Hiking along the invisible border:
the best of the classic Karst plateau
3 days/ 2 nighs 
46 km in 3 days 
hard A galvanising hike, abounding with constantly changing landscapes, along the now inexistent border between East and West. A low-impact, nomadic experience accompanied by the rhythm of our footfall. Sustainable, not only for the environment, but also for the free-spirited traveller who wishes to inhabit places as well as visit them.
A fascinating world to discover on foot
Crossing national borders along footpaths and cart tracks that were once off-limits to hikers and nature enthusiasts, we will discover the magic of these lands. From the waterscape of the Val Rosandra canyon we reach the Karst plateau, exploring its depths in the awe-inspiring Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO heritage site. In Lipica we will be warmly welcomed by its famous white horses and take in magnificent views of the Adriatic coast and the city of Trieste from the region’s most beautiful viewpoints. Unexpected discoveries and authentic encounters await us on our journey.
Route and details of the tour
Departure location
in the early morning in Piazza Oberdan, Trieste (exact time to be confirmed)
Return location
at around 18.00 in Piazza Oberdan, Trieste
Day 1
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Rosandra Valley Natural Reserve
We will begin our journey by heading inland along the ancient salt path used for centuries by merchants from Carniola on their way to Trieste’s salt flats. The path, which travels through the valley, bordered by vertical walls, woods and scree, offers splendid views of the Rosandra stream with its 35-metre high waterfall and its 21 natural pools. Having passed an ancient pilgrimage church and the remains of one of the 32 mills once active in the valley, we reach the remote village of Botač, now almost uninhabited. Here, we cross the bridge that once demarcated the border between Italy and Slovenia and, a few metres further on, reach the former border toll booth.
Following the old railway towards the Karst plateau
From Botač, we begin our ascent towards the Karst plateau, arriving shortly after at the former Austro-Hungarian Trieste-Hrpelje railway, which has now been dismantled. We will follow its panoramic route for some distance between tunnels dug into the rock and the original train stations, which are still well preserved. We will then enter Slovenian territory along the Gročana border path on the slopes of the highest mountain in the Karst plateau, Kokoš, renowned in the time of the former Yugoslavia for its massive stone inscription in praise of Tito, a Yugoslav communist revolutionary and statesman. We will then travel our first few kilometres of the Slovenian Karst plateau, arriving in the village of Divača where we will spend the night.
Day 2
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
The World Heritage caves
After a hearty breakfast, we set off towards the Škocjan Caves – Škocjanske Jame, to discover the magical underground world of the Karst. Visiting this natural spectacle, declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1986, its imposing stalactites and mysterious rock formations cannot fail to inspire wonder. Expert guides will accompany you along a well-lit path through this extraordinary underground canyon, considered to be the largest in the world, taking you over a bridge suspended almost 50 metres above the river below.
White fences and grassy meadows
Back in the outside world, we will stop for lunch to recover our energy and then, in the early afternoon, we will leave the park to immerse ourselves once more in the Karst landscape. Walking along gentle paths lined with numerous dry-stone walls, we will then arrive at another famous wonder of the Karst: the Lipica stud farm, home of the elegant Lipizzaner horses. These thoroughbred white horses have lived here since 1580 and roam freely in herds through the estate’s grassy meadows. We will spend the night in this oasis of calm at the accommodation facility within the equestrian park.
Day 3
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Discover Lipica
Part of the morning will be dedicated to visiting the Lipica stud farm, walking along unpaved tracks in the shade of tree-lined avenues and oak groves. We will enter the oldest stables in Europe and see the Lipizzaner horses up close. Next, we will visit Lipikum, the interactive museum dedicated to these majestic horses. Before leaving Lipica, we will make a quick detour to the nearby valley of Our Lady of Lourdes, a unique shrine nestled in a Karst sinkhole dating back to the 19th century.
Between the Karst plateau and the sea
Heading back into the woods, we soon reach the border and return to Italian soil. We will cross the border almost without noticing, using old cart tracks whose abandoned checkpoints now serve as the only reminder of a border that no longer exists. Leaving the karst surroundings behind, we reach the end of the plateau, overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. The last part of our trek takes us along the panoramic Napoleonic road, one of the most beautiful in the region. Splendid views over the Adriatic and the city of Trieste accompany us to the town of Prosecco from which a vehicle will transport us to the centre of Trieste.
What we love about this tour
The scenic path of Rosandra valley
The soft thud of our footfall in the forests
Feeling like Jules Verne in Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Morning dew on the green meadows of Lipica
Straddling two nations
Looking down over the Gulf of Trieste
Price per person
460,00 €
Group size
2 - 12
Price includes
Accommodation in double room; scheduled meals (2 breakfasts and 3 packed lunches); transfer to and from Trieste; admission to the Škocjan Caves; admission to the Lipica equestrian park; local tour guide MaroWays.
Price excludes
Meals not mentioned above (2 dinners); medical insurance; tips, expenses and personal extras; anything not expressly mentioned above.
Supplement for luggage transfer
60,00 € per person (1 item of luggage per person)
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
Note
Please contact us if your trip begins or ends anywhere other than Trieste.
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); 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
→ All the colours of Slovenia: breath-taking nature and the magic of Ljubljana
→ 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: Pikakonec; www.slovenia.info – Boris Pretnar; Jošt Gantar; Nea Culpa d.o.o.; Dean Dubokovič