Compare Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia by Exodus Travels vs Scenic Slovenia & Croatia by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4 | Great
|
| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,145 | $ 2,667 |
| Price Per Day | $ 268 | $ 333 |
| Highlights |
|
N/A
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included | All breakfasts and three dinners are included. The location where the group will have their third dinner will be decided on tour according to the group’s preferences. Breakfast: Continental with tea, coffee, cereal, bread and a selection of meats and cheeses, jams and yoghurt. Lunch: Will usually be in a mountain hut. Options can be limited, but all meals are cooked from scratch using fresh local ingredients and will include hearty soups and juice made from wild berries and elderflower. Evening meal: This will consist of three courses. The main dishes can be risotto, cheese dishes, fish, spaghetti and grilled meat. The guesthouse uses delicious salads and vegetables from the gardens plus other locally sourced produce. Three dinners at the pension are included, for the other nights you’re free to enjoy the restaurants in Radovljica. Vegetarians are well catered for, but please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements. | N/A |
| Description |
For a walking getaway in Europe without the tourist masses, look no further than the jagged limestone peaks of the Julian Alps. The most easterly extension of the great Alpine range contains some of the best scenery and hiking in Europe, with Mount Triglav (the highest peak in Slovenia) at the centre and the glacial lakes of Bohinj and Bled far below. During the week, we enjoy five varied walks, both inside the national park and on the more distant peaks of the Karavanke range, taking in wild meadows, lake shores, thick forest and wild open mountain ridges.Discover some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe on a walking adventure in the Julian Alps |
GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination.
From the "Sunny side of the Alps" of Slovenia to the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, experience the beauty, culture and history of Eastern Europe on this 7-night escorted vacation. Begin and end your trip in Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana. Spend one night in one of Europe's greenest cities before heading to Postojna Cave. Tour these extensive cave with its web of tunnels and stalactites with a train ride and walking tour! The next leg of your journey takes you to Croatia, the gem of the Adriatic! Immerse yourself in the history of Zadar and Dubrovnik, where one enchanting cobblestone lane leads to another. Leave Croatia briefly for Bosnia-Herzegovina and its capital of Sarajevo, founded by the Ottomans in the 15th-century. From Sarajevo, travel to one of Europe's most stunning national parks, Plitvice Lakes. The 16 lakes that make up this park will take your breath away! Tour Croatia's capital of Zagreb before returning to Ljubljana. |
Day 1 Start Radovljica
Join the group in the early evening at the pension in Radovljica, just 20 minutes' northeast of the capital Ljubljana. This is our base for the week.
Day 2 A day exploring the local area direct from the pension
After breakfast, we leave the front door of the pension to explore our surroundings. The medieval 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 farmland and pretty villages.
Day 3 Hike into the Martuljek Gorge, visiting two waterfalls en route
Starting at the small village of Gozd Martuljek, we are rewarded with a panorama of the Špik mountain range. One of the most beautiful mountains in the Julian Alps, Mount Špik (8,110/2,472m) 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, where we slowly start our ascent following the stream, arriving at the Lower Fall, which cascades into the valley. The trail snakes through the forest arriving at our rest stop where we can enjoy the view. Lipovceva Hut has a lovely setting with an open natural kitchen serving mountain soups and juices made in-house from pine, elderflower and berries. From here we head up to the Higher Falls, passing a monument dedicated to Slovenian climbers. This is a lovely walk into the gorge, suitable in all weathers and offering fine views of two beautiful waterfalls.
Day 4 A picturesque walk in the Karavanke mountains to the peak of Golica
The Karavanke mountains are the natural and official border between central and western Europe and the meeting point of Slovenia, Austria and Italy. The range has a great effect on the climate of Slovenia, hence the soft southern Slovene side in comparison to the harsh northern side in Austria. Here we find an abundance of alpine fauna and flora, with more than 1,200 plant species, plus wonderful views into two naturally contrasting countries. We aim for Golica (6,023ft/1,836m), part of the longest ridge in Slovenia (75mi/120km) and one of the least travelled trails in the area.
Day 5 Free day for optional activities including riding horses, 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, where we can hire rowing boats and canoes to explore. Alternatively, take the public bus into the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Another popular alternative is Postojna Cave Park, home to one of the largest cave systems in Europe.
Day 6 A gentle and scenic hike around the shores of Lake Bohinj
Today’s walk is flat but incredibly pretty. This circular route takes in the whole of Lake Bohinj and the pretty village of Ribcav Laz, home to the well-known church of St John the Baptist. There are open views all the way to Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Lake Bohinj is also 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 poor as it is less exposed.
Day 7 A day walking on the Pokljuka Plateau
The beautiful, forested area of Pokljuka, visible from Lake Bled, is stunning. Virtually uninhabited, it is home to alpine cows, rolling pastures, shepherd huts, forest trails and lovely open views of the surrounding peaks. Time stands still on Pokljuka, enabling wildflowers to flourish; the flora and fauna of the high plateau is unique to this area and bird life is abundant. There is a wide variety of trails with many possibilities for the day’s hike. Our guide will determine the route based on the weather and the group's ability during the week.
Day 8 End Radovljica
Our tour ends after breakfast. We bid a fond farewell to our pension, which may well feel like a second home by now, and begin our return journey home.
Day 1 Welcome to Ljubljana, Slovenia!
Say "zdravo" to Slovenia! Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day seeing some of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, with a strong alpine architectural flavor. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at your included dinner.
Day 2 Ljubljana - Postojna Caves - Zadar, Croatia
Today, visit one of Slovenia's highlights: the Postojna Caves! Hop aboard a legendary tourist train inside the caves, then explore its tunnels, halls, galleries and caverns by foot with a guide. Discover what are possibly Europe’s most extensive and best-known caves! You'll then travel into Croatia along the coast to Zadar. Over the centuries, Zadar was ruled by Venetians, Austro/Hungarians, by Italy after WWI, and today belongs to Croatia. Find out more about this historical city during an included guided tour.
Day 3 Zadar- Split - Dubrovnik
Leave Zadar today as you drive south to Split, Croatia's second-largest city after Zagreb. Visit Diocletian's Palace, the former home of Roman Emperor Diocletian dating back to A.D. 295 that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With more than 200 buildings and 3,000 residents this "palace" is more like a mini-city! Leave Split behind as you continue to the “Pearl of Adriatic,” Dubrovnik. You'll enjoy a drive along the picturesque Dalmatian Coast, where you'll be treated to views of the world-famous natural beauty of the area. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, head to Old Town and stroll through its shiny limestone-paved streets. This is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe!
Day 4 Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is the best-preserved Croatian medieval city and the liveliest on the Dalmatian Coast. Visit the Franciscan Monastery and the Rector Palaces, where a local guide will give you a full tour, including the history of this beautifully preserved medieval architectural wonder - a popular filming location for TV shows and movies, like Star Wars, James Bond, and Game of Thrones! In the afternoon, consider riding the bright-orange cable car up from old town to the mountain of Srd on your own. Once you reach the top, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the city below.
Day 5 Dubrovnik - Neretva Gorges - Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina - Sarajevo
Leave Dubrovnik and enjoy a scenic drive into the rugged beauty of the Neretva Valley. Make your way into southern Bosnia-Herzegovina and stop in Mostar, where a local guide will take you to the Turkish Quarter with the Turkish House, the Mosque, and the reconstructed 16th-century bridge. Continue on to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina and certainly the most Turkish-looking city in the Balkans famous for its mosques, markets, and bazaars. Discover the city with a guide and get acquainted with its architectural highlights, including the 16th-century Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque that is considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in the world.
Day 6 Sarajevo - Plitvice National Park, Croatia
Travel north today back into Croatia to visit the country’s famous Plitvice Lakes National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Enjoy a walk with a local guide through the breathtaking scenery of this breathtaking wonder. Its 16 lakes, wooded hills, waterfalls, and cascades make it one of Europe’s most beloved and famous national parks.
Day 7 Plitvice - Zagreb - Ljubljana, Slovenia
Say goodbye to Plitvice Lakes as you travel to Zagreb, Croatia's capital and largest city. The city is packed with historic buildings like the 13th-century St. Mark's Church, with its colorful tiled roof. Get to know the city on an included tour! Leave Zagreb and make your way back to Ljubljana where a guide will help you appreciate its imperial beauty. Sample delicious Slovenian dishes like Carniolan sausage and cabbage.
Day 8 Depart Slovenia
Your tour of Eastern Europe ends today. At the appropriate time, make your way to the airport for your flight home.
