Day 1: ARRIVAL TO KRANJSKA GORA.Hotel 3*. You will arrive in the popular alpine town of Kranjska Gora sitting in the shadow of the Western Julian Alps, known mostly for its winter sports - World Cup slaloms are held here every January – but also a great base for many summer activities. You will meet with a Helia representative who will welcome you with a drink and provide you with everything you need for the week. If you arrive early enough you can take a short trip out to Planica Valley, location for the world ski jumping championships. It’s here that many of the longest jumps have been achieved, including the current world record. You can then spend the rest of the day exploring the bars, cafes and restaurants of this bustling little town.
Day 2: WALKING KRANJSKA GORA – GOZD MARTULJEK - MOJSTRANA (KRMA)
(16 km; one ascend/descend of 160 m and one ascend/descend of 200 m).
Country inn 3*. For the first day you will walk along the former Kranjska Gora to Jesenice railway line before taking the trail up to Srednji Vrh. At the viewpoint you will be rewarded with a magnificent view across the Spik mountain range, its namesake being renowned as one the toughest mountains to climb in the Julian Alps. The trail continues on to Mojstrana along the beautiful Sava Dolinka River. The river meanders its way southwards from its source on the Italian Border to join the Sava Bohinjka at Radovlica, where it becomes the mighty Sava River running all the way to Belgrade. Mojstrana is the gateway to three of the park’s valleys: Krma, Vrata and Kot. If you arrive in Mojstrana early enough, pay a visit to the Triglav Museum Collection for a fascinating insight into the park’s history. Learn how Triglav’s summit was bought by a patriot in order to always keep the mountain under the ownership of the Slovene people.
Day 3: MOJSTRANA - KRMA – LAKE BLED (20 km; flat).
Cycling tour through Triglav national park area, in cooling shadows of Radovna stream valley.Hotel/inn 3*. For the second day you will jump on a bike and peddle off into the lovely forests of the Krma Valley before branching off into the lushness of the Radovna Valley, an untouched wilderness between the Pokljuka and Mežakla plateaus. As you exit the valley, take a short detour to the stunning 1.6km Vintgar Gorge, carved 150m deep into the mountains by the Radovna River. The gorge was discovered by chance by the town mayor in 1891, who then set to work building walkways to open the gorge up to the public. We recommend you try the trout dinner at the entrance to the gorge before heading into Bled.
Day 4: RAFTING LAKE BLED (8 km).
Hotel/inn 3*. The day begins with a thrilling rafting trip down the white waters of the Sava Dolinka River. The trip is suitable for all, no experience is needed. The guide will teach you all you need to know. In the afternoon you will be free to explore the beauty of the glacial lake at Bled. Defined by its unique island church sitting proudly in the middle of this immense body of water, surrounded by towering alpine mountains, and the castle perched high on a cliff standing guard over the town, Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions. Hire a boat and row yourself over to the church, or if you are feeling more leisurely take one of the many gondoliers and let someone else do the work. Inside you will be awed by the ornate golden altar. Ring the church bell and make a wish, it might come true. Back on the shore you can take a ride around the lake and up to the castle for a spectacular view. End the day off with the local speciality – the cream cake “Kremšnita” – in one of the great little tea shops beside the lake, sample the nightlife in many of the bars and restaurants, or simply enjoy the sunset over the Julian Alps from one of the lakeside restaurants.
Day 5: WALKING BLED - BOHINJ (19 km, descend 700m).
Hotel 4 *. Car transfer to top of Pokljuka high plateau, from there 12 km downhill to Lake Bohinj. The heart of Triglav: You will be driven by car up to the Pokljuka Plateau from which you will begin your hike. Hiking across mountain pastures and past old farmhouses, you will come to a viewing point providing outstanding views into the Bohinj Valley. As you descend through the lovely pine tree forests and through fields of strawberries and blueberries, you can stop at the little historic village of Studor where you will see how people lived 150 years ago. In Studor you can also see the double hayracks (toplars) from the 18th and 19th century, unique to Slovenia and in one of the most picturesque settings. Your final destination is Lake Bohinj, the jewel in the heart of the Triglav National Park, and the small settlement of Ribčev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass). Wedged into the corner of this dead end valley, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park, and is surrounded by shimmering mountain peaks. The view across this lake from the bridge at Ribčev Laz is unrivalled.
Day 6: BOHINJ LAKE KAYAKING
A day for rest or an easy kayaking trip on Lake Bohinj (in the summer months one can swim in its' crystal clear waters). Hotel 4*. Spend the morning kayaking this wonderful, tranquil lake sitting in the shadows of the immense mountains of the Julian Alps. If the weather is warm you can swim in its crystal clear water and soak up the pure, fresh alpine air. After lunch in one of the local gostilnas where you can try the delicious Bohinj trout, you can either laze beside the water, or take the circular walking path around the lake to Savica Waterfall, the source of the Sava Bohinjka, and then the cable car up to the 1532-metre high Vogel Mountain for a spectacular view into the valley and of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. Explore the forests surrounding the lake before spending the evening in one of the cosy village pubs and trying the local homemade honey brandy.
Day 7: CYCLING BOHINJ - LAKE BLED (25 km).
Cycling through Sava river valley, flat one short ascent.
Hotel/inn 3*.For your last day you will get back on the bike and head east back to Bled. Your route will take you along the Sava Bohinjka as it meanders its way alongside the Pokljuka plateau and exits the Bohinj Valley. You will pass through many small villages. Stop for lunch in the main town of Bohinjska Bistrica and enjoy the picture-perfect backdrop. Time-permitting, take a tour into the Babji Zob Cave (Hag’s Tooth). Perched dramatically upon a 1128-metre peak, this tooth-shaped pillar is a fantastic illustration of the creative power of Mother Nature. A visit to the cave underneath takes three hours, including the hike up and down.
DAY 8. END OF TOUR.
