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Alpine Lakes of Slovenia

Slovenia - Trip code SO Discovery
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107Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Glacial lakes, steep mountains, and rambling caves, discover the beauty of Slovenia on this week-long holiday. From the laid-back atmosphere of the capital, Ljubljana, to the surreal beauty of Lake Bled, this tour takes in the highlights of one of the Balkan's most beautiful destinations.

Why we love this trip
  • Lake Bled - Witness one of the most photographed places in the country and soak in its astounding beauty.
  • Triglav National Park - Discover the alpine scenery on walks in the Julian Alps from tranquil Lake Bohinj.
  • Ljubljana - Explore the majestic Baroque capital city on the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Cable Car

    Public Bus

    Taxi

    Train

  • i

    Accommodation

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Slovenia

Climate

Slovenia has a continental climate, with warm summers and the possibility of some rain in the Julian Alps. There is an average of 5-6 hours of sunshine in April, May, June and September and 7-8 hours in July and August. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. In the capital, Ljubljana, in spring and autumn temperatures average at around 15°C, with April being cooler at around 9°C, and in summer the temperatures average at 20°C.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Slovene

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.



A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your holiday. Whilst the trip price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for you.

Lake Bled:
On day two you can take a traditional gondola boat ride €15.00 per person; hire a rowing boat for €15.00 per boat; entrance to Bled Castle €11.00 per person.

Triglav National Park and Lake Bohinj:
On day three you can hire a bike for €10 per hour or €28 per day; hire a kayak for €8 per hour; go horse riding €40 for two hours (some previous experience is preferred); take a boat trip on Lake Bohinj €9 per person; canyoning on the Jerecica Canyon for €69 per person (minimum of two people). The canyoning trip includes all safety equipment and lasts for three to four hours. You must have the ability to swim to take part in this activity.

River rafting on day four along the Sava Bohinjka River €29 per person.

A variety of walks are available during this trip for a maximum of five hours walking per day. These walks are graded as easy. Allow €10 for local transport to and from the start and end points for the walks in Triglav National Park.

Izola:
On day six you may take the public bus to Piran, approximately €2.30 per person per way. It takes around 20 minutes each way. In Piran you can walk the city walls for €2 per person; take the boat (one hour per way) from Piran to Trieste, Italy (departs in the morning and returns in the evening, so you spend the full day in Trieste, it operates from July to September, you must take your passport) €40 per person return.

On day six you may take the public bus to the salt pans, approximately €1.80 per person per way. The saltpans entrance fee is €7 per person.

Ljubljana:
On day seven entrance to the Castle Museum €10 per person

Clothing

Pack for hot weather for July and August departures. Temperatures are cooler in the Julian Alps so a fleece is essential plus a windproof/water-proof jacket whilst hiking. Remember to bring your swimwear.

Footwear

Bring comfortable walking boots or shoes with ankle support and good tread for the Julian Alps and trainers or sandals for general travel.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a daypack. Remember that you are expected to carry your own luggage - so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

We recommend taking a water bottle, insect repellent, and sun cream. You may find a walking pole useful. You may also wish to bring a swimming costume and towel.

We strongly recommend that if you intend to take part in the optional bike ride on this tour, you bring your own cycling helmet with you. Cycling helmets will be available to hire locally from a reputable supplier, but we cannot guarantee the structural integrity of local equipment. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Slovenia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10
Dinner price
£17
Beer price
£2
Water price
£0.9
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Pound Sterling and US Dollars can be exchanged for the local currency.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns and cities - your Explore Leader will advise you on arrival. Only exchange money at reputable places like banks, ATM's and official Forex Offices.
ATM Availability
Major towns and cities have ATMs for cash withdrawal.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are also generally accepted.
Travellers Cheques
Accepted in most banks but not all money changing facilities.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Cable Car, Public Bus, Taxi, Train

Accommodation notes

Accommodation on this tour has been chosen for location, comfort, and authenticity. We'll spend four nights in comfortable and three nights in premium accommodation. It's worth noting that there won't always be the amenities of larger, chain hotels, such as air-conditioning, but there will always be a warm, local welcome.

We'll be staying at Hotel Jerezo on Lake Bohinj, overlooking the lake itself. Rooms are spacious and equipped with tea and coffee making facilities as well as a safe. They also have balconies so you can sit out and enjoy the fresh air. If you'd like to unwind, there's an indoor pool, spa and workout equipment, too.

There's a bus stop close by to the hotel so you can easily explore further during our free day. You'll find cafes and restaurants within minutes' walk as well as an equipment shop where you can hire bikes and kayaks. Around the back of the hotel, there's also a local shop with a cash point, where you can pick up everyday supplies.

Slovenia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Slovenia: Visas are not required by UK, US, Canadian, Australia and New Zealand citizens.

Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

700

Included activities

Please note that our guided tour at Skocjan Caves may be with other non-Explore customers.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Slovenia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend being up-to-date with your routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK including protection against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis protection is recommended by some medical sources at certain times of the year. Ticks are most active between spring and late autumn. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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