LAKES & MOUNTAINS OF SLOVENIA

Day 1
Fly to Ljubljana; transfer to Radovljica.

Day 2
A day to get our bearings exploring the local area direct from our door.

Day 3
In a quiet area of the Karavanke Mountains are the mysterious Baron’s Tunnels, which run through the mountain of Begunjscica. Rare alpine flowers and fossils line the path, with an open panorama of St Ana Valley and the contours of the Karavanke. From the hut of Preval (1311m) we can rest and admire the view opposite us, as the Košuta Ridge fills the horizon, before heading onwards to Roblekov Dom (1657m) offering sweeping views across the Karavanke Range. The drive back passes Grad Kaman, a castle whose ruins are hidden between the mountains.

Day 4
The Karavanke Mountains are the natural and official border between eastern and western Europe, Slovenia, Austria and Italy. Their position has a great effect on Slovenia's climate - hence the soft south Slovene side in comparison to the harsh northern side in Austria. Here you can also find an abundance of alpine fauna and flora, with over 1200 different plant species, as well as having wonderful views into two contrasting countries. We aim for Golica (1835m), part of the longest ridge in Slovenia (120km) and one of the least travelled trails in the area.

Day 5
Free Day. Radovljica itself has plenty of possibilities for the rest day. Alternatively, a short bus ride away is the lake of Bled - rowing boats and canoes can be hired on the lake. Vintgar Gorge, lying at the far end of the lake, can be visited, or you can walk around the lake, which takes approximately 1½ hours. Others may wish to take the public bus further into the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, or your leader can help arrange other activities such as rafting, horse riding or mountain biking.

Day 6
Vogel and the Bohinj Mountains. As we ascend to our arrival point we gain impressive views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We then have a selection of open mountain trails to follow that lead us under the ridge that separates the alpine region with the coastal region. This area was involved in WW1 and was part of the scene for the book 'Farewell to Arms' by Ernest Hemingway. We pass small settlements and army camps as we hike towards the Bogatin saddle (1450m). All the time we have open views across to Mt Triglav and the Alps whilst looking down upon the turquoise lake of Bohinj.

Day 7
Ascent of Debela Pec 2014m. From the beautiful green plateau of Pokljuka (1300m), an abundance of flora and fauna scatters the trail, which snakes its way up to Blejska Koca (1630m). On reaching the hut, situated in an open meadow, the view opens out over the surrounding forest and the high plateau. Rugged mountain paths take us up to one of the best viewpoints in the area. At 1965m the trail opens out directly opposite the Julian Alps and Mt Triglav. Even further up at 2014m the Triglav Valleys of Kot, Krma and Vrata fall below with the emerald green lake of Bled. Surrounding us are not only the Alps but the Karavanke Mountains, Ljubljana and in the distance Austria.

Day 8
Fly to London.