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Experience a self-guided walking holiday over 8 days amid the breathtaking landscapes of Slovenia’s Julian Alps, embracing the serene Soča and Bohinj Valleys. Whether you seek challenging high limestone ridges with stunning vistas or prefer gentle routes through Alpine meadows, there is a path here for every walker. Ascend Mount Vogel, explore historic World War I routes, and discover deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls. With the luxury of staying at one hotel, you’re invited to savour each moment as you explore at your own pace. This self-guided adventure blends immersive exploration, serene comfort, and the delight of Slovenia’s captivating scenery.
Your adventure begins in the charming town of Bohinj Bistrica, where you will be welcomed to the shores of picturesque Lake Bohinj and settle into the 4* Hotel Jezero, your sanctuary ...
Your adventure begins in the charming town of Bohinj Bistrica, where you will be welcomed to the shores of picturesque Lake Bohinj and settle into the 4* Hotel Jezero, your sanctuary for the week. From this haven, an alpine wonderland awaits. For six days, your Slovenian discovery is yours to design, inviting you to explore the ethereal beauty of Lake Bled, the serene expanse of Lake Bohinj and the pristine wilderness of Triglav National Park at your own pace. With the freedom of this self-guided journey, you have the luxury of choosing which walking route to embark upon each day, allowing your adventure to unfold at your own pace. Choose from an array of curated routes, from leisurely walks around glistening lakes to challenging ascents up panoramic peaks like Vogel (1922m), with its commanding views reaching to Italy and Austria. Discover the enchanting Vintgar Gorge, chase the thunderous Pericnik waterfalls, and wander through idyllic alpine pastures and picturesque villages.
This deluxe package includes 7 nights of accommodation in a charming 4 star hotel on a twin share basis. At Hotel Jezero, on the shores of Lake Bohinj, indulge in the hotel's wellness center, which features a pool and saunas. In the evenings, enjoy exquisite culinary delights at the Vrtovin restaurant, complemented by a selection from their rich wine cellar. This is a self-guided tour offering you the freedom to walk and explore at your own pace in whichever order you choose.
The Julian Alps give many things — but what you carry home from this 8-day walk is simpler and rarer. You carry the stillness and the feeling of having moved at the pace the world was always meant to move at.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Red Centre. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Make your own way to your starting hotel, the homely 4-star Hotel Jezero, nestled on the shores of the picturesque Lake Bohinj and enveloped by a verdant pine forest. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. Here, where the serene beauty of the Julian Alps unfolds, a friendly welcome awaits every guest. Immerse yourself in tranquility within the hotel's wellness center, featuring two Finnish saunas and a Turkish steam bath, or take a refreshing dip in the indoor swimming pool. Allow your senses to be delighted by exquisite Slovenian cuisine on the enchanting summer terrace of the Vrtovin restaurant, or elevate your dining experience in the à-la-carte restaurant Zlatovčica, where every dish is a celebration of local flavour.
From days 2-7, the itinerary is yours to command. We invite you to tailor your adventure through Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and the Triglav National Park, choosing which walking routes to embark upon each day, allowing for a truly personal and unscripted discovery of this alpine wonderland.
Walks Around Lake Bled
Between two rivers to Talez: Approx 15 km (10 miles) 3-5 hours walkingThis circular path from Bled will give you the perfect introduction to the area around the town. Take a stroll through attractive meadows, visit two of the area’s largest rivers, and go up to a koca (hut), from where you have expansive views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
The Lake Bled Circuit: Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walkingLake Bled is stunning, and you shouldn’t pass up on a walk around it. Mostly, it is combined with our Osojnica walk, which offers a classic overview of Lake Bled, and the two together give a good introduction to the Bled area. The circuit could include a swim at the castle bathing area. Another option would be to board a boat at the far end and visit the island of Otok. Visitors staying at Bohinj would no doubt also wish to spend some time in the tourist resort of Bled itself, making this a truly leisurely day. On the other hand, you could also merge it with the walk towards Babji Zob, thereby making your day much longer.
Above Lake Bled on Osojnica: Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walkingThe most famed vistas of Lake Bled are from up here. The walk is very short but is steep and rough in parts; at one or two points, it is briefly and slightly dizzying. The walk begins and ends at the far end of Lake Bled, so it makes sense to combine it with the Lake Bled Circuit.
Vintgar Gorge: Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 3-5 hours walkingVintgar Gorge is a must-see spectacle. This gorge is about 1.5 km (about a mile) long and over 90 m deep, with rapids, green pools, and rock faces, and several bridges. Progress can be slow because of the number of sightseers, but this matters not because Vingtar should be savored slowly.
Below Babji Zob, the Old Hag’s Tooth: Approx. 11 km (7 miles), 3-5 hours walkingBabji Zob is a dramatic perpendicular rock standing out at the end of the limestone Jelovica hills, south of Bled, and is said to resemble an old woman’s tooth. (The tooth is still there, but the old hag is long gone. You will have to use your imagination!) Our walk explores the delightful countryside and villages on its slopes, and in the Sava Bohinjka valley.
Walks Around Lake Bohinj
Around the lower Bohinj Valley: Approx. 17 km (11 miles), 3-5 hours walkingOn the north side are breathtaking views of the valley and attractive alpine meadows. On the south side of the valley, the route passes through relatively untraveled countryside and generally showcases the attractive Bohinj farmland, mixed woodlands, and villages.
Savica Waterfall: Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walkingA steady climb from the lake to the parking area and restaurant, followed by 580 steps up to the waterfall. Return via a quiet cross-country route, with alternatives available. All walk options can be combined with the Lake Bohinj ciruit.
The Mostnica River and Gorge: Approx. 16 km (10 miles), 3-5 hours walkingThis is a low-level walk that takes you through an excellently sculpted, narrow limestone gorge with green pools and rapids before entering a delightful alpine pasture full of wildflowers. There is a shady waterfall at the far end of the walk and two cafes along the way to refresh a tired walker. The walk is on either side of the gorge to maximise what can be seen. A small fee is payable for walking along the gorge.
The rocky slopes of Vogel: Option 1: Approx. 12 km (8 miles), 3-5 hours walkingOption 2: Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walkingThis is a mountain with good paths. Vertigo sufferers should avoid the walk from point 1615 m (5299 ft) to Vofel, but could enjoy the lower option, which does not involve scrambling. Either walk offers extensive views of the Julian Alps and the Bohinj valley, with those opting for the summit of Vogel also enjoying panoramas to the south.
The wooded heights of Prsivec: Approx. 15 km (10 miles), 4-6 hours walkingNorth of Bohinj is a high, wooded area rising to the peak of Prsivec, dotted with several small planinas or open pastures. One or two brief parts are exposed, so those easily prone to vertigo should give it a miss, but for those who undertake it, this route should provide a good ‘away from it all’ feeling. If you have enough time, you may wish to sample one of the mountain inns.
Walks Around Triglav National Park
Vrata Valley and Pericnik waterfalls: Approx. 17 km (11 miles), 4-6 hours walkingThis side valley walk climbs from the main Sava Dolinka valley to the foot of Triglav. It is mostly easy going, with the notable exception of the steep climb to the waterfalls. This is well worth the effort because you can experience the waterfalls up close.
Pokljuka’s forests and the ridge to Debela Pec: Approx 16 km (10 miles), 5-7 hours walkingHigh above the secluded Pokljuka Forest lies the stunning alpine Planina (pasture) Lipanca with its abundance of wildflowers, below the cliff of Debela Pec. The path is well waymarked, steep in places, but well worth the effort for outstanding views.
Savour one last breakfast in beautiful Slovenia, a perfect moment to reflect on your incredible journey before bidding farewell. Depart at your leisure making your own way for your onward journey.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
- The departure point is Bohinj Bistrica.
- The finish point is Ribčev Laz
- The closest airport to Bohinjska Bistrica is Ljubljana (LJU) Airport, located approximately 38.8 km away
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation at Bohinj Bistrica on Day 1 of the itinerary making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Slovenia invites you to experience a beautifully diverse climate, where temperatures shift elegantly across three distinct regional zones. As you journey to the sub-Mediterranean coastline during the summer months, you will bask in balmy averages of 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, offering a magnificent sun-drenched escape. Travel inland to the continental heart, and you will find comfortable summer warmth hovering around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, providing the perfect atmosphere to explore lush valleys and vibrant cities. When winter blankets the majestic landscape, the crisp alpine northwest transforms into a pristine, snow-iced sanctuary with temperatures frequently dipping well below freezing. Meanwhile, the coastal southwest maintains a much milder winter charm, with the gentle air rarely falling below 4 degrees Celsius. This harmonious seasonal rhythm ensures that whether you seek the warm embrace of a coastal summer or the bracing elegance of a frosty alpine winter, the country presents a captivating environment throughout the year.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the trip to go through the routes and point out particular places of interest.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 100 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.