Slovenia Soft Adventure and Gastronomy — The Curious Travel Company

This lovely short itinerary gives you a wonderful overview of Slovenia in just seven days from the “green” capital of Ljubljana to the stunning Soca Valley, famous mountains and lakes, caves, coastal areas and plenty of wine and food tasting. This is a fabulous itinerary in a glorious country that we know you will love.

DAY 2: GASTRONOMY WALKING TOUR IN LUBLIJANA

Today we stroll around the beautiful city of Ljubljana learning about it’s. history, architecture and the stories of its people whilst simultaneously trying a variety of local delicacies on this foodie walking tour. You will try at least 9 traditional dishes across a variety of cuisine types from across Slovenia. These will be paired with a number of local wines and accompanied with stories of Slovenia and some fascinating Slovenes from history to the present day. Such a great way to get to know the city, it’s people and get a lovely introduction to Slovenia.

DAY 3: STUNNING SOCA VALLEY

Today we travel from Ljubljana over the highest Slovenian mountain pass at Mt. Vrsic and get some amazing views of the Julian Alps. We can stop on the way to drink crystal-clear water from the springs before arriving in the beautiful Trenta valley and on to Bovec, a melting pot of superb natural attractions. Bovec is famous for the emerald green alpine Soca River scenery and is a well-known centre for outdoor activities.

Today we can choose from a day of White Water rafting, kayaking or a zip-line activity.

We can visit the mysterious Kozjak Waterfall one of the most charming and hidden waterfalls in Slovenia located not far from Kobarid, or walk around Tolmin Gorges, a magnificent natural attraction and the lowest entry point into the Triglav National Park.

DAY 4: VITGAR GORGE, BLED CASTLE, PLETNA BOAT RIDE, HIKE TO VIEWPOINT & BOHINJ

Vitgar Gorge (also known as Bled Gorge) is one of the most stunning natural canyons and is 1.6km long. Walk along the Radovna river across wooden platforms and bridges through this picturesque gorge full of rapids, small waterfalls, and natural pools. This pleasant hike ends with a 13-meter-high waterfall - the largest river waterfall in Slovenia. Return on a different route for a lovely circular hike.

Next we climb to Bled Castle and enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery. Bled Castle is a 12th-century castle, perched on top of a steep cliff with spectacular views of Bled Lake, the famous Bled island, and the surrounding peaks. The castle also has a museum of manual printing and a wine cellar.

According to written sources, it is the oldest Slovenian castle, mentioned for the first time in year 1008, and is currently one of the most visited tourist attractions in Slovenia.

A ‘Pletna’ is a traditional Slovenian boat made by local craftsmen and operated by oarsmen. Not just anyone can make and navigate pletna boats. The right to do so has been inherited from generation to generation for centuries and is preserved within the families that are also members of a dedicated guild.

We will take you on a leisurly boat ride across the lake in your private Pletna so you can soak up the atmosphere as well as the history of this iconic destination in a boat that is also part of history.

Why not also hike up to Ojstrica? Start from Velika Zaka, a giant rock, a megalith that rises high above Lake Bled. We start in a narrow gorge, formed between Velika Zaka rock and the adjacent wooded slope which rises towards Mala Osojnica. The ascent to the summit is short but steep, There is a bench on the top which makes a fabulous photo opportunity.

Ojstrica, is an excellent lookout point, from where you can see Straža nad Bledom, a steep castle cliff that rises on the other side of Lake Bled, the Sava plain extending to the south and of course the high and long ridge of the western Karavanke.

Our next stop is Bohinj, Slovenia's largest glacial lake, located in the Triglav National Park area in the heart of the Julian Alps - the most extensive and highest mountain range in Slovenia is also the most south-eastern part of the Alps.

A perfect place for different outdoor activities. Take a swim, a canoe ride, go skiing, canyoning, or horseback riding, or simply go for a pleasant walk around the lake area to soak in Bohinj's pristine natural environment and relax by its crystal clear waters.

There are several attractions really worth visiting. The hidden 78 m high Savica waterfall is the third most visited attraction in Slovenia while the 700 years old Church of st. John the Baptist represents an important monument of Middle Age architecture with the oldest frescoes in Slovenia.

DAY 5: SKOCJAN CAVES, PIRAN on the SLOVENIAN COAST & OLIVE OIL PRODUCTION

Explore the Skocjan Caves. One of the largest and most fascinating karstic sites in Europe. The caves contain the Reka River running through them at 200m below the surface. Together they represent one of the longest karst underground wetlands in Europe and are part of UNESCO world heritage since 1986.

Our next stop is to meet a local olive oil producer, learn about how olive oil is made and do some olive oil tasting. We explore the whole estate, seeing the special olive mill, learning about traditional olive oil production, and tasting different locally produced olive oils.

Next, we move on to the beautiful coastal town of Piran. Stroll around the streets of this charming and picturesque Mediterranean town with narrow cobbled streets, galleries and unique houses. Situated on a peninsula with a lighthouse at the most exposed point and the church of St. George poised above the old town, Piran has a special appearance you will not find anywhere else in the world.

Don’t miss the most famous house in Piran and the oldest house on Tartini square, Benečanka, built in the 15th century. The house and its famous balcony carry a romantic story of forbidden love.

DAY 6: VIPAVA VALLEY & GORISKA BRDA WINE REGION

Vipava Valley is a famous wine region in Slovenia with a huge number of wine cellars. It is located in the Slovenian Littoral, close to the Italian border and is an area of great hospitality and local charm.

The narrow Vipava Valley is known for its crisp and aromatic fresh white wines and progressive and bold winemakers. The picturesque green valley is dotted with picturesque stone-built villages strewn across the hilltops. One such village is Vipavski Kriz, a beautiful small village with houses contained inside a wall and castle from the late 15th century.

Local cheese producer visit with tasting (Vipava Valley)

We wil also stop by a local organic farm and restaurant which offers local cuisine. You will have the opportunity to see the property and enjoy spectacular views while tasting some delicious local cheese accompanied by locally produced wine.

Goriška Brda or "Slovenian Tuscany"

Goriška Brda is one of the world’s best wine-growing terroirs extending between the Soča river and the Italian border, in the footsteps of the Alps and 20 km from the Adriatic Sea. The area also produces delicious cherries, persimmons, figs, and probably the spiciest olive oil you have ever tasted. Goriska Brda is predominantly the region of beautiful rebula white wine.

Discover the Šmartno village, Dobrovo castle, and the Gonjače tower. Make a stop at one of the local tourist farms & taverns for a delicious lunch and experience a real local hospitality at one of the local wine cellars to enjoy tasting the variety of top-quality wines.

DAY 7 MORE ACTIVITIES IN LJUBLIJANA

Some activity suggestions for what to do in Ljublijana include:

SUP on the river
Visit Ljubljana Castle:
Take a wooden boat ride on the Ljubljanica river:

Make sure you enjoy a coffee on the banks of the v=river, pamper yourself with a nice lunch or dinner in one of the delicious local centrally located restaurants and take a walk around the Tivoli park.

Please contact us here at The Curious Travel Company if you are interested in discussing this trip to Slovenia or to design a tailormade trip to your specific requirements.