As seen on
Slovenia's Walk of Remembrance
Slovenia
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Essential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Activity
Transfers
Duration:
8 Nights
4 - 8
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Walking tour of Ljubljana
- UNESCO Walk of Peace trails
- Stunning Soca River Valley
- Museum of the Great War
- Skocjan Caves
- Coastal Piran
- Authentic and comfortable boutique hotels & guesthouses
Experience Solvenia's walk of remembrance in this small group walking tour
During this holiday, you will get to experience a walking tour of Ljubljana as well as the UNESCO Walk of Peace trails. Visiting the Museum of the Great War you'll learn more about Slovenia's history all while staying in authentic and comfortable boutique hotels & guesthouses.
The majestic and beautiful mountains of the Julian Alps, with their snow capped peaks, deep limestone valleys, hidden caves and tumbling rivers, give little indication of the complex and bloody history of the area where Western Slovenia borders Italy. Slovenia previously formed part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and when the Kingdom of Italy entered the First World War in 1915, it was this border that was felt to be the most strategic place to attack.
Over two long years, twelve battles were fought in this area causing over 700,000 Italian casualties; half of all Italian soldier casualties during WWI. Today thankfully peace remains along this gentle walking trail through striking landscapes that transform from Alpine scenery through lush vineyards, down to the turquoise shores of the Adriatic Coast, showcasing much of what this green and hospitable country has to offer.
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
The UNESCO recognised Walk of Peace, officially beginning at the village of Log pod Mangartom, where we also begin our journey, is a 320km trail past monuments, churches, museums, caves, battlegrounds and trenches. Each has their own contribution to make to the events that unfolded here during the First World War.
This 9-day adventure offers an itinerary that allows you to learn about the complex history of the area, whilst enjoying its peaceful and bountiful countryside. Staying in comfortable 3 and 4* accommodation, with full board and meals included, in a small group with a maximum number of 8, we tread lightly along this precious landscape.
Day 1: Arrival into Ljubljana
4 star hotel
Arrive into Ljubljana and head to your excellently located 3/4* hotel to freshen up and relax (we are staying here for 2 nights). It is a short taxi journey (cost €40) from the airport to your hotel so we have chosen to avoid a group transfer that would limit options on flight choices and arrival times. Settle into the hotel and take time to relax or explore the area around your hotel independently.
You will formally meet the rest of your group and your English speaking Slovenian guide tomorrow morning, so you have the freedom to eat where you wish this evening, but we can make recommendations should you need some ideas.
Day 2: Guided tour of Ljubljana
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
After breakfast this morning we enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Ljubljana with time to explore the main sites situated along the Ljubljanica River which divides the city's old town from the modern commercial hub. Our tour includes the scenic Tivoli Park and the short climb up to Ljubljana castle which is a great viewpoint. We pause for lunch in a central restaurant and absorb the relaxed vibe of this small capital city.
Day 3: Walk in Vrsic and Mlinarica valley
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
This morning we leave the city and head into the stunning Julian Allps. We warm up our legs with a wonderful 5km walk (300m ascent, 2hrs) from Vrsic to Slemenova Spica, which offers wonderful views to nearby Jalovec, as well as Ajdovska Deklica, a rock formation in the form of a woman's face, to be found on the Vrsic Pass. After lunch, we transfer to the Mlinarica valley, through which the famous Soca River flows. Its waters are vividly turquoise in many areas, thanks to limestone in the water. We follow a path along the river for 3kms (300m ascent, 1hr).
Our destination this evening is the village of Log pod Mangartom, also known as valley of the waterfalls, a village on the Juliana Hiking trail that nestles in the shadow of the mighty peaks of Jerebica, Mangart, Jalovec and Loške stene.
We will be spending three nights here.
Day 4: Walk along the Juliana Trail to Bovec (12.6km)
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
This morning we leave Log Pod Mangartom to walk for a wonderfully scenic 12.6kms along the Walk of Peace route towards the town of Bovec, where we will stay tonight. The Soca Valley was one of the major fronts in the First World War with the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces fighting on different sides of the valley in a brutal attritional conflict which resulted in the loss of life of over 1 million, though the beauty and serenity of the landscapes today, make it hard to imagine.
The first trekking stage connects Log pod Mangartom with the town of Bovec, which is known as a paradise for active holidays. The historic trail mostly follows the Koritnica river and also alongside its 'little' sister, the Možnica river. The most dramatic section of the Koritnica is the Kluže gorge, where the river has carved out a narrow 70-meters deep canyon. As an important strategic point, the gorge was used from the 15th Century onwards as an observation post for arrivals in the Bovec basin.
Walking along the gorge, one can also admire the Fortress Kluže, which was originally built as a defense stronghold against the Turkish inroads. The fort is hidden below the steep slopes of Mt. Rombon and was protected from Italian shelling during the WW1. The upper fortification, Fortress Hermann, which can be reached through an illuminated tunnel, was not so lucky; it was heavily shelled by the Italian artillery and soon abandoned.
Before arriving in Bovec, one can also visit two outdoor museums and another military cemetery. The trenches, connection tunnels, pillboxes and machine-gun emplacements in the Ravelnik outdoor museum remind visitors of the tragic past. More war remnants can be found at the Čelo outdoor museum, where a 200-meter-long trench connected two gun positions with a kitchen, an observation post, two dormitories for 40 men, and a shelter for 20 soldiers.
Bovec is a charming and well served town situated at the base of Mount Kanin. It offers three war heritage collections, namely the Small Museum of the Isonzo Front, the Museum Collection of Ivo Ivančič and the private military collection “Farewell to Arms”. There is also a large military cemetery to the east of the town with the graves, many unmarked, of over 600 soldiers who died during WWI.
Day 5: Walk from Zaga to Kobarid (12km)
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
We transfer this morning from Bovec to Zaga for the start of our walk along side the Soca river to Kobarid, or there is the option to do some water sports / rafting this morning, before the walk.
Leaving Zaga, the trail is mainly flat, with just 100m of ascent & 300m descent over the 12kms. We walk at a steady pace to suit the group, and enjoy the striking scenery, never tiring of the energy of the river flowing beside us.
Kobarid is a quaint town with a bizarrely Mediterranean feel, despite being in the midst of the mountains... probably something to do with the influence of its close neighbour, Italy (the border is only a few kms away). Sadly the town is historically best known for being the site of the 12th Battle of Caporetto / Izonzo where many Italians lost their lives, and the Austro-Hungarians made significant advances forwards ( Caporetto is the Italian name for the town and Izonzo is the Italian for Soca.) Ernest Hemingways classic novel, 'A Farewell to Arms' was largely based around this area.
Day 6: Circular Walk of Peace trail (6km) back to Kobarid
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
Kobard is home to a fantastic First World War Museum (and the Walk of Peace visitor centre) that describes the 29 bloody months of battle that the area went through, and tells the story about the lives of soldiers of different nationalities fighting on the Isonzo front. We will visit the award winning museum this morning before we embark on a fascinating 6km circular route. We incorporate a visit to the Italian Charnel House, opened in 1938 by Mussolini himself, a striking Italian ossuary next to the church of St Antony, passing the stations of the cross before we reach the memorial itself where the remains of over 7000 Italian soldiers rest. We continue through the forest heading back in time to Tonovcov Grad Hill, an elevated archeological site with evidence of settlement during the Stone & Iron Ages and building remains from a settlement here in the C6th AD. Descending from the hill back down to the now familiar Soca river, we visit Kocjak Falls, a striking waterfall within a limestone cave, before retuning to Kobarid over Napoleons Bridge for a 'birds-eye' river view.
Day 7: Sabotin Hill and Wine tasting in Brda
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
Heading south from Kobarid today, we follow a route (by car) that mirrors the shape of the border with Italy that is just a few kms west of us. Heading into the Brda region, towards Smartno (just an hour from Kobarid), we first stop off at Gonjace and Sabotin Hill Peace Park (609m) on the border, for incredible far reaching views over both Italy & Slovenia. The walking path we take (3kms, 100m ascent) has many points of interest on the way: the church of Saint Valentin, and remains from World War I. The hill itself is arranged as a memorial park / open air museum where you can see the caverns and pyramids that denoted the front lines during First World War battles.
This afternoon we enjoy something a little different - some wine tasting at a local Brda vineyard. Slovenia has a 2400 year old wine tradition and produces arguably some of the best wines in the world. The unique climate in the Brda region combines the cool air of the Alps and the warmth and sunshine of the Mediterranean, producing top quality wines. The 'taste' of Brda is due to a quality soil called 'Opoka' and the main grape varieties are Rebulea, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Savignon Vert. Grapes are hand harvested, thanks to the steepness of the terraces that prevent the use of machinery.
We stay tonight in the beautiful and romantic village of Smartno, surrounded by vineyards. The entire village has been declared a cultural heritage monument with areas dating back to the Middle Ages.
Day 8: Cerje Monument of Peace & Skocjan Caves. On to Piran
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
Heading to Cerje this morning, and the 25m high Monument of Peace is a fitting visit considering the theme of our adventure and visit to Slovenia. It was built to preserve the memory of all defenders of the Slovenian land, throughout it's history. The Monument overlooks the Goriska region, Karst and Vipava Valley - in 2019 it was recognised by the Tourist Patrol as the most beautiful viewpoint in Slovenia.
Contrasting effectively with the wide open space from the monument, we now head to the UNESCO heritage Skocjan caves, an exceptional limestone cave system with some 6km of underground passages, many waterfalls and one of the largest known underground chambers.
We transfer 1hr 30m to the attractive coastal town of Piran on the Adriatic Sea for a late lunch and a relaxed afternoon looking around. It is renowned for its red tiled roofs, Venetian architecture and long pier, and makes a wonderful setting for the last night of your holiday in Slovenia.
Day 9: Return to Ljubljana to depart
Transfer
Breakfast
We transfer as a group back to Ljubljana airport for flights home.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights & taxes
- Comprehensive Insurance
- Visas if required
- Taxi on arrival, from airport to hotel (approx €40)
- Tipping (allow £100)
- 1 dinner (Day 1) & 5 Lunches
- Souvenirs.
- Drinks & Snacks
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventurs is comfortable and welcoming hotel accommodation offering rooms with ensuite facilities. We put time and effort into building our relationship with accommodation suppliers to ensure you have a great trip;
We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Wherever we can we will choose smaller, more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, or in remote areas (like the mountains), we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflects the countries we are visiting.
The list below gives information on our first choice of accommodation for this adventure. Where hotels and guesthouses are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be a local, English speaking Slovenian guide who is qualified to lead walkers in the mountains and knows the trails like the back of his hand, as well as the history & heritage of the area!
We work jointly with our Slovenian Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of reliable and suitably qualified local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 8 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I Fit Enough?
Your itinerary involves hiking at altitude (up toxxxm), over passes and traversing mountain slopes. You will encounter some rough terrain, with steep gradients. The paths are generally defined but may be narrow and rocky at times. You will be walking for up to 4 hours / day, and on some consecutive days.
To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be a regular walker with experience of walking in the mountains, and be in good physical condition.
Any hiking is undertaken at the natural pace of the group, with regular stops for photos, snacks etc. Walking boots that have already been worn in are essential on this adventure.
You will be carrying just a day pack with camera, spare layers and a bottle of water.
For convenience, peace of mind, and to reduce the purchase of single use plastic water bottles, we highly recommend a filtration water bottle such as Aquapure Traveller (offer available - see section on Water)
Training
As with all active holidays, the fitter you are, the more you can relax and enjoy the stunning route, and the better you can cope with challenges such as the outside elements.
You are advised to get into a regular walking & or running pattern before the trip as convenient.
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts in Ljubljana. We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible to help you prepare.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool when searching for flights, such as skyscanner or www.momondo.co.uk.
We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book for your adventure.
Travel by Train
Although the most timely way to get to Slovenia is to use a low cost airline, there is much joy to be found in incorporating your travel into your adventure and choosing the lower carbon footprint option of the train. You can travel from London to Paris, across France into Southern Germany, down through Austria and into Slovenia. Rome2Rio suggests the journey would take around 18hours and cost between £250 & £550.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. As the situation in our destination countries can change, please do ensure you check regularly before your adventure.
We also receive notifications direct from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Brexit
We have put together a journal post with a short summary of Brexit Advice for Travellers to Europe.
Arrival
For those of you who choose to fly into Ljubljana, it is a fully functioning, international airport welcoming domestic flights and those from Europe. Airport services include Duty Free, ATMs and Currency Exchange. On arrival at the airport you will go through passport control to baggage reclaim and onwards to Arrivals where you will be met by a driver / guide with a YellowWood Adventures sign.
All group specific, final details on where to meet your guide will be sent to you prior to the start of your adventure.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered, particularly in the light of effects that the pandemic has had on travel.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hr emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Your insurance needs to cover you for moderate hiking with the following fairly standard inclusions:
- Medical Expenses
- Coronavirus linked expenses (these may be country specific, so please ensure you know what the requirements are relating to the country you are visiting)
- Repatriation
- Helicopter rescue & Air ambulance
We would also recommend that you have cover for the following optional items:
- Cancellation
- Loss or damage to property
General information on Slovenia
For general information on Slovenia, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Compulsory
- € currency, or US$ or £GB to exchange
- Passport & insurance documents
- Credit / debit card for ATM use
- Prescription medication
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) & min of 2 reusable & 10 disposable face coverings
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Flannel & Towel (ideally quick drying travel towel)
Items for walking / sightseeing
- 20-30L daypack for hiking / sightseeing, with waist and ideally, chest strap
- Waterproof jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
- Comfortable walking shoes / boots - already broken in...
- Sunglasses and high factor suncream
- Sun hat / baseball cap
- Reusable filtration water bottle (approx 2 litres) eg Aqua Pure Traveller water bottle
Clothing
- General socks / underwear, including walking socks
- Suitable clothes / pjs for sleeping in at night
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops. NB technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather.
- Lightweight trousers (or skirts) and shorts for walking & sightseeing
- Sandals / trainers
- Warm jacket & fleece - Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended.
- Warm hat & gloves
Optional
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners to keep kit dry.
- Torch with spare batteries / charger
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection. Light scarf useful for church visits
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- EU plug adaptor
- Money belt or grab bag
- Walking poles
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates & add any extras or 'Add on' adventures. Complete our Booking Form
Check out our Covid-19 friendly booking conditions & check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
'Make Booking': You will be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit (£300/$400/person) payment (receipted), if booking >56 days before your adventure or full payment if 56 or <56 days before your adventure. Your monies are held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Enter booking information for all guests in your party.
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Do not book transport/flights until we have emailed you to confirm your booking (receipt of your booking form is not confirmation). We will change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding', when it becomes payable online.
This payment is due 56 days before departure date (we send reminders).
Contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking.
+44 207 846 0197
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Enquiry Process
Get in touch via our Enquiry form to check our availability, discuss the adventure and check we can meet your needs.
Complete our Enquiry Form; contact details, additional requirements (eg diet or health requirements) & questions you may have. Include as much information as you are able to, so we can help you with the detail you are looking for
Click on 'Send Enquiry' (receipted).
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to answer your questions and help you plan your adventure.
+44 207 846 0197