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Types of Skiing Explained: Alpine, Nordic, Touring & SkateCroatia
Aug - Sep
Visit three countries to try four adrenaline-pumping activities
Beginner
Challenging
Home Comforts
From
£1,850
(USD $2,904.50)
Hike, eBike, raft and swim
This trip is for anyone who wants a real adventure in three different countries. Over six nights you’ll hike, eBike, raft and swim through incredible backdrops and jaw-dropping scenery. There’s also the chance to try local wines, sample regional dishes and experience proper Balkan hospitality.
In Croatia you’ll sleep in a local family run agriturismo, whilst Slovenia’s base is a hotel overlooking mountains.
If you want to try something new or can’t settle on what activity you’d like to do, and want to get away from the crowds this summer, then this is the trip for you
An active agenda
No hidden costs
Through Croatian wine valleys and the Julian Alps
The Parenzana railway line and Vrata Valley
Down the Soča River on low-grade rapids
Seas, lakes and rivers throughout the week
A family-run hotel, a four-star mountain hotel and a three-star city hotel
Breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners in local restaurants
Local guides and your Gutsy Girls host
Pick-up at Pula Airport, drop-off at Ljubljana Airport, city centre or Lake Bled
Activity Overview
This trip has two solid hikes. The first tackles a sunset hike through the Momjan wine region, with a hidden waterfall stop along the way.
In Slovenia you’ll hike a summit in the Julian Alps. It’s a climb and the altitude will remind you you’re definitely in the mountains, but the views are worth every step. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker, but both treks demand a solid fitness base and the willingness to push when it gets hard. These are real hikes, not scenic walks.
Activity Overview
Two full days, two completely different rides. Ride one follows the old Parenzana railway line through Istrian vineyards and hilltop villages, with a lunch stop in medieval Motovun. For the second cycle you’ll head into Vrata Valley, with a stop at Peričnik Waterfall and views straight up to Triglav’s northern wall.
The eBikes handle the elevation, so you can focus on what’s around you. These are full days in the saddle, but if you’re comfortable on a bike, you’re all good.
Activity Overview
The Soča is one of Europe’s best rafting rivers, with vivid turquoise water cutting through the Julian Alps. This stretch isn’t extreme whitewater, but it’s got enough current and corners to get your adrenaline up.
Your guides cover everything before you get on the water. After that, it’s straightforward: paddle on command, hold on when it picks up. You will get wet.
The Destination
Your adventure starts here
Land in Pula, meet the group, and explore the ancient old town before lunch.
Head straight to the coast for swimming and cliff jumping. Yes, on day one.
Dinner at the hotel in Upper Istria - regional cooking, local wine and a good night's sleep.
Ride the historic Parenzana railway trail through vineyards, tunnels and a hilltop
Roll into the iconic walled town of Motovun before heading back for wine and olive oil tasting at a family-run biodynamic producer.
Dinner on a stone terrace with views across the Istrian hills.
A slow start at Kanegra beach with swimming, sunshine, and lunch by the sea.
Lace up for a sunset hike through the Momjan wine hills, with a hidden waterfall stop along the way.
Dinner in Momjan on your last night in Croatia.
Transfer to Slovenia, then straight onto the bikes for a 45km ride through the stunning Radovna Valley.
Swim stop at the turquoise Lake Kreda, tucked into the mountains.
Check into your next hotel, then tuck in to dinner.
Helmets on for a rafting session on the Soča River. Listen to the safety briefing, then it's into the raft for a heart-raising paddle, where the river shows off what it can do.
Cross into Italy for a chilled afternoon at Lago di Predil before the scenic drive back.
Dinner, free time to explore, then sleep.
Hike up to Rifugio Zacchi in Italy beneath the Mangart massif, with views across the Julian Alps.
Lunch at the rifugio. One last swim at Lago di Fusine, then transfer to Ljubljana for an evening in the Slovenian capital.
Explore the cobbled backstreets and carved bridges of Ljubljana before a celebratory dinner with your group.
Check out, say goodbye, grab your last photos and start planning your next adventure!
Rest & Refuel
Your base in Croatia is a small family-run hotel with simple rooms and traditional furnishings. In Slovenia you'll stay in a four-star hotel right in Kranjska Gora with mountain views from most rooms. You'll end the trip with a night in a 3 star hotel in the centre of Ljubljana, well placed for exploring the city before you fly home. Expect decent beds, hearty food and local hospitality.
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This trip is one for foodies everywhere. From homemade Istrian pastas, truffles and fresh seafood in Croatia, to Slovenia's alpine stews, traditional dumplings and fresh veggies. The wine is also a hidden gem, made from grape varieties definitely not found on the shelves of UK supermarkets.
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Book now
The essentials
| Accommodation |
Home Comforts A family-run hotel in Upper Istria, a four-star hotel in Kranjska Gora and a three-star hotel in Ljubljana.
|
|---|---|
| Food and Drink |
All meals are included. Expect home-cooked Croatian food in Istria and hearty Alpine dinners in Slovenia, with a solid breakfast buffet to start each day. We accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice. None of our hotels or restaurants can guarantee zero cross-contamination. If you have serious coeliac disease or a severe allergy, please get in touch before you book.
|
| Fitness Level |
3
Challenging This trip is rated challenging You’ll tackle six active days across three countries with zero filler – hiking, eBiking, rafting and swimming, all back to back. Istria will be hot too (high 20s to low 30s°C) whereas Slovenia is more alpine and the weather can turn fast. You'll Need To Be
|
| Skill Level |
1
Beginner No prior experience is needed for eBiking, rafting or hiking, your guides will cover everything on the day. You do need to be able to ride a bike, including off-road, before you arrive. Beginner is the skill level. It’s not an easy trip. Check the Fitness Level above. Not sure what level you are? Our Trip Rating Guide explains how we score fitness and skill. |
| Packing List |
This list is an indication of the specialist items you will need, and might need to invest in before your adventure! For a full list of what you’ll need to bring, check out the trip guide. We Provide
You'll Need
|
| Travel |
The meeting point for this trip is Pula Airport and the drop-off point is at Ljubljana Airport. Please note the different arrival and departure airports before you book any flights. Alternative routes are available in our trip guide. |
| Not Included |
|
| Trip Code |
SLOBANMLT |
The answers
No prior experience needed for rafting or eBiking. You do need to be able to ride a bike and have experience of riding off road for the eBike days. No previous hiking experience is required, but you need a decent level of fitness. The summit hike in the Julian Alps is a proper climb with 750m of ascent. What you need most is solid base fitness and a willingness to get stuck in across six consecutive active days.
This trip is rated challenging. You’ll be active every day across six consecutive days: full eBike days covering 35–45km, a summit hike with 750m of ascent, three hours on the Soča River and multiple swimming stops. If you move your body regularly and back-to-back active days don’t faze you, you’ll be well placed.
Two full days, two completely different landscapes. The first takes you along the historic Parenzana railway trail through Istrian vineyards and hilltop villages, covering 35km and finishing in medieval Motovun. The second is a 45km ride through Vrata Valley with stops at Peričnik Waterfall and views of Triglav’s northern wall. The eBikes handle the climbs; you focus on the scenery. You need to be able to ride a bike and have experience riding off road.
A session on the Soča River, one of Slovenia’s most scenic waterways. Not extreme whitewater, but enough action to get the adrenaline going. Your guides handle the technical bits; you paddle when told and hold on when it gets bouncy. No experience needed, just a willingness to get wet.
Hiking boots or trail running shoes with good grip for the hikes. Trainers without good grip are not permitted and you will not be allowed to take part in the hikes if you arrive in unsuitable footwear. Bring water shoes or old trainers for the rafting and swimming days, and casual shoes for evenings.
You fly into Pula Airport (PUY) in Croatia on arrival day, and depart from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) in Slovenia on departure day. Book these as separate one-way flights. Group transfers are included at both ends. Suggested flight times that align with the transfers are on the trip page.
Fly into Pula Airport (PUY), Croatia on arrival day. Easyjet flies from London Gatwick and example flight times that align with the group transfer are on the trip page.
Suggested Flights
London Gatwick to Pula – Easyjet
LGW – PUY – 8:25 – 14:05 | EZY8605
Departure flights then leave from Ljubljana Airport (LJU), Slovenia.
Ljubljana to London Gatwick – Easyjet
LJU – LGW – 10:50 – 12:10 | EZY8842
You’ll need to book these separately and can use any flights that fit the transfer times.
Not sure if your flights work? Just drop us a message.
A group transfer picks you up at Pula Airport on arrival day and drops you at Ljubljana Airport on departure day.
There is one transfer each way, and your flight must match the timings. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to make your own arrangements.
Transfer Times
Two very different climates in one week. In Istria, warm Mediterranean conditions: high 20s to low 30s°C, built for swimming. In Slovenia and Italy, alpine temperatures that are cooler and more unpredictable. Pack layers and a waterproof for the mountain days regardless of the morning forecast. Sun protection is essential throughout.
Yes. Guides adjust daily plans based on conditions and the order of activities may shift across the week. A level of flexibility is key and safety always comes first. You’ll still get all six days of activity where conditions allow.
A genuine highlight. Home-cooked Croatian dishes in Istria: Istrian pasta, truffle, fresh seafood. Hearty alpine cooking in Slovenia with local ingredients. There’s also a wine and olive oil tasting at a family-run biodynamic producer in Istria. All meals from arrival dinner to departure breakfast are included. Drinks are not.
A small amount of euros is useful. Cards are accepted at most places in both Slovenia and Croatia, but small vendors and remote spots may be cash only. All meals and activities are included; cash is just for personal extras, drinks and souvenirs.
Space in the group van is limited. Cabin-sized baggage is strongly recommended. Pack light and only bring what you need for six active days.
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