Hiking in Slovenia's Julian Alps

Arrive in Ljubljana and head to your excellently located 3* hotel to freshen up and relax (we are staying here for 2 nights). It is a short taxi journey (cost €40) from the airport to your hotel so we have chosen to avoid a group transfer that would limit options on flight choices and arrival times. Settle into the hotel and take time to relax or explore the area around your hotel independently. You will formally meet the rest of your group and your English-speaking Slovenian guide tomorrow morning, so you have the freedom to eat where you wish this evening, but we can make recommendations should you need some ideas. Overnight: Hotel BB Park 3*

After breakfast this morning we enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Ljubljana with time to explore the main sites situated along the Ljubljanica River which divides the city's old town from the modern commercial hub. Our tour includes the scenic Tivoli Park and the short climb up to Ljubljana castle which is a great viewpoint. We pause for lunch in central restaurant and absorb the relaxed vibe of this small capital city. Overnight: Hotel BB Park 3*

This morning we leave the city and head into the majestic Julian Alps (1hr 30). Our destination is the lakeside town of Bled in Northwest Slovenia that lies within Triglav National Park, named after the highest peak in the country: Triglav at 2863m. Bled must be one of the most iconic and photographed lakes in the country, easily recognisable thanks to Bled island with its Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, steep staircase and bell tower.We find our mountain legs in a gentle walk up to Ojstrica above Bled (2hr round trip with 300m ascent), for wondrous views of the glacial lake and town behind us before returning to Bled to enjoy a boat ride and visit to Bled island. Also not to be missed is a visit to the 11th century Bled castle, precariously perched atop a cliff overlooking the lake, and where we will have lunch. We stay tonight in Bled, enjoying the reflection of the town on the still waters of the lake.Overnight: Hotel Park 4* or Similar 

After transferring just 20 minutes or so to the start of our walk today, at Rudno polje, we set off for a wonderful circular route of around 9kms with just under 800m ascent that takes us to the summit of Visevnik (2050m). Walking on forest paths, you will enjoy the scent of the dwarf pines and the clear mountain air. The paths are generally defined, but we ascend a slightly crumbling slope up to and descending from Srenjski preval (1959m) before we join the ridge pathway leading to Visevnik (short exposed area just before the summit).We take a packed lunch along with us to munch whilst enjoying one of the many fantastic views of the day. Descending back to our transport, we drive to the second stunning lake of the holiday: Lake Bohinj. The jury is out as to which is the most beautiful, but the waters of both are bright and inviting and perfectly mirror the peaks surrounding them. Overnight: Hotel Bohinj 4* 

After breakfast we take a walk alongside the lake from Ukanc to Slovenias most famous waterfalls: Savica, renowned for its A shaped pool of bright emerald hue. At 78m high, its watercourse is fed from Arno Lake, one of the seven lakes in the Triglav mountain valley and continues its flow into Lake Bohinj. After lunch in town there is some free time, though your guide can give you plenty of ideas of things to do and help you may any reservations. Options may include paddle boarding or kayaking on the lake, a panoramic boat ride, or jumping on the cable car up to Mt Vogel for a short hike.We spend our second night in Bohinj this evening. Overnight: Hotel Bohinj 4* 

Heading a little deeper into Triglav National Park today, our destination is the Double Lakes hut (Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih), one of the most scenic huts in the National Park. It gets its name from the fact that it is situated next to two of the seven lakes in the Triglav Lakes Valley. Our walk is around 13kms with a chunky 1300m of ascent, taken gradually, at the pace of the group and with plenty of stops to breathe in the views! Ond through a typical Alpine valley, surrounded by towering peaks.We start with a beautiful ascent from Bohinj to a wonderful spot above the northern shore of the lake; Mt Vogar (1054m). It is a peak ridge that affords tremendous views in all directions with two popular viewpoints, and is well worth the 500m ascent on a fairly steep trail in places. Found at the top of the first viewpoint, is Kosijev dom na Vogarjua hiking cottage serving drinks and snacks (weather dependent). After we have gained height during this first half of the walk, the latter section is most flat, along defined trails across Dedno Polje, a picturesque plateau and through a typical Alpine valley, surrounded by towering peaks. From Kanjavec we get to see Triglav, Slovenia's highest mountain, up at 2864m. Our mountain lodge tonight, Double Lakes, is renowned for its fabulous cooking: we will enjoy a hearty meal with traditional dishes such as Carniolan sausage and other mountain recipes. Accommodation tonight will be in dormitories but it is likely our group will have their own room or 2 depending on the group size. Blankets and single-use sheets are provided but you need to bring a towel with you. A limited number of showers are available each day, so may not be an option for our group. Overnight: Mountain Huts

Leaving the beauty of Double Lakes hut this morning, we strike out towards Krnsko Jezero Lake, Slovenia's largest high Alpine lake (over 300m long and 150m wide), situated at 1391m. Our route is around 14kms with just a 500m ascent; The terrain today is undulating but we maintain the height we gained yesterday. After lunch at Komna hut we follow the paths trodden by soldiers during WWI. Our path takes us towards Krnsko Lake and past an open-air museum. Lake Krn is overlooked by Mt Krn (2244m), the 'king' of the Krn Mountains in this southwestern area of the Julian Alps. To protect the many animal and plant species in the water ecosystem, bathing in the lake is not permitted, but you can enjoy the astounding views.We sleep in dormitory accommodation again tonight. Overnight: Mountain Huts

After breakfast, it is time to descend back down to the valleys today, with a wonderful 18km hike (200m ascent, 1100m descent) down to Bovec, in the Soca Valley, a charming and well-served town situated at the base of Mount Kanin. Heading from Lake Krn towards Lepena, we enjoy a fantastic path alongside the emerald waters of the Soca River.Reflecting the intense WWI history of the area, where Italian forces confronted Austro-Hungarian forces in many a bloody battle, the town offers three war heritage collections, namely the Small Museum of the Isonzo Front, the Museum Collection of Ivo Ivančič and the private military collection “Farewell to Arms” (Ernest Hemingway's book was set in the area). There is also a large military cemetery to the east of the town with the graves, many unmarked, of over 600 soldiers who died during WWI.Overnight: Hotel Boka 3* 

Journeying south from Bovec, we break our 2hr 30 journey to the vineyards of Brda at Sabotin Hill Peace Park (609m) on the border between Slovenia and Italy, for incredible far reaching views over both countries. The walking path we take (4kms, 100m ascent) has many points of interest on the way: the church of Saint Valentin, and remains from World War I. The hill itself is arranged as a memorial park / open air museum where you can see the caverns and pyramids that denoted the front lines during the many First World War battles and tragic losses for which this area has become known.This afternoon we enjoy something a little different - some wine tasting at a local vineyard. Slovenia has a 2400 year old wine tradition and produces arguably some of the best wines in the world. The unique climate in the Brda region combines the cool air of the Alps and the warmth and sunshine of the Mediterranean, producing top quality wines. The 'taste' of Brda is due to a quality soil called 'Opoka' and the main grape varieties are Rebulea, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Savignon Vert . Grapes are hand harvested, thanks to the steepness of the terraces that prevent the use of machinery. We stay this evening in a picturesque local village, surrounded by the fertile vineyards.Overnight: Hotel San Martin or Similar 

We transfer as a group back to Ljubljana airport for flights home (1hr 10mins)