Best of Alpe Adria: Kranjska Gora to Cividale del Friuli

You’ll start your day by heading toward Lake Jasna and enjoying the panorama of the first sunlight hitting the peak of Mt. Prisojnik. Passing the lake, you’ll follow the path beside the Pišnica stream in the direction of Krnica Valley. That’s where you’ll start climbing towards Vršič Pass, one of Slovenia’s most famous alpine attractions, connecting the Sava and Soča valleys on the opposite sides of the Julian Alps. The path weaves through the shade of the forested slopes, passing the Russian Chapel before reaching the Erjavčeva mountain hut, your accommodation for the night just below the top of the pass.

In the early morning, you can ascend to the top of the pass and enjoy the views to each side. Then, you’ll catch the bus to Bovec. You can get off the bus at any stop in the Soča Valley, from where you’ll follow the Soča Trail. The later you decide to leave the bus, the less distance you’ll have to cover to Bovec. You’ll pass the Small and Great Soča Gorge, cross wooden bridges over the river, and follow scenic forest paths before emerging into the fields where the Koritnica River flows into Soča. Now, you’re only a short way from Bovec, where you’ll check into your hotel.

Today, you’ll keep following the Soča River as it flows south. Soon after leaving Bovec, you’ll pass by Slovenia’s largest waterfall, Boka. You can stop for a minute and stand in awe of this pearl of nature. As you continue your journey downriver, you’ll pass some rapids where kayakers and rafters love to challenge the river’s strength. The surroundings start slowly transitioning from the rugged mountains of the Julian Alps to the pre-alpine hills of the northern Primorska region. You’ll finish the day in Kobarid, a town steeped in World War I history, where the Kobarid Museum narrates the poignant tales of the Isonzo Front.

Another long stage follows today. Journeying from Kobarid, you’ll traverse fairy-like forests and age-old, moss-draped stone structures, reaching the historic Church of St. Lawrence, a muse to the poet Simon Gregorčič, who immortalised the Soča River in his writings. The path will lead you through quaint villages beneath the southern slopes of the Julian Alps, reigned over by the magnificent Mt. Krn. After reaching Tolmin, you can explore the famous Tolmin Gorges, cut into sheer rock by the flowing water throughout centuries.

Today’s journey features a climb across the Kolovrat Pass as its standout moment. Atop the ridge, panoramic views await, offering a glimpse of distant Alpine peaks on one side, while on the other, a serene expanse reaching towards the Po Valley and the Adriatic Sea unfolds. The path once more traces the historic Walk of Peace (Sentiero della Pace) within the Italian borders. At the Passo Solarie, once a frontline, you’ll find remarkable relics of WW1 struggles, including an outdoor museum and several intact bunkers.

The journey begins by traversing an ancient trail between the flatlands and the hilltop communities of Stregna and Drenchia. This segment meanders through former grazing areas and dense forests of chestnut trees alongside remnants of World War I defensive works. The landscape then widens, leading to the historic town of Castelmonte, home to the region’s oldest sacred site in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, offering expansive views over the Friulian plains. Soon, you’ll reach Cividale del Friuli, a key historical hub within the Lombard Kingdom‘s territories in Italy.

On your last day on the tour, you can freely explore the charming Italian town until your schedule requires you to depart. The most convenient option is to take a bus to Udine, from where you can connect further. Or we can arrange a private transfer to keep you from having to take care of unnecessary logistical issues on your last day.