Internationale groepsreis Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia

Slovenia walking

Relaxing and enjoyable walking in Slovenia although would have preferred only one day of walking on the flat around a lake rather than two. Accommodation good but surprised all lunches taken in restaurants and not as a packed lunch.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Ridge walk Meeting my fellow walkers - all lovely people

What did you think of your group leader?

very friendly and pleasant

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia

Slovenia is a picturesque country, whose people are warm and friendly. The mountains are not as severe as those of the Western Alps with the lower levels covered with trees so there are less traditional Alpine meadows than I expected. In my opinion this added to the scenery but it did mean having to walk up through woodland trails before getting your reward of the stunning views. Lake Bled must be a highlight of anyones trip to Slovenia but Lake Bohinj is also memorable The Pension we stopped at in Radlovijca has views of the Julian Alps including mount Triglav Slovenia's highest peak. It is within 5 minutes walk of the old part of the town with many pretty buildings and a number of restaurants.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

One of my fellow travellers had cycled from the UK to Slovenia to join his part of his family for this trip. He was then intending to cycle into Eastern Europe and Asia before hopefully reaching Australia in 18 months time. Being invited into a small village church by a local neither of us understanding a word of what the other was saying but me getting the impression he was proud to show me round

What did you think of your group leader?

Bugy or leader and Miha were both very good, they loved the outdoors. Both had climbed Triglav which made them a true Slovenian. In terms of the walking they were always looking out and ready to help anyone having difficulty with the walking. They would also suggest and take some of the trip on easier walks when we were in the Mountains. Both seemed to be known by loads of people which helped in bars and restaurants.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There is a train track close to the accommodation and if your room is in that part of the Pension then this could disturb your sleep but you will soon get used to it and don't let this put you off booking. As for the walks this trip is graded 3 moderate, two of the days walk round stunning lakes but apart from one optional climb the walking of these days is flat and I would grade as 1 or possibly 2 . Of the other 3 days walking one day is through a gorge to some waterfalls with short sections of rocky narrow paths, whilst the remaining two are in the mountains and require a reasonable level of fitness for the up hill paths nothing worse than a day in the Lakeland fells. If you get chance for a barbecue at Lake Bohinj go for it - stacks of food and very cheap Slovenia is a cheap country compared with Western Europe especially for drink, however the food on the last day in the mountain hut is not.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Ljubliana is worth a visit on the spare day especially the old town and castle. Loved Slovenia it is definitely worth a visit and somewhere I would return to

Lakes and Mountains of Slovenia

Slovenia has some stunning scenery, the people are very friendly, and the infrastructure is very well developed; an ideal holiday destination with walking at the higher end of the moderate grade, but nothing too extreme. Radovljica, where you will stay, is an ideal location from which to walk in the mountains and on your free day you can hire a bike and walk or ride to Lake Bled, or take the bus or train to the capital, Ljubljana, which is only an hour away and well worth a visit. A cool beer whilst sitting on the hotel terrace after a days walk is extremely civilised and very rewarding.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views from Golica, on the Austrian border, and Brda, just below mount Triglav, and the day trip to Ljubljana via bus on the way out and train on the way back.

What did you think of your group leader?

David and Ales were very experienced leaders and both had a relaxed approach with an ideal (dry) sense of humour. Excellent leaders.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Walking poles can be useful on the steeper climbs and descents.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

An attractive single track railway runs just down the hill from the hotel and if you have a garden room you may hear the odd goods train at night, but you soon get used to it so don't be put off.

Lakes and Mountains of Slovenia

An excellent week's Walking and a real History Lesson

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walk up to the Croatian-Austrian Border. We retraced the steps of the 10,000 Refugees who trekked over these mountains in April 1945.

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Before departing I picked up a book called "Slovenia 1945".by John Corsellis. It is about what happened, in Slovenia, during the Second World War. It is a fascinating and harrowing book and describes the events, in the exact area , in which the Trip is based. I found it gripping and a real eye opener as I knew little about the history of area . It is well worth buying or downloading, to read, while on the trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Slovenia in September

Slovenia was lovely - the people were warm and friendly, the landscape beautiful, the food hearty. Highly recommend a visit to this picturesque country!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Perhaps the walk on the final day. We did not experience any view as the fog was very thick but I loved this steep walk in any case. The fact that it was our final challenge may have had something to do with this ..

What did you think of your group leader?

Bugy was - I assume - our group leader. Overall I thought he was very good - a careful guide with good English language skills, a lovely man. I like the fact that he was a local Slovenian. He tended to be overcautious when setting our expectations on walk severity and timings and I would have found it easier if he was more receptive to feedback. On the whole I thought he was great in any case. Felt safe in his care.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We were slightly disappointed with the weather on this trip. It was quite wet. I still loved it but do make sure you have waterproofs for day long walking in the rain! Definitely take the opportunity to swim in a glacial lake :)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is my second walking tour in 2 years and my first with Exodus. I was impressed with the quality and will book with Exodus again. The people on my tour were great and really made the experience very special and memorable.

LAKES & MOUNTAINS OF SLOVENIA

The accommodation and food was excellent, the countryside stunningly beautiful, the fellow walkers great company, but I personally found the walks towards the end of the week too challenging for me.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I think the views from the mountain huts were very inspirational, and also the visits to amazingly romantic Lake Bled.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was very competent and experienced. He  obviously really knew the walks like the back of his hand.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A lot of the walking was more challenging than I expected, so make sure you've got good fitness, or do regular uphill walking.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I thought the trip advisor was misleading. It promised us 500m average ascent, with a maximum of 700m.By the third walk we were up to 900m and the next two walks were tougher, so I had to opt out of them. I could manage the 700m we been promised, but 200m higher was too much.  Also it told us that we would be walking on well-marked paths with a few loose stones. In actual fact there was a lot of clambering up and down boulders and tree roots. I think if I'd known these things, I wouldn't have chosen this holiday. 

LAKES & MOUNTAINS OF SLOVENIA

This trip was absolutely fantastic, it gives a chance to mix a walking holiday with seeing such a beautiful and relatively undiscovered part of Europe.  Each day is packed with beautiful views, walking can be challenging at times but you are rewarded again and again with the scenery on offer, even the airport had pretty mountains views!  For me it was a perfect combination of a group organised walking trip but with some free time mixed in.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Slovenia itself - it really is the most beautiful country!  I have been to many stunning countries across the world but Slovenia really surprized me, such beautiful scenery, on my doorstep really, that i knew very little about.  My favourite day was when we summited Golica and you walk with one foot in Austria and one foot in Slovenia, such pretty scenery, a little tough at times but i could have sat taking in the views at the top for ever and ever.  Saying that though every day was fantastic, we had a great group of people and lots of fun.  Even the free day which i choose to spend sunbathing and swimming in Lake Bled, as it was over 30 degrees, which was pretty special too.  The trip had everything, great walking, stunning views, some free time and a fantastic bunch of people.

What did you think of your group leader?

We had 2 leaders, David and Micah and they were such great guys.  Very knowledgeable, with a real love and pride for their country and wicked sense of humour too.  They were very good judges of character and took the time to make sure everyone was looked after and really helped to make the trip as good as it was. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The food portions everywhere are huge - one of our group ordered deep fried cheese for a starter on a night out - and it came with a side serving of chips - for a starter!!  Lovely soups and cakes too - good job it was a walking holiday!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just that i can't wait to go back to Slovenia - normally i'm already planning my next adventure somewhere new on the flight home but i would love to go back to this country.  I wish i'd added a stay in Ljubljana onto the beginning or end of the trip as the people who had or went on the free day loved it, but that just gives me the perfect excuse i need to go back!

LAKES & MOUNTAINS OF SLOVENIA

I had a complete blast on this trip, everything about it was fantastic! oh except Slovenia has the largest wasp population in the world! I had been expecting a wet soggy week but the weather was fanstastic, the group was one of the best I've travelled with, the pension was lovely, the guides top notch. I have travelled to over 65 countries and never go anywhere twice - I would go to Slovenia again in a heart beat and that for me says it all.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many - the scenery, the food, the wine, the beer, the group, the guides. Everyday I looked forward to getting up and came back laughing!

What did you think of your group leader?

We had two guides - both spoke perfect English, had a huge knowledge of the area and made me feel totally safe. They fitted right in and became friends to all of us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do it! I loved this trip and I've been on loads of this type of thing. I can imagine it's a bit miserable if the weather isn't good but then it is mountain terrain and it goes with the territory. This is a really easy trip to do alone. I was supposed to go with a friend but she was taken ill and couldn't come. Slovenia is such an easy place to be in and well worth what little effort it takes to be there.   

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Any trip that ends up as a lock in at a local restaurant is OK with me!  I would do it again in a heatbeat! 

Lakes and Mountainsee trip

This was my first Exodus trip and I loved it! The guides were hilarious, friendly and knowledgeable. The accommodation had amazing views, good food and cheap booze. The walks were all different and had breathtaking views. I never realised how beautiful Slovenia is. I would fully recommend this trip if you like walking, good food and good views.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Swimming in the lakes.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?