Compare Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia by Exodus Travels vs Italian Lakes and an Adriatic Voyage by Titan Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4.5 | Great
|
| Duration | 8 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 2,145 | $ 3,887 |
| Price Per Day | $ 268 | $ 299 |
| Highlights |
|
N/A
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Large ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included | All breakfasts and three dinners are included. The location where the group will have their third dinner will be decided on tour according to the group’s preferences. Breakfast: Continental with tea, coffee, cereal, bread and a selection of meats and cheeses, jams and yoghurt. Lunch: Will usually be in a mountain hut. Options can be limited, but all meals are cooked from scratch using fresh local ingredients and will include hearty soups and juice made from wild berries and elderflower. Evening meal: This will consist of three courses. The main dishes can be risotto, cheese dishes, fish, spaghetti and grilled meat. The guesthouse uses delicious salads and vegetables from the gardens plus other locally sourced produce. Three dinners at the pension are included, for the other nights you’re free to enjoy the restaurants in Radovljica. Vegetarians are well catered for, but please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements. | N/A |
| Description |
For a walking getaway in Europe without the tourist masses, look no further than the jagged limestone peaks of the Julian Alps. The most easterly extension of the great Alpine range contains some of the best scenery and hiking in Europe, with Mount Triglav (the highest peak in Slovenia) at the centre and the glacial lakes of Bohinj and Bled far below. During the week, we enjoy five varied walks, both inside the national park and on the more distant peaks of the Karavanke range, taking in wild meadows, lake shores, thick forest and wild open mountain ridges.Discover some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe on a walking adventure in the Julian Alps |
Begin with a three-night stay on Italy’s stunning Lake Garda, before continuing to Venice to board Azamara Journey®, for a cruise to some of the most popular destinations in the Adriatic and Greece. From Koper, visit Slovenia’s beautiful capital city of Ljubljana, and on the island of Korcula see Croatia’s folk traditions and winemaking traditions. Dubrovnik’s massive ramparts and marble streets are lined with historic monuments and a late stay here lets you return to town after sunset for dinner and music. Sailing south, we call at Igoumenitsa - the gateway to the Monasteries of Meteora; Katakolon - the home of the ancient Olympiad; and Nafplio - arguably one of the prettiest towns in Greece. We conclude in Athens with a visit to the Acropolis - a fitting end to this wonderful holiday. |
Day 1 Start Radovljica
Join the group in the early evening at the pension in Radovljica, just 20 minutes' northeast of the capital Ljubljana. This is our base for the week.
Day 2 A day exploring the local area direct from the pension
After breakfast, we leave the front door of the pension to explore our surroundings. The medieval town of Radovljica dates back as far as 1296, sitting on the confluence of the Sava Bohinjka and the Sava Dolinka. The old town is full of traditional inns, galleries, churches and surrounded by the largest medieval moats in the country. The local area is extremely pretty, dotted with small churches, quaint villages, lush forests and a beautiful river. Our leader will decide the exact route depending on the weather, but walking to Lake Bled is our most likely route, a perfect warm up through gentle rolling farmland and pretty villages.
Day 3 Hike into the Martuljek Gorge, visiting two waterfalls en route
Starting at the small village of Gozd Martuljek, we are rewarded with a panorama of the Špik mountain range. One of the most beautiful mountains in the Julian Alps, Mount Špik (8,110/2,472m) is known at the Slovenian Matterhorn and its pyramid summit dominates the Martuljek range. Leaving the valley, our forest trail takes us into Martuljek Gorge, where we slowly start our ascent following the stream, arriving at the Lower Fall, which cascades into the valley. The trail snakes through the forest arriving at our rest stop where we can enjoy the view. Lipovceva Hut has a lovely setting with an open natural kitchen serving mountain soups and juices made in-house from pine, elderflower and berries. From here we head up to the Higher Falls, passing a monument dedicated to Slovenian climbers. This is a lovely walk into the gorge, suitable in all weathers and offering fine views of two beautiful waterfalls.
Day 4 A picturesque walk in the Karavanke mountains to the peak of Golica
The Karavanke mountains are the natural and official border between central and western Europe and the meeting point of Slovenia, Austria and Italy. The range has a great effect on the climate of Slovenia, hence the soft southern Slovene side in comparison to the harsh northern side in Austria. Here we find an abundance of alpine fauna and flora, with more than 1,200 plant species, plus wonderful views into two naturally contrasting countries. We aim for Golica (6,023ft/1,836m), part of the longest ridge in Slovenia (75mi/120km) and one of the least travelled trails in the area.
Day 5 Free day for optional activities including riding horses, rafting, visiting Bled or the capital Ljubljana
Radovljica itself has plenty of possibilities for the rest day. Alternatively, it's a short bus ride to Lake Bled, where we can hire rowing boats and canoes to explore. Alternatively, take the public bus into the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Another popular alternative is Postojna Cave Park, home to one of the largest cave systems in Europe.
Day 6 A gentle and scenic hike around the shores of Lake Bohinj
Today’s walk is flat but incredibly pretty. This circular route takes in the whole of Lake Bohinj and the pretty village of Ribcav Laz, home to the well-known church of St John the Baptist. There are open views all the way to Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Lake Bohinj is also surrounded by a ring of mountains so even though you are in the valley there is plenty to see. An alternative route today takes us through the Mostnica Gorge; this route is more likely if the weather is poor as it is less exposed.
Day 7 A day walking on the Pokljuka Plateau
The beautiful, forested area of Pokljuka, visible from Lake Bled, is stunning. Virtually uninhabited, it is home to alpine cows, rolling pastures, shepherd huts, forest trails and lovely open views of the surrounding peaks. Time stands still on Pokljuka, enabling wildflowers to flourish; the flora and fauna of the high plateau is unique to this area and bird life is abundant. There is a wide variety of trails with many possibilities for the day’s hike. Our guide will determine the route based on the weather and the group's ability during the week.
Day 8 End Radovljica
Our tour ends after breakfast. We bid a fond farewell to our pension, which may well feel like a second home by now, and begin our return journey home.
Day 1 London - Verona - Lake Garda
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport and a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Verona. On arrival we transfer to Lake Garda and the Hotel Savoy Palace (4T), for three nights, staying in lake-view rooms. A light supper is included on arrival.
Day 2 Sirmione
During the Stone Age a small village emerged on the banks of Lake Garda. Rich Romans also appreciated the beauty, the natural springs and defensive qualities of this spot, and created the town which can still, in part, be seen in Sirmione today. Spend time exploring the Grotto of Catullus, a huge three-storey Roman villa still impressive in ruins; and the magnificent Scaligera Fortress, one of the best preserved fortifications in Italy. Return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure, and maybe a stroll along the picturesque shore.
Day 3 Lake Garda
Enjoy a free day on the banks of Lake Garda.
Day 4 Lake Garda - Venice
We make our way to Venice, where we embark Azamara Journey® (5T). The ship remains docked overnight, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Day 5 Venice
Experience Venice, one of the most captivating - and romantic - cities in the world. Tour the city’s cobblestone streets and overarching bridges, or take to the water and explore the canals on a water taxi or gondola. As you make your way through the city, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to shop, sample delicious Veneto wines, or people watch in Piazza San Marco. Our ship sails early evening, so get your camera ready for the views as we leave this beautiful city.
Day 6 Koper, Slovenia
Even with such sights as the historic Old Town, Preaetorian Palace, and the beautiful square of Titov Trg, Koper is also the gateway to an array of intercontinental adventures. Trek through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Skocjan Caves; tour the capital city of Ljubljana, truly one of Europe’s secret gems; or cross the border into the Italian coffee capital of Trieste for a cappuccino.
Day 7 Korcula, Croatia
The isle of Korcula is said to have been founded by a Trojan hero in 12th century BC, but reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. So perhaps visit the Marco Polo Museum and climb the steps of the Marco Polo Tower. Refresh yourself with a glass of grk white wine and local cheeses, then explore the marble streets of medieval Korcula town.
Day 8 Dubrovnik
From the moment you step beyond the stone walls that protect Dubrovnik, you’ll understand what makes it so special. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is adorned with charming squares and centuries-old red-roofed buildings. Walk the walls for a spectacular view of the city, and if anything looks familiar, it’s probably because Dubrovnik is the home of King’s Landing in the TV series ‘Game of Thrones’.
Day 9 Kotor, Montenegro
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is filled with churches, shops, bars, restaurants, and hidden piazzas. The entire city is surrounded by stone, both in the form of imposing Mount Saint John and by towering ancient walls, creating a cosy feeling of protection when you walk the cobblestone streets.
Day 10 Igoumenitsa, Greece
Surrounded by pine-topped hills, beautiful beaches, and crystal blue waters, Igoumenitsa is also a lively city with many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stroll along the sandy stretches of Drepanos and Makrygiali, or explore the sycamore-lined seaside road and park. Get in touch with the ancient past at the castle of Doliani, located near the settlement of Geroplatanos, which dates back to the Classical period.
Day 11 Katakolon (Olympia)
The quaint seaside town of Katakolon has many charms, but it is also the gateway to Olympia. Located just a 40-minute drive away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the site of the original Olympic Games, dating back to 776 BC. There are excellent museums like the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games.
Day 12 Nafplio (Mycenae/Corinth)
Prepare to fall in love with Nafplio - known as one of Greece’s most romantic towns, it is home to beautiful Venetian homes and neoclassical mansions, as well as inspiring views of the Argolic Gulf. Explore the 18th century Palamidi fortress with someone special, and spend your evening strolling through the idyllic narrow city streets, hand in hand and making memories to last a lifetime.
Day 13 Piraeus - Athens - London
We disembark and board a coach to visit one of the wonders of Classical Greece, the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis itself. The citadel overlooks the modern-day city of Athens and is home to the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike amongst other great structures. There will be time to purchase lunch in the Plaka area, just below the Acropolis, before transferring to the airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.
