Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

From enchanting Ljubljana to the high peaks and mountain lakes of the sharp-edged Julian Alps and the unforgettable towns and villages of the sun-splashed Mediterranean coast, Slovenia offers a spellbinding—and largely undiscovered— world of adventure. Our exclusive journey brings us deep into this stunning realm, with hikes through dramatic gorges laced with meandering rivers and glacier-carved valleys flanked by steep limestone peaks, and a boat ride to an island in dreamy Lake Bled. Along the way we savor fresh seafood at charming Hiking in Slovenia ADVENTURES FROM THE JULIAN ALPS TO THE ADRIATIC SEA

• Renowned local wines, a delightful cuisine including savory žlikrofi (Slovenian ravioli), dinner at one of the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” DETAILS • 11-day trip begins and ends in Ljubljana • 10 nights hotels • All meals included except 2 dinners

DATES May 15-25, 2018 Jun 15-25 Jul 24-Aug 3 Sep 6-16

TRIP COST $4895 (11-15 members) $5395 (4-10 members) Single supplement: $560

HIGHLIGHTS • Superb hikes in an uncrowded alpine realm, where emerald meadows lie beneath sheer limestone peaks • Logarska Dolina National Park, where waterfalls abound in a sheer amphitheater of stone • Enchanting Ljubljana, exquisite Lake Bled (we cross by gondola), beautiful Piran on the Adriatic shore

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

Our hiking journey reveals Slovenia’s exceptional beauty, including Lake Bled, framed by the craggy peaks of the Julian Alps. PHOTO: JAN WLODARCZYK

waterfront cafes and overnight at welcoming hotels, including Hisa Franko, where we dine at its acclaimed restaurant—the chef, Ana Ros, was recently named the “World’s Best Female Chef!” 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 towering snow-dusted peaks. Days 5-6 Radovljica / Lake Bled / Mostnica Gorge Explore Radovljica, with its Renaissance-era architecture, and taste honey at its enchanting museum of

DAN HELLER

“Slovenia should be on everyone's list of places to travel. It's so beautiful and WT's itinerary couldn't be better, a rich combination of hiking, culture, and adventure.”

CB B., Santa Fe NM

beekeeping. A gondola brings us across the fairytale setting of Lake Bled to reach its exquisite 17th century island-church, followed by a hike through sun-dappled beech forests along the tumbling jade-green river that cuts through Mostnica Gorge. Days 7-8 Mt. Krn / Dreznica / Kobarid After a hike below the face of the glorious North Triglav Wall, 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. Days 9-11 Piran Slovenia’s coastal karst region is renowned 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, a 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.

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