Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $500 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 26
Slovenia is the “hidden” Alps, a spellbinding world of
spectacular mountains, lovely villages, and gorgeous lakes
still remarkably undiscovered. Our hiker’s dream journey
brings you deep into this secluded European gem, with
hikes through dramatic gorges laced with meandering
rivers, lush glacier-carved valleys flanked by the sheer
peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and unforgettable
towns and villages, including Piran on the blue Adriatic,
where you’ll enjoy Venetian Gothic architecture and
savor fresh seafood at waterfront cafes. Our Trip
Leaders’ passion for their country,
contagious enthusiasm, and extraordinary
knowledge of place and culture make
this an exceptional experience.
Days 1-4 Ljubljana / Ptuj / Logarska
Dolina National Park After exploring
Ljubljana’s charming squares and arched
stone bridges, we head to Ptuj, dating
from Roman times, for a hike in vineyard country, lunch at an
organic farm, and a private wine tasting. In Logarska Dolina,
a stunning valley dotted with tiny churches and traditional
farmsteads, we hike through meadows and forests to the
300-foot-high Rinka waterfall with views of the towering
Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
Days 5-6 Radovljica / Lake Bled / Mostnica Gorge Explore
Radovljica, with its Renaissance-era architecture, and taste
honey at its enchanting museum of beekeeping. A gondola
brings you across the fairytale setting of Lake Bled to reach its
exquisite 17th century island-church, then enjoy a hike through
sun-dappled beech forests, following trails along the tumbling,
jade-green river that cuts through the Mostnica Gorge.
Days 7-8 Mt. Krn / Dreznica / Kobarid After a hike to the
face of the glorious North Triglav Wall (Triglav is Slovenia’s
highest peak), we head to the Soca Valley, an Old World
realm of tiny villages, translucent rivers, and deep forests
that formed the infamous Soca Front during World War I.
One of our hikes traces a route below snow-capped
Mt. Krn (7,300'), with a descent to the peaceful village of
Dreznica. Our base is in Kobarid, a historic town where
little has changed since Ernest Hemingway set his
1929 novel A Farewell to Arms here.
Days 9-11 Piran Slovenia’s coastal Karst region is famous
for its ruby-red Teran wine and air-dried prsut ham. We
savor these local specialties at lunch, then walk through the
vast underground world of the Skocjan Caves, an amazing
UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Piran, a tangle of cobbled
streets nestled close to the sea, we boat to the nature reserve
at Secovlje, with its marshes and wading birds, and visit the
fascinating Saltworks Museum, ranked as one of the top 12
museums in Europe. Depart on Day 11.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The spectacular alpine realm of the
Julian Alps, where emerald meadows lie
beneath sheer limestone peaks
• Logarska Dolina National Park, home to
nearly 20 waterfalls
• Enchanting Ljubljana, exquisite Lake Bled
(we cross by gondola), beautiful Piran on
the Adriatic shore
• Renowned local wines and a delightful
cuisine including savory žlikrofi
(Slovenian ravioli)
DETAILS
• 11-day trip begins and ends in Ljubljana
• 10 nights hotels and country inns
• All meals included except 2 dinners
DATES
May 16-26, 2017
Jun 13-23
Jun 27-Jul 7
Sep 5-15
Sep 19-29
TRIP COST
$4795 (11-15 members)
$5295 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $560
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 hiking days on moderate trails
(some steep sections), 3-5 hours a day,
van support
Great hikes, amazing scenery, charming villages—we’ve crafted a fantastic adventure in this
uncrowded jewel of a country. PHOTO: JAN WLODARCZYK
DAN HELLER