- This itinerary combines beautiful mountains and lakeside scenery with iconic Venetian architecture and art
- In Venice, stay in a small Renaissance palace that has been turned into a chic hotel
- Canoeing on the romantic waters of Lake Bled and hiking along the Soca river are included in the itinerary
- Access to our local Concierge and all of our usual additional services
Contact one of our specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120
On both sides of the Adriatic
Your trip
In Slovenia, we will recommend the very best chalets depending on the time of year. In Venice, we suggest staying in a palace close to St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). You'll be driving between Slovenia and Italy. Slovenian roads are on a par with those of other European countries. In Venice, abandon the car in favour of boats. The paradox of this trip is to give you space but in a small area: no stage of the trip is very long or tiring. At each Slovenian resort, there is a planned activity: canoeing on Lake Bled, hiking in the Soca Valley etc. If, on top of that, you'd like to get up close to the wildlife of the Triglav, or try a rafting, we'd be happy to arrange it for you. Whether it's your first or 21st visit to Venice, we will organise a private guide who will cater to your interests. Our local Concierge will be on hand throughout your trip to help out.The Julian Alps and the Triglav
A lesser-known corner of the Alps. This region of Slovenia is all about admiring snow-capped peaks and rolling countryside, as well as exploring medieval heritage and deeply rooted traditions in the villages you'll travel through. Bled is a former resort for aristocrats and then for Tito, renowned for the therapeutic virtues of its surroundings. It's a picture-postcard setting full of 'mitteleuropa' charm: the village, the castle perched atop the rocks, the lake's clear waters, encircled by mountains with the small island (Blejski otok) in its centre, and its church of the Assumption which you access by boat. There is also Lake Bohinj in the Triglav National Park. Wilder than Bled, this is the home of the legend of Zlatorog, the golden horned white chamois (goat-antelope). As for the park itself, it's a microcosm for the whole region with alpine landscapes (which can be discovered from well-designed trails), rolling meadows, lakes, gorges, peaks, caves, etc. In the forest, beech dominates, with a high fringe of spruce and larch. Up in the mountains you'll encounter some beautiful flora, including edelweiss, gentian and campanula. The chamois and grouse are iconic alpine fauna in this region, as well as the wild vulture, which sails majestically across the open sky.Route
Flight to Ljubljana - Pokljuka
Pick up the rental car and drive to Pokljuka, in the eastern Triglav National Park. Stay for two nights among the spruce trees in a traditional-style cottage.
Pokljuka
Already in the itinerary - Freestyle Canoeing on Lake Bled. Snowy peaks and Bled Castle, perched on a rock, are reflected in the clear water. Row across to the island in a traditional boat. On the island (the only one in the country) stands a pretty 15th-17th century church, with some preserved Gothic sacristy and spectacular Baroque decor. Back in the boat, you'll find a basket full of local delicacies - cold meats, salad, bread, fruit, cakes and a bottle of wine - for a delicious picnic.
Optional - The wildlife of Triglav.
Poklujka - Bovec
Drive to Bovec. Two-night stay in a contemporary chalet. Kanin's skiing and hiking area are two miles away. The studio is fully equipped with everything you need: comfortable bed, bathroom, kitchenette, dining area. The private sauna helps you recover after a day of long walks in the surroundings. There are numerous activities available at the hotel, from skiing to mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and rafting.
Bovec
Included in the itinerary - Hiking in the Soca Valley. With a private guide, you can walk for a few hours on the trail up the valley, along the emerald course of the river, which starts in the Trenta Valley and becomes the Isonzo as it flows into the Adriatic. From a technical point of view and in terms of gradient, this is an easy hike. As you walk along, take in the contrasting features of a landscape that is tranquil and spectacular, with rapids, gorges and waterfalls. In Krsovec, take the suspension bridge over the white water. In Trenta, you can explore the church of Notre-Dame de Lorette, built in the 17th century for the steelworkers of the time, and take a tour of the Alpine botanical garden, founded by Albert Bois de Chesne in 1927 on the slopes of Mt. Kukla.
Optional - Rafting on the Soca.
Bovec - Venice
Drive to Venice. Return the rental car. Three-night stay a stone's throw from Piazza San Marco. The hotel is housed in a small Renaissance palace. Some rooms are Venetian classics, with silks, and antique furniture, while others are more contemporary in design, with pale hues and sleek lines. All are very comfortable and well furnished. Breakfast is served in the dining room or, when the weather permits, on the terrace overlooking a canal. The small, lush courtyard is an ideal place to relax.
Venice
First, get to grips with the vaporetti (local waterbuses). Then, start at the Grand Canal, which is just a few steps from the hotel; the Piazza San Marco; the basilica and its mosaics; the Doges palace; a coffee and zaletti (local biscuits) at Florian; the Gallerie dell 'Accademia, with works by Carpaccio, Piero della Francesca, Bellini, etc., and the Bridge of Sighs. Afterwards, head to the fish market of the Rialto where you'll find eels, minnows, lobster, anchovies, and more; the Pinault collection of contemporary art at the Punta della Dogana (former customs house); and take a gondola tour. In the bacari (wine bars), sample sardines with onions, raisins and pine nuts; spaghetti al nero di seppia (in cuttlefish ink); polenta and cod fish brandade. Walk along the canals, rest in the little squares, stumble across courtyards, and enjoy getting lost. This is the right way to visit Venice, which is a discreet city despite its many wonders.
Optional - Private tour of Venice
Venice - return flight
Return flight.
A la carte
Triglav Safari - Pokljuka
Triglav is one of the finest parks in the Alpine region for wildlife spotting. You'll leave early in the morning or at the very end of the afternoon with a forest ranger (yes, a marmot safari is practised like a big game safari!). As you gently walk through the park, you'll see deer, wild cockerels, badgers etc. It is always quite a special feeling to encounter animals in the middle of the countryside. Stop in a coal mining hut for some refreshments; bread, grilled sausages and tea.Optional - Half day, with an expert private guide.
Soca Rafting - Bovec
the Soca is not only blue-green, but it's also fast and tumultuous, perfect for rafting - Triglav National Park is not just about peace and quiet. You'll be accompanied by an instructor at all time to make the experience safe and fun.Optional - Half day, with a private guide.
An introduction to Venice
An expert guide can be useful for seeing the main topographical, historical and artistic landmarks. Especially given Venice, although one of the most visited cities in the world, still has many secrets left to be uncovered. So here you are this morning with a guide who will provide you with the help you need. Then sestieri (districts), canals, palaces, churches, museums, squares are yours to behold. And the islands of the lagoon, a must-see, despite the permanent temptation of the beach in summer.Option - Half day
A Rough Idea of Price
- Flight to Ljubljana and return from Venice, by scheduled airline
- Airline taxes and fuel surcharge
- Car hire for five days
- Two-night stay in Pokljuka in a double room with breakfast
The
- wilderness tour on Lake Bled
- Two-night stay in Bovec in a double studio with breakfast
- A private hike in the Soca Valley, with a guide who speaks your language
- Three-night stay in Venice in a double room with breakfast
- Our on-site Concierge service
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