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SLOVENIA SUP AND HIKe ADVENTURE

PADDLEBOARDING HOLIDAY

JUNE - AUGUST

6 DAYS & 5 NIGHTS

 

All women paddleboarding and hiking adventure holiday in Slovenia

Explore 3 beautiful regions led by passionate local guides

Great for all level paddleboarders, from complete beginners to experienced paddlers.

Learn to SUP on Lake Bled, then paddleboard beautiful emerald-coloured rivers and glacier lakes

Hike in the Julian Alps and discover hidden waterfalls

Sample delicious cuisine and discover great local wines on a vineyard tour!

Connect with new friends - an adventure holiday created for solo travellers

 
 
 
 

Join Gutsy Girls this summer for our paddleboarding and hiking adventure in Slovenia. Over 6 action filled days we’ll be exploring some of Slovenia’s hidden gems; paddleboarding on glacier lakes and emerald-coloured rivers, hiking to the peaks of mountains in the Julian alps and all fuelled by delicious local food.

This SUP holiday is created for all levels of paddleboarders, perfect for complete beginners and with plenty to offer for experienced paddleboarders! On day 1 our SUP instructor and local guide for the week will teach you how to paddleboard on the picturesque Lake Bled, a beautiful backdrop for your first taste of paddleboarding.

To keep things authentic and to support local tourism we’ve partnered up with passionate local guides who will not only help us to push ourselves and develop our SUP technique on the water, but also give us a glimpse into the history, culture and delicious local food and wine of Slovenia.

 

location

Join us in Slovenia for an adventure filled 6 days! We’ll be exploring three different regions, going off the beaten tourist track and discovering some of Europe’s best kept secrets, from its stunning alpine mountain ranges to its emerald green rivers. We’ve partnered up with passionate local guides who’ve crafted the perfect itinerary to enjoy Slovenia’s most awe-inspiring landscapes by paddleboard and hiking trail!

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING

This paddleboarding holiday is designed for both beginners and novice paddlers. Our SUP instructor will ensure you're up and paddling swiftly, guiding us through stunning landscapes. We'll cover distances ranging from 6km to 9km each day, with sessions lasting between 3 and 5 hours. There’ll be plenty of breaks, ensuring we can fully absorb the breathtaking scenery around us and swim in these beautiful locations too!

More experienced paddlers are very welcome to join, but the pace and distances will be catered towards beginners. If you’re looking for longer distances, check our Slovenia Whitewater SUP Adventure!

HIKING

Our adventure includes two days of hiking, starting with a breathtaking trail in the Julian Alps. This hike takes us through forests to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Lake Bohinj, with a lunch stop at an alpine cabin. We'll also explore trails leading to waterfalls and hidden swimming spots, offering a mix of challenge and discovery amidst Slovenia's natural beauty.

Triglav National Park

Our adventure begins in the heart of Slovenia's majestic Triglav National Park, where we'll explore Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. Nestled among breathtaking mountains, these stunning glacier-fed and alpine lakes offer calm waters perfect for learning to paddleboard. We'll stay here for 2 nights, giving us ample opportunity to explore the lakes and hike in the Julian Alps, immersing ourselves in the scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the region.

Soca Valley

Our journey continues to the Soca Valley, where the emerald green Soca River awaits us! We'll spend three nights here, exploring the river's gentle currents and the surrounding trails. This segment of our adventure offers a perfect mix of paddling through breathtaking scenery and hiking along serene valley paths, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.

Vipava Valley

Nestled along the Italian border, the Vipava Valley presents a stunning contrast between the rugged Karst mountains and lush vineyard-covered hills. Renowned as one of Slovenia's premier wine regions, our adventure here combines the thrill of paddling on the untamed Vipava River with the cultural richness of local viticulture. After a day on the water, we'll visit a local vineyard to delve into the valley's winemaking heritage, offering a unique opportunity to taste and learn about the traditions that shape this picturesque region's acclaimed wines.

FOOD

In 2021 Slovenia received the European Region of Gastronomy award for the country's rich culinary heritage and its efforts to develop sustainable food systems. With 24 gastronomic regions and high quality produce, Slovenia is becoming a foodies hotspot!

We’ll be dining in outstanding restaurants, enjoying organic, homemade meals during our farm stay, and indulging in a special evening of culinary experiences and wine tasting, showcasing the best of Slovenian cuisine.

Accommodation

We'll be staying in 2 different locations for this SUP holiday.

Our adventure starts with two nights in a 3-star hotel in Ribcev Laz, followed by a stay at a picturesque Agroturismo tourist farm in the Soca Valley. Here, we'll enjoy stunning views, warm hospitality, and an outdoor pool perfect for unwinding after a day of adventures.

Why jOin Gutsy Girls?

At Gutsy Girls we pride ourselves on creating fun, welcoming and supportive spaces for our guests to try new sports, challenge themselves with new wild experiences and to connect with new, like minded friends.

As well as excellent local SUP guides, we also send trained Gutsy Girl hosts on all of our trips to ensure you have all the support you’ll need for your adventure, and to make sure you have an unforgettable experience!

FITNESS LEVEL

Our adventures are active holidays, you’ll be moving your body for 4-6 hours each day to explore beautiful places. Our trips are not bootcamps, but to get the most out of the experience you’ll need a good level of fitness.


This trip is rated moderate.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Activity Duration: 4-6 hours of activities each day.

SUP Distances: Paddle between 5km and 9km on lakes and rivers

SUP Duration: We’ll paddle for 3-4 hours with breaks

Hiking: Our hikes will vary from 5km to 8km, the trails are considered moderate. We’ll hike for up to 5 hours on mountainous terrain.

Hiking Terrain: Navigate uneven, rocky paths with loose stones underfoot. Ascents up to 550m.

Consecutive Activity: Prepare for 5 days of back-to-back activities, which can be demanding.

Sun Exposure: Expect to encounter warm summer weather with substantial sun exposure, particularly in July and August.

 
 

ITINERARY

See our itinerary as a guide for the adventure, we may make changes based on weather and water conditions to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience with us!

 
 
  • Your adventure begins at 9am in Ljubljana or with a pickup from the airport at 10:40am for those taking the recommended flight. You can also meet us at Lake Bled for 11:30am. See our FAQ for all the travel logistics.

    Our journey begins with a paddleboarding session at the idyllic Lake Bled, where our instructor will cover the basics and help everyone feel at ease on their boards. We'll cover paddling techniques and turns before embarking on a scenic lake tour. Enjoying lunch on our boards, there's also ample opportunity for swimming. Later, we travel to Ribcev Laz, our base for the next two nights. The day wraps up with dinner at our hotel, where we'll savour local specialties in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  • After breakfast, we'll enjoy a paddleboarding session on Lake Bohinj, building our SUP skills against the backdrop of the Julian Alps. Lunch follows by the lake, with the afternoon open for exploring Ribcev village, relaxing lakeside, or hiking to Savica Waterfall. Dinner will be at a top-rated local restaurant, rounding off a day of scenic adventures and culinary delights.

  • After hotel checkout, we’ll embark on a Julian Alps hike to Vogar, a trail offering stunning views over Lake Bohinj and the surrounding mountains, which will include a lunch stop at an Alpine cabin. Post-hike, there's a chance for a refreshing lake swim before taking the car train to the Soca Valley. Our base for the next three nights is a welcoming tourist farm with spectacular views, where tonight's dinner features fresh, organic farm produce, showcasing a home cooked meal to remember.

  • After breakfast, we'll venture to the Soca River for more paddleboarding, navigating through canyons with opportunities for cliff jumps and swims! We'll journey under bridges and past cliffs to join the crystal clear Idrijca river. Lunch awaits back at the farm, followed by an afternoon of relaxation by the pool or exploring nearby trails. Tonight we’ll have dinner in a local restaurant in Tolmin village.

  • Today, we're off to the Vipava Valley, renowned for its exquisite wines. Our journey includes a stop at Tolmin Gorges for canyon exploration and waterfalls, with a chance for a refreshing dip. We'll then paddleboard along the Vipava River, enjoying its picturesque setting and playful Tarzan swings, followed by a riverside picnic. The day concludes with a vineyard visit, meeting the winemaker, delving into the region's culture, and culminating in wine tasting and a sumptuous 3-course dinner.

  • After breakfast and checking out of the farm, we'll dive into a full day of exploration in the Soca Valley, hiking secret trails to discover a hidden waterfall and sampling street food in Bovec. We'll enjoy another hike to a local swimming spot for a dip in the Soca River's emerald waters. Our adventure concludes as we journey towards the airport, stopping en route for a final delicious dinner, marking the perfect end to our unforgettable journey.

 

PRICE

Twin Room £1700

Private Room £1900

DATES

  • Tues 18 June - Sun 23 June SOLD OUT

  • Tues 2 July - Sun 7 July ⚡️ 1 SPOT LEFT - TWIN

  • Tues 16 July - Sun 21 July ⚡️ 1 SPOT LEFT - PRIVATE

  • Wed 31 July - Mon 5 August

  • Wed 21 August - Mon 26 August ⚡️ 1 SPOT LEFT - PRIVATE

  • Wed 18 September - Monday 23 September

  • Wed 25 September - Mon 30 September

What’s Included

  • 6 days of guided paddleboarding and activities

    • 4 SUP Tours with coaching on lakes and rivers

    • Guided hikes

  • SUP, paddle, safety gear and dry bag.

  • 5 nights accommodation

    • 2 nights 3 star hotel

    • 4 nights farm stay with a swimming pool

  • All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • 1 wine tasting experience

  • Local Guide

  • Gutsy Girl Host

  • Single-timed airport transfer

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Personal clothing

  • Drinks

  • Over 95% of our guests join our trips solo. With activity-filled days and group dinners you’ll be in great company throughout the trip.

    Once you’ve booked your spot, you’ll be invited to a WhatsApp group, and many guests arrange to meet at the airport before flying to us, some choose to share a hotel at the airport.

  • This trip has a maximum of 12 guests. You’ll have a highly experienced SUP guide and Gutsy Girl host leading this trip.

  • This trip squeezes as much adventure into 6 days as possible. Some trips run Tuesday to Sunday and some run Wednesday to Monday.

    We have various pick up points and times to give you the most flexible travel options

    Tuesday Arrival Day:

    • Ljubljana City Pickup: 09:00

    • Ljubljana Airport Pickup: 10:10

    • Lake Bled meeting point: 11:00*

    Wednesday Arrival Day:

    • Ljubljana City Pickup: 09:00

    • Ljubljana Airport Pickup: 10:40

    • Lake Bled meeting point: 11:30*

    All Departure Days:

    • Lake Bled Drop off: 18:40

    • Ljubljana Airport Drop off: 19:20

    • Ljubljana City Drop off: 20:00

    *Please note Lake Bled pick up may change a little depending on traffic and logistics on the day - your host and guide will keep you updated via the WhatsApp group

    Recommended flights

    LONDON FLIGHTS

    Tuesday

    London Gatwick 06:25 ✈️ Ljubljana 09:40 - Easyjet EZY8841

    Wednesday

    London Gatwick 07:05 ✈️ Ljubljana 10:20 - Easyjet EZY8841

    Sunday & Monday

    Ljubljana 21:20 ✈️ London Heathrow 22:45 - Easyjet EZY8842

    Other flight options

    If those flight times or Gatwick airport don't suit you, you can fly into Ljubljana the day before and after and spend a night in Ljubljana or Lake Bled before and after the trip.

    If you choose to take a different flight and need to get from the airport into town by yourself, there is lots of information on getting to and from the airport here.

    Alternatively you could look at flights to Venice and catch a bus to Ljubljana (approx 3h - see here for booking the bus from Venice to Ljubljana) - You'll likely need an extra night either side of the trip.

 
 

QUESTIONS?

Our FAQs are packed with details and probably have your answer!

If not, drop us a message below and we'll respond within 48 hours, Monday to Friday.

 

FAQS

SLOVENIA SUP AND HIKE ADVENTURE

 

PACKING LIST

Slovenia SUP and Hike Adventure

Pack as light as possible and use soft sided luggage, not a hard shell case, for ease of transport and logistics! We will have limited space in our van so cabin sized baggage is recommended.

 

We provide

  • SUP Board and Paddle

  • Pfd and safety equipment

  • Dry bag

  • Shorty wetsuit (if needed)

Personal

  • Water bottles - 1x2l or 2x1l - 2 litres minimum

  • Rehydration tablets if the weather looks hot

  • Headtorch for the sunrise hike - essential

  • Toiletries

  • Personal medication and small first aid kit (painkillers, blister plasters etc)

  • Daypack for storing lunch and water during the hikes

  • Sunscreen (waterproof)

  • Insect repellent

  • Sunglasses & a floating strap

  • Travel towel (microfibre)

  • Snacks - energy cereal bars, nuts, dried fruit etc

  • Rehydration / electrolytes tablets in hot weather

Clothes

  • Hiking shoes or hiking boots - with good grip and ankle support - Mandatory

  • Water shoes - (shoes you can get wet for exiting the water on sharp rocks. Flip flops are not secure enough) example - Mandatory

  • Swimwear

  • Shorty wetsuit / spring suit (optional: we can provide if needed)

  • UV protection t-shirt / rash vest (paddling)

  • A good sized towel or changing robe for changing at the lake / river

  • Cap or wide brimmed hat

  • Quick drying shorts or leggings (paddling)

  • Quick drying t-shirts (hiking)

  • Loose fitting clothes / dress to throw on after being wet!

  • Hiking trousers or shorts

  • Lightweight jacket (down or insulated) for sunrise hike and evenings

  • Softshell / windproof jacket for the sunrise hike

  • Waterproof jacket - just incase!

  • Flip flops for the accomodation / casual use

  • Clothes for evenings - How casual you'd like to keep it is entirely up to you! You’ll need some warmer layers.

Recommended

  • Earplugs / eye mask

  • Travel sickness tablets - if you need them for car journeys

  • Waterproof pouch for your phone!

  • Hiking poles - if you have them!