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High alpine scenery, quaint countryside, and coastal views

Slovenia and Italy Walk

Daily treks take us to crystal lakes, stately castles, and through grassy pastures with glorious vistas. We visit a pivotal WWI battle site and stroll stunning vineyards.

Overview

A truly unforgettable adventure

We begin in the less well-known Italian wine region of Friuli. Our first day out finds us walking along a gorgeous section of the famous Alpe Adria trail punctuated by a sumptuous picnic. We then head north into the Soça Valley at Kobarid, where we visit the WWI museum before catching the train to the Triglav National Park and our hotel on the shores of Lake Bohinj.

Other walks include the Mostica Gorge, the famous and famously beautiful Lake Bled, and Goričko Nature Park. We also relish in a three-night stay at a wine and spa resort located in the heart of eastern Slovenia’s verdant vineyards. We round out our journey with a stay in Ljubljana, one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities.

Dates

September 7–17, 2027

Duration

11 days

Price

From $10,995 per person

Trip size

32 participants
Reserve(opens new window)

Meet our walking guide

Peter Watson has led the way for Stanford travelers across Western Europe since 1996. His carefully crafted itineraries reflect his passion for the culture and history of the regions we visit. A graduate of Oxford University in French and Spanish literature, Peter provides insightful commentary along our walks, adding to the trip’s educational experience.

Itinerary

Chart your course of discovery

Walk from Italy into Slovenia’s diverse landscapes: alpine gorges and crystalline lakes, medieval castles, and vineyard-covered hills. Explore WWI battlefields in Kobarid, circle Lake Bohinj's dramatic shores, trek through Mostnica Gorge, and wander wine estates near Jeruzalem. Conclude in Ljubljana, where we delve into layers of Balkan history.

  • Venice, Italy / Capriva del Friuli

    Upon arrival in Venice, transfer to our lovely hotel nestled in the Collio hills.

    Accommodations:

    Castello di Spessa

    Included meal: Dinner

  • Alpe-Adria-Trail, Italy

    We begin today with a walk along a section of the famous Alpe-Adria-Trail. Stop for a picnic before continuing our walk this afternoon and returning to our hotel.

    Accommodations:

    Castello di Spessa

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Kobarid, Slovenia / Lake Bohinj

    Leaving the southern coastal region, we head north and inland through a mountain pass and down into Slovenia and the Soča Valley at Kobarid. There is time for our walk and lunch as well as a visit to the WWI museum at this iconic site. Later, catch the train to the heart of Triglav National Park and our hotel on the shores of Lake Bohinj.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Bohinj

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

    We spend time close to the lake of Bohinj, visible from our hotel. We can complete a circuit of the lake with superb views over the water and towards the great walls of rock that surround the area. Alternatively take a cable car up to a starting point for a walk through stunning alpine scenery.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Bohinj

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Mostnica Gorge, Slovenia

    Our walk today takes us across the lake and up the Mostnica Gorge to explore this remarkable natural canyon. Alternatively, travel by small vehicles to the higher plains for a walk on beautiful grassy pastures with incomparable views. Later today, return to our hotel by road.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Bohinj

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Lake Bohinj, Slovenia / Lake Bled / Jeruzalem

    Depart Bohinj and travel a few miles to famous Lake Bled. Visit the Church of St. Mary, situated on an island in the lake with stunning views across to medieval Bled Castle. After lunch, continue to the far east of the country and check in to our winery hotel in Jeruzalem.

    Accommodations:

    Sibon Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Ljutomer, Slovenia

    This morning, walk from the winery through some of the finest wine estates of the country. After our picnic lunch, we continue walking to the charming little town of Ljutomer. Return to the hotel by road.

    Accommodations:

    Sibon Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Goričko Nature Park, Slovenia

    Today, we drive north to the border with Austria and the Goričko Nature Park. Climb the hills to reach Grad Castle, the largest castle in Slovenia and once home to the deputy to the Austro-Hungarian Emperor. After lunch, continue our walk through these magical woods before returning to our hotel by road.

    Accommodations:

    Sibon Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Jeruzalem, Slovenia / Pohorje / Ljubljana

    We drive west again passing Slovenia’s second city, Maribor. Soon after, venture out on foot for a morning walk in the wooded hills and valleys of the beautiful Pohorje region. After our picnic lunch, continue our drive to Ljubljana, where we spend the next two nights.

    Accommodations:

    InterContinental Ljubljana

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Explore this capital city on guided walk that gives us a great overview to the troubled history of the Balkans. This afternoon is free for independent exploration of the city. Gather this evening to toast our journey at a farewell dinner.

    Accommodations:

    InterContinental Ljubljana

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

  • Ljubljana, Slovenia / Home

    After breakfast, depart on a group transfer to Ljubljana airport for flights returning home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Activity level

This program offers a mix of walking in beautiful countryside, through the charming streets of Ljubljana, and among magnificent alpine scenery and lovingly tended wine-growing estates. The terrain is amazingly varied, encompassing true mountain walks as well as lakeside paths and hillsides filled with vines. We encounter rough hilly scenery with small paths and occasional rocky trails as well as some vehicle tracks and small roads. The trails undulate over terrain that may be muddy, rocky, and uneven as well as include numerous stiles or other obstacles. For most of our days on the trail, we offer both a scenic walk and a more strenuous option:

  • Scenic walks range from 4 to 8 miles (approx. 2 ½–4 hours of walking), with altitude gains and losses of about 1,200 feet.

  • Our strenuous walks range from 7 to 12 miles (approx. 3 ½–6 hours of walking), allowing more adventurous participants to explore higher areas and see wilder parts of the countryside. Additional time on the trail may require skipping a site visit or spending less time in a stop on our itinerary.

All walks are led by experienced leaders. Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. We aim to walk at a pace of a minimum of 2 miles per hour including short rest stops. Travelers should be able to walk carrying a light daypack with rain gear (we walk rain or shine), extra clothing, and personal water supply. Participants must commit to walking with the group for the entire day as there is often no support vehicle or opportunity to otherwise deviate from the excursion. Additionally, travelers must be comfortable making use of a bush, tree, rock, or whatever else the terrain might provide when “nature” is the only restroom available. One must also be comfortable sitting on a blanket on the ground for picnic lunches.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Price

Double occupancy:
$10,995 per person

Single occupancy:
$13,495 per person

Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $450 per person.

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including an education resource list and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • Meals, tours, and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities

  • 10 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations

  • Group transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident, and evacuation coverage 

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments, and cancellations

A $2,500-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 150 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee, until 150 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $2,500-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Join us in Slovenia and Italy

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