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Hidden Italy & Slovenia

Over the pass into the Soca Valley

Walking into Slovenia from Italy across the panoramic peak of Matajur has a special magic, and is just one of the many highlights of this holiday. You discover two regions that are very much unspoiled yet full of interest. First you explore Friuli, in Italy, which produces renowned white wines that are among the country's finest and where rolling vineyards rise up to the peaks that border Slovenia. Then your walk takes you into the beautiful Soca Valley in Slovenia's Mediterranean-influenced Primorska region. Here, wonderful footpaths link traditional villages and lead you up into high, vivid green Alpine pastures, all against the backdrop of the mighty Julian Alps. The River Soca itself is famed for its aquamarine colour and unique species of trout, and flows swiftly through canyons, green meadows and sturdy villages. You enjoy a warm climate with a distinctly Mediterranean feel as well as some excellent cuisine on both sides of the border, with comfortable hotels throughout.

Nights: 6
Grade: 2-3
Terrain: mountain paths, river valleys
Hotels: one 2-star hotel; one 3-star hotel; one 4-star hotel. Star ratings are official Slovene ratings and may not correspond exactly to British star ratings.
Meals: breakfast each day, dinner on 4 nights, plus 2 picnics
Climate: temperatures average 15ºC in May, 24ºC in August and 21ºC in October, though breezes can make it cooler in the mountains.

Soca Valley

Pretty churches

Picturesque river valleys

Routes criss-cross the Soca

Locanda al Castello, Cividale del Friuli

The emerald waters of the River Soca

Starting point: Locanda al Castello (3*), Cividale dl Fruili. The Balloch family warmly welcome you to their small, converted 19th-century castle set on a quiet hillside just outside the town of Cividale. The restaurant has two dining rooms, as well as a summer dining terrace where you can enjoy wonderful views.

Day 1: there’s no need to exert yourself too much to begin with – spend your time exploring the enchanting medieval town of Cividale del Friuli, set on the River Natisone about a mile from the hotel. It is a timeless yet fascinating place, with pretty squares, great cafés and wine bars, and the pre-Romanesque jewel of a chapel known as the Tempietto Longobardo. The heart of the town is its historical centre and the Piazza del Duomo. Here you will find the de Nordis Palace and the Palace of Provveditori Veneti which houses the National Archaeological Museum. There is also a daily market in Paul Deacon square. If you do wish to stretch your legs, however, enjoy a warm-up walk in the Italian hills surrounding the town.

Accommodation: Locanda al Castello, as above.

Day 2: you are transferred to a mountain hut at 1,300 metres to begin the most demanding – and most rewarding – walk of the holiday. You ascend to the chapel at the 1,643-metre peak of the Matajur, from where, on a clear day, you have one of the greatest panoramas of the Julian Alps. The views also encompass the Dolomites, the Adriatic Sea and the lush meadows of the Soca Valley far below. From the peak you head eastwards along the panoramic crest, descending gently to the Slovenian border. The long, steep descent to the Soca Valley begins on the other side of the border, finishing via a couple of unspoiled hamlets. There is a longer alternative route if you prefer a less steep descent. (9.5km, 4.5hrs or 15km, 5hrs)

Accommodation: Hvala Hotel (4*), Kobarid. This family-run hotel is furnished in a modern style and you enjoy an à la carte dinner each night in its renowned fish restaurant. You will usually find both freshwater fish from the River Soca and seafood dishes on offer, as well as mushroom dishes, nut dumplings, and salami from meats including mountain game. Guests may use the hotel’s sauna and there is also a café and a large shady garden.

Day 3: today’s route explores Kobarid and the area immediately surrounding this well-preserved Alpine town, which boasts a number of important historical and natural attractions. Our suggested circuit includes the award-winning World War I Museum which relate’s Kobarid’s role in a famous battle (pay locally), the beautiful Soča Gorge and the cascades at Kozjak – one of Slovenia’s most picturesque waterfalls. The route can be extended if you wish. (6km, 2hrs)

Accommodation: Hvala Hotel, as above.

Day 4: this long but very picturesque walk follows the course of the Soca, revealing idyllic river scenery. You criss-cross the river and rise gently to enter peaceful woods and meadows, passing through quaint villages as you approach your destination of Bovec, a popular centre for all kinds of outdoor activities. (20km, 6hrs)

Accommodation: Martinov Hram (2*), Bovec. This is a simple hotel, the focal point being instead the convivial restaurant. Pay locally if you wish to sample the delicious regional cuisine.
Upgrade option: Dobra Vila (4*), Bovec. To finish in real style, upgrade to this smart, high-quality hotel which is decorated with great flair, each room having a story attached to its number. The facilities include a library, cinema and a terrace which makes the most of the spectacular mountain backdrop. Your stay here is on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 5: enjoy a pleasant and relaxing circular route through gentle pastureland and secluded river valleys. You reach the mighty fortress of Kluze, situated above a wild gorge, in the narrowest part of the Koritnica Valley, returning to Bovec on a lovely path alongside the River Soca. (13km, 4hrs)

Accommodation: Martinov Hram or Dobra Vila, as above.

Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.

Recommendations for extra nights: either of our two hotels in Bovec would be ideal for a longer stay, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain scenery and outdoor activities on offer.

Extensions: If you are flying via Venice, you could also stay here for 2 nights at the 3* Due Fanali, located in the Santa Croce district. This holiday combines well with the Lakes & Julian Alps route giving you a marvellous 13 night holiday.

Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system.

Similar holidays: Lake Ledro to Lake Garda (grade 2-3), Valleys & Villages of the Dolomites (grade 2-3), Pyrenees to Atlantic (grade 2-3), The Catalan Pyrenees (grade 2-3), Lakes & Julian Alps (grade 2)

Prices & travel 2008:

Recommended destination airports: Venice & Trieste
Latest flight arrival time: Trieste flexible; Venice 1600
Earliest flight departure time: Trieste flexible; Venice 1630
*Connecting travel: return rail/taxi from Venice (out 2h50/home 3h15) £75pp;
taxi from Trieste & rail back - pay locally for taxi from station to airport (out 0h50/home 2h35) £75pp
Extra nights can be booked at any hotel
Start: any day
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you

Recommended destination airports: Venice & Trieste
Latest flight arrival time: Trieste flexible; Venice 1600
Earliest flight departure time: Trieste flexible; Venice 1630
*Connecting travel: taxi from Trieste and back to Ljubljana (out 0h50/home 0h35) £58pp; return rail/taxi from Venice (out 2h50/home 4h55) £75pp; Outbound rail between Udine and Cividale not included (pay locally)
Extra nights can be booked at any hotel
Start: any day
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you

Extra night prices:

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