Hiking the Julian Alps

Hiking the Julian Alps Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.  Arrive in Ljubljana by 12:00 p.m. in order to meet the group at 1:00 p.m.  We transfer (1.5 hours) by private van to postcard-perfect Lake Bledwith its island church and cliff-side castle.  Enjoy a short walk to lovely views of the area prior to continuing on to Lake Bohinj.  Located in the heart of the Triglav National Park and ringed by the snowcapped Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj is not only the largest lake in Slovenia, it is one of the most beautiful.  Triglav Mountain is the highest in Slovenia (9396') and is the centerpiece of Slovenia's only ;national park.  The Lake Bohinj area is our home for the next two evenings (you might want to try delicious kremsnita, a cream cake specialty of the region). Dinner included.

• Day 2

  Depending upon several factors (weather, group makeup, etc.) we have two wonderful hiking options to choose from today.  The first option is a lovely hike up the narrow canyon of Mostnica Gorge to a cascading 200' waterfall. The path here winds through beech forest and past interesting rock formations such as the "elephant's head."  We are almost always within view of the aqua-marine river below.  There's time after the hike to visit the quaint villages of Studor (famous hay racks), Srednja Vas (known for making some of the best Slovene cheese) and Stara Fuzina at the southern end of the lake.  The second hiking option is definitely more rigorous but offers one of the most spectacular views over the whole Bohinj area and the Julian Alps.  After a short ride on the gondola-cable car followed by another ride on a ski-lift to the Mt. Vogel ski area , we enjoy a stupendous ridge hike toward Mt. Rodica.  This is an up and up trail with huge views of mountains in all directions.  We return to Bohinj for the evening. Option 1: 6 to 8 miles; 4 to 5 hours. Option 2: 10 miles with 2000’+ elevation gain; 5 to 6 hours.All meals included.

• Day 3

  An early breakfast, a full day pack, and your securely tied boots add up to two days of rugged hiking in Triglav's breathtaking high country.  The focus is mountain splendor and alpine wilderness at its very best!  Commencing at the end of Bohinj Lake, we hike west toward the Mt. Bogatin area made famous by Hemingway’s “Farewell to Arms”.  A series of good switchbacks take us up out of a box canyon and into lovely alpine country; we stop at a mountain hut for lunch before continuing further up in the afternoon.  This evening is spent in a traditional mountain hut that not only has electricity (and some hot water) but offers beautiful mountain scenery in all directions.  Bask in the utter, high country quiet.  Hiking distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain: 3000'+. Terrain: initially forested into open meadows and rocky terrain.All meals included.

• Day 4

  After breakfast we depart for the top of Mt. Krn (7365’), an impressive peak that rises dramatically more than 6000’ above the lush Soca Valley to the west.  This is a steep, strenuous and open hike leading to the summit from where, weather permitting, we enjoy a stunning view of the Gulf of Trieste to the southwest, the Dolomites in Italy and the Austrian Alps!  We stop for lunch in a small hut about 10 minutes short of the peak – enjoy the break and then continue to the peak itself.  We spend the afternoon winding our way down the rocky, switchbacked and sometimes steep western slopes of Triglav park … we definitely want our hiking poles here.  Transfer (roughly 1 hour) to a family-owned lodge near historical Kobarid, where we spend the next two nights.  Enjoy the hot showers and the sauna!  Elevation gain: 3100’ in 4-5 miles to lunch hut / summit followed by a 4000’+ elevation loss over 4-5 miles; 7-9 hours; a rigorous day by any standard.  All meals Included.

• Days 5

  Today there are several options from which to choose.  Take it easy today and explore picturesque Kobarid, a town with a history that reaches back into the Iron Age.  Be sure to visit the award-winning World War l that is devoted to the significant Soca Front (Isonzo front). A pleasant stroll takes you across a Napoleonic bridge to the lovely Kozjak waterfalls and further along the scenic Soca River.  Or, if you’ve still got energy after the previous two days, we transfer to the col below Mt. Stol, high above Kobarid, and hike to its summit.  After taking in the splendid mountain views, we make a steep descent back to Kobarid.  For something completely different, there is also an option of trying the water sports on the unbelievably clear, emerald-blue Soca River.  There are few rivers as wildly lovely as the Soca cutting through the Julian Alps.  Hiking: 3-5 hours;  Elevation gain/loss: 300ft-3,000‘ depending upon hiking option. Optional rafting: Class III-IV. Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 6

  We transfer to the small village of Livek and hike through flower-filled meadows to Mt. Matajur, located on the border of Italy.  Mt. Matajur offers incredible views to the Krn ranges of Slovenia as well as the plains of Friuli and the Gulf of Trieste in Italy.  Our day ends in Piran, one of the most beautiful towns on the Dalmatian Coast.  This delightful medieval town is located on the tip of a peninsula on coastal Adriatic.  Our next two nights are spent in Piran. Hiking: 5 hours; Elevation gain: 3,000 ft. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

• Day 7

  Our final morning of hiking (beach walking, really) takes us along the coast from Piran to the Bay of Strunjan.  Here we are able to take a peek at the production of sea salt for which this coast is famous.  We pass through a pedestrian tunnel that takes us to the charming little town of Porterarose with time to explore. Late morning we board a traditional fishing boat and spend the afternoon cruising the Slovene coastline. Along with time to take a dip in the Adriatic.  enjoy an authentic Dalmatian “fish picnic” on the boat … it’s not fancy but the food’s great and it’s lots of fun!  Toast your guides and a great week of mountain adventures!  Dinner’s on you own this evening (although you’ll be pretty full from all the eating on the boat!) – group will meet later in the evening for a final desert together.  Hiking: 2 hours, easy. Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 8

  After breakfast we transfer (driving time about 2 hours) to Ljubljana in time to meet afternoon flights home.  Or, extend your stay in this lovely city, Slovenia’s capital.  Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

All accommodations in 3- and 4-star lodges/pensions with private facilities (except mountain hut which is dormitory style with shared facilities) in good locations; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; private transport throughout; bi-lingual guide(s); entrance and park fees; Day 8 transfer to Ljublijana airport, train station or downtown hotel.

Round-trip international airfare; 2 dinners; optional rafting on the Soca River (Day 5, about US $50-$60); travel insurance; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; optional gratuities to your guides; items of a personal nature.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a very limited number of single rooms available.

This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3-4]. While most days are moderate hiking days, there are two long days (6+ hours) with elevation gains of more than 3,000’ which tend more toward a level [4]. This trip is for active people in good health and who have experience with mountain hiking. Regular conditioning prior to the trip is essential so that you can fully enjoy both the beauty and ruggedness of this country.

The northwest area of Slovenia has an alpine climate and temperatures in the valleys are moderate. June through September are the prime visiting months.  The Adriatic coast has a Mediterranean climate with warm sunny days.  Temperatures usually range from the low 50s to the upper 70s. Expect mountain temperatures to drop significantly in the evening while overnighting at the alpine hut.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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