Little Slovenia has big geography! Cobalt blue glacial lakes are fed by rivers from the snowy peaks of the southern Alps. The steep mountain cliffs slice into forested valleys and grassy meadows. Gentle hillsides swathed with vineyards roll towards the warm Adriatic Sea. On the way are some of the most spectacular cave systems in Europe. We aim to have a taste of it all in this short, active break.

Romantic Castles & Lakes
Ljubljana is Slovenia's charming and atmospheric capital. We set out on foot to explore the narrow streets and baroque churches, and perhaps sit out on the main square or climb up to the sixteenth-century castle. Pausing at the medieval town of Skofja Loka, with its fairy-tale castle, we drive on to Lake Bled, situated in a serene valley beneath craggy mountains. You can explore on foot, or take a boat out to the Tyrolean-style church nestling on a wooded island.

Alpine Peaks & Flowery Meadows
From our base at Lake Bohinj, at the head of a carved glacial valley, we plan to explore the Triglav National Park. We ride the cable car to Mount Vogel, and set out on foot to enjoy the fabulous scenery of the jagged Alps, dressed with larch forests. On the lower slopes, we walk on meadows sprinkled with violet gentians and dotted with lonely farms. We'll also see the Savica falls, which plunge 60m out of the rock, and there's a chance to go either rafting, canoeing or cycling.

Down to the Adriatic Coast
We board the train for a scenic ride through the famous vineyards, on the foothills of the Alps, towards the Adriatic coast. En route, we'll pause to see the amazing underground cellar of a thousand caves at Skocjan. Reaching Piran with its lively lanes, Venetian villas and pretty harbour, we relax a while on the coast. Finally, we return to Ljubljana stopping to admire dramatic Predjama castle, built into a 123m high cliff face, complete with drawbridge and tales of an errant knight!

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Ljubljana; visit old town on foot. 2 Drive Skofja Loka, visit old town; continue to Lake Bled, optional walks or boat trip; bus to Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park. 3 & 4 In Triglav NP; various activities including walks in Julian Alps and to Savica waterfall; cable car to Mt Vogel; optional rafting and cycling. 5 Scenic train, then drive via Skocjan Caves to Piran. 6 In Piran; optional boat trip on Adriatic Sea. 7 Drive via Predjama Castle (optional) to Ljubljana. 8 End Ljubljana.

Accommodation: 7nts hotel; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: Bus/Train/Cable car/On foot.
Comment: Slovenia is a small country (the size of Wales) so travel times are short, leaving us plenty of time to enjoy the variety of activities, scenery and sites. Plenty of opportunity for optional easy or moderate walks.
Group: Approx. 12 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s).
Trip Reference: SO