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Inspirations 2022
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Through the Soča Valley with Lakes & Julian Alps

West Slovenia - Soča Valley & Lake Bled
 
Breathtaking views of the Julian Alps await on this self-guided walking holiday in western Slovenia, with luggage transfers included. Explore the beautiful lakes of Bled and Bohinj, immerse yourself in World War I history, enjoy delicious cuisine and stay at welcoming hotels en route.
Through the Soča Valley with Lakes & Julian Alps. 11 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Through the Soča Valley with Lakes & Julian Alps. 11 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday in western Slovenia

Starting in the glorious Soča Valley, and continuing via the dramatic Sava Dolinka Valley to the equally impressive lakes of Bohinj and Bled, this eleven-night adventure reveals the very best of this part of the Alps. Walking beside the startlingly clear, emerald-green waters of the River Soča, framed by deep-cut gorges and densely forested hillsides, has a special magic, and is just the first of many highlights on this holiday...
Enjoy, too, a walk through a succession of charming hamlets to a mighty fortress, and a route through the Vintgar Gorge, all the while rewarded with views of serene lakes, mesmerising waterfalls, vivid green pastures dotted with traditional hayracks and colourfully painted beehives, and the mighty Julian Alps above. It is with a sense of achievement that you arrive at Lake Bled, in the middle of which floats the tiny island of the same name, almost a national symbol.
 

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We are accepting bookings for our holidays to Slovenia. Our flexible booking arrangements, commitment to safety and financial protection mean that you can book with confidence.

What we’re doing so you can book and travel with confidence >
Check the destination entry requirements >

 
 
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Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    The region has an Alpine climate, with cold winters and warm summers, though breezes can make it cooler in the mountains. The best time for flowers is usually May and early June.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 0 1 4 8 13 16 19 18 16 11 5 0
    mm 92 88 104 135 137 154 148 155 147 137 168 102
  • Arrival in Kobarid
    Night 1: at Hotel Hvala (the first of two nights here).
    As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.
  • Circular walk from Kobarid: 5km, 3-5hrs
    Today’s short but delightful walk explores Kobarid and the area immediately surrounding this well-preserved Italianate village, which boasts a number of important historical and natural attractions. The marked historical trail (which will take at least half a day, including stops) takes in a Napoleonic bridge, an Italian charnel house, the beautiful Soča Gorge and the cascades at Kozjak – one of Slovenia’s most picturesque waterfalls. It also visits the award-winning World War I Museum (pay locally) which explores western Slovenia’s central role in the First World War – the region was home to the Isonzo Front, scene of numerous clashes between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces and the backdrop to Hemingway’s semi-autobiographical novel, A Farewell to Arms. NB we are unable to provide an elevation profile for this route.
    Napoleonic bridge on the route around Kobarid
  • Kobarid to Bovec: 16.5km, 5.5hrs, ascent 395m/descent 270m
    The day starts with a short transfer to the beginning of a very picturesque walk that follows the course of the Soča, 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. Your two-night base here is the Martinov Hram, or choose to upgrade to the 4-star Dobra Vila.
    En route to Bovec
    Kobarid to Bovec: 16.5km
  • Choice of walks from Bovec: 9km to 15.5km

    Circular walk via Kluže: 13km, 4.5hrs, ascent/descent 440m
    Perhaps our favourite option is this pleasant circular route through pastures and secluded river valleys, passing the mighty fortress of Kluže, situated above a wild gorge. From here, you cross meadows to a confluence of rivers, then follow the Soča downstream back to Bovec.

    Linear walk via the Lepena Valley: 15.5km, 5hrs, ascent 290m/descent 255m
    The second option is a pleasant linear walk upstream along the fast-flowing Soča River, and into the Triglav National Park, where you branch south into the remote Lepena Valley. This is backed by a range of impressive peaks, where you follow shady and silent paths alongside mountain streams and cascades. Return by taxi (pay locally).

    Circular walk via Plužna: 9km, 3hrs, ascent/descent 270m
    The shortest option leads to Plužna, a charming village situated on the sunny side of the Kanin mountains. Nearby is the source of River Gljuna and its waterfall, which is a lovely place to linger. You return via a small man-made lake and through attractive woods and meadows.
    Alpine pastures around Bovec
    Circular walk via Kluže: 13km
    Linear walk via the Lepena Valley: 15.5km
    Circular walk via Plužna: 9km
  • Bovec to Kranjska Gora: 9.5km, 3hrs; ascent 180m/descent 215m
    Today brings a marked shift in scenery, as you are transferred to the village of Ratece, on the Slovenian-Italian border, to begin your onward walk to Kranjska Gora. So close to Austria, the landscapes are now distinctly Alpine, with towering mountains and traditional villages. The route is easy-going, criss-crossing the Sava Dolinka Valley and passing through the Zelenci Nature Reserve before arriving in Kranjska Gora for three nights at the Rožle House Apartments.

    It is possible to extend today’s route by requesting to be dropped off over the border in Italy, at the postcard-perfect glacial lakes of Fusine, though it’s worth bearing in mind that these can be very busy – especially in high season and at weekends.
    Kranjska Gora
    Bovec to Kranjska Gora: 9.5km
  • Choice of walks from Kranjska Gora: 17.5km or 19km

    Circular walk from Kranjska Gora via Sava Dolinka Valley: 19km, 6.5hrs; ascent/descent 660m
    Our first suggested route is a circular walk through the wide Sava Dolinka Valley, which is framed by splendid mountains. You follow tranquil paths by the river – which has its source here and ends its journey in the Black Sea – eventually leading to a narrow gorge, before taking a gentle track back into town.

    Circular walk from Kranjska Gora via Koča v Krnici: 17.5km, 6hrs; ascent/descent 475m
    Alternatively, follow an easy-going forest track south to reach the wonderfully isolated mountain hut of Koča v Krnici, framed by a fearsome and spectacular range of mountains. You return via the Vršič Pass on a road built by Russian prisoners of war, and pass the Russian chapel erected to commemorate them. It’s the perfect place to pause a while, and reflect on the turbulent history of a now serene corner of Slovenia.
    Around Kranjska Gora
    Via the Sava Dolinka Valley: 19km
    Via Koča v Krnici: 17.5km
  • Kranjska Gora to Ribcev Laz: 14.5km, 4.5hrs; ascent 70m/descent 920m
    The day starts with a transfer to a high-altitude location in the mountains known as Rudno Polje, which is also a popular spot used by hikers and climbers to make the epic ascent of Mount Triglav. From here, you cross high, panoramic meadows before descending through woodland to the lower Bohinj Valley. Wandering through rustic villages surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, you then continue along the shore of beautiful Lake Bohinj, the mightiest peaks of the Julian Alps mirrored in the calm waters. Your hotel for the next two nights is the Alpine-style Hotel Jezero in Ribcev Laz.
    Lake Bohinj
    Kranjska Gora to Ribcev Laz: 14.5km
  • Choice of walks from Ribcev Laz: 12.5km to 14.5km

    Circular walk via Slap Savica: 12.5km, 4hrs; ascent 340m/descent 360m
    The shorter of the two options leads you to the dramatic nearby waterfall of Slap Savica, one of Slovenia’s famous sights, with a 60-metre drop.

    Circular walk via Mostnica Gorge: 14.5km, 4hrs; ascent/descent 340m
    There is also a longer route to the Mostnica Gorge, known for its erosion potholes, a natural bridge and numerous waterfalls.
    Tranquil trails around Ribcev Laz
    Via Slap Savica: 12.5km
    Via Mostnica Gorge: 14.5km
  • Ribcev Laz to Bled: 13km, 4.5hrs; ascent 355m/descent 370m
    Today's walk starts with a transfer, after which you criss-cross the River Sava Bohinjka, passing through woodland and farmland (across which are scattered numerous handsome farmhouses), to the Ribno Plateau, where you are greeted by a sweeping panorama of Lake Bled and the surrounding mountains. Descend from here via the picturesque village of Milno to the atmospheric Vila Prešeren, or to finish the holiday in real style, upgrade to Vila Bled overlooking the lake.
    Lake Bled
    Ribcev Laz to Bled: 13km
  • Choice of walks from Bled: 13.5km to 16km

    Circular walk via Vintgar Gorge: 16km, 5hrs; ascent/descent 380m
    For your final day we recommend the long but scenic walk to the Vintgar Gorge (for which a small entrance fee is payable locally), which takes you along the shores of Lake Bled to panoramic Bled Castle, then through a string of small villages towards another excellent viewpoint, and finally along a wooded trail to the gorge. Here, a series of boardwalks and bridges lead you spectacularly upstream along the entire length of the gorge. A gentle country trail then leads you back to Lake Bled.

    Linear walk via Radovljica: 13.5km, 4hrs; ascent 200m/descent 175m
    Another option for your day here is to wander across the surrounding countryside to reach the delightful town of Radovljica for a spot of lunch and sightseeing, before returning by bus (pay locally).

    Around Lake Bled
    Alternatively, you may well prefer to spend your last day relaxing by the lake and enjoying the memorable setting, perhaps hiring a boat to row across the lake to ring the ‘wishing bell’ on the island!
    Around Lake Bled
    Via Vintgar Gorge: 16km
    Via Radovljica: 13.5km
 

Accommodation

Your hotels and apartments are set in traditional villages and offer high standards of service. Please note the star ratings are official Slovene ratings and may not correspond exactly to British star ratings.

Occasionally, due to availability, we may offer an alternative hotel. You will be informed of any change to the usual hotel (along with any price implication) prior to us confirming your holiday to you.

To make your holiday all the more special, opt for our upgrade hotels in Bovec and Bled. Please indicate your preference at the time of booking. Whichever hotels you choose, we also recommend additional nights in each of these locations.
 

Options to extend or shorten your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 11 nights: 01 May 2021 - 15 October 2021 & 01 May 2022 - 15 October 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 - 21 May 2021 £1340 £315
    22 May - 26 Jun 2021 £1445 £320
    27 Jun - 19 Aug 2021 £1495 £345
    20 Aug - 21 Sep 2021 £1445 £320
    22 Sep - 4 Oct 2021 £1340 £315
    1 - 21 May 2022 £1395 £335
    22 May - 26 Jun 2022 £1495 £340
    27 Jun - 19 Aug 2022 £1570 £365
    20 Aug - 21 Sep 2022 £1495 £340
    22 Sep - 4 Oct 2022 £1395 £335
    3rd & 4th person discount -£125 to -£130
    Single traveller supplement £125 to £130

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Please note: at Vila Prešeren in Bled, only the junior suites can have separate beds (see 'Room upgrades & extra nights' below).

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • 11 nights, staying at Dobra Vila & Vila Bled: 01 May 2021 - 15 October 2021 & 01 May 2022 - 15 October 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 - 21 May 2021 £1525 £515
    22 May - 26 Jun 2021 £1595 £545
    27 Jun - 19 Aug 2021 £1660 £580
    20 Aug - 21 Sep 2021 £1595 £545
    22 Sep - 4 Oct 2021 £1525 £515
    1 - 21 May 2022 £1595 £545
    22 May - 26 Jun 2022 £1675 £575
    27 Jun - 19 Aug 2022 £1745 £595
    20 Aug - 21 Sep 2022 £1675 £575
    22 Sep - 4 Oct 2022 £1595 £545
    3rd & 4th person discount -£125 to -£130
    Single traveller supplement £125 to £130

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Please note: at Vila Prešeren in Bled, only the junior suites can have separate beds (see 'Room upgrades & extra nights' below).

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Vila Prešeren, Bled
    Junior suite 'Rikli': 01 May - 15 Oct 2021 £25
    Junior suite 'Rikli': 01 May - 15 Oct 2022 £28
    Preseren suite: 01 May - 15 Oct 2021 £35
    Preseren suite: 01 May - 15 Oct 2022 £38

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Hvala Hotel, Kobarid (with dinner) Double room Single room
    01 May - 15 Oct 2021 £142 £162
    01 May - 15 Oct 2022 £150 £170
    Martinov Hram, Bovec (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 15 Oct 2021 £55 £65
    01 May - 15 Oct 2022 £58 £70
    Rozle House Apartments, Kranjska Gora (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 17 May 2021 £52 £68
    18 May - 12 Jul 2021 £57 £73
    13 Jul - 25 Aug 2021 £62 £78
    26 Aug - 21 Sep 2021 £57 £73
    22 Sep - 15 Oct 2021 £52 £68
    01 May - 17 May 2022 £55 £72
    18 May - 12 Jul 2022 £60 £77
    13 Jul - 25 Aug 2022 £65 £82
    26 Aug - 21 Sep 2022 £60 £77
    22 Sep - 15 Oct 2022 £55 £72
    Hotel Jezero, Ribčev Laz (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 03 Jul 2021 £64 £107
    04 Jul - 23 Aug 2021 £77 £135
    24 Aug - 11 Oct 2021 £64 £107
    12 Oct - 15 Oct 2021 £50 £76
    01 May - 03 Jul 2022 £68 £114
    04 Jul - 23 Aug 2022 £80 £142
    24 Aug - 11 Oct 2022 £68 £114
    12 Oct - 15 Oct 2022 £52 £80
    Vila Prešeren, Bled (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 31 May 2021 £80 £126
    01 Jun - 30 Sep 2021 £105 £145
    01 Oct - 15 Oct 2021 £80 £126
    01 May - 31 May 2022 £84 £133
    01 Jun - 30 Sep 2022 £110 £152
    01 Oct - 15 Oct 2022 £84 £133

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Dobra Vila, Bovec
    Superior: 01 May - 31 May 2021 £8
    Superior: 01 Jun - 30 Sep 2021 £28
    Superior: 01 Oct - 15 Oct 2021 £8
    Superior: 01 May - 31 May 2022 £10
    Superior: 01 Jun - 30 Sep 2022 £30
    Superior: 01 Oct - 15 Oct 2022 £10
    Superior with balcony: 01 May - 31 May 2021 £15
    Superior with balcony: 01 Jun - 30 Sep 2021 £45
    Superior with balcony: 01 Oct - 15 Oct 2021 £15
    Superior with balcony: 01 May - 31 May 2022 £16
    Superior with balcony: 01 Jun - 30 Sep 2022 £48
    Superior with balcony: 01 Oct - 15 Oct 2022 £16
    Vila Bled, Bled
    Suite with lake view: 01 May - 15 Oct 2021 £32
    Suite with lake view: 01 May - 15 Oct 2022 £34

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Hvala Hotel, Kobarid (with dinner) Double room Single room
    01 May - 15 Oct 2021 £142 £162
    01 May - 15 Oct 2022 £150 £170
    Dobra Vila, Bovec (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 15 Oct 2021 £96 £164
    01 May - 15 Oct 2022 £100 £172
    Rozle House Apartments, Kranjska Gora (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 17 May 2021 £52 £68
    18 May - 12 Jul 2021 £57 £73
    13 Jul - 25 Aug 2021 £62 £78
    26 Aug - 21 Sep 2021 £57 £73
    22 Sep - 15 Oct 2021 £52 £68
    01 May - 17 May 2022 £55 £72
    18 May - 12 Jul 2022 £60 £77
    13 Jul - 25 Aug 2022 £65 £82
    26 Aug - 21 Sep 2022 £60 £77
    22 Sep - 15 Oct 2022 £55 £72
    Hotel Jezero, Ribčev Laz (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 03 Jul 2021 £64 £107
    04 Jul - 23 Aug 2021 £77 £135
    24 Aug - 11 Oct 2021 £64 £107
    12 Oct - 15 Oct 2021 £50 £76
    01 May - 03 Jul 2022 £68 £114
    04 Jul - 23 Aug 2022 £80 £142
    24 Aug - 11 Oct 2022 £68 £114
    12 Oct - 15 Oct 2022 £52 £80
    Vila Bled, Bled (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 May - 15 Oct 2021 £120 £205
    01 May - 15 Oct 2022 £126 £216
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Venice Marco Polo or Trieste (return from Ljubjlana)

    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Venice or Ljubjlana. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Venice (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Belfast Intl. - Venice Marco Polo easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Ljubljana (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Birmingham - Venice (via Brussels) Brussels Airlines 
    Birmingham - Venice (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Venice Marco Polo easyJet,  Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Ljubljana (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Edinburgh - Venice Marco Polo easyJet,  jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Venice Marco Polo easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Venice Marco Polo British Airways 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Ljubljana easyJet 
    Gatwick - Venice Marco Polo British Airways,  easyJet,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Ljubljana British Airways 
    Heathrow - Ljubljana (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Heathrow - Ljubljana (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Heathrow - Trieste (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Heathrow - Venice Marco Polo British Airways 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Ljubljana easyJet 
    Luton - Venice Marco Polo easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Trieste Ryanair 
    Stansted - Venice Marco Polo Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Ljubljana (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Ljubljana (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Ljubljana (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Manchester - Venice Marco Polo easyJet,  jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Ljubljana (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Ljubljana (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Newcastle - Venice Marco Polo (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Venice Marco Polo (via Amsterdam) Air France 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Venice or Ljubjlana. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above except those operated by Ryanair. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service (£60 for India and Nepal). Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Unless otherwise stated, connecting travel by rail or bus tends to be from the city centre station, rather than from its airport, and connections between the two should be paid for locally.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Venice Marco Polo

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Venice Mestre to Udine (2h), taxi Udine station to hotel (0h50) £54 in 2021; £57 in 2022 1800
    direct taxi Venice Marco Polo airport to hotel (2h) £106 in 2021; £112 in 2022 flexible
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    taxi hotel to Ljubljana bus station (1h), Flixbus Ljubljana bus station to Venice airport (3h-3h40) £68 in 2021; £72 in 2022 varies daily

    Connecting travel options - out via Trieste, home via Ljubljana

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    direct taxi Trieste airport to hotel (1h15) £56 in 2021; £60 in 2022 flexible
    rail Trieste airport to Udine (0h35), taxi Udine station to hotel (0h50) £45 in 2021, £48 in 2022 1800
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    direct taxi hotel to Ljubljana airport (0h45) £42 in 2021; £45 in 2022 flexible
What is included
  • 11 nights
  • 4 dinners
    2 picnics
    11 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • transfers on days 2, 4, 7 & 9
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 10 reviews
  • Dr P Oakley
    Lewes
    03 September 2020

    A lovely country and the walking was wonderful. The Slovenians have invested substantially in walking and cycling paths, the best I have experienced anywhere in Europe - and the signage was very good (with jolly good maps). The walking is excellent - clean, green and quiet.

    The walks were surprisingly easy although mountains were everywhere. You walk in valleys, meadows and the foothills and it's wonderfully green and verdant. Lots of lovely farming villages - a great bonus. And the rivers and waterfalls are a joy - so clear and clean. The Slovenia walks are another world and the people are rightly proud of their country.

    I might add that the Soca Valley was the setting for terrible fighting between the Italians and Austrians during the First World War and it is well worth reading about it prior to a visit. There is hardly any evidence of this desparate struggle - although the museum in Kobriad bears ghostly witness. You will also note numerous memorials to partisans killed in WW2. This is a country with a dramatic and heroic history.

    I would love to return and I can't recommend it enough. 

    Finally, as an aside, if I had had one carrier bag with me for my walk (and I combined two holidays) I could not have filled it with litter. By Brit standards this was remarkable. In my UK home town I filled two carrier bags over a half kilometer walk.

  • Anon
    21 September 2019

    Lake Bled is gorgeous and makes a great end to the holiday. Apartment House Rozle was so welcoming and friendly, we loved it there. Take a day off from walking and try kayaking or white water rafting in Bovec. Terrifying but fun.

    50% of Slovenia is forested so there are not always grand views, but that also means that the route is often shaded so not too hot. If you want to get a taxi at the end of the walk, book in the morning, or be prepared to finish your journey on foot. At the family run hotels, ask your hosts any questions about the walking and the weather forecast - they can make great recommendations based on local knowledge.

  • Mrs C Barker
    Cambridge
    13 September 2019

    One of our favourite Inntravel holidays of the many we have done; the scenery is magnificent, the walks were exactly right, not too challenging but challenging enough and always varied and historically interesting. The structure of the holiday is really excellent and the walk over the mountain from Italy into Slovenia is absolutely stunning and sets the excitement levels high for what is to follow. The centres were well chosen and having gone to Slovenia originally to see Lake Bled, it was far from the highlight we expected, as everywhere until then had been so spectacular, as well as much quieter. The only time we have failed to get lost; the notes were really good and the additions recommending places to eat were very useful and much appreciated. The only downside of this lovely country is that they are really not set up to cater for vegetarians and a vegan would have to live on salad and chips!

  • Mrs G Crook
    High Peak
    28 July 2019

    Brilliant sightings of golden eagles (around Kranjska Gora). Walking up Matajur with people saying 'buono giourno' and down being our first experience of Slovenian 'good day'.

  • John, Buckinghamshire
    25 June 2019

    We enjoyed our two weeks very much and managed to dodge the, mostly late afternoon, rain and thunderstorms but the exceptional heat in week one made walking arduous on most terrains. But we had some great views, variable countryside and saw mountains, waterfalls, rivers, farmsteads and villages for which we will always remember Slovenia. By choosing the hotel upgrades we were treated to very good quality accommodation, service and meals. Travel arrangements were very efficient.

    This was akin to typical fell walking in England but with a more dramatic setting and fewer marked trails which explains the need to utilise established roads on some stretches.

    We were at Bohinj at a weekend and Bled as the main season begins, so these hotspots can get very popular but the lakes are scenic and well worth walking round. Vila Bled wins for its setting, but Dobra Vila wins for its all round charm and quality - in both cases, dining on the terrace a joy.

    Although a day ahead, we coincided with three other Inntravel couples along the route, all of whom were great company at the dinner table (mutual choice) and with whom it was fun to exchange experiences.

  • Ms C Boucher
    Australia
    18 June 2019

    Both holidays [Hidden Italy & Slovenia with Lakes & Julian Alps upgrade option, and Traditions of South Tyrol] were wonderful. Mostly, the accommodation was of a high standard.  This is important to us when we travel. We asked for upgrades to superior rooms and this was accommodated where possible. The walk options allowed for different levels of fitness and energy - we really enjoyed the beauty of the countryside in all places.  The walks you suggested offered a lot of variety also. I would recommend Slovenia as a very easy country to travel in.  We had positive experiences with everyone we came into contact with.  Slovenia is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to.  Certosa was remarkable; such an interesting history and culture.  It seems like a lot of thought went in to organising the walks with the transport involved to get us to as many different trails as possible. Food on both trips was consistently of a very high standard.  We loved the little cafes on the walks.  They were pretty special. I should mention that Slovenia was very warm for walking in July.  The milder weather in the Tyrols was much more comfortable for me (just a personal preference - my partner didn’t mind the heat at all).  I would come back and do both trips again.  Just one point on the lunches - very hard to accommodate everyone’s taste and appetites, so my preference would be to organise my own lunch where feasible.

  • Alex and Joy
    07 June 2019

    An excellent way to see Slovenia/Italy!  Each day provided an opportunity to see a beautiful landscape with fabulous panoramic views of mountains, lakes and rivers.  

  • Mrs L English
    USA
    01 June 2019

    Stunning scenery, lovely accommodations, challenging hikes. Exceptionally smooth travel and transfers. We loved it all and can't wait to book our next Inntravel trip!

  • Graham
    12 May 2019

    Bled - we visited the recommended Sova Restaurant and found it to be outstanding, highly recommended! Lapena Valley - the walk through Lapena Valley was one of the highlights of the trip, an excellent walk. The walk from Matajur across the border was a highlight. The beech forests were spectacular. The historical trail around Kobarid including the relics of WW1 and the Museum were a highlight. The archaeological site Tonocov Grad was fascinating.

  • Anon
    07 May 2019

    Beautiful country with wonderful views and interesting places to walk through and to stay.
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • If your holiday plans go awry because of Coronavirus, rest assured that we’ll do right by you. Since the start of the pandemic, our flexible booking policy and prompt issuing of refunds to customers who prefer not to defer their holiday have earned us high praise in the national press.
  • We sincerely hope that your holiday experience will be as enjoyable as it would have been before the pandemic – walking holidays are ideal in these times of social distancing, and we’re not operating holidays if the key highlights can no longer be delivered – but, naturally, there will be some changes to ensure your and other people’s safety, not least taking tests before and after your holiday for many destinations.
    Your holiday experience: what to expect >
    Safety measures being taken by hoteliers & others >
    Entry requirements for non-UK destinations & for re-entering the UK >
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from hotel to hotel, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. If/when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation, meaning that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our walking holidays in Europe page.
  • Yes, prior to going on holiday you will be able to download GPX tracks so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you use them – our detailed, step-by-step route notes remain the principal means of guiding you from A to B – but we provide them as a secondary means of navigation for additional reassurance when walking.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines (but not, currently, with Ryanair). As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. For Europe, there’s a £35 booking fee per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). For India and Nepal, the booking fee is £60 per person. More information on flights >
  • Absolutely! We are experts in tailored rail travel. Making use of sleeper trains or stopovers in cities along the route, we can get you from London to virtually anywhere in mainland Europe. We can even make arrangements to Mallorca, Sicily and Norway with a combination of ferries and rail. Please contact Abi and Lizzie to discuss your plans.
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to take out our recommended travel insurance policy (if you live outside the UK you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for UK residents), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    We'll ask you for the details of your policy (insurer, policy number and medical emergency phone number) so that we can help out if the worst happens while you are on holiday. It's up to you, though, to check that your policy covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs; we don't check alternative policies.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Slovenia, but not a visa. If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official language is Slovene, although Italian is spoken by many people along the border with Italy. The currency is the Euro. Slovenian time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.

    At Inntravel we work in close partnership with our hoteliers, taxi drivers and other local suppliers to provide our self-guided holidays directly to you. We are entirely confident that you will continue to receive the usual warm welcome from them, regardless of what is happening in the European political sphere.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.
    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
Last fetch time is : 10/25/2021 10:37:50 AM