Ultimate Slovenia
Trip Summary
This outdoor adventure camp to Slovenia has the perfect blend of high adventure, stunning scenery, and awesome friends to experience it all with. The scenery is quite dramatic, with rugged peaks in Triglav National Park, bright turquoise rivers, and vast karst cave systems. We'll hike through the Julian Alps; whitewater raft the Soča and Kolpa rivers; go canyoning around Lake Bohinj; explore the Škocjan Caves; and spend time along the coast exploring old towns! Slovenia is the hidden gem of Europe's outdoor adventure, and its dreamy landscapes have jaw-droppingly beautiful views. Plus, you'll get to hike and swim in four different countries on this trip: Slovenia, Italy, Austria, and Croatia!
Itinerary
Hike through the Julian Alps
Kranjska (pronounced KRAHN-ska) Gora might be known the world over for winter skiing, but its summer adventures are just as incredible. The Julian Alps are lush and vibrant, with pristine and crystal-clear lakes, jagged limestone peaks, and much less crowded than Europe's other Alps ranges. Here, we'll actually get to hike across the border into Italy around Laghi di Fusine (aka "Fusine Lakes), whose bright turquoise waters are ringed by Mangart Mountain, Slovenia's third-highest peak at 8,789 feet.
It's almost an unspoken rule that you must hike to a mountain hut in the Alps at least once in your life. We'll kick off our trek at a huge glacial lake below the imposing Mount Kern (7,362 feet). We'll ascend to Krn Notch, where we'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Triglav. Walking atop a ridgeline and grassy slopes will take us to the scenic Komni plateau for the evening. The next day, we'll keep traversing across the Julian Alps and descend to Lake Bohinj (pronounced Bo-heen). Rewards for our big trek include an afternoon swim in the lake's unspoiled waters!
Hike and whitewater raft in Triglav National Park
We'll spend several days in Triglav National Park's Soča (pronounced SO-cha) Valley, home to the distinctly emerald-green Soča River. It's so bright and colorful and clear that it almost doesn't look real! We'll hike near the river so you can look up to see all of the waterfalls cascading off the steeply vertical surrounding mountains, and down to see bright green swimming holes—all as you criss-cross the river on picturesque suspension bridges.
We'll also get to explore the Soča up close and personal in a whitewater raft! Due to the rocky riverbed, it feels quite wild and offers both exciting rapids and calmer sections where we can leap off rocks into deep pools below.
The Soča Valley is truly a can't-miss, spectacular area.
Go canyoning in Bohinj
A thrilling day lies ahead! Rope up to descend cascading waterfalls, or slide down natural chute slides into sparkling pools below. Climb up and over river rocks and leap into the river below. Canyoning is nature's answer to a water park—and way more exciting and beautiful.
Hike in Voje Valley and Mostnica Gorge
Once again, we'll leave the crowds behind to embark on an adventure through the Mostnica Gorge and Voje Valley. Mostnica was carved both by tectonics and glaciers, and its green flowing water is surrounded by mossy boulders and wildly shaped riverbanks, and waterfalls pound down the steep rock walls.
SUP, canoe, and bike in Bohinj
Before we leave serene Bohinj, we'll grab some paddles and oars and hop onto stand-up paddleboards or into canoes to glide across the lake's calm waters. Practice your stroke techniques and teamwork in tandem crafts, before swapping boats for bikes as we cycle through alpine villages all afternoon.
Whitewater raft the Kolpa River
Next up is a two-day whitewater rafting expedition on the Kolpa River! Overnight rafting trips are an absolute favorite for AT students. Both days will include fun rapids, stops at swimming holes, and calmer float sections, with dinner around a fire and camping on the riverbanks at night!
Explore Škocjan Caves and Piran old town
To wrap up this unforgettable trip, we'll explore the magical Škocjan (pronounced "Shkoht-chyan") Caves, one of the most famous caverns in the world and designated as a UNESCO site. Škocjan has an otherworldly feel, with large ghostly pools, giant stalagmites, suspended bridges, and over two dozen waterfalls.
Then on our last day together, we'll be treated to a SUP paddle and dip in the Adriatic Sea before exploring the Venetian squares of Piran's old town.
