet organic style. The hotel features 15 uniquely designed rooms, each thoughtfully curated to reflect Ljubljana and Slovenia's rich historical narratives and vibrant cultural heritage.
Overnight Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel
Day 2
Lake Bled & Bohinj
Lake Bled is often considered the most beautiful Lake in the Alps. Its island features a 15th-century chapel, and a dramatic medieval castle overlooks the water. You can fully appreciate this stunning location with a private boat ride to the island’s monastery, which you reach by ascending the 99 stone steps of a baroque stairway dating back to 1655. If time permits, visit the Castle or enjoy a sunset cocktail at Marshal Tito’s former summer retreat, where pictures of world leaders he hosted are displayed.
Ojstrica, which means "sharp peak" in Slovene, is named for its pointed shape and towers high above Lake Bled. The hike to Ojstrica is short yet steep, rewarding climbers with an exceptional view from the summit. At the top, you'll find a bench with a romantic panoramic view of Lake Bled and the surrounding mountain range.
Vila Muhr offers a refined luxury experience with elegantly styled rooms and wonderful views. Enjoy exquisite fine dining and take the opportunity to unwind in the peaceful garden. The property features a variety of suites and rooms, each uniquely blending historical charm with modern comfort. From the Royal Suite, which boasts stunning lake views, to cozy hunting studios and spacious family apartments, every accommodation is designed to provide a sophisticated and memorable stay. Vila Muhr embodies rich heritage and natural beauty through three key elements: the abundant natural heritage, the beauty of the Alpine landscape, and the diverse vistas surrounding the property.
Overnight Vila Muhr
Day 3
Triglav National Park
Today, you’ll be hiking at Triglav National Park for 4-5 hours, covering a distance of 10 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Begin your journey at Mostnica Gorge, where the crystal-clear waters of the Mostnica River carve a narrow path through the rocky landscape. You will traverse stone and wooden bridges above the turquoise river, surrounded by towering cliffs.
The trail continues into the scenic Voje Valley, where you can enjoy a leisurely pace through lush meadows adorned with wildflowers and a backdrop of the Julian Alps. Upon reaching the end of the valley, take a moment to marvel at the iconic Voje Waterfall before returning to the starting point.
Lake Bohinj, often considered the wilder counterpart to Bled Lake, is a short drive in the heart of Triglav National Park. Recently, Bohinj Lake was awarded the title of Best in Responsible Tourism at the World Travel Market. This destination emphasizes sustainability and is dedicated to preserving the environment, biodiversity, and traditional ways of life. Its tourist infrastructure adheres to best practices for sustainable mobility, and there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy.
This afternoon, join a cheese tasting in Bohinj during your visit to a local cheese maker. Learn about the tradition of Bohinj cheese while sampling some of their products. Gartner Farm is a family-owned farm in the heart of Triglav National Park. The Gartner family is renowned for producing Bohinj cheese and spends the summer months at their mountain pasture, Planina v Lazu.
One of the best ways to learn about the culture and cuisine of Bohinj is to take a cooking class. In this class, you can prepare your own dinner using traditional recipes from the region and locally sourced ingredients. Friendly and skilled locals will guide you, sharing their knowledge and tips throughout the process.
Extend your stay at Bohinj Lake for an extra day to enjoy more activities. Swim, paddleboard, or rent a canoe on the lake. Experience the area by e-bike or join a yoga class to unwind. Meet local artisans, learn about beekeeping with honey tasting, or take a cooking class on traditional Bohinj dishes. Don’t miss the gondola ride to Mt. Vogel or a hike to the beautiful Savica Waterfall.
Overnight Bohinj
Day 4
Soča Valley
Continue your journey toward the Soča River Valley, the World War I Isonzo Front site, which is vividly described in Ernest Hemingway's novel “Farewell to Arms.” Today, this “emerald river of adventures” offers a stunning backdrop for world-class activities such as rafting, kayaking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, paragliding, and fly fishing. If that’s not enticing enough, the Soča Valley was recently named one of the best sustainable tourist destinations for 2021 by the European Commission.
Tolmin Gorge, a natural wonder near Tolmin in Slovenia, is defined by its deep limestone canyon carved by the Tolminka River. Traverse narrow pathways and marvel at the crystal-clear emerald waters on a hike along the Juliana trail. The path follows the banks of the Soča River, passing through the sunlit villages of Gabrje and Volarje. In Selišče, you'll cross the small Volarja River, which originates below Mt. Krn and is near some of Slovenia's most beautiful and tallest waterfalls.
As you continue between Kamen and the Church of St. Lawrence, you'll walk through enchanting forests and trails past ancient, moss-covered stone walls. You'll arrive in Kobarid after passing through Ladra, the final village along the trail.
The trail from Tolmin to Kobarid is relatively flat, weaving through the valley over 11 miles, with an elevation gain of 840 feet. The hike takes approximately 8 hours to complete.
After the hike, your driver will bring you to Chalet Sofija in Kranjska Gora via the Predel Pass in Italy.
Located on a mountain slope in Gozd Martuljek, Chalet Sofija is a luxurious five-bedroom villa. The chalet features spacious, elegant rooms with large hot tubs and stunning terraces. Enjoy the stylish design, music from handcrafted Slovenian sound systems, and a selection of top-of-the-line wines.
Overnight Chalet Sofija
Day 5
Julian Alps
Today, enjoy the drive deep into Triglav National Park, passing through Kranjska Gora and navigating hairpin turns up to Vršič Pass, which stands at 5,316 feet—the highest point in Slovenia. This pass is one of the most scenic mountain routes in Europe. Known as the "Russian Road," it was constructed by the Austrian Army during World War I, using Russian prisoners of war as labor for strategic military access. Upon reaching the summit of Vršič Pass, you will be rewarded with views that extend as far as the eye can see.
From here, hike to the viewpoint at Slemenova Špica. The starting point is already high, and the path is straightforward and not too long. The hike has an elevation gain of 984 feet, covers a distance of 3.5 miles, and takes about 3 hours to complete.
Overnight Chalet Sofija
Day 6
Departure Day
A driver will pick you up at Chalet Sofija and take you to Brnik Ljubljana Airport. Alternatively, you can spend an extra night at Chalet Sofija in Kranjska Gora and see more of northern Slovenia and the Julian Alps.
