Slovenia and Croatia

Surf and Turf

Mountain Biking, Whitewater Rafting, Sea Kayaking and Hiking

(14 Days)

Slide Show

Experience life to the fullest on this 2-week double dose deal from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic Sea. Our adventure kicks off in Slovenia, a hidden gem of Eastern Europe, winding down to the Dalmation Coast in Croatia, home to one of the largest archipelagos in the Mediterranean. From the spectacular rocky limestone peaks to the medieval towns, this ancient coast includes castles, vineyards and glistening lakes. Add to the equation a mix of biking, hiking, rafting, canyoning and sea kayaking for the full buffet of adventure.

Trip Highlights

• Trekking the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park
• Paddling the turquoise seas of the Dalmation Coast
• Exploring the historical walled city of Dubrovnik

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Ljubljana, Slovenia

Upon arrival into Ljubljana you'll be met by a BikeHike Adventures representative and transferred to the old part of the city. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Ljubljana.

Day 2: Pokljuka - Debela Pec - Bohinj Lake (Hiking)

We leave Ljubljana early in the morning and head for the Pokljuka plateau located at the foothills of the dramatic Julian Alps. Our aim is to ascend Debela Pec, one of the 2000+ meter/6500 foot high peaks, that stands close to Mount Triglav, Slovenia's highest mountain. The scenery is spectacular with rolling grassy meadows dotted with grazing dairy cattle and brilliant wildflowers surrounded by jagged limestone peaks. In the afternoon we continue to Bohinj Lake, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake, where we check into a comfortable hotel that overlooks the Bohinj valley. (B,L)

Day 3: Bohinj (Mountain Biking)

After a hearty breakfast we set out on knobby tire mountain bikes to explore the picturesque villages surrounding Bohinj. We ride on winding paved and dirt roads that carve through villages with wooden homes, decorated with baskets of scarlet geraniums in their windows, reminiscent of Swiss architecture. We break for an organic lunch at a shepherd’s farm, with all of the ingredients grown locally and prepared by our hosts. Lunch is a delicious spread of homemade cheeses, cold cuts, breads, salads and olives. After lunch we jump back on our bikes and continue riding along a forest trail that leads back to Bohinj village. Upon arrival there is free time to walk down to the lake for a swim in the turquoise lake. (B,L)

Day 4: Triglav National Park (Trekking)

We have an early start this morning, beginning with a drive to the trail head of Triglav National Park. At the parking lot, our driver says goodbye and we set off for a full day of trekking, high above the village of Bohinj. The path ascends high through an evergreen forest, eventually reaching the heart of the craggy Julian Alps. We tramp along spongy golden pastures, filled with curious cows following in our paths. Once we reach the highest point of the day, the viewpoint of the Seven Triglav lakes is upon us. It’s a spectacular landscape of turquoise lakes, limestone peaks and giant boulders littered across the area. Set in the middle is our mountain hut, where we spend the night in dormitory style lodging. (B,L)

Day 5: Soca Valley - Bovec (Trekking)

After a high energy breakfast at the mountain hut, we gear back up with hiking boots and traverse through Triglav National Park to the Soca valley. We meander along undulating paths with wide-open views of the green pastures and surrounding Julian Alps. The final part of the trek is through an evergreen forest, and the spongy trail is strewn with pine needles and honeycombs. Our driver will be waiting for us at the end of the trail to transfer us to the Soca River valley. We'll stop at Bled Lake for a short break and to try the famous cream cake. Bled Lake is a famous glacial lake with an iconic castle perched high on a rock overlooking the lake. We continue driving over Vrsic, Slovenia’s highest pass at 1611 meters/5316 ft. The Soca River valley is one of the most unspoiled areas in the Alps, and is a true adventure haven with rivers, caves, mountain bike trails and deep canyons. We visit the spring of Soca and then begin hiking along the Emeralds River further down to the fairytale Trenta valley. We spend a night at a Slovenian whitewater centre in Bovec. (B,L)

Day 6: Goriska Brda (Canyoning)

Today is awesome! We set out for the Susec stream donned in wet suits and helmets to experience the rush of canyoning, sliding down a series of natural slides on our backsides as well as jumping into tide pools. The whole trip is about two hours and afterwards we'll head to the Goriska brda, a hilly area bordering Italy known for producing some of the best wines in Slovenia. We’ll continue onwards to The Grad Dobrovo Castle for a scrumptious dinner. This fortified two-story Renaissance castle from the beginning of the 17th century stands on a ridge with a view in the upper part of the village of Dobrovo. It was built on the location of an older castle. After dinner we’ll return to our hotel in Bovec. (B,L)

Day 7: Soca River - Ljubljana (Whitewater Rafting)

We have a morning of liquid refreshment, rafting on the surging swells of the emerald Soca River. Afterwards we head back to Ljubljana and check into our cozy hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore the city, relax at cafes on bustling outdoor restaurant patios and do any last minute souvenir shopping.(B,L)

Day 8: Ljubljana -Zagreb -Dubrovnik - Elafiti Islands

Early this morning we will transfer to the train station in Ljubljana to catch a train to Zagreb, Croatia. Our Slovenian guide doesn’t join us for this train journey. Upon arrival into Zagreb transfer to the local airport to catch a 45-minute flight to Dubrovnik, a beautiful walled medieval city wedged between the Adriatic Sea and the mountains of Bosnia-Herzegovina. From here we’ll transfer to the ferry terminal and catch a boat to Lopud Island, the middle of the 3 inhabited islands in the Elafiti Archipelago and a perfect base for kayak touring the Dalmatian coast and islands. The scenic journey is about one hour and is the ideal introduction to the surrounding islands. Upon arrival into Lopud, we’ll check into our guesthouse and have the remainder of the day to relax and explore, after the long day of transfers. (B,D)

Days 9-11: Elafiti Islands (Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling)

After breakfast on day 9, we'll gear up with our kayaks and equipment, and go through a safety and technique briefing. The next 3-days we’ll spend paddling and snorkeling amongst the Elafiti Archipelago, the Dalmatian Coast and the surrounding islands. There are no cars or roads in Lopud and the population is roughly 150 people. Our base is a quaint stone guesthouse and each room has a private bath and refrigerator. All our meals are served outdoors. Breakfast is in the guesthouse’s stone courtyard. Lunches are at island restaurants or picnics while kayaking. Dinners are long and relaxed, served family style at a private restaurant on the hill overlooking Lopud Bay. The food is organic and locally grown and the Croatian beer and wine are superb. Lopud has sugary sand beaches for swimming and relaxing, an intricate network of hiking trails, a 13th century monastery, and one town with a single commercial store that sells food, drinks, and basic items. (B,L,D)

Days 12-13: Mljet Island - Dubrovnik (Mountain Biking and Hiking)

On the morning of day 12 we’ll move to the island of Mljet, a much larger island with several villages. We’ll check into our cozy hotel, located in Mljet’s National Park. This park covers the northwest 1/3 of the island. From our hotel base in Pomena, the hiking and biking trails in the National Park are at our doorstep. We’ll spend the next day and a half biking and hiking on a series of gritty gravel roads and trails in the park, known for its 2 inland sea-fed lakes and dense pine forests. Breakfast and dinner are served at the hotel and lunch is a packed picnic. Late on day 13 we’ll ferry back to Dubrovnik, check into our guesthouse then head out for a late dinner and a final night in Stari Grad. Afterwards there’s time to explore the intricate maze of stone streets and historic buildings inside the city walls. Dubrovnik has been completely restored from the war damage incurred during the 1991-1995 Balkan War. The city is a UNESCO protected World Heritage site. (B,L,D on Day 12 & B,L on Day 13)

Day 14: Departure

You’ll be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home.

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