Active Alpine Exploration

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Ljubljana

   Ljubljana enjoys a central position, making it the ideal base for exploring the rest of Slovenia. It is a crossroads culturally due to its location. On one hand, you can see its Central European influences, because of its time within the Austro-Hungarian empire, in the city's architecture and language. On the other hand there is a strong Mediterranean and Balkan influence which is brought out in their laid back approach and the city's café culture. People are often surprised how westernized and advanced Slovenia is putting it more in a class with its Austrian neighbors than its Eastern European and Balkan counterparts. The surrounding areas of the city are packed with natural beauty and cultural sights bearing witness to the city's dynamic history. There is diverse range of places to satisfy culinary desires as the local cuisine is also heavily influenced by its neighbors in all directions. Wine lovers will find Slovenia to be a hidden gem. One of the best ways we have found to get to know Ljubljana and Slovenian cuisine at the same time is on a food tour, which will take you on a gastronomic tour of the whole country while walking around the center. The city layout is tourist friendly as the Old Town has an ever expanding pedestrian zone and a great way to see Ljubljana is by bike taking advantage of the numerous bike lanes spread out across the city.

   When you arrive at Ljubljana's airport, you'll be greeted and taken to your centrally located accommodations. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

   

   Castle Views and a Lovely Dinner

   Start your stay in Ljubljana by taking a funicular or a short walk to reach Ljubljana Castle, offering stunning views of the city below and the mountains beyond. Don't miss the museum, and if possible, catch a sunset from the castle grounds, especially the tower. End your day on a high note with dinner in one of the charming restaurants within the castle walls. We are confident that you'll go to bed feeling happy and in love with "the loved one," the literal translation of "Ljubljana." On the other hand, if you're still experiencing jet lag and seeking complete relaxation before your upcoming adventures, we recommend taking a short walk by the Ljubljanica River and having dinner at Julija Restaurant. Remember to make a reservation or let your local destination expert handle it for you; they will be delighted to assist!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Ljubljana

   

   Private City Walking Tour

   Explore medieval Ljubljana, from its culture and unusual sites to its stories and legends. With a local guide, you’ll discover its baroque and Secession architecture, along with the works of the architect Joze Plecnik. You’ll walk across the bridges and through the open market and enter the impressive cathedral. Your guide will take you through Old Town, and along the banks of the river Ljubljanica. Learn all about the legend of the city's origin and visit the main attractions. By the end of the tour, you'll understand how Ljubljana, "The Beloved One", got its name.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Day and Night Art in Metelkova

   If you're an art lover, the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova is a must-see. It displays selected works of contemporary art from its collection, which is conceived as a dialogue between works by key Western and Eastern European avant-garde artists. Just a short walk from the museum, you will find some interesting street art in Metelkova Mesto. The Metelkova Mesto Autonomous Cultural Centre is an umbrella term for one of the liveliest cultural, artistic, social, and intellectual urban areas in Ljubljana. It stands among the largest European agglomerations of alternative and underground cultures. During the day, you can appreciate great street art, and at night Metelkova comes to life with bars and clubs to suit anyone.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Ljubljana

   

   Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Private Tour

   Visit the Postojna Cave, one of Europe's most beloved and impressive show caves. Here you can marvel at the sight of amazing creations in limestone sculpted continuously by water over time. This exciting tour even includes a ride on an underground train. Then you'll stop at nearby Predjama Castle, cut into a rock face high above the ground, and partially encased by a cave. The castle and its museum are now home to a traditional medieval knights' tournament every summer.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

4. Day 4 Traveling to Bled by Private Transfer / Arrival in Bled

   

   Today our driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Ljubljana and take you to your lakeside accommodation in Bled - an easy 45 minute drive from the city.

   Bled is an idyllic destination that combines stunning natural scenery with fun outdoor activities. It’s the perfect break from the busier cities in the region. Surrounded by high mountains reflecting on the emerald waters of the glacial Lake Bled, the town’s most prominent feature is a 15th century Baroque church set on the country’s only natural island in the center of the lake. This is a fairytale backdrop for an unforgettable holiday. One of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations, Bled is also known for its cuisine, specifically the tasty local trout and the famous Kremsnita, a creamy pastry that provides the perfect ending to every meal. We recommend a tour of the local scenery, including an imposing nearby Vintgar gorge. You can also rent a boat to cruise the lake and explore the church, or simply go swimming or fishing. A day trip to another lake nearby, Bohinj, will provide an even more pristine view of the local nature. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, and you can also rent bicycles and other sporting equipment from vendors on the lake. The weather is typically mild, and the lake’s water is fed by warm springs. Wherever you go, be sure to take your camera, because picture-perfect views are everywhere, and the natural beauty of the era is truly unique.

   Our driver will take you to your accommodation in Bled.

   

   Kayaking Small Group Tour

   Two local rivers – the Sava Bohinjka and Sava Dolinka - are perfect playgrounds for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike. First-timers will learn the basics of kayaking techniques before they paddle away through the lush green and peaceful river environment far from hustle and bustle. Those river sections are also suitable and fun for intermediate kayak paddlers.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Taste Bled

   Bled is a very quiet place. Instead of attracting clubbers and partiers, it brings in those seeking rural calm. For your first night in town, we suggest a short walk by the lake, with a stop at one of the many nice restaurants nearby. Within the castle (Bled Castle Restaurant), at the lake (Restaurant Sova / Restavracija Sova Bled), or somewhere in between (Restaurant 1906 / Restavracija 1906) - the views and the food on offer will please your senses. If you are into Slovenian wine and want to learn useful wine facts from an expert sommelier, you can opt for a wine tasting at Restaurant Murka (Gostilna Murka).

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Bled

   

   An Alpine Fairytale

   Today's adventure includes being shown around a gorgeous glacial lake and a medieval castle! You can stroll along the alluring jade water, hike through the surrounding forests, and hire a boat to float romantically over the lake. Along the way, you’ll taste local snacks before heading to Vintgar Gorge and Sum Waterfall, another one of the area’s impressive natural features. Next, you'll continue to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest glacial lake, which is located in Triglav National Park. Bohinj's natural environment will impress you with its different faces in each season of the year.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Bovec by Private Transfer / Arrival in Bovec

   

   Today you'll enjoy the ride from Bled to the Julian Alps, with a few nice stops along the way. The whole trip takes between 4 and 5 hours. Most of the time you'll be on a scenic mountain road. There are numerous possible detours, and for an extra fee you can extend the journey up to 9 hours, depending on your interests. You shouldn't miss the Spring of Soca, with its beautiful natural scenery. For lunch we recommend Tonkina Kuca, which has fantastic views over the landscape. The peak of Vrsic is also picture-perfect, and highly recommended.

   Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.
   

   For travelers who like spending time in nature, it doesn't really get any better than The Julian Alps. This mountain range in northwestern Slovenia offers a wealth of picture-perfect landscapes, pristine hiking trails, rafting opportunities and much more. It's the perfect destination for a holiday that combines outdoor activities with relaxation. From hiking and swimming to rafting and cycling, there's more than enough to make your stay unforgettable. Besides the natural wonders, some of Slovenia's most notable towns are located in the region, including the beautiful Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, and the historic Fort Kluze. You will also have ample opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine, which features plenty of freshwater fish. The Edenic beauty of The Julian Alps will charm you, and the local hospitality will allow you to tailor your stay here to your own interests, whether that's conquering mountain peaks, or floating blissfully on one of the many emerald-green lakes and rivers.

   Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodation.

7. Day 7 Traveling to Salzburg by Private Transfer / Arrival in Salzburg

   

   Today you'll be traveling to Salzburg, Austria's baroque wonder. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodations at the agreed-upon time. The trip takes about 3.5 hours. If you have time and wish to throw in some sightseeing on the way, for an additional fee we can organize a stop in Hallstatt, a beautiful Alpine village near the lake, where you can enjoy a lunch, a walk, and some seriously stunning views. Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

   With its perfectly preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, Salzburg is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture. Add in the alpine backdrop and you’ve got a city that makes for an unforgettable vacation. The imposing Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress dominate the skyline, while in the center you’ll find plenty of grand cafes and fine restaurants. Salzburg’s two biggest claims to fame are that it was the birthplace of Mozart and the stage for the timeless musical The Sound of Music. But there’s more than just history here. Today the city is a vibrant destination for travelers looking for a mix of classic culture and modern flair. Strolling through Salzburg is one of the great pleasures of Europe. The local cuisine is hearty and there are more than enough restaurants, bars, and cafes to keep you busy. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss sampling a stein or two of delicious local brew at the Augustiner brewery. But there is so much to see in the surrounding region that no visit to the city is complete without a day trip or two. You could tour the pristine countryside and visit the stunning Hellbrunn Palace. History buffs will want to venture farther afield to visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest perched high in the German Alps in Berchtesgaden.

   When you arrive in Salzburg, you'll be brought directly to your accommodation.

   

   Discover the Northern Rome

   Impressed by the opulence of papal Rome, Salzburg's wealthy prince-archbishops invited the greatest architects of their time to create a new, fresh, and magnificent city. With a private guide, you can best walk the streets of the historical Baroque center of the city, discovering the interiors of the Dom Quarter, and be amazed by the fantastic pleasure gardens of the Mirabell Palace.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Walk on the Other Side

   Salzburg is a walkable city straddling both sides of the Salzach River. First timers on their first night should definitely have a glimpse and a short walk on the riverside, cross the Salzach on one of its pedestrian bridges, and relax for a while with a good wine, beer and some local food. Stay close to the river for a coffee and cake at Monkeys Cafe Bar or We Love Coffee at Mozartsteg, or enjoy the atmosphere of this fascinating Baroque city from the Imlauer Sky Bar.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Salzburg

   

   Hallstatt Group Tour

   Hallstatt... One of the world's most captivating lakeside villages. The views you'll enjoy as you pass through the picturesque Salzkammergut Lake District alone will make this trip worthwhile. Hear interesting and fun stories from your knowledgeable tour guide during the coach ride and dive into discovering Hallstatt for yourself, whether visiting the village's museum, the Mühlbach Waterfalls, or enjoying a discounted funicular ride up to the "World Heritage View."

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Cycle the Salzach, Blessed by Green and Blue

   Salzburg is embraced by alpine foothills, and the river that cuts through it. So how about a little bike ride? You can see the city from a new point of view while getting some exercise by taking a bike ride on the banks of the River Salzach. The bike paths stretch uninterrupted for kilometers, so you’ll be in for a leisurely cruise through the city center and into the hills on the outskirts. Centrally located Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg await you with easy and moderate hiking routes with unparalleled views of the city.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Salzburg

   

   Salzburg Region Private Hiking Tour

   Take advantage of the stunning nature surrounding Salzburg and explore the the countryside with an experienced mountain guide. You can opt for an easy mostly flat route or a more demanding hiking trail and conquer one of the numerous hills around Salzburg. Be ready for green meadows, crystal clear rivers, and amazing views.

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Go Gaisberg, Go!

   Those who want to be embraced by lush nature, the chirping of birds, and the rustle of trees should take advantage of the direct connection from Mirabellplatz to the most popular hiking paradise and recreation area in Salzburg. Hop on the "Gaisberg" bus via Gnigl and head to the top, where plenty of hiking trailheads can be found. Don't hold back. For more information please turn to our local representative.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Salzburg Tandem Paragliding Excursion

   Enjoy a bird's eye view of Salzburg! Hop aboard a local bus to the top of Mt. Gaisberg, where you'll meet your flight master, receive safety instructions, and get ready for an absolutely scenic flight. Take off, and take in Salzburg and its alpine surroundings from high above, a truly unforgettable experience!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

10. Day 10 Traveling to Innsbruck by Train / Arrival in Innsbruck

    

    Today you will leave Salzburg to Innsbruck on one of the regular daily trains running on this route. We will arrange for a driver to take you to the train station from where it's a quick, 2-hour journey. We will book 2nd class train tickets based on your preferred departure time. 1st class tickets can be arranged at extra fee.

    

    You can upgrade your transfer

    Innsbruck By Private Transfer with a stop at Swarovski Museum

    Upgrade for an additional cost

    Having hosted several Olympics, Innsbruck has an international reputation as a winter sports destination. Nestled in an alpine valley, the city is surrounded by picturesque mountains complete with ski slopes and funiculars. Whether you’re there in the winter or summer, you can have an active vacation in the mountains. In the town itself, you’ll find charming cobblestone streets, winding alleyways, quaint cafes and welcoming restaurants serving hearty Tyrolean cuisine. Innsbruck is a unique destination that combines breathtaking natural scenery with a comfortable, small-town feel. There’s a mix of Imperial Austrian architecture and newer creations, so just strolling the streets offers a feast for the eyes. The restaurants here are also wonderful, with a variety of cuisines ranging from traditional to contemporary with a youthful edge, thanks to its many students. Innsbruck is a place where you can really unwind and enjoy your vacation at your own pace.

    A driver will greet you at the train station and take you to your accommodation in the center of Innsbruck.

    

    Innsbruck Private Walking Tour

    Discover historical highlights of Innsbruck with a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide who will show you and tell everything you could wish to learn about the city. Your walk will take you through the Gothic Old Town, the Arch of Triumph, the St. Anne's column as well the imperial palace court and the St. James Cathedral. You'll get a chance to admire the magnificent Baroque architecture, and to savor the city's panoramic views of the impressive peaks of the Nordkette mountains.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 2 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    Touch the Void

    Reach the sky from the city center of Innsbruck via taking the Nordkettenbahnen (a funicular followed by a cable car, then a chair lift) to the top of the Nordkette Mountain! While famous for its winter sports, it's hard to think of solo outdoor sports that Innsbruck isn't ideal for. For some year-round activity, get off at Seegrube Station. Rock climbing can be experienced in the Nordkette Climbing Arena, where more than 40 tours await beginner and advanced-level climbers to find their match. Spend your winter visit with hiking, skiing or even indoor sport activities offered in the Mountain Base. Are you an adrenaline-junkie? Ride the bobsled at the Olympic ice track in Igls. You can even find mountain biking trails, and spots for paragliding and hang gliding. Nordkette Mountain, and its hiking and mountain biking trails, and places for paragliding and hang gliding. There are good hiking trails in every direction and you can use public transportation to reach many trail heads, or even ascend the Nordkette and its neighboring mountains by foot. Innsbruck is the city to stay active!

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Innsbruck

    

    Tandem Paraglide Across Alpine Valleys

    We're happy to offer the opportunity to paraglide from various points around Innsbruck. No experience is needed, as you'll be flying in tandem with a guide. With free pickup from your accommodations, you can work with your guide to figure out where you'd like to fly!

    Suggestion to explore on your own

    

    Private Guided Hike in the Innsbruck Alps

    Experience the stunning mountains surrounding Innsbruck with a private guide. Depending on your interests, available time, and fitness level, your guide will select the most suitable route, ranging from a relaxed alpine walk to a more demanding mountain hike. Enjoy scenic cable car rides, breathtaking panoramic views, traditional mountain huts, and insider knowledge about the region’s history, culture, flora, and fauna. This flexible private experience allows you to discover the Tyrolean Alps at your own pace.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 5 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

12. Day 12 Traveling to Munich by Train / Arrival in Munich

    

    Today you'll be heading to Munich by train. There are several daily departures. We'll arrange 2nd class tickets for you, and can also reserve 1st class tickets for an extra fee. We will also arrange a transfer to the Innsbruck train station.

    

    You can upgrade your transfer

    Munich by Private Transfer with a Stop in Oberammergau

    Upgrade for an additional cost

    With its traditional beer halls, designer shops, trendy restaurants and international business, Munich is a mix of old and new, German and cosmopolitan. Largely rebuilt after World War II, the city still retains its old world charm, even in the midst of expansion and modernization. You’ve probably heard of the city’s world famous Oktobertfest, a once-in-a-lifetime party dedicated to that incredible Bavarian beer along with some of the local delicacies, including tasty schnitzel. But there’s much more to Munich than drinking, and on your holiday you’ll have the chance to discover the best this charming city has to offer. Don’t miss out on the beer halls and the breweries, but be sure to get off the beaten path to discover a Munich of your own. Much of the city’s past centers around World War II, and there are several ways you can explore this chapter of Munich’s history, including a day trip to the Dachau concentration camp and a special tour focusing on Hitler and the local activities of the Third Reich. Munich is also a center of industry and there is nowhere better to experience this than BMW World. Moving slightly farther afield, Neuschwanstein Castle makes the perfect day trip, perched high in the hills over a verdant valley. Munich’s variety means there’s more than enough to satisfy even the most diverse groups of travelers. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore this unique German city.

    When you arrive at Munich Hauptbahnhof you will easily find the station’s taxi rank signposted. We haven’t included a transfer here because in our experience meet & greet transfer services in Munich are overpriced, unreliable and the driver can be hard to locate in the vast station. Munich’s taxis are honest, reasonably priced and you’ll have no problem finding one at the station’s taxi rank, so you’ll save both time and money by taking one to your centrally located accommodation.

    

    Munich Private Walking Tour

    See Munich's key historical sites, most beautiful churches, and most famous beer halls. This tour won't ignore the more sinister aspects of 20th century Nazi history, but also you'll see the better sides of this lovely city, hearing the best stories and most interesting facts as you go.
    

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

    

    See the City from Above

    Although not a city of skyscrapers, Munich offers numerous wonderful viewpoints. The best panoramic views of the Old Town are available from the St. Peter's Church (or "Old Peter," as the locals call it) viewing platform, which is climbed by thousands of visitors every day. Climb the 300 stairs (no elevator available) for the breathtaking views of the Frauenkirche and the Town Hall. Munich's highest point, the Olympic Tower, offers views over the whole city and on a clear day the Alps beyond. You can even enjoy a unique perspective on the city via a modern zeppelin, although these rides are offered rarely, and book up quickly (the zeppelin is generally used for tours of Lake Constance, on the Swiss border).

    Suggestion to explore on your own

13. Day 13 Your First Full Day in Munich

    

    Bavarian Alps Private Hiking Tour

    Enjoy a hand-selected hiking tour in the Bavarian Alps! Choose from several specially curated, non-strenuous hiking routes offering great views of the mountains and authentic Bavarian food at a local chalet. Explore the region south of Munich off the beaten track with a private guide and learn about the culture and the lifestyle that make Munich and the Alpine region so special. Hike like a local on this amazing day trip.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 8 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    Stroll the English Garden

    A must for visitors to Munich, the English Garden is one of the world's largest urban parks, and is chock-full of unusual places to visit, as well as excellent views of the city's historic skyline. The most unusual attraction is the Eisbach, a stream with a standing wave popular with surfers and playboaters. Open only to expert surfers, the wave is always a good show. The park itself was built around faux Greek ruins, highlights of the park's largest lawns. The park hosts both a Japanese teahouse and garden (a gift from the Japanese for the Olympics) and an 18th-century "Chinese Tower." This five-story pagoda is popular with locals, especially because it's next to the city's second largest beer garden, and a children's carousel. Further north, beyond the park's main lake, is a calmer area, known for sunbathing and often home to flocks of sheep.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

14. Day 14 Departure Day

    Based on your departure time, a driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Munich's airport.