Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia

Day 1
Fly to Ljubljana; transfer to Radovljica.

Late afternoon arrival at our pension in Radovljica, just 20 minutes north
east of the capital, Ljubljana. This is our base for the whole week.

*Pension Kunstelj or similar*

Day 2
A day exploring the local area direct from the pension.

After breakfast we enjoy a walk direct from the pension to explore our
surroundings. The historic town of Radovljica dates back as far as 1296
sitting on the confluence of the Sava Bohinjka and the Sava Dolinka. The old
town is full of traditional inns, galleries, churches and surrounded by the
largest medieval moats in the country.
The local area is extremely pretty, dotted with small churches, quaint
villages, lush forests and a beautiful river. Our leader will decide the
exact route depending on the weather, but walking to Lake Bled is our most
likely route, a perfect warm up through gentle rolling farm land and pretty
villages.

Day 3
From the village of Gozd Martuljek, we hike into the Martuljek Gorge,
visiting two stunning waterfalls along the route.

Starting at the small village of Gozd Martuljek we are rewarded with a
breathtaking panorama of the pik mountain range. One of the most beautiful
mountains in the Julian Alps, Mount pik – 2472m is known at the Slovenian
Matterhorn and its pyramid summit dominates the Martuljek range.
Leaving the valley our forest trail takes us into Martuljek Gorge, here we
slowly start our ascent following the stream, where we arrive at the Lower
Fall, cascading down to the valley. The trail snakes its way through the
forest where we arrive at our rest stop and enjoy the view. Lipovceva Hut has
a lovely setting and is known for its open natural kitchen with delicious
home-made mountain soups and juices, made from pine, elderflower and berries.
From here we head up to the stunning Higher Falls, passing a monument
dedicated to Slovenian climbers. This is a lovely walk into the gorge,
suitable in all weathers and offering some fine views of two beautiful
waterfalls.

Day 4
A picturesque walk in the Karavanke Mountain Range, to the peak of Golica
(1836m).

The Karavanke Mountains are the natural and official border between central
and Western Europe where Slovenia, Austria and Italy meet. The ranges
position has a great effect on Slovenia’s climate – hence the soft south
Slovene side in comparison to the harsh northern side in Austria. Here you
can also find an abundance of alpine fauna and flora, with over 1200
different plant species, as well as having wonderful views into two naturally
contrasting countries. We aim for Golica (1836m), part of the longest ridge
in Slovenia (120km) and one of the least travelled trails in the area.

Day 5
Free day for optional activities including horse-riding, rafting, visiting
Bled or the capital Ljubljana.

Radovljica itself has plenty of possibilities for the rest day.
Alternatively, it’s a short bus ride to Lake Bled – here rowing boats and
canoes can be hired. Others may wish to take the public bus further into the
capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Another popularalternative is the Postojna
Cave Park, home to one of the largest cave systems in Europe.

Day 6
Gentle, but pretty hike around the shores of Lake Bohinj or throughthe
Mostnica Gorge.

Todays walk is flat, but incredibly scenic. This circular walk takes in
the whole of the lake and the pretty village of Ribcav Laz with the famous
church of St John the Baptist. There are open views all the way to Mt Triglav
– Slovenia’s highest mountain and fabulous views of the surrounding
mountains. Lake Bohinj is surrounded by a ring of mountains so even though
you are in the valley there is plenty to see.
An alternative route today takes us through the Mostnica Gorge, this route is
more likely if the weather is not so good as it’s less exposed.

Day 7
Day walking on the Pokljuka Plateau.

The beautiful forested area of Pokljuka, visible from Lake Bled, is a
stunning area, virtually uninhabited, it is a wild wilderness of alpine cows,
pastures, shepherds huts, forest trails and some lovely open views of the
surrounding peaks. Time stands still on Pokljuka enabling wild flowers to
flourish, the flora and fauna of the high plateau is unique to this area and
bird life is in abundance. The area has rich variety of trails with many
possibilities for the days hike. Our guide will decide on the exact route
depending on the group’s ability during the week and weather.

Day 8 Transfer to Ljubljana, fly to London.

The morning is free for us to relax at our base or by the lakeside of Bled.
Before departing for the airport.
**