Slovenia in Spring – May 2011
May is one of the most beautiful months in Slovenia. Nature has recovered after the long winter, the trees are lush and vividly green, the meadows are marked with a wide variety of wild flowers in all colours, and the mountain peaks are still covered with thick layers of snow creating a stunning backdrop for landscape photos. At the coast, it is almost summer; the weather is pleasantly warm and a brave few are already swimming. Even in the higher areas, we can see that spring has come; the snow is melting, the waters are abundant, and the alpine rivers and streams are swollen. The tourist season hasn’t begin yet and this is a great opportunity to focus on photography. Ljubljana streets are bursting with life, and the Ljubljanica River promenade is a place to be. Spring in Slovenia is a memorable experience, not to be missed!
DAY 1: Arrival to Bled
DAY 2-3: Glacier Lakes of Bled and Bohinj and Surroundings
DAY 4-5: Soca River Valley and Triglav National Park
DAY 6-7: Piran and the Coast
DAY 8: Notranjska Region with Krizna Cave and Rakov Skocjan Nature Park
DAY 9-11: Ljubljana, Volcji potok
DAY 12: Departure from Ljubljana
Itinerary and details:
DAY 1: Arrival to Bled
Arrival to the airport of Ljubljana and transfer to Bled.
Orientation and tour details. We can already start photographing lake Bled with its beautiful setting. At our welcome dinner we can further discuss itinerary and get to know each other.
Overnight: Family owned pension at the heart of Bled, D
DAY 2-3: Glacier Lakes of Bled and Bohinj and Surroundings
We will have two full days to explore the beautiful Gorenjska region. The journey will begin in Bled, which is one of the most stunning places in Slovenia with its lake and the church on the island in the middle. We can visit the island by traditional “Pletna” boat. Bled Castle on the cliff above offers superb views on the lake, and there will be plenty of opportunities to capture landscape photos from this vantage. The nearby Lake Bohinj is also a glacier-made body like Bled, but as it is located in the heart of Julian Alps it provides a very different setting. After a brief stop to try some canoeing on the lake, we will head to the picturesque Savica waterfall. From there, we will pass through many picturesque small traditional-style villages on our way to the stunning Vintgar Gorge. Finally, after a long day of photographing we will grab some of Bled’s famous “kremšnita” cream cake, and renew our energy levels.
Overnight: Family owned pension at the heart of Bled, BD
DAY 4-5: Soca River Valley and Triglav National Park
Our way will take us to the highest mountain pass in Julian Alps, Vršič; its pinnacle affords beautiful views of the highest Slovenian mountains, and as we descend to the south we will meet the emerald waters of the Soča River. The river and its valley will be our base for the next two days as we explore all the hidden corners of the area which offers numerous gorges, waterfalls, WWI remnants, and much more. The keen wildlife photographers can try their luck with Alpine Ibex, this wild mountain goat is the king of the Julian Alps. From here, we will take a trip to the highest Slovenian road to the Mangrt Saddle which is over 2000m high.
Overnight: Family run hotel at Bovec area, BD
DAY 6-7: Piran and the Coast
We will head south leaving the Julian Alps behind. Our destination is Piran, the Venetian jewel on the Slovenian coast. On the way we will stop for photo opportunities and lunch. We will have another two days to explore the area. Piran will keep us busy for a day, and we will also visit the old Sečovlje saltpans and tour some traditional villages high in the coastal hillsides. Since we will be at the sea, we will also afford abundant time for swimming, sunbathing, and dining where seafood lovers can enjoy the daily catch and we can all enjoy the celebrated wine of this Mediterranean region.
Overnight: Piran, centrally located hotel, BD
DAY 8: Notranjska Region with Krizna Cave and Rakov Skocjan Nature Park
We’ll then head onwards to explore the mysterious Karst region. Our first stop will be the Cerknica area, home to the “vanishing lake”, it might be full of water or it might be completely dry, but in any case it is a marvelous place for photography. We will also explore the Rakov Škocjan regional park where rivers disappear and reappear. The highlight of the day (maybe of the whole trip!) will be the experience of exploring Krizna Cave; we will take a boat ride along the green-hued crystal-clear waters of its famed underground river.
Overnight: Hotel in the regional park Rakov Skocjan, BD
DAY 9-11: Ljubljana, Volcji potok
From the Notranjska, we will drive to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana is a charming city where everything is within walking distance.
The city offers an array of cuisine, you can dine at traditional “gostilna” (guest house), eat at a fine French restaurant, or enjoy delicious Italian fare. In three days we will cover all the city’s highlights: the Baroque churches, the lively outdoor marketplace, the Ljubljana Castle, romantic Ljubljanica river, and the masterpieces of renowned Slovenian architect Joze Plečnik. We will make a half day trip to Volčji Potok Arboretum where the Spring exhibit will be taking place. The park is overflowing with a variety of flowers and trees, and is especially beautiful in May. After a long day of snapping, it’d be great to have a local beer along the Ljubljanica promenade.
Overnight: Hotel in the Ljubljana city centre, BD
DAY 12: Departure from Ljubljana
After the breakfast check out from the hotel. Transfer to the airport of Ljubljana. End of Tour.
ACCOMMODATION:
We will use 3 and 4-star hotels at Ljubljana and Piran. At Bled, Soca river valley and Karst region we will stay at family-owned guest houses and tourist-farms. All places are carefully chosen for its location, convenience and qualty of service. The pricing is based on sharing a twin room, single rooms available at additional charges. For further information on accommodation please contact us.
PRICING DETAILS:
The Tour includes: Accommodation with HB (11 nights) twin rooms sharing (singles available upon request), Airport transfers and all transportation during the tour, expert photographer guidance (if group is larger than six, two photographers will accompany you), Boat ride Bled lake and entrance fees (Bled Castle, Vintgar Gorge, Church in Piran, Secovlje Salt Pans, Ljubljana Castle, Arboretum Volcji Potok).
The tour excludes: Airfares, Airport transfers other than Ljubljana Airport (can be arranged), meals not mentioned in itinerary, drinks, tips, optionals. Single room supplement is 225€.
