walking in the julian alps

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1 TRIP NAME: TRIP CODE: TRIP DURATION: WALKING IN THE JULIAN ALPS UJA 7 DAYS GRADE: MODERATE TO CHALLENGING 4 ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALK ACCOMMODATION: 2 NIGHTS 2 3 STAR APARTMENTS, 1 NIGHT 3 STAR HOTEL, 3 NIGHTS MOUNTAIN HUT DATE DETAILS: walking in the julian alps A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it s many exotic islands. There s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want. explore europe your way TRIP COST Joining Ljubljana : $1690 All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS H - high season surcharge: $130 Single Supplement: $210 The trip price is based on multishare in the huts. The single supplement applicable to this trip is based on the hotel nights only. Note regarding single rooms in hotels The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms. IMPORTANT NOTES H - High Season DN1 - High season is from 24 Jun to 31 Aug and a supplement applies. DN2 - This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions. DAILY FROM 16 JUN TO 8 SEP Italy Austria Trieste Julian Alps Slovenia Bled Ljubljana highlights Experience breathtaking scenery of high mountain lakes and rugged limestone peaks Option to ascend Mt Triglav the highest peak in the Julian Alps Stay in charming mountain hotels and rustic mountain huts Visit the picturesque town of Bled Croatia the trip In the north western corner of Slovenia, close to Austria and Italy, are the limestone mountains known as the Julian Alps. The range was the stage of bitter fighting during WWI (with relics on the trails to prove it) and Hemmingway wrote his book, Farewell to Arms, while based in these mountains. More recently they have become famous for the exciting trekking and climbing opportunities in what is some of the finest mountain scenery in Europe. Characterised by high mountain lakes, peaceful alpine valleys and rugged limestone peaks, the Julian Alps retain their distinctive identity and originality. The walk ascends thematic paths and passes by beautiful turquoise lakes to complete a memorable journey. An option to ascend Mt Triglav (2864m), Slovenia s highest mountain is available. There is plenty of time after the walk to soak up the beauty and history of the fairytale town of Bled nestled at the base of the Julian peaks. This is an exhilarating adventure that will appeal to alpine enthusiasts World Expeditions Travel Group - Efti Poulos 3/13/ :56:15 AM Page 1

2 itinerary at a glance Day 1 Transfer Ljubljana to Bohinj Lake Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 detailed itinerary DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 walking in the julian alps Moderate hike to Planika hut (6-8hrs) Optional Mt Triglav ascent. Triglav Lakes Valley walk (6hr hike) Hut to hut walk through the Julian Alps (8-9hrs) Trek to Bovec, afternoon free to relax or white water rafting option (2-3hrs) Transfer via scenic route to Bled, remainder of the day free for sightseeing In Bled, trip concludes Transfer Ljubljana to Bohinj Lake On arrival in Ljubljana you will be transferred to Bohinj Lake, the largest glacier lake in Slovenia. The lake is two kilometres wide and six kilometres in length. It lies in the centre of the Triglav national park and occupies a dramatic position surrounded by a spectacular mountain ridge. We recommend you take a walk around the lake or a boat ride. Overnight apartment. meals: NIL Moderate hike to Planika hut (6-8hrs) Your main luggage will be transferred to Bovec so you will need to repack your hiking gear into a rucksack this morning. The walk begins by following the Mostnica stream to reach the Mostnica Gorge, where you will pass through a series of limestone canyons. There are some excellent views to the cascades and rapids before the trail opens out to the Voje Valley. This section of the walk passes by meadows and small settlements and then through a beautiful forest to reach the Grintovica alpine meadow at around 1170m. As you ascend the views open out to the surrounding craggy peaks. You should take a break at Vodnikov hut where lunch can be purchased, before continuing along the flanks of Vernar peak (2225m). A further walk of just under two hours you will bring you to your overnight accommodation at Planika hut. Overnight mountain hut. Optional Mt Triglav ascent. Triglav Lakes Valley walk (6hr hike) This morning (early) you have the option (highly recommended) to ascend Mt Triglav which takes around 2-3 hours return. It is a steep cliff path that has steel ropes fixed along the ridge line with steps to the top. The path is very rocky with a lot of scree. Traversing the ridgeline allows for magnificent views over the area weather permitting. If you would like to take this option it must be booked and paid locally and the guide will meet you in the morning at Planika Hut. The main section of the walk then continues to the Triglav lakes valley hut where you spend the night. The trail has some steep sections traversing narrow ledges where a handrail has been installed. As you continue you will cross the Dolic saddle (2164m), before reaching the windswept Hribarice plateau. Soon after you will enter the Triglav Lakes Valley which was formed along a geological fault. The vegetation of green meadows and scattered trees is in stark contrast to the limestone crags above. Overnight mountain hut. There is also the option today to do a 2-3hrs via ferrate guided climbing tour World Expeditions Travel Group - Efti Poulos 3/13/ :56:15 AM Page 2

3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 Hut to hut walk through the Julian Alps (8-9hrs) Walking in breathtaking high country, the focus today is mountain splendour and alpine wilderness at its best. The trek continues toward the Mt Bogatin area made famous by Hemingway s Farewell to Arms. Hiking up to the Vratca Saddle, you can pause to take in the magnificent view before heading down to the Krn Lakes Hut. The nearby Krn Lakes are a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue on to Lepena mountain hut for overnight accommodation. Trek to Bovec, afternoon free to relax or white water rafting option (2-3hrs) The final days walk is along the Soca Trail to Bovec with panoramic views enroute. The Soca River is regarded by many to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. It flows through narrow gorges and over broad gravel beds. The river s characteristic turquoise hue and the wild beauty of its rapids and ravines make it a wonderful place to explore. In the afternoon you have the option to take in some white water rafting on the Soca river (the best rafting in Slovenia!). Tonight s accommodation is in a small hotel in Bovec. Transfer via scenic route to Bled, remainder of the day free for sightseeing You will be transferred from Bovec to Bled, along the scenic route and through the valley of emerald Soca. There will be a short stop at the source of river Soca and at the panoramic view point on the highest mountain pass of Julian Alps, Vršic. The remainder of the day is free for sightseeing in and around Bled. This lovely alpine town is immersed in natural beauty. It is renowned for its climate, thermal lake waters, picturesque island and the mountains which surround it. In Bled, trip concludes The trip concludes after breakfast. You may choose to extend your stay in Bled to take advantage of the great outdoor activities on offer including canyoning, kayaking and rock climbing. inclusions 6 breakfasts continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee and tea 2 nights in 2 3 star apartments, 1 night in 3 star hotel with private facilities on a twinshare basis, 3 nights in mountain hut on multishare basis Transfer from Ljubljana (airport) to Bohinj Luggage transfer from Bohinj to Bovec on Day 5 (note you will need to carry your gear from day 2 to day 5 as there is no luggage transfer between mountain huts) A map with the route marked and route instructions, train and bus timetables and details of your accommodation (one set per room booked) Emergency contact number (we recommend you carry a cell phone during the hike) Transfers on Day 6 items not included Travel to and your home country to the start and end point of the trip Optional activities including ascent of Mt Triglav (allow approx EUR140pp (min 2 people, less for up to 6 people) including guide and helmet and harness hire) and whitewater rafting (around EUR40 45pp with discount (minimum 2 people) for 2 3 hour whitewater rafting trip on the Soca River) prices quoted are subject to change without notice. Lunch and dinner daily and all beverages (allow EUR per meal) Sleeping sheet (required for the mountain huts). It is possible to hire sleeping sheets from the mountain huts. Blankets are provided. Items of a personal nature including beverages, laundry, phone calls etc 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Efti Poulos 3/13/ :56:15 AM Page 3

4 Travel insurance getting there BY CAR BY TRAIN BY AIR BY BUS Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: com Ljubljana is accessed from throughout Europe by train. From Bled back to Ljubljana takes around 1.5 hours (with one change). See the Slovenia train website at zeleznice.si/en/ for more details. On arrival at the main train station in Ljubljana you can take a bus to the airport or a taxi. Ljubljana airport is accessed from points throughout Europe. Airlines which fly into Ljubljana include Adria Airways, Air France (regional), easyjet, Finnair and Brussels Airlines. There are hourly buses from Bled to Ljubljana and the journey takes around 1hr 20min. For further details refer to the Slovenia bus companies website which is in English ljubljana.si/eng/ trip grading - moderate to challenging MODERATE to CHALLENGING GRADE 4 Anyone undertaking a moderate to challenging trip should be aware of the physical and mental demands involved. This trip is designed for experienced walkers who are seeking a challenge. No previous climbing experience is required to undertake this trip. An above average level of fitness is required as days can involve up to 8 hours of strenuous exercise in rugged terrain. You need to be sure footed and have a head for heights as there are some steep drops close to the paths. Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3 4 times a week. The best exercise for trekking is bushwalking/hillwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. Page 4

5 a note on our self guided adventures Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again. accommodation DURING TOUR Accommodation is in a combination of 3 star mountain hotels (Bovec & Bled) which are comfortable with en suite, a 2 3 star apartment in the Bohinj Lake area and mountain huts. The mountain huts are basic, generally with excellent mountain views, hearty cuisine and a warm and engaging atmosphere. In the mountain huts you will generally have dorm rooms sleeping from 5 30 people. There are usually no showers in the mountain huts. Meals can be purchased in the hotel/hut dining room. You can purchase picnic supplies in the towns or purchase a lunch from accommodation providers the night before. It is always good to have snacks with you particularly when you are staying in the huts where supplies are limited. Single rooms can be requested in hotels only and a supplement applies. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED VISAS Slovenia Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE The weather in the Julian Alps usually has an element of unpredictability. You can expect a mix of warm sunny days sometimes punctuated by cooler rainy weather. You should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather while you are out on the trail. In September daytime temperatures can range from cool early mornings of degrees Celsius to warm daytime temperatures of degrees Celsius. Rainstorms can drop the temperature dramatically, rainy days at lower elevations mean snow at higher elevations. You should take your raingear every day, regardless of the weather conditions when you leave your hotel/hut in the morning. MIN GROUP SIZE 2 Page 5

6 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, day pack, sunscreen, good walking boots / shoes and sun hat. (A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre departure information provided on booking). how to book To book a UTRACKS trip, complete our booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). World Expeditions/UTRACKS has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Call your nearest UTRACKS/World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us There s even more tips and ideas on our blog at slide shows UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, com or contact our office. IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office. Page 6

7 AUSTRALIA UTracks / World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) F: (02) Toll free: info@utracks.com.au Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:- Melbourne Perth Brisbane Adelaide (Thor Travel) Our staff will be happy to assist with your enquiries. For address and office phone numbers see our website at NEW ZEALAND World Expeditions Level 1, High St Auckland CBD PO Box Auckland City 1143 T: (09) F: (09) Toll Free: info@worldexpeditions.co.nz CANADA - OTTAWA World Expeditions 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: F: Toll Free: info@worldexpeditions.com UNITED KINGDOM World Expeditions 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: F: T: (Ireland) info@utracks.com Page 7