All the colours of Slovenia:
breath-taking nature
and the magic of Ljubljana
2 days with local guide + 2 days self-guided (4 days/3 nights) 
18 km in 2 days 
easy A fairy-tale trip in which you will be transported to Lipica’s dreamlike, verdant meadows, the mysterious Škocjan Caves and Slovenia’s enchanting capital, Ljubljana. Travelling on foot and by train, we will take you on an awe-inspiring adventure to discover the area’s unique natural phenomena and the charm of a bijou European capital.
Between dreams and reality in awe-inspiring Slovenia
In the first half of the trip, we will discover two unique wonders of the world, the renowned Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the world-famous Lipica equestrian park. An authentic and unique experience, this walking tour brings you up close to nature and the unique character of the Karst plateau. The second half is self-guided, enabling you to discover Ljubljana’s charm independently. While you manage your time and choose how to spend your days, we are here to inspire you to enjoy the best of the capital, sharing our tips on how to experience this fascinating city at its finest.
Route and details of the tour
Departure location
at 10:00 (one hour earlier in the shorter days of winter) anywhere in the Trieste and Karst area (Slovenian and Italian). Please contact us if you are arriving from elsewhere.
Return location
self-guided in Ljubljana. The local tour guide will accompany you to Divača train station.
Day 1
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
The verdant meadows of Lipica
Private transport will bring us to the Lipica stud farm, home of the finest, world-renowned horses. Founded in 1580 by Archduke Charles of Habsburg, the estate is an oasis of tranquillity, a nature-lover’s paradise, with its tree-lined avenues and carefully tended, green pastures through which herds of white, thoroughbred horses roam freely. The guided tour takes you to the park’s ancient stables and the interactive museum dedicated to the Lipizzaner horse. After the tour, we will make a lunch stop in the park’s tranquil and serene surroundings.
The trails of the Karst plateau
Having bid farewell to Lipica, we continue our journey with a pleasant stroll through the Karst landscape. An easy trail bordered by dry stone walls leads us through woods and past sinkholes to the ancient Karst village of Lokev. From here, we take our final stretch of unpaved track to the Karst town of Divača, where we will spend the night in a local hotel.
Day 2
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
The magic of the Škocjan Caves
After a hearty breakfast, we will step back into nature, arriving soon afterwards at another wonder of the Karst plateau: the Škocjan Caves, declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986. Led by an expert speleologist, we will enter a magical world of colour in which imposing stalactites and mysterious rock formations have been created over millennia. The subterranean Reka River has carved out the largest underground canyon in the world, which we will safely traverse on a bridge suspended almost 50 metres above it. The location of these caves, now so famous they attract visitors from around the world, enables us to access the heart of the underground Karst topography.
Ljubljana – love at first sight
After lunch, we will return to Divača to collect our luggage and head to the nearby train station to take the train to Ljubljana. The second, self-guided part of the trip begins here. Before saying our goodbyes, we will provide you with all of the necessary documentation to continue your trip including your hotel booking voucher, which is located in the heart of the capital. You will arrive in Ljubljana that evening after a relaxing train ride of approx. 2 hours. After the all the excitement of the day, you may wish to end your day with a stroll around the city centre or simply by relaxing in your hotel.
Day 3
Ljubljana: self-guided experience
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Europe’s green capital
Energised and enlivened, you will awake in the heart of a European capital. The day is yours to discover this lively, green city, designed on a human scale by the renowned architect Jože Plečnik. Easy to explore, Ljubljana will undoubtedly win you over with its relaxed and friendly vibe, along with its picturesque bridges, open-air markets and buzzing cafés and restaurants. You will soon discover that the best way to explore this great little capital is on foot as all its major attractions are just a short walk away, including the most popular eateries and the best places to shop. To admire the panorama of the city, you can head up to the ancient castle in the old part of the city, while, if you want to take it easy, don’t miss a trip to Tivoli Park. As the day draws to a close, you may wish to take a romantic boat trip down the Ljubljanica River or simply enjoy an aperitif in one of the enticing riverside cafés. The city centre restaurants, among the best in Slovenia, offer an authentic dining experience.
Day 4
Ljubljana: self-guided experience
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
More time to explore Ljubljana
Our services end after breakfast and check-out from the hotel. You will have the whole day free in Ljubljana and may wish to visit some of the city’s first-rate museums and art galleries or explore its fascinating surroundings. From the capital, you can then continue your travels in Slovenia or return home: regular buses and trains serve all the main destinations in the country, while equally numerous are the international routes served by the local airport and the bus station in the city centre.
What we love about this tour
Combining nature and culture in Lipica
The sound of the river in the Škocjan Caves
Following in the footsteps of the Argonauts
Getting lost in the aromas of the markets
Discovering Tivoli Park through the eyes of a local
Sustainable travel
Price per person
495,00 €
Group size
2 - 10
Price includes
Accommodation in double room; scheduled meals: lunch and dinner on the first day (drinks not included), packed lunch on the second day, breakfasts every day; luggage transfer for the hiking part (1 item of luggage per person); admission to the Lipica Equestrian Park; admission to the Škocjan Caves; private transfer from Trieste to Lipica; train travel from Divača to Ljubljana; local tour guide MaroWays for the hiking part; guidebook Maroways of Ljubljana; documentation for the self-guided part.
Price excludes
Meals not mentioned above; drinks during mealtimes; medical insurance; tips, expenses and personal extras; anything not expressly mentioned above.
Supplements
During peak season, prices may be subject to changes due to availability at the time of booking. Any changes will be communicated at the time of the request.
Information
Important information
Please disclose any food intolerances at the time of booking.
What to bring
Valid ID for crossing the border; even in summer, bring a sweater or sweatshirt (inside the caves the temperature is a constant 12°C all year round); lightweight backpack with rain cover; closed-toed and comfortable walking shoes; water; sunscreen; appropriate clothing (sun hat, cagoule, waterproof jacket, etc.), camera.
Weather
Excursions take place outside. Itineraries may therefore be affected by inclement weather. We do our utmost to best interpret the weather forecast. If, due to particularly adverse conditions, it is understood that a tour cannot go ahead or if the weather conditions may pose a risk to your safety, we reserve the right to modify or cancel the travel contract based on the provisions laid out under the Terms & Conditions.
Mobility
This tour is not suitable for those with reduced mobility.
Other hiking trips
Other guided trips to Slovenia are:
→ Hiking in the Triglav National Park
→ Hiking along the invisible border: the best of the classic Karst plateau
→ Soaking up the flavours of the Karst plateau through slow food and slow travel
If you are interested in day experiences, try looking:
→ Experience another side of Trieste
→ A trip through the Karst and the Grotta Gigante
→ Lipica Walking Experience
If you are interested in other self-guided trips, visit our dedicated page.
Booking
30% of the total amount must be paid at the time of booking. The balance is due 30 days before departure. In the case of a reservation being made within 30 days of the departure date, payment of the full amount is required. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.
Cancellation policy
In the case of cancellation by the client, the following fees will be applied:
→ 59 to 30 days prior to departure: 10% of the cost of the trip to cover the management costs
→ 29 to 15 days prior to departure: 50 % of the cost of the trip
→ 14 to 7 days prior to departure: 75 % of the cost of the trip
→ less than 6 days prior to departure: 100% of the cost of the trip
PHOTO: www.slovenia.info – Andrej Tarfila; Borut Lozej, Javni zavod Park Škocjanske jame; Dean Dubokovič; Boris Pretnar; Jošt Gantar; Nea Culpa d.o.o.