Italy & Slovenia Walk (Ancient Trails in Wine Country & The Julian Alps) 6D5N, Fully Guided

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation Gain: 213 m (700 ft)

Today, you meet with your tour leaders at Venice at 8.30 am at Marco Polo Airport in Venice, Italy. The group will meet at the sitting area of the arrival terminal's ground floor. Access this area easily by looking out for the signs of Check-in 92-99, or locate Rustichelli & Mangione cafe and RELAY shop.

Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today’s adventure (your luggage will be transported to our first night’s accommodation)

After the meeting in Venice, we proceed on a scenic shuttle to the northeast route past valleys clothed in vineyards, leading us to our trail entry as we begin the adrenaline-boosting hike on Italy's section.

Italy welcomes you on its grand trails as we hike along a unique section of the lengthy Alpe Adria Trail, thoughtfully appointed to give you a fascinating first impression. This trail is remarkably long and it runs through Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. Trekking the trail feels heavenly, with arresting natural beauties at every turn, little wonder it goes by the alias "Garden of Eden". There's time to soak in views of the prospering landscapes that appear to be cascading before proceeding into the next half of the trip, filled with imposing and treacherous mountain views.

At noon, we stop for lunch at the Sirk Family-run Osteria La Subida, one of the finest restaurants in Friuli where we enjoy the first bites of the region's culinary heritage. The afternoon may still be young, and the trail is long enough if you want to continue. Otherwise, take a shuttle to the half-moon-shaped Collio wine district in the northeastern part of Italy, near the Slovenian border. Here, ravishing views of landscapes carpeted in vines and lush green hills are irresistible sights.

With promising views of the dramatic Julian Alps from afar, we move to our hotel, Castello di Spessa, a 13th-century restored castle where Casanova was exiled. The hotel's ambiance is its main drawcard, featuring majestic gardens, rolling hills clad in vines, and inviting cypress trees. On arrival, stroll around its immaculate landscaped gardens, dive into a pool, or pamper your body with a spa treatment (at own expense). If you opted for the easier hikes, you may have extra time to visit the golf club drenched by the greenery that surrounds the hotel.

This evening, we shuttle to Gredic restaurant inside a moribund fortress for some sensational wine tasting in a 15th-century wine cellar. We step back in time with a descent into a covert military bunker used during WW1 before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

Afterward, we retreat to our cosy hotel rooms in the castle grounds and rest for the adventure ahead.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), Elevation Gain: 457.2m (1500 ft)

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before a shuttle to Slovenia.

The route courses through the world-famous Goriska Brda wine region, marked by hilltop villages, orchards, Cypress trees, and lush vines densely dispersed on rolling hills. This scenic journey contributes to the euphoric perks of the trip as the scenery appears otherworldly, and the sheer fact this region is nestled between the Julian Alps and the Mediterranean Sea makes it all the more spectacular.

We visit the Kobarid Museum to acquaint ourselves with historic tales of the two-and-a-half-year-long battle in the Upper Soca Valley of World War 1. The Museum pays special attention to the Battle of Kobarid, one of Soca Valley's most prominent battles with exhibits and documentaries. If the name Soca Valley rings a bell, it's because Ernest Hemingway spared no emotions in detailing the travails of this battle in his semi-autobiographical novel, A Farewell to Arms.

Onward into the Alps, we hike a well-marked trail into its foothills for a dip into the emerald green waters of the Soca River, one of Europe's most picturesque rivers. We settle on the sides of the trail for a refreshing lunch, combining it with views of treacherous peaks looking down on us.

After lunch, we embark on a scenic train ride further into Slovenian landscapes, and down to the eye-catching Triglav National Park. This nature preserve is the only national park of Slovenia and its largest protected area. We will take a short shuttle to our hotel for the next two nights, the Hotel Bohinj, a stone's throw from Lake Bohinj. Nestled below the Julian Alps, this hotel is fringed by jaw-dropping, green mountains and lake views, visible from its natural light-filled rooms.

While here, indulge in a well-deserved sauna bath for relaxation and rejuvenation, dive into an outdoor whirlpool, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment (at own expense). One thing is certain however, your taste buds will be pleased by the regional favourites on the dinner menu before you retire to bed.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), Elevation Gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 18 km (11 miles), Elevation Gain: 335.2m (1100 ft)

This morning, wake up to the serene ambiance of a scenic and cosy hotel, fenced by waters and imposing mountains. Admire the views from your window, freshen up, and get set for breakfast, which promises to be satiating.

Post breakfast, we roam to the shores of Lake Bohinj on the eastern end for a ferry ride of about 30 minutes to arrive at our trail entry point for the day on the western shore in Ukanc. As the boat glides across the lake, the captain will entertain us with the history of the electric boat and information about the lake's geology.

Arriving at the shore, you have the freedom to pick your adventure. The easier and shorter option is to hike around the lake, which isn't a bad idea because you can promenade around the hamlet of Ukanc and visit the idyllic pier point where the lake views are Instagram-worthy, courtesy of mountains reflecting on the almost transparent waters. However, for a more thrilling adventure, trek up the challenging Mostnica Gorge, following the alpine stream, where the views are lavishly stunning, with turquoise waters gushing from jagged rocks and forming spectacular waterfalls. Around the lake are traditional Slovenian huts, beckoning to us for lunch which we shall indulge in.

The adventure independence extends to the rest of the afternoon with exciting options such as kayaking on the lake, taking a dip in the pool, or visiting the spa to relax and replenish any lost youthfulness in mind and soul. Dinner tonight is at your leisure in the hotel's restaurant, where regional specialties are on a fair with seasonal flavours. Alternatively, venture into the town to enjoy dinner in one of its local pubs before seeking asylum in the alluring interiors of your hotel room.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles) Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles),  Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), Elevation gain: 488 m (1600 ft)

After a hearty breakfast this morning, we take a shuttle to the mesmerising glacier-fed Lake Bled. On arrival, we hike through an off-the-beaten path surrounding the lake and drink in jaw-dropping views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps that constitute the northern border between Slovenia and Austria.

We hike around this spectacular alpine landscape in the next part of the trip, but for the moment, a journey to the ancient town of Radovljica, known as the sweetest town in Slovenia, is our priority. The town is more remarkable and historic for housing one of the country's most preserved neolithic town centres, dating back to 1500. Feel free to wander around its cobbled streets, where life is laid-back and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

We retreat to Bled, a small quaint town around Lake Bled, to knock on the doors of a family-owned beekeeping farm. Here, we taste unadulterated honey and learn about beehives, the art of extracting honey, and bee panels. Departing Lake Bled might be difficult because the ambiance feels magical, courtesy of the Julian Alps framing the lake, a photogenic chapel on the lake's island right in the middle of the water, and the Bled castle jutting from the hill.

We make our way to the alluring Vila Planinka boutique hotel where we spend the next two nights. The hotel is dipped in the Jerserko Valley, flanked by gorgeous mountain scenery, offering an irresistible invitation to interact with nature. The rooms here provide seductive vistas into these mountains draped in lush greenery. There's a spa treatment room and sauna bath to help you relax after the day's hike.

Dinner will be at a local farm and promises to be uniquely delicious while reflecting traditional Slovenian cuisines in their finest flavours.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 121 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (600 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), Elevation gain: 671 m (2200 ft)

Enjoy a heartwarming breakfast and proceed to trek the steep alpine terrain of Kamnik Alps. This trek will be challenging, with rugged paths winding their way through mountains and rocky terrains. You can opt for a shorter, less-demanding hike by descending from the saddle into Jerserko Valley to call it a day with lunch at a lakeside cabin. Otherwise, brave it up and move beyond the saddle to Ceska Koca, a pristine, Slovenian alpine mountain hut, which is more of a restaurant, and one stew or delectable dish here might make your day.

Ceska Koca is translated into English as "Czech Hut." The hut was built by the Czechs in 1900 under the Slovenian Mountaineering Organization in Prague. However, due to the close ties between both countries, the Czechs handed the hut to the Slovenians, who took great care of it, maintaining it under the traditional standards of the Czechs to date. The hut is currently under the management of the Jerserko Mountain Club and symbolises the bond between both countries.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at your discretion, with the spa and sauna at Vila Planinka waiting to pamper your tired body (spa at own expense). This night will be spent making toasts, sharing stories of our adventures so far, and enjoying an emotional farewell dinner.

Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)

Our last morning begins with a satiating and hearty breakfast. Afterward, hike to the peak of Mali Vrh, and if a camera is handy, capture the mountain panorama, which is breathtaking.

Alternatively, begin the day with forest yoga in a cleared area to salute the sun and tune your senses to nature's frequency. This guided outdoor yoga session involves practicing yoga on your own hand-built, wooden yoga platform draped with a mat. After the yoga class, tea made with local plants is available for the taking, or you can sleep, take a stroll at the hotel’s lovely garden grounds and spend the rest of the morning as you please and wait for departure time. Later we regroup at the hotel to exchange heartfelt goodbyes before taking a shuttle to Ljubljana, where the trip ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.