Explore Lake Cerknica and Rakov Skocjan Valley

Following breakfast at your accommodation, you will depart towards the Notranjska region.

Here you will visit Lake Cerknica, one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe. This is a natural phenomenon, the lake appears in the spring time on the karst plain, caught between the Javorniki hills and the Bloke plateau on one side, and Mount Slivnica on the other. During the dry season, the lake disappears, which enables paddling, fishing, hiking or grass mowing in the same area at different times of the year!

Next, you will be enjoying a hike through Rakov Skocjan Valley. A visit to this picturesque karst valley, formed by the sinking and collapsing of a cave ceiling, will not leave you disappointed.

Taking a break in the shades of century-old oak trees, enjoying the view of the splendid Big Natural Bridge (Veliki naravni most), travelling back in time at the ruins of the church of St. Cantianus,
Breathing in the fresh cave air under the slender arch of the Little Natural Bridge (Mali naravni most), or strolling along the soft and maintained trail by the tall-grown firs is an unforgettable experience for anyone.

On an afternoon walk, you will observe millions of years of geological processes which shaped this little karst valley, it is not at all surprising that it was nominated to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

After a day of admiring the beauty of nature here in Slovenia, you will return to your hotel for the evening to be spent at your leisure.

Accommodation

The Best Western Premier Hotel Slon, in Ljubljana.

Adventure in Bled

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will begin your drive to Apline pearl, Bled.

Check in at your hotel and drop off your luggage, before meeting your local guide at the reception desk, ready to begin your adventures in Bled.

You will embark on a guided tour of Bled, visiting Lake Bled and Bled Castle. The castle stands on a rock approximately 100 yards above the lake with wonderful views of the town, lake and surrounding countryside. Enjoy this picturesque view of the landscape.

Next you will be visiting the Castle Museum here in Bled. The Castle Musueum has a large collection of armour and weapons from the 16th to 18th centuries.

After this castle visit, it is time to try some of Slovenia’s world famous delicacies, taking a break to regain your energy.

Afterwards, board a famous pletna boat to the lake island on Lake Bled, entering the iconic church. Here, you will have the chance to ring the wish bell yourself!

In the afternoon you will visit Vintgar Gorge, the highlight is a 1600m wooden walkway through the gorge, first built in 1893 and continually rebuilt since.

This walkway crisscrosses the swirling Radovna River four times over rapids, waterfalls and pools before reaching 16m-high Šum Waterfall.

The entire walk is spectacular,the amazing scenery and views will be one of the highlights of your trip. There are little snack bars at the beginning and the end of the walkway to ensure you don’t run out of energy!

As the day draws the day to a close by returning to Bled to stay at your new accommodation for the evening.

Accommodation

The Hotel Park Bled, in Bled.

Overlooking Lake Bled and the Julian Alps, Park Hotel – Sava Hotels & Resorts features a wellness centre with a large indoor pool and a gym. Free WiFi access is available in the lobby and a terrace is provided as well. Rooms here come with a private balcony, a safe, a minibar and satellite TV. The private bathrooms are fitted with a bath or a shower. The rooms provide a view of the lake or the surrounding park.

Visit Triglav National Park by Bohinj Lake

After breakfast, set off with your private driver to the heart of Triglav National Park, Bohinj Lake.

Ascend to the top of Mount Vogel where you can admire a fantastic view of Triglav National Park, Bohinj Lake and Mount Triglav.

On the top there are some great dining options, allowing you to reward yourself with an exquisite local lunch.

The mountain hut at Zadnji Vogel offers the homemade traditional Slovenian dish koruzni žganci, an Alpine dairyman’s cold platter, homemade schnapps, whey and cottage cheese strudel. Mountain Inn Merjasec offer wide variety of traditional meals, providing an insight into Slovenian cuisine.

The trail from the upper Vogel cable car station to the mountain
pasture is well marked, partially winding its way up and down the ski slope. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes.

Combine your visit of Vogel plateau with hiking on cheesemakers trail around Bohinj pastures with a local guide. Behind the forest ridge that spreads above the Bohinj Lake, there is a world away from the overcrowded places.

At the base of the mountain world, larch trees welcome rare hikers and lonely pastures tell stories of the past.

The majority of the pastures are abandoned today, but some are still awakened in the summer time as dairy farms. There, you can taste or buy homemade milk products.

Afterwards, enjoy some free time to relax by the lake before returning to Bled for the night.

Accommodation

The Hotel Park Bled, in Bled.

Explore Soca Valley

After breakfast you will be departing to Soca Valley for the day, one of the most beautiful parts of Slovenia.

Embark on a guided tour of Soca Valley, Bovec and other key attractions. The “Emerald” Soča is a remarkably beautiful river valley.

You will have chance to sightsee in Bovec, a charming little place with lots of good restaurants and bars

Next you will visit  Kobarid, a small but beautiful town. Here you will visit the Kobarid Museum of WWI.

The Kobarid Museum of WWI is the centre of the heritage of the Isonzo Front on Slovenian, European and on a global scale. A unique history of battles and the life of civilians during the war is told through the exhibits and the rich photo material displayed here.

Afterwards, you will visit the beautiful Kozjak waterfall. The picturesque waterfall is caught in a stony amphitheater not far away from Kobarid and can be reached by an easy walking path by the riverbed of the emerald Soča River.

Approximately 250m lower, the water falls again. Here, the waterfall has carved out an underground hall. Its bottom is covered by a vast blue and green pool, and its walls are reminiscent of those in the Karst caves. A 15m high white water column offers its visitors an unforgettable scene.

Continue to Goriska Brda, one of the best wine regions in Slovenia, known also as Slovenian Tuscany. Here you will check in at your hotel and unwind for the evening.

Accommodation

The Hotel Gredic, in Goriska Brda.

Located in the idyllic wine region at the crossroads between Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Hotel Gredič is a high-standard 4* hotel, it was originally a castle built in the 16th Century, and rich history and modern influences are combined in its renovation.

Wine Tasting in Goriska Brda

Breakfast will be provided by your hotel, before you embark on a guided tour of Goriska Brda, also known as Slovenian Tuscany. This is the centre of top quality Slovenian wines and world famous olive oil. You will have a chance to try both of these exquisite products!

Next you will be visiting the picturesque, small village Smartno. This is the centre of cultural life in this part of Slovenia.

Here, you will learn the secrets of success from one of the best Slovenian wine makers, winner of many international wine awards, Edi Simčič and Prinčič wineris.

Enjoy two wine tastings in Goriska Brda, embracing the local culture and tasting its most delicious wines.

You will also have the chance to visit a lavender production site and see and smell the amazing lavender products. Following this you can enjoy a great lunch in this spectacular wine region.

As you continue to Prian, you will stop for a visit of UNESCO Skocjan Caves. Due to their exceptional significance, the Škocjan Caves have been a UNESCO protected site since  1986.

Ranking among the most important caves in the world, the Škocjan Caves represent the most significant underground phenomena in Slovenia.

After arriving in Piran, check in to your new hotel and enjoy the rest of the day in this charming little seaside town. You will be spending the afternoon exploring Piran at your leisure.

Piran is a picturesque medieval town, known as the pearl of the Slovenian Adriatic Sea, with strong Venetian influence and unusually open square to the sea.

Here, you can visit the Maritime museum or ascend on the top of the hill where St. George’s cathedral overlooks Piran with one of the best panoramic views over the Slovenian coast.

Unwind in the comfort of your hotel before settling down for a well deserved sleep.

Accommodation

Hotel Zala, in Piran.

Set in the heart of Piran Old Town just steps away from the seaside promenade, Second Life in Piran – Hotel Zala offers free WiFi and a  variety of dining options.

All rooms have a private bathroom with a bath or a shower, flatscreen TV and air conditioning and a continental buffet breakfast is served at the property. Guests can easily explore the picturesque narrow streets packed with charming shops and restaurants. Tartini Square is just 280m away.

Truffle Hunting in the Slovenian Coast

After breakfast in the haven that is your hotel, you will embark on an extremely authentic experience, truffle hunting!

Enjoy a great experience of real truffle hunting and tasting in traditional Istrian village with professional truffle hunter Dejan and his dog. It will prove to be a highlight of your trip!

After this amazing experience visit Secovlje Salt pans. This is one of biggest salt pans on the Adriatic coast.

Visit the Salt Museum and see traditional way of salt production which has been a strong part of Slovenian culture for centuries.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, making the most of your last afternoon in Slovenia.

Accommodation

Second Life in Piran – Hotel Zala, in Piran.

Departure Day

After breakfast in your hotel, you will be privately transferred to Ljubljana Airport (or Venice Airport if needed). This is approximately a 1.5 hour drive. This will mark the end of your off the beaten track holiday in Slovenia!