Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

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, Hiking in Slovenia ADVENTURES FROM THE JULIAN ALPS TO THE ADRIATIC SEA 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. 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

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

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)

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

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $500 PER PERSON DISCOUNT!

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