A Hiking Sampler of Slovenia

A Hiking Sampler of Slovenia
August 26 - September 11, 2017
Leader: Denise Snow
The Logar valley in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps
Dear Fellow CMC Member:
Thank you for your interest in the Adventure Travel outing A Hiking Sampler of Slovenia. Please read
the following trip description and itinerary carefully before you consider applying for this trip. I have
also included a suggested pack list and additional information for your consideration.
To apply for a place on the outing, please download and complete the Trip Application, with the
Personal Risk Statement and the Payment and Cancelation Policy, and return it to me.
The group will have a maximum of 10 persons excluding the leader. Most nights will be spent in 3* or 4*
private hotels with two nights in mountain huts. All accommodations will be mostly a shared double
room or dormitory in the huts.
Once you apply, you will be notified if you are accepted for the outing. Once accepted, submit a $500
deposit to the CMC to reserve a place (see cancellation policy in the application). Please do not send
money before it is requested. The remaining balance is payable by July 15, 2017.
The current in-country estimated trip costs are $4425 for members. The price includes:
 All lodging for 15 nights (double rooms except in the mountain huts)
 All breakfasts and lunches
 All but 2 dinners in Bovec (13 nights total)
 Airport transfers (if you arrive and depart with the group)
 All transportation in country
 An English speaking hiking guide throughout the trip (organized by Slotrips - rated 5 out of 5 by Trip
Advisor)
 Wine tasting in the Goriska Brda
 Entrance fee to the Skocjan caves
Airfare to Ljubljana is not included. Also, expect to spend several hundred dollars for trip insurance,
remaining two dinners and snacks, bar tabs and souvenirs. Non-members will be required to pay an
administrative fee equal to 3% of the trip costs. Consider becoming a member to avoid this fee.
Pre-requisites for the trip are very good physical conditioning, the ability to hike 83 miles, with some
steep elevation gain, over 12 days, the ability to handle a little amount of exposure (some with cables
for security) and an ongoing, regular, conditioning program. A CMC-Denver Group hiker rating is not
needed for this trip. We will carry day packs (a suggested list of items is provided) which include all
clothing typically needed for changing alpine weather conditions. Two nights will be spent in mountain
huts in Triglav National Park. For these 3 days of hiking you will need to also carry a change of clothes, a
sleep sack (for hygiene purposes), personal toiletries and water. Because we will be hiking at alpine
levels, the weather can be most unpredictable, necessitating well thought out element and clothing
choices.
Before applying, you may want to check with your “significant other,” employer, etc. to make sure you
have the available time to do a 2 week trip overseas. There is no guarantee of someone being on the
wait list to take your place if you have to cancel. You will need a valid passport, but no visa is required to
enter Slovenia.
Attendance at the pre-trip planning meeting is mandatory, as there will be much to discuss. Location will
be the CMC office in Golden, and you will receive ample notice of the date and time. If you are unable to
attend the meeting in person, we can set up a virtual meeting link for you. Topics will include suggested
equipment, packing, training, cultural notes, and security precautions. A selection of handouts and
guidebooks will be available for your review.
Please let me know what questions you may have—I am at your disposal!
Sincerely,
Denise Snow
[email protected]
719-687-9576
Lake Bled
A HIKING SAMPLER OF SLOVENIA, AUGUST 26 – SEPTEMBER 11, 2017, TRIP INTRODUCTION
As is described in The Julian Alps of Slovenia by Roy Clark and Justi Carey, "Slovenia has been called
"Europe in miniature" because this tiny country, only about half the size of Switzerland, really does have
a bit of everything - coast, caves, plains and rivers - as well as some truly magnificent mountain
scenery..." This trip is a hiking sampler of Slovenia, giving the participant a varied and diverse
experience and a good introduction to the country.
HIGHLIGHTS:
 Stroll through the charming streets of the capital Ljubljana.
 Explore the Velika Planina mountain pasture and the beautiful Logar valley in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
 Discover the stunning scenery of Triglav National Park on a 3-day hut-to-hut hike through the Triglav
Lakes valley and a chance to climb Kanjavek (2568 m).
 Enjoy the great lakes of Bled and Bohinj.
 Drive along the winding road through the heart of the Julian Alps and marvel the stunning north walls of
the highest Slovenian peaks.
 Explore the beautiful corners of the Soca Valley.
 Visit the historic town of Kobarid and the Kozjak Waterfall.
 Walk the war trails from WWI.
 Get to know the underworld of Slovenian Karst by walking the UNESCO heritage canyons and caves in
Skocjan.
 Walk the wine hills of “Slovenian Tuscany”.
 Visit the Mediterranean coast
 Taste the rich Slovenian cuisine, excellent wine and local organic products.
 Get to know the local people, enter into their homes and learn about their lives, habits, culture and way
of life.
World War I Trail
Julian Alps
A HIKING SAMPLER OF SLOVENIA, AUGUST 26 – SEPTEMBER 11, 2017, ITINERARY
Day 1: WELCOME TO SLOVENIA. MEETING WITH OUR GUIDE IN LJUBLJANA
The group meets in the afternoon with our guide. Along with a local welcome dinner the travelers will
get to know each other. The guide will present the details of the trip.
Accommodation in a hotel in Ljubljana.
Ljubljana
Day 2: FREE DAY IN LJUBLJANA
Easy day in Ljubljana to overcome the jetlag and get to know the city. We will do a walk in the city, learn
about its history and enjoy the lively city streets. If the group is up for it, we can do a trip to the outskirts
of the city and do a short hike to a hill with a great view of Ljubljana marshes and Kamnik-Savinja Alps in
the background.
Accommodation in a hotel in Ljubljana.
Day 3: VELIKA PLANINA HIKE
We will drive to the foothills of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in northern Slovenia and hike to one of the
largest alpine pastures in Europe. On a beautiful hike we will get to know the local architecture,
traditional shepherds’ way of life, taste some local products and enjoy the views. In the afternoon we
drive to Logar valley where we spend the next 2 nights.
Total hiking time: app. 4 hours, 7.5 miles, VG 1640 ft, VL 1640 ft
Accommodation in a hotel in the Logar valley.
Velika Planina
Shepherd
Day 4: HIKING ABOVE THE LOGAR VALLEY
The Logar valley is the picturesque valley whose photos you will find on many magazines and catalogues
promoting Slovenia. We will start early and do a longer hike to one of the nearby summits with
magnificent views. In the afternoon we will visit local farmers and have a delicious meal.
Total hiking time: app. 5-6 hours, 6.2 miles, VG 2296 ft, VL 2460 ft
There are a few passages on a narrow, slightly exposed trail. Steel cables are there for extra security.
Accommodation in a hotel in the Logar valley.
Day 5: MORNING HIKE IN JEZERSKO and AN AFTERNOON WALK IN BLED
On the way from Logar valley to Bled we will stop in Jezersko region, have a walk with a local herb and
wildflower specialist and enjoy a great homemade lunch in one of the oldest homesteads of the region.
In the afternoon we arrive to Bled, where you can have a relaxed afternoon, have a walk by the lake,
visit the island or even go to the Vintgar Gorge.
Total hiking time: app. 3 hours, 3.7 miles, VG 1804 ft, VL 1894 ft; plus afternoon walk in Bled
Accommodation in a hotel in Bled.
Day 6: BLED AND POKLJUKA. THE BEGINNING OF OUR TREKKING IN THE JULIAN ALPS
In the morning we take time to enjoy Bled and hike to a marvelous viewpoint above the lake. At noon
we will move on towards the Pokljuka Plateau where we begin our trekking through the Triglav National
Park. We will pass by the endearing alpine pastures up to a mountain hut below Mount Triglav, the
Lake Bled
Triglav National Park
highest Slovenian mountain. For those hikers who would like to hike some more, there will be the
option to climb to a 2000-meter peak with incredible views of the Julian Alps (extra 2 hours).
Total hiking time: app. 5 hours, 6.2 miles, VG 2460 ft, VL 656 ft
Accommodation in a mountain hut (Vodnikov dom).
The Julian Alps
Day 7: TREKKING IN THE JULIAN ALPS (THE VALLEY OF THE SEVEN TRIGLAV LAKES)
Today is the hardest day. The path will take us through stunning alpine scenery with spectacular views.
Again there will be the option to ascend a fantastic peak, Kanjavek (2568 m) (an extra 1 hour & 820 feet
altitude gain). We will descend down the Valley of the Seven Lakes, learn the geological history of this
incredible landscape and perhaps even find some fossils in the rocks. We will spend the night in a
comfortable hut next to one of the lakes.
Total hiking time: app. 6 hours, 8.7 miles, VG 2296 ft, VL 2460 ft
Accommodation in a mountain hut (Koca pri Triglavskih jezerih (The Hut at Triglav Lakes)).
Vodnikov dom
The hut at Triglav Lakes
Day 8: TREKKING IN THE JULIAN ALPS AND LAKE BOHINJ
Slowly we will leave the highest peaks behind and enter the land of alpine pastures. We will try some
delicious local products. To end the hike in style we will have lunch in a place you will never forget. We
will reach the stunning Lake Bohinj on foot. Its clean water and landscape surrounded by mountains will
invite us for an unforgettable swim.
Total hiking time: app. 5 hours, 9.3 miles, VG 656 ft, VL 4264 ft (we can shorten it and save 1 hour, and
VL 1640 ft) There is one very short slightly exposed passage secured with steel cables
Accommodation in a hotel in Bohinj.
The Julian Alps
Lake Bohinj
Day 9: ENJOY LAKE BOHINJ
Today we will do some easier walking in the gorgeous surroundings of Lake Bohinj, visit a nice
viewpoint, a gorge and a waterfall. There is an option of visiting a bee-keeper, an old farmhouse, try
local cheese etc.
Total hiking time: app. 4 hours, .5 miles, VG 1312 ft, VL 1312 ft
Accommodation in a hotel in Bohinj.
Day 10: PERICNIK WATERFALL – HIKE TO SLEMENOVA SPICA – VRSIC – BOVEC
We will move northwest to approach the north face of Mt. Triglav and walk under the spectacular
Pericnik Waterfall. We will drive the winding road to the impressive mountain pass Vrsic in the centre of
the Julian Alps. There we will start a new hike that will take us to the summit of Slemenova Spica (1911
m) with high limestone walls all around us.
Total hiking time: app. 5 hours, 6,2 miles, VG 2296 ft, VL 2296 ft
Accommodation in a hotel in Bovec.
The Pericnik Waterfall
Day 11: BOVEC & THE SOCA VALLEY
We will spend the day in the Soca Valley, the Mecca of the Slovenian active tourism, famous for its
beautiful emerald river. We will visit forts and trails from the WWI, freshen up in the turquoise river
pools, marvel the hidden waterfalls and meet the local sheep & goat farmers. Optional: white water
rafting.
Total hiking time: app. 4 hours, 9.3 miles, VG 1312 ft, VL 1312 ft
Accommodation in a hotel in Bovec.
The Soca Valley
Day 12: KOZJAK WATERFALL AND THE WWI TRAILS
We will move southward to visit the stunning Kozjak Waterfall and historic town of Kobarid. In the
mountains high above Kobarid we will climb the military trails and visit an impressive bunker village to
learn about the trench war and the sad occurrences 100 years ago. Transfer to Goriska Brda wine hills.
Total hiking time: app. 6 hours, 6.2 miles, VG 2952 ft, VL 2952 ft
The path is very narrow at some sections. Not appropriate if you are very afraid of heights.
Accommodation in a hotel in the Goriska Brda wine hills.
The Kozjak Waterfall
Day 13: WALK, WINE & DINE IN THE GORISKA BRDA
Time to explore the rolling wine hills of “Slovenian Tuscany”. We will walk through the beautiful
vineyards and hills dotted with fruit & olive trees. It is the land of excellent wine and mouth-watering
food. There will be plenty of time to pamper our taste buds and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Total hiking time: app. 4 hours, 7.5 miles, VG 820 ft, VL 1181 ft
Accommodation in a hotel in Goriska Brda wine hills.
Goriska Brda wine hills
Day 14: KARST, CAVES & PIRAN
We will submerge into the underworld of Karst and walk through the Unesco heritage Skocjan caves.
The walk is completely different to the ones we did the days before and adds to the diversity of this
tour. We will follow the underground canyon of river Reka and learn about the stunning geology of this
unique terrain. In the afternoon we head to the charming coastal town of Piran on the Mediterranean
coast.
Total hiking time: app. 4 hours, 5 miles, VG 820 ft, VL 820 ft
Accommodation in a hotel in Piran.
Piran
Day 15: EASY DAY ON THE SLOVENIAN COAST
Today we will take it easy in Piran and do a relaxing walk along the Slovenian coast. Optionally we can
visit the Secovlje salt pans and local wine & olive oil producers. Transfer to Ljubljana.
Day 16: FAREWELL TO SLOVENIA
Breakfast and transport to Ljubljana airport. End of the trip.
Suggested reading for A Hiking Sampler of Slovenia:
Walking the Julian Alps of Slovenia, Roy Clark and Justi Carey. Cicerone. United Kingdom, 2015.
Suggested Maps for A Hiking Sampler of Slovenia:
65-9772-01 Alpine World - West Part (Julijske Alp West). 1:75,000. Kartografija.
Vršič Pass in the Julian Alps
A HIKING SAMPLER OF SLOVENIA, AUGUST 26 – SEPTEMBER 11, 2017, SUGGESTED PACK LIST
The following is a list of recommended items to carry in your luggage and/or pack (including the 2 nights
in the mountain huts):
1) Pack cover
2) Rain jacket/pants
3) Warm gloves
4) Warm hat
5) Several warm layers
6) Gore-Tex over mitts to keep hands dry
7) Headlamp
8) Change of hiking pants and shirt (quick dry material preferred)
9) Change of undergarments (quick dry material preferred)
10) Change of socks (quick dry material preferred)
11) Sleepwear (personal preference)
12) Sleeping bag (required for DOC huts)
13) Personal toiletries (including ear plugs, soap, detergent for washing clothes, a few clothespins, etc.)
14) Lightweight shoes to wear inside/outside of huts
15) 2 liter capacity for water
16) Travel towel and washcloth for huts
Dining in Slovenia
A HIKING SAMPLER OF SLOVENIA, AUGUST 26 – SEPTEMBER 11, 2017, ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Currency
The unit of currency in Slovenia is the euro (€), with 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, 200- and 500- euro
denominations. The eight denominations of coins vary in size, color and thickness according to their
values, which are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 euro and 2 euros.
Cash, Credit & Debit Cards
Most towns that we will visit have banks and ATMs. Banks are usually open 8 am - 12 noon and 2 - 5 pm
on weekdays only. Most village shops accept cash only. Mountain huts accept cash only as well.
Should you use a credit card or a debit card when traveling? Both have benefits. A credit card allows you
to delay payment and gives you certain rights as a consumer. A debit card, also known as a check card,
deducts funds directly from your checking account and helps you stay within your budget.
Otherwise, the two types of plastic are virtually the same. Both will get you cash advances at ATMs
worldwide if your card is properly programmed with your personal identification number (PIN). Both
offer excellent, wholesale exchange rates, and both protect you against unauthorized use if the card is
lost or stolen. Check your bank's policies concerning foreign transaction fees and interest and fees
charged for cash advances
Exchanging Money
For the most favorable rates, change money through banks. Although fees charged for ATM
transactions may be higher abroad than at home, Cirrus and Plus exchange rates are excellent, because
they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths
in airports or rail and bus stations, in hotels, in restaurants, or in stores, although you may find their
hours more convenient. I recommend we get a little money in Ljubljana on Monday before starting the
main trip.
Language
Slovene (or Slovenian) is spoken throughout the country; it is a Slavic language related to Croatian,
Polish and Russian. English is the most commonly spoken foreign language, especially amongst the
young, followed by German, Italian and Croatian.
Electrical Devices
To use your U.S.-purchased electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and adapter. The electrical
current in Slovenia is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take European style plugs,
with two round prongs. Therefore, you need an adapter plug to adjust your appliance to the European
socket.
If your appliances are dual-voltage, you'll need only an adapter. Otherwise, you will need a converter as
well. Most laptops, tablets, cell phones etc. operate equally well on 110 and 240 volts and so require
only an adapter.
Communications
Slovenia has one of the highest mobile phone ownerships in Europe and therefore, network coverage is
high even in mountain areas. The country code for Slovenia is 386.
Internet access is usually available in hotels.
Slovenia is on Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of GMT.
Travel Documents
When traveling internationally make at least two photocopies of your passport (one for someone at
home and another for you, carried separately from your passport). Also, take a photo of your passport
so that you have an extra copy on your camera. When staying in a hotel, it is best to leave your passport
in a safe in your room while you are out for the day. If you lose your passport, promptly call the nearest
embassy or consulate and the local police.