Overview

Tour Type:
Walking & Hiking
Comfort Rating:
Casual
Activity Level:
Easy
Duration:
8 Days

The Friuli region of northeastern Italy is one if its most beautiful regions, and one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Just across the border, neighboring Slovenia is an unknown gem with stunning mountains, picturesque valleys, incredible food and wine…and very few tourists! Both regions have their own heritage of food, wine, and history that are unique in all of Europe.

We’ll start at the lovely city of Belluno, using it as our base to explore. Perfectly situated in the southern Dolomites, Belluno’s Renaissance architecture is overshadowed by the by the dramatic mountain landscape surrounding it. It sits in a wonderland of green valleys, tumbling rivers and impressive peaks. Then we’ll move east into Slovenia, and begin to appreciate the wonderful Slovenian culture, scenery and people. From the vineyards of the Wine Road to the stately buildings of the capital, Ljubljana, from the lonely, windswept mountain villages to the take-your-breath-away scenery of the Julian Alps, you’ll be enchanted by this delightful country.

Like all Go Get Lost adventures, we’ll be walking the trails, (all of them EASY) visiting the villages, sampling the wine, meeting the locals, enjoying the food, marveling at the incredible views, and slowly easing into the pace of life in these two wonderful areas!

Tour Dates & Pricing

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Cityscape of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana.
splendid flowering balcony with large pots of Geraniums blooming 1
The magnificent medieval Old Town of Radovljica, Slovenia.

Refreshing sangria with fruits being served on urban street food stall. Urban international kitchen event in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in summertime.
A Polish cream pie made of two layers of puff pastry, filled with whipped cream. Party dessert

Itinerary

To Understand the Hike Ratings CLICK HERE

Day 1 - Belluno

Our Italian adventure starts today in Belluno, our home base for the first part of our adventure. Located in the Italian Regione of the Veneto, Belluno is a picturesque town on the southern edge of the Italian Alps.

You should plan to arrive in Belluno by midday at the latest. Tonight we'll have our orientation meeting, (of course with local wines), and afterwards we'll walk to one of our favorite spots for our welcome dinner. There is an amazing variety of food in this region, probably owing to the amazing variety of landscapes to be found! From alpine mountains and valleys to fertile plains, from lush vineyards producing legendary wines to the Adriatic coast with its infinite variety of seafood, the Veneto region is rich in culinary abundance! So while we're exploring the countryside, villages and towns, we'll be sure to explore the wonderful cuisine as well. And as there's no point in waiting, we'll start tonight at our orientation dinner with an excellent meal of local dishes! An after-dinner passegiata in the town piazza will cap off your first day in the far north of Italia.

Day 2 - Valley di San Pellegrino

This morning we'll meet our local guide and have a fascinating walk in the mountains to the Rifugio Fuciade. The landscape changes dramatically here as we walk through an alpine forest to beautiful green pastures surrounded by the Dolomites craggy peaks. Here we'll enjoy a light meal before continuing on the trail to marvel at the spectacular mountain vistas.

This afternoon will find us at the 200 year old kitchen of La Stanga farm, where we'll see what the chef is preparing today and taste the specialty of the day. And of course we'll taste their excellent wines, cheeses and salami as well!

Today's hike is rated EASY. It's about 3.4 miles total distance, with 384 feet of elevation gain and 738 of elevation decline. The trail surface is mostly smooth, however there are parts of the downhill side that are rocky and uneven.

Day 3 - Le Zercole

Today we'll walk through the pastures and into the mountains and you'll get to meet a local herbologist and have a tour of her incredible mountain herb and flower gardens. Afterwards you'll enjoy a unique lunch prepared with her own produce. Later we'll have an easy walk to La Latteria, a dairy farm that's been in operation for generations. Here we'll see how cheese is made, still using techniques handed down through the centuries. Of course we have a chance to enjoy the cheeses, washed down with an abundance of their local vintages!

Today's hike is rated EASY. It's about 1.5 miles total distance at mostly the same elevation. The trail surface is mostly smooth through the meadows,

Day 4 - Slovenia's Wine Country

This morning we'll journey eastwards across the rolling hills of Italy's Friuli region, crossing the border into western Slovenia. Almost immediately you'll find yourself in the picturesque Slovenian wine country, with more vineyards than almost any other European wine region. We'll enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the typical family-run vineyards that dot the rolling hills of the area, where they will proudly introduce you to their Slovenian wines. This afternoon we'll make our way deeper into Slovenia, eventually arriving at the small village of Radovljica near the base of the Julian Alps, our home for the next two days.

Day 5 - Planica Nordic Centre

Today, we'll visit one of the most unique experiences you'll find on any Go Get Lost adventure as we make our way to the Planica Nordic Centre! This ski complex is the only Nordic Centre in the world with 8 ski jumping hills! We'll get a private guided tour and learn about the Olympic training that takes place at the facility by countries from all over the world. If you keep your eyes pealed, there is a good chance you'll see ski jumpers perfecting their technique as they lunch themselves hundreds of feet down these massive hills. After our tour, we'll take a hike to a nearby mountain hut for a Slovenian lunch with beautiful views of the Julian Alps. This afternoon we'll return to Radovljica where you are free to explore the small town. Later, we'll join back up for a traditional Slovenian dinner at our hotel complete with a Slovenian wine tasting.

Today's hike is rated EASY. An out and back about 4.8 miles total distance, with 652 feet of elevation gain and 658 of elevation decline. The trail surface is mostly smooth.

Day 6 - Velika Planina and Zgornje Palovce

Today we explore an intriguing but little-known area of Slovenia. Using ski lifts, our Slovenian guide will take us to the Velika Planina, a picturesque high plateau with views that will astound you. Here we'll find a shepherds village, where you can observe daily life as it has been for hundreds of years. Later we'll have an easy downhill walk through forest and meadows to the small village of Zgornje Palovce. Tonight we will check into our hotel in the the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana, one of the most interesting cities of Europe, has a rich history of many different conquerors. Originally settled around 2000 BC, the town was occupied by tribesman, then Romans, then Huns, then Lombards, then Franks, and finally the Slovenes. Each civilization left their mark on the city and their contribution to the culture. You're free to explore and find dinner on your own this evening.

Today's hike is rated EASY. It's about 3.5 miles total distance. The trail surface is mostly smooth, however there are parts of the downhill side that are rocky and uneven.

Day 7 - Ljubljana

After breakfast we'll meet our local guide for a fascinating walking tour of the city to explore the fabulous food and wine heritage of Ljubljana as you stroll its lively streets. With frequent stops into local restaurants, your guide will introduce you to the wonderful culinary specialties of Ljubljana, washed down with excellent but unknown locally produced wines. This afternoon you'll have plenty of free time to shop and get lost on your own in Ljubljana. Tonight your guide will take you to one of his favorite local restaurants for our farewell dinner.

Day 8 - Arrivederci Italia!

After breakfast, your Go Get Lost tour comes to a close. You will have a private group transfer to the airport in Ljubljana. Please check with the Go Get Lost office before booking any departure flights.

HOTELS

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Belluno - 3 Star Hotel Delle Alpi Ancient and modern come together in the ALBERGO DELLE ALPI, born way back in 1880, as the luxurious Hotel des Alpes, renovated and modernized bringing together ancient tradition and modern comfort. Within a few minutes on foot, you reach Piazza dei Martiri, the center of the city, with its arcades, the park, the Municipal Theater and the historic venues.

Radovljica- 3 Star Hotel Pension LectarThe Pension Lectar is a family owned hotel and restaurant in the medieval town of Radovljica that strives to preserve Slovenian culture and tradition. Offering 9 unique rooms furnished in a medieval style. Rooms with tradition, rooms with a story!

Ljubljana - 4 Star Hotel Lev Sporting an impressive glass façade, Exe Lev opened in 1964 and rises high above a renowned former restaurant in the centre of Ljubljana. The quality of its services has made this establishment a reference in the city, and over the years it has hosted famous faces including Louis Armstrong, Bob Dylan and Luciano Pavarotti. Recently renovated, the hotel offers a contemporary design with retro touches, creating a warm ambience of timeless elegance while always respecting the history of its facilities.

“The trip was even more than I imagined! The small group made it possible to go places other groups could not. The walks were delightful, the scenery breathtaking. Joan and Steve were great hosts, sharing their love of Ireland and giving us the best places to eat, pub, and shop. We never once went to a place that had giant tour buses and hundreds of tourists. Go. Get. Lost.” -Mary Kay

What´s Included

  • 7 Nights Double Occupancy Hotel Accommodations (All Hotels with Private Bathrooms)
  • Meals as Specified: 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • Welcome Dinner in Belluno
  • Lunch at Slovenian winery with wine pairing
  • Food and Wine tour in Ljubljana
  • Guided Tour of Planica Nordic Centre
  • Guides Welcome Night Wine Tasting
  • La Stanga Wine Tasting
  • Vineyard Tour at Slovenian winery
  • 4 Guided Hikes as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation once the tour has begun. The motorcoaches and vans we use are modern, air conditioned and roomy. Our tour groups are usually between 8-18 people so we always have plenty of room to get comfortable.
  • All train, ferry, hydrofoil, coach, and taxi transfers as specified in itinerary.
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in itinerary
  • Completely escorted by a Go Get Lost Tour Leader with local guides at specified sites throughout the itinerary
  • All gratuities for group meals, coach drivers, and daily local guides...except for your primary local guide.

What´s not Included

  • Airfare package
  • Arrival and departure transfers, tour begins at the hotel in Belluno on the afternoon of Day 1, and the tour ends in your Ljubljana hotel on the morning of day 8.
  • Visa fees, if applicable
  • Gratuity for Primary Local Tour Guide
  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Beverages at meals unless specified in itinerary
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
  • Single supplement charge
  • Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.

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