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MT Sobek
OFFER ID 1601522
This carefully crafted itinerary takes you on a captivating odyssey through the enchanting landscapes of Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Soak up Slovenia's natural wonders, tracing the shores of stunning Lake Bled, summiting a craggy Triglav National Park peak in the Julien Alps, hiking the spectacular Soca River Valley, and sampling artisan cheese and wine along the way. Cross to Croatia to paddle the sparkling Adriatic, then travel inland to marvel at UNESCO-listed waterfalls in Plitvice National Park and climb to iconic Anica Kuk. The Adriatic calls you back to the coast to discover the Dalmatian islands through hikes, culinary delights, and historical treasures. Immerse yourself in Dubrovnik's beauty and past, then it's off to Montenegro's gorgeous Bay of Kotor and more storybook villages and hiking through diverse and spectacular landscapes.
Highlights:
13 nights from $8,995 per person
MT Sobek: Slovenia Croatia & Montenegro Grand Traverse Multi-Adventure
Day 1 Arrive in Ljubljana
Private airport transfer
On arrival to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia, you will be met by an MT Sobek representative and transferred to your hotel. The Ljubljanica River winds through the charming medieval old town with its picturesque squares—the heart of city's cultural life, bustling with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
Accommodation: Hotel Lev
(D)
Day 2 Hike Around Lake Bled & Cruise on the Lake
45-minute transfer
3.6 miles of hiking with negligible elevation gain or loss
Today, travel to lake Bled, famous for the tiny islet in the center of the lake punctuated with a church tower. Enjoy a scenic warm-up hike around the lake, getting your first glimpses of the lofty Julien Alps. Relax in the afternoon with a traditional Pletna boat ride to the lake's small isle and enjoy views over Bled Castle, guarding the lake from its clifftop perch. Admire the historical Austrian Habsburg architecture as you stroll around Bled.
Accommodation: Hotel Triglav
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike Triglav National Park & Summit Mt. Debela Pec
25-minute transfer each way
5.4 miles of hiking with 2,360' of elevation gain
After a hearty breakfast, depart for the Julian Alps and sensational Triglav National Park. The goal for today is to summit Mt. Debela Pec (6,650'). Hike a steady ascent on switchback trails through lush forests and rugged terrain. The final push over rocky paths amidst karst and dwarf pines is challenging but the effort is well worth it as the peak offers spectacular views of Triglav National Park and Mt. Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia.
Accommodation: Hotel Triglav
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike through the Soca River Valley
1.25-hour transfer, 20-minute transfer, 30-minute transfer
9 miles of hiking with 350' of elevation gain
Travel along the enchanting Julian Alps, crossing the Vrsic pass (5,285'), which was once on the border line between Italy and Austro-Hungarian Empire. Revel in breathtaking views and with a bit of luck you will see dozens of delicate alpine flowers. Today's trek starts in the remote Soca River Valley, an alpine valley surrounded by high peaks. Discover a hidden waterfall before connecting to the Soca Trail, which traces the emerald river of the same name. On the way, stop by a local artisan cheese makers to try their gourmet sheep cheese! In the late afternoon, chase the sunset on the gorgeous Mangart Saddle, a mountain pass with incredible views. Savor a gourmet dinner after today's effort.
Accommodation: Hotel Sanje OB Soci
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Taste the Flavors of Vipava Wine Country
25-minute transfer, 1.5-hour transfer, 1.25-hour transfer
2.7 miles of hiking with 300' of elevation gain + 2 miles
For your final hike in the Alps, take a short hike to Kozjak, one of Slovenia's most beautiful waterfalls. This part of the Soca Valley was once an infamous WWI Isonzo Front battlefield, where Ernest Hemingway got inspiration for his novel Farewell to Arms. Travel by road further south to the Vipava Wine Country, a scenic hilly region rich in vineyards, orchards, and medieval towns. Visit a local winemaker and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch followed by a tour of the underground wine cellars, tasting some exquisite local wines. Finish the day on the Adriatic Sea in the Venetian town of Piran, catching the golden afternoon light.
Accommodation: Hotel Piran
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Cross into Croatia & Paddle a Kayak on the Adriatic
1.25-hour transfer
Sea kayaking on the Adriatic
Stretch your legs with a morning tour of Piran, learning about the town's rich history and wandering narrow winding streets. Travel to the border and cross into Croatia, continuing to Rovinj, a town renowned for its beauty, built by the Venetians. After a briefing, get ready for a sea-kayaking adventure on the Adriatic's crystal-clear waters! Paddle along the rugged coastline and secluded bays with chances to spot sea turtles and silvery fish. Finish the day checking in to a small comfortable boutique hotel in the small medieval village of Bale.
Accommodation: Hotel La Grisa
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
3-hour transfer
6-9 miles of hiking
Say farewell to the Adriatic for a short while and travel inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush greenery. The trail meanders along turquoise lakes and passes through dense forest with views (of course!) of luminous waterfalls. Hiking through this extraordinary scenery unveils the true beauty of Croatia's oldest and most famous natural park. Stay close by the park tonight.
Accommodation: Plitvice Inn
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Hike to Anica Kuk in Paklenica National Park
1.25-hour transfer, 1.75-hour transfer, 30-minute ferry ride, 25-minute transfer
7.2 miles of hiking with 1,300' of elevation gain
This morning, travel to spellbinding Paklenica National Park and begin your hike among the dramatic rock formations of Velika Paklenica canyon. As you ascend, the path winds through a dense forest of beech and pine, arriving at Paklenica Hut. The next leg takes you to the base of iconic Anica Kuk, a towering cliff—the tallest in the Velebit mountains— where you're rewarded with breathtaking views of the sheer rock face and the expansive valley below. After your hike, drive to UNESCO-listed Split, a city once strongly influenced by the Romans and later by the Venetians. This is culturally the richest part of the Adriatic where you'll discover the Diocletian Palace built in finest limestone and marble in the 3rd century AD. From this coastal city, cross a short expanse of the Adriatic to the island of Brac.
Accommodation: Hotel Puteus Palace
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Savor Brac Island’s Landscapes & Flavors
30-minute transfer each way
6.6 miles of hiking with 1,100' of elevation gain
Discover Brac, the largest of Dalmatian islands, starting today's walk in the hidden bay of Blaca and hiking up through pine trees, aromatic flowers, and the scents and sights of the sea to the 450-year-old hermitage, which is on UNESCO's shortlist. Enjoy a fire-cooked lunch of local specialties in a Dalmatian stone village. Fortified with a healthy meal, continue to the top of Mt. Vidova, the highest peak of the Adriatic islands, and enjoy the view down to the Zlatni Rat, often referred to as the Golden Cape or Golden Horn, a narrow spit of beach piercing the azure waters of the Adriatic. Tonight's dinner is on your own. Your guides are happy to recommend the best restaurant for your culinary experience.
Accommodation: Hotel Puteus Palace
(B, L)
Day 10 Culinary Tour of Brac with Wine Tasting
2.5-hour transfer, 30-minute ferry ride
Enjoy a relaxed morning in the delightful historical town of Pucisca, exploring Brac's pristine coves where turquoise waters lap against rocky shores, and do some virgin olive oil tasting. Then travel to the Peljesac peninsula, almost an island itself, with a narrow link to the mainland. This small paradise is lush with orange, pomegranate, and fig orchards, not to mention vineyards producing Dingac, one of Croatia's best wines. Sample local wines and visit a traditional konoba (tavern) to indulge in local fare before settling in Orebic.
Accommodation: Hotel Indijan
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Summit Mt. Ilija for Views of Dalmatia
6.5 miles of hiking with with 2,840' of elevation gain (option for an easier hike in the foothills of Mt. Ilija)
Awake in Orebic, an enchanting small town on the fertile Peljesac peninsula where some of the finest centuries-old villas in Dalmatia are beautifully preserved. Head out on a hike through vineyards, passing an old Franciscan monastery, and continue uphill in the shade of Allepo pine forest. As you near the top of Mt. Ilija, the highest peak on Peljesac, the scenery changes to barren rocky terrain. At the summit, marvel at panoramic views of the many islands of Dalmatia. In the afternoon take a break by the hotel's pool before cruising across the channel to the island of Korcula, once home of Marco Polo. Listen to stories of the past while walking through this magical old town, then return to Orebic.
Accommodation: Hotel Indijan
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Explore Historic Dubrovnik & Cross into Montenegro
1.75-hour transfer
Today set off to the very southern tip of Dalmatia to visit Dubrovnik, the "Jewel of the Adriatic." Here massive stone walls meet with crystal clear blue waters to shelter the impressive UNESCO-listed town. Explore its exquisite, red-roofed stone architecture in churches, monasteries, and palaces. Learn about its history of shipbuilding and spice trade with the Far East. Travel to the border and enter Montenegro, continuing to the stunning Bay of Kotor, and old town recognized by UNESCO for its artistic and commercial history and restored monuments. Walk along Kotor's fortified walls, getting views of the bay before arriving at your boutique hotel in the center of old town.
Accommodation: Hotel Vardar
(B, L, D)
Day 13 Hike through Scenic Lovcen National Park
Total of 3.5 hours transfer with hiking and touring breaks along the way
4 miles of hiking with 1,990' of altitude gain
Begin the day with a drive inland to the village of Njegosi, famed for their air-dried ham, cheese, and honey. This village was the birth place of Montenegro's most renowned poet and monarch Petar Njegos. From here, hike through the hills of Lovcen National Park on a karst plain and forested trails to the top of limestone Mt. Lovcen, where you will have impressive views over Kotor bay and Montenegro's coastline. After your descent, the road takes you to the former royal capital of Montenegro, the town of Cetinje, which has a fascinating history as a stronghold as the Ottoman Empire pushed into Montenegro. Travel down a serpentine road with 25 curves and stunning views just as the sun sets.
Accommodation: Hotel Vardar
(B, L, D)
Day 14 Return to Dubrovnik & Depart
2-hour transfer
After breakfast it's time to say farewell to Montenegro and this thrilling adventure. Transfer to Dubrovnik airport for homeward bound flights.
(B)
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
3355 Lenox Rd. Suite 750
Atlanta, GA 30326
USA
404-231-8747
1 800 486-5257