Italy & Slovenia Hiking & Walking Tour
Ancient Trails in Wine Country & the Julian Alps
Add the Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine region, romantic Lake Bled and towering Triglav National Park to your bucket list. Then check them off with one fell swoop. Don’t you love it when travel surprises you?
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $4,699 - $5,049/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- The border regions of these two neighboring Alpine countries add up to one stellar hiking adventure
- Stroll along glacial Lake Bohinj and follow a trail up beautiful Mostnica Gorge in Slovenia’s Julian Alps
- Taste the fruits of the vineyards and gardens that line the trail in Italy’s Friuli wine country
- Dine on homemade mountain specialties and stay in sleek and colorful lodgings, from a country palazzo to a modern nature retreat
- Journey back in time and dive into World War I history in the real-life setting of Ernest Hemingway’s iconic novel A Farewell to Arms
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Venice, Italy Airport & Travel Details
- Benvenuti in Italia! Start your journey with a morning hike along a section of the legendary Alpe Adria Trail
- Admire verdant vineyards that lead to dramatic mountain scenery
- Indulge in a wine tasting in a cool 15th-century cellar, once a secret WWI military bunker
- Spend the night in a restored castle—where Casanova was exiled—and stroll among immaculately manicured gardens
- Raise a toast to the European adventure ahead and get your first taste of the region’s incomparable cuisine.
Night 1
Deluxe Hotel
Set in graceful gardens and tranquil parkland that features rolling hills and cypress trees, this elegant castle traces its roots back to the Roman Empire—and once hosted an exiled Casanova. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Travel across the border to the small mountain town of Kobarid, Slovenia, nestled in the foothills of the Julian Alps
- At the town’s award-winning WWI museum, uncover the history of one of the war’s major battles in the Soča Valley
- Wander through charming Alpine villages
- Hike a well-manicured trail that meanders beneath the Alps and consider a dip in the emerald-green Soča River
- A panoramic train ride takes us further into Slovenia and to the magnificent Triglav National Park
- Glide across the water of Lake Bohinj by boat to reach our trailhead
- Follow an Alpine stream up the Mostnica Gorge, where turquoise waters spill from craggy rocks
- Sample Slovenian mountain cuisine at an Alpine refuge
- Pamper yourself this afternoon with a visit to our hotel’s Turkish and Finnish saunas and outdoor whirlpool
- Dig into a dinner featuring regional specialties.
Nights 2-3
Casual Hotel
Ideally located near Lake Bohinj and nestled below the Julian Alps, this contemporary mountain retreat features bright inviting rooms designed with larch wood and environmentally friendly materials. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Visit spectacular Lake Bled and partake in a honey tasting at a local bee farm
- Hike to the hilltop above Bled for views of its iconic island and of Slovenia’s oldest castle
- Trek high in the Kamnik Alps
- Learn about rich pastoral life at one of Slovenia’s oldest homestead sites
- Savor the flavors of this area’s superb cuisine at a festive farewell dinner
- On our final morning, bag one last summit.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
This picturesque hideaway is the perfect place to convene with nature, from the chic comforts of your room complete with breathtaking mountain views to the ambient common areas adorned with local materials. (spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Ljubljana, Slovenia Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
