What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking local guidesHotel & Guesthouse
2 nights in a hotel with saunas and wellness centre, 2 nights in a guesthouse and 1 night in Ljubljana central hotelMeals
All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
All the kayaking equipment plus snowshoes, poles and crampons (if needed)Small Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike along pristine trails amongst the snowy peaks of Slovenia's Julian Alps and the glittering, glacial Logar Valley
Discover the breathtaking underground world below Mount Peca, kayaking flooded tunnels and caves 700m below the Earth's surface
Snowshoe trails by the frozen Fusine Lakes, tucked away in Italy's remote northeast, backed by epic mountain views and picture-perfect hamlets
Pamper yourself in saunas and pools in the Alpine village of Gozd Martuljek, and tuck into hearty mountain meals
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Slovenia!
Meet your host in Ljubljana, hop in the van and head straight for the mountains. After an hour or so of winding through stunning winter scenery, you'll arrive at the charming alpine village of Gozd Martuljek, set against a playground of high peaks in Slovenia's Julian Alps. Check in to your hotel, meet your fellow adventurers and if you have energy, you can head out with your guide to experience the lively apres-ski scene of Kranjska Gora – a nearby alpine village with charming stalls and the inviting aroma of mulled wine.
Day 2
Winter hike in Triglav National Park and sauna time
Hiking
Sauna
Grab breakfast at the hotel and set out on your first winter hike, in search of the best winter views over the snow-capped Julian Alps. Snow conditions permitting, you'll follow a stunning route up to the Vratca saddle and continue under the north face of Mala Mostrovka to Slemenova Spica (1909m), one of the most picturesque viewpoints of the whole Kranjska Gora area. Admire the imposing peaks of the Jalovec, Mojstrovka, and Ponca – all over 2000m – from up close, before enjoying lunch then heading back to your hotel. This afternoon, pamper yourself at a beautiful sauna complex, where you can try Finnish, Turkish, and herbal saunas and cool down in an ice cave or pools with glacial water.
Day 3
Into Italy to hike frozen lakes, fairytale forests and alpine wonders
Snowshoeing
Driving
Bid farewell to Gozd Martuljek and venture across the border into Italy, specifically the Tarvisio municipality of Friuli's region, to uncover some truly memorable landscapes. You'll start with the idyllic Laghi di Fusine, two glacial lakes which freeze over in winter, creating a truly fairytale atmosphere. Next, don your snowshoes and hike up to Rifugio Zacchi, immersed in the silence and pristine beauty of beech and fir woods, and surrounded by giant snowcapped peaks. After tucking into a warming lunch, descend back to the valley to explore the charming hamlet of Mounti Lussari by cable car. Clinging to a mountaintop at 1740m, this alpine gem offers privileged views over the rocky peaks of Montasio and Jof Fuart, the Gail Valley, and the austere Slovenian peaks all the way to the perennial ice of Austria. Stroll through the alleys, shop for some local crafts and perhaps enjoy an Aperol spritz as you watch the sun setting over the majestic Julian Alps. Late afternoon, transfer back into Slovenia's Koroska region, where you'll spend the next couple of nights.
Day 4
Waterfall hikes and remote glacial valleys
Hiking
Driving
Today you'll head out to explore the Logar Valley, a little-known yet stunning mountain region which has been a landscape park since 1987. Considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Slovenia, it is also one of the most remote. Today's hike follows a short and relatively easy trail towards Klemenča Jama hut, with superb views over the Kamnik and Savin Alps and the imposing peak of Ojstrica. Warm up with a meal and perhaps a homemade apple strudel whilst surrounded by granite peaks, before continuing on to the impressive Rinka Falls. One of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the country, it stands at 90m tall, and during winter it often freezes over. After lunch, you'll continue by road to Podoljševo, one of the highest mountain settlements in Slovenia, surrounded by isolated farms. Back at the hotel, enjoy some downtime and a well-deserved hot shower.
Day 5
Underground kayaking adventure and farewell night in Ljubljana
Kayaking
Caving
Driving
Relax over breakfast and then head out for a one-of-a-kind subterranean adventure in Mezica – you'll be kayaking inside the mountain, in an old mine with all of its original infrastructure preserved after it closed in 1994. Equipped with a helmet, a torch and safety equipment (boots-pants made of neoprene and a non-sinkable jacket), you will take a real mining train along the 3.5 km long Glančnik Tunnel. Next, you'll hop on kayaks to paddle 700m below the surface of the earth, exploring an underground labyrinth of flooded tunnels, gigantic excavation areas, and spacious underground chambers, guided by a former miner. This afternoon, you'll drive back to Ljubljana – Slovenia’s tiny capital, and one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Wander the charming cobbled streets and romantic riverfront buildings, then head out with your group for a few optional farewell beers and a meal in town.
Day 6
Goodbye Slovenia!
After five days of adventure and exploration, it’s time to head home refreshed and revitalised. One airport transfer is included if you choose to depart this morning. Otherwise, you can opt for a private transfer later in the day or extend your stay with some extra time in this charming capital city.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Ljubljana Airport, Ljubljana
13:30 on Day 1
Ends
Ljubljana Airport, Ljubljana
08:30 on Day 6
Transfers
Your adventure begins at Ljubljana Airport (LJU) with your airport transfer usually scheduled in the afternoon at 13:30. If you arrive in Ljubljana early, you can spend the morning exploring the enchanting old town and your host can arrange a pick up from the city instead of from the airport. At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Ljubljana Airport (LJU) at 08:30, and we recommend booking any flight that departs after 10:00. Alternatively, you can make your own way by taxi or public bus if you choose to depart later.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Ljubljana from Gatwick with Easyjet plus plenty of indirect options from the UK and Europe. Alternatively, you may choose to fly in and out of Venice and ask your host to arrange some private transfers.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Food in Slovenia is very diverse with lots of influence from neighbouring countries. In addition to traditional Slovenian foods like meat stews and dandelion salads, you can also find plenty of Italian food and other international cuisine. A continental breakfast is included each morning and will fuel you up for the activities. A lunch and two evening meals are included in the trip, which will be a chance to try a variety of tasty, hearty winter dishes. The other meals will be taken either in cosy mountain huts or local restaurants, and your guide will provide advice on the best spots for you to try.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Gozd Martuljek
You'll spend the first two nights in the idyllic and tranquil setting of Gozd Martuljek, 5km from the popular Kranjska Gora ski resort, surrounded by unspoilt nature and beautiful mountain views. Accommodation will be at Spik Alpine Resort, which includes an alpine wellness centre with indoor pools and a variety of saunas. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with a bathroom, TV, WiFi, hair dryer, safe and phone.
Prevalje
Spend two nights at the cosy, family-run Krivograd Guesthouse. You'll stay in twin-share rooms, nicely decorated and fitted with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property also includes a great restaurant, serving tasty local specialities as well as international cuisine.
Ljubljana
Spend the final night of the trip at the 3-star B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park, within short walking distance from Ljubljana's historic centre. Accommodation will be in comfortably equipped twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms and free WiFi.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability and can be limited depending on the hotels' availability.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
No special skills are required, just a good fitness level and the ability to handle three to four hours of hiking or snowshoeing per day. There will be some some uphill sections to climb, but overall no significant elevation gain. Some previous hiking experience is recommended. Whether you'll be hiking or snowshoeing will very much depend on the snow conditions at time of travel. Between January and March, the Julian Alps and the Logar Valley are usually covered in snow. If snow is present, all hikes will take place using snowshoes, poles or crampons (these are included in the trip price and provided locally).
Snowshoes are a special type of footwear that enables you to spread your weight over a larger area, allowing you to move easily across powdery snow-covered terrain. If you have never tried this activity before, don't worry! Snowshoeing is incredibly easy, comfortable and safe. You simply clip your snowshoe to the outside of your hiking boot and off you go. You'll be in the hands of experienced and trained local guides who know the area intimately, who will guide you safely throughout the hikes.
On the final day of the trip you'll experience a unique undeground kayaking adventure. This includes a short ride on an original mining train to about 600m below the ground, followed by short hike and a descent over some steep stairs about 95m lower. Next, you'll be paddling on tandem sit-on-top kayaks, along flooded passages and galleries. You will spend about four hours in the mine, including one hour on the kayak. No previous experience is necessary, and most of the passages are quite wide and don't require crawling. Overall, this is not recommended if you suffer of severe claustrophobia.
What if i need to skip an activity?
If at any point you prefer to skip any of the activities, just speak to your guide you will arrange for you to wait for the group in a specific point, such as a warm hut or restaurant.
What will I need to carry?
Your main luggage will be transported for you, so you'll just need a 30L daypack to carry personal items during each day of the activities.
The Julian Alps and the Logar Valley will be cold in winter, with snowfall common from late December through to March. Daytime average high temperatures hover around 1-2°C, while nighttime lows can be down to -8°C. You'll need to bring adequate winter clothing and warm layers for the hikes, but the hotels and guesthouses will keep you snug and warm during the evenings. The Fusine Lakes area across the border in Italy is considered one of the coldest places in Italy with its own microclimate, and temperatures often plummet down to -10 or -15°C.
Please note that snow is never guaranteed on each departure, but winter hiking without snow will be equally spectacular and enjoyable.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- All equipment for winter hiking as needed (snowshoes and poles or crampons) and for the underground kayaking and caving (rubber boots, protective clothing, a life jacket, a helmet with a headlamp, kayaks)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main luggage or duffel bag
- 1 smaller 30-litre backpack for the hikes and daily activities
CLOTHES
- Rain/windproof insulated jacket with hood
- A combination of a thermal layer and waterproof hard shell trousers, or insulated waterproof skiing pants
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (merino best)
- A couple of functional shirts for the hikes (we recommend merino or synthetic)
- Warm hat
- Cold weather gloves/mitts and liner gloves
- Warm/ski socks
- Buff or neckscarf
- Trekking trousers/shorts/skirts
- Underwear and one or two layers of socks (merino or synthetic)
- Sunglasses
- Sleepwear
- Sturdy warm hiking boots (worn-in)
- Gaiters (optional)
- Swimwear
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Magnesium tablets and electrolytes
- Ear plugs
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable insulated water bottle (or two) x1 litre
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- While hiking poles are provided, you are welcome to bring your own if you would prefer
Additional night in Ljubljana Single Room (December rate)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night in Ljubljana Single Room (December rate)
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Additional night in Ljubljana Single Room (January-March rate)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night in Ljubljana Single Room (January-March rate)
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Additional night in Ljubljana Twin/Double Room (December rate)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night in Ljubljana Twin/Double Room (December rate)
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Additional night in Ljubljana Twin/Double Room (January-March rate)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night in Ljubljana Twin/Double Room (January-March rate)
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Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
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Private Arrival Transfer Ljubljana Airport - Gozd Martuljek (1-4 pax)
Payable Before Departure
Private Arrival Transfer Ljubljana Airport - Gozd Martuljek (1-4 pax)
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Private Departure Transfer Ljubljana City - Ljubljana Airport (1-4 pax)
Payable Before Departure
Private Departure Transfer Ljubljana City - Ljubljana Airport (1-4 pax)
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 256kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Although snowfall is common in this region from late December through to March, it is never guaranteed – so it's possible that conditions may vary on each departure. All activities included in the trip can take place with or without snow, and they are equally enjoyable. Your guide may slightly alter the hiking routes and distance in order to offer the best and safest possible experience.
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 60 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
The tap water in Slovenia is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotels to avoid buying single use plastic bottles.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. We suggest the below as a guideline per person:
- €15-20 for each guide and €10 for the driver
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely cold and consistently below freezing (0C/32F) during the times of year when this trip operates. Temperatures at night will likely be even colder. Personal care should be taken to keep warm as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration and nutrition. Very cold temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at warmer temperatures. In severe cold conditions people may experience symptoms associated with Exposure, Frostbite and Hypothermia. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with cold temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 15th December 2024
to Friday 20th December 2024
Fully Booked
