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Kate PolitiTravel Expert in England, France, Germany, Greece & Slovenia
With its crystal-clear emerald lakes, picture-perfect castle and fairytale island at the foothills of the Alps, Bled is the perfect spot to base your eight-day active adventure in Slovenia. Hike lush trails on Mt Vogel in Triglav National Park, go cycling next to the Radovljica River and hold on to your helmets on an exhilarating white water rafting trip on the Soka River with expert guides. Walk the Vintgar Gorge boardwalk, discover the secrets of Ljubljana and see the little village of Ribcev Laz. Along with all this adrenaline, there’s plenty of free time to discover bled at your own pace – kayaking or ziplining, anyone?
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I had done one trip previously – Amalfi coast hiking, fall 2023 – with EXPLORE. I was so impressed I asked my excellent guide, Pete, what else he would recommend knowing my abilities and interests. He immediately recommended the Slovenia trip, and it actually was on my list of places to visit. He had apparently set the trip up about seven years ago and was very familiar with it.
I have been in 50 countries to date - some several times- and Slovenia is now in my top five and I am already planning my return for next May.
We had a lovely small group, being the first of these hikes of the season, hailing from Canada, Spain, Australia, and the UK.
The accommodation, staff, management, and food at Art Hotel Kristal were A+ – and I especially loved and took advantage of the options of the sauna and cold plunge, Ayurvedic massages with the wonderful Bhatri, chocolate tasting with the owner, Alenka, and a fantastic wine tasting with her son, Jan. I went home with a lovely assortment of chocolates and also a wonderful bottle of wine that I will try to hold onto for a few years until it is optimal to drink.
The hikes were not difficult at all, but I found that I did feel like I got a good amount of exercise by the end of the day. I spent my free day doing a mountain bike ride. The whole area around Lake Bohinj is stunning and there are so many activities that one can partake in, as well as really yummy local restaurants close by the hotel. I loved that the hotel offered a pre-fixe three course menu for hotel guests for only €25 on the nights that were not included with the hike. An incredible bargain given the quality of the food, as with almost all of the food we had in Slovenia, it was locally sourced and delicious. I am not typically a meat eater, but I had the venison twice – locally sourced, and wild – and it was by far the best I have ever had.
I would definitely stay at this hotel when I return to the area. I would strongly encourage others to spend some time in Ljubljana – either before or after the trip. A beautiful city a two hour bus ride awaythat is just the right size and full of so much to offer. Next time I am going to see a lot more of this country – it is half the size of Switzerland, but the variety of the terrain and ecosystems is quite impressive. Also, to be noted is that English is widely spoken and children start in grade 3, learning this second language. The Slovenians couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful everywhere I went. What can I say?? Get yourself to Slovenia before it is overrun: safe, clean, and green – a beautiful country of farmers, foragers, wine makers, and beekeepers. Also note that they have some fantastic fly fishing there as well as mountain and road biking – very cycling friendly. After all, it is the country of Pogacar.
Trekking and HikingWaterfalls
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj Lake, Sa
Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj Lake, Savica Waterfall, Lake Bled, Brod, Julian Alps
It’s beautiful, it’s bite-sized and it’s best explored on a bike – on this active adventure, spend eight days discovering Slovenia on two wheels, from Ljubljana to Piran. Cycle around the famous Lake Bled, wind through the natural beauty of Triglav National Park, take in alpine views from the slopes of Kranjska Gora, follow the emerald waters of the Soca River and explore the biodiverse Postojna Cave. When you’re not busy pedalling, you’ll enjoy picnics, barbecues, coffee stops and winery visits, and see Slovenia’s short but stunning Adriatic coastline. One thing’s for sure – this is going to be a ride to remember!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Kranjska G
Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Kranjska Gora, Bovec, Šmartno, Postojna, Piran
Most of our walking takes place in the north of Slovenia in the Julian Alps. This range forms part of the Southern Alps which extend into Austria. The spectacular mountains in this area are predominately limestone, and their jagged forms produce stunning vistas wherever you look. The area is softened by beautiful, tranquil lakes in the valley bottoms and amongst the rocky crags. Two of the largest lakes, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, feature on our 7-night walking holiday.
The beauty of Lake Bled attracts world-wide visitors. It is a natural mineral spa lake with its medieval castle, island with church and the surrounding Alps as a stunning back drop. Nearby is Lake Bohinj, a lake set amongst the higher mountains of the Julian Alps in the Triglav National Park. The valley floors are full of picturesque villages whose inhabitants still rely on farming and its agricultural products for their income. The Slovenes are deeply proud of their way of life, and undoubtedly you will be tempted by their food which offers a host of national dishes many influenced by the cuisine of neighbouring countries. Slovenia also produces excellent wine.
There is walking in Slovenia to challenge the most demanding of walkers as well as those who require more gentle routes. The limestone peaks give many opportunities for ridge walking with stunning vistas of local peaks and lakes. You can walk to the top of Mount Vogel (1922m) with its commanding views all the way to Italy and Austria. Helpfully, some of these high walks can be assisted by the use of a cable car.
Experience routes through the mountains built by soldiers in the First World War as supply routes for Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fighting in the area. Explore mountain paths through Alpine meadows. Take mountain routes over rocky paths; discover deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls where for most of the year, you may be the only visitor.
There are also several routes linking beautiful, unspoilt villages either on the valley floor or on the mountain slopes. They often follow fast-flowing mountain rivers which will make their way to the Danube and the Black Sea. There is plenty here to satisfy all grades of walker.
We offer a choice of hotels on this holiday, the standard price is based on the 3 Star Hotel Tripic in Bohinj Bistrica with the possibility of upgrading to the 4 Star Hotel Jezero in Ribcev Laz.
Make your way through the Balkans with this fascinating tour of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia! Your journey will begin in Zagreb, the northwestern capital of Croatia, known for its remarkable 18th and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture. From there you will travel to Maglaj, a 14th-century town, where you will see incredible views of the Bosna River. Cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit the Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo, constructed between March and June 1993 amidst the Bosnian War. Your next destination will be in Mostar, where you can see the Stonebridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities and explore the sacred pilgrimage destination. See the Kravice Waterfalls before you explore Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful Croatian cities in Europe famous for its strong stone walls. Next, you will travel to Split, known for its gorgeous seascapes, where you will visit the Diocletian’s Palace. Pay a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage Site in Croatia, and explore Opatija, known for its captivating coastal views. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Bled Lake before you travel to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, steeped in deep culture and art. Your next stop will be Maribor, a Slovenian city that was highly influenced by Austrian culture. See the beautiful cathedral and castle before you make your way back to Zagreb where your tour of Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia will come to an end!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dub
Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Split, Opatija
Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro were beyond beautiful! Crystal-clear waters, charming old towns, and delicious seafood—this was one of our best trips yet.
Adriatic Cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sp
Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Opatija
Set off on an eight-day journey filled with flavours to remember. Make your way through the Slovenian countryside, stopping to learn local tips and tricks for perfecting some of the region’s most famous dishes. Travel south into Istria, tasting local wines, fresh seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Explore the olive groves of an organic farm that preserves traditional production methods in Split, visit Kumparicka Goat Farm and discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. After a week in this gorgeous part of the world, you’ll leave full, happy and with plenty of memories (and recipes) to take home.
Food tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This trip was exactly what I needed. After years of family holidays and work trips, doing something like this — just me, my wife, a car, and no daily schedule, felt like a throwback to how we used to travel.
The best part? We weren’t herded around or stuck waiting for a big group. We just got in the car and drove. Some days we were super active, other days we just wandered and sat in cafes.
Croatia’s charm is obvious, but Slovenia really caught us off guard. The nature is pristine, the towns feel like no less than a fairytale, and even the touristy places don’t feel overwhelming. Also, it’s worth saying the roads were great, parking wasn’t a nightmare, and the car rental process was straightforward. That stuff matters when you’re not 25 anymore.
If you want a bit of culture, nature, good food, and a proper break from the usual routine this is your tour. We’re already talking about doing another self-drive next year. Portugal, maybe?
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Kate PolitiTravel Expert in England, France, Germany, Greece & Slovenia
