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Types of Skiing Explained: Alpine, Nordic, Touring & SkateSlovenia
Jun - Sep
Learn to SUP on Slovenia’s glacier-fed lakes and emerald rivers. Alpine scenery, guided hikes, and wine tasting in hidden valleys.
Beginner
Moderate
Home Comforts
From
£1,975
(USD $3,100.75)
Active alpine adventure
SUP through Slovenia’s pristine lakes and emerald rivers, learning paddle technique while soaking up incredible alpine views. Start on Lake Bled’s calm waters then paddle through mountain gorges on the flowing turquoise Soča River.
Between SUP sessions, you’ll hike Julian Alps trails to waterfalls and viewpoints where Slovenia’s peaks stretch to the horizon. Daily distances of 5-8km will test your legs but reward you with scenery most tourists never see.
Sample wines in Vipava Valley, stay at a mountain farm, and leave wondering why Slovenia isn’t on every adventure bucket list.
An active agenda
No hidden costs
Lessons on Slovenia's lakes and rivers
Guided treks through the Julian Alps with scenic viewpoints
Local village visits to experience Slovenian culture
SUP boards, paddles, safety gear and dry bags
Sample Slovenia's local wines - a proper taste of the region
3-star hotel and tourist farm with mountain views
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at local restaurants daily
Qualified SUP instructors, local guides and your Gutsy Girls host
Pick-up and drop-off at Ljubljana Airport, city centre, and Lake Bled
Activity Overview
SUP on Slovenia’s glacier-fed lakes, where alpine peaks reflect in crystal-clear water. Expert coaching gets you steady within an hour, then you’re ready to explore waters so fresh and pristine you’ll want to dive straight in. And you probably will.
Switch to the rivers where the water runs impossibly turquoise, like someone’s turned up nature’s saturation dial. You’ll paddle through some of Slovenia’s most stunning waterways with mountain backdrops that’ll stop you mid-stroke.
All levels welcome. We’re not about clocking distances but taking in the views, plus you’ll improve your technique with coaching from our expert guides.
Activity Overview
Hike the Julian Alps, where Slovenia’s highest peaks create some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain scenery. These 5-8km guided hikes might sound short, but elevation and rocky terrain throw in plenty of challenges. When you aren’t climbing peaks, you’ll discover secret swimming spots that only locals know about.
You don’t need to be a mountaineer, just active and ready to get sweaty. It’s challenging at times, but totally doable when there’s a crystal-clear waterfall pool waiting at the end.
The destination
Your adventure starts here
We’ll pick you up in Ljubljana, then it’s straight onto the water at Lake Bled - yes, that Lake Bled. We'll cover the basics, then glide across those iconic glassy waters with the castle above and mountains all around.
Swim break in the cool, refreshing water, then we're off to our base for the next two nights. Settle in and get to know your adventure crew.
Dinner at a local restaurant. Good food, great company, and the buzz of knowing this is just the beginning.
Back on the boards at Lake Bohinj with the Julian Alps towering overhead. Today we're working on turns and manoeuvres, levelling up your skills against a ridiculously scenic backdrop.
Lunch by the lake, then the day is yours. Wander the town, paddle on the water, or do absolutely nothing.
Lakeside dinner with the group. Swap stories, laugh about who wobbled most, and feel that good tiredness from a day outdoors.
Hike to Vogar viewpoint for sweeping views over Lake Bohinj that'll have you reaching for your camera constantly. Lunch at a local restaurant, then a scenic car train ride through the mountains into the Soča Valley.
Quick swim stop in a charming village, then onwards to our home for three nights: a family-run tourist farm with views that go on forever.
Farm-to-table dinner with organic produce grown right here. Fresh, flavourful, and the kind of meal that reminds you why eating local matters.
Paddleboarding on the emerald Soča River, and yes, it really is that green. Navigate canyons, paddle under bridges, take on cliff jumps, and swim in impossibly clear water. Then onto the Idrijca River before lunch in Tolmin village.
Pool time, farm exploration, or just relax after the morning's activities.
Home-cooked dinner at the farm. Simple, satisfying, delicious.
We're off to Italy for sea paddling on the Mediterranean. Trieste awaits - a stunning coastal town where we'll paddle along dramatic limestone cliffs, past old castles and grand harbour architecture left behind by the Austro-Hungarian empire.
Beach lunch with plenty of time for a dip and to wander the city streets.
Head back across the border to the Vipava Valley. Here there's a wine cellar visit for tastings and dinner. The wines here are excellent, the food's incredible.
Final hike through the Soča Valley to a hidden waterfall, one that most tourists never find. Lunch in Bovec brings excellent local street food.
One last swim in the emerald Soča River. Soak it all in, this is your final afternoon on the water.
Dinner en route to Ljubljana, where you can toast the week: the rivers, the mountains, the crew and one hell of a trip. On five-night trips you'll fly home that evening. On six-night trips you'll spend a final night in the city, with an airport transfer the next morning.
Rest & Refuel
We'll stay in two great spots. First up: two nights in a charming 3-star hotel in Ribčev Laz, right in the heart of the action. Then it’s on to an Agroturismo farm in the Soča Valley with incredible views and local hospitality.
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As well as views, Slovenia knows food. The country was awarded European Region of Gastronomy in 2021 for good reason, and you'll eat well here, with excellent restaurants, organic farm-to-table meals and a wine tasting evening pairing local wines with seriously good food. Come hungry.
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Book now
The essentials
| Accommodation |
Home Comforts A 3-star hotel and a family-run tourist farm. On select dates, there’s an additional night in Ljubljana at the end of the trip to accommodate flight schedules.
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| Food and drink |
We accommodate most dietary requirements, though options for vegans and those needing gluten-free are quite limited in this region. When dining at local restaurants we can’t guarantee zero cross-contamination, so if your allergy is severe, or you have specific dietary needs, please get in touch before you book so we can talk through what’s realistic.
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| Fitness level |
2
Moderate Paddling 5–9km on lakes and rivers and hiking up to 550m on rocky terrain across five consecutive days means your body is constantly switching between different demands. Warm summer temperatures also add their own layer on top. Neither activity is technically difficult, but the combination across back-to-back days is what makes this a genuinely active week. If you’re doing medium to high-intensity cardio three or more times a week, you’ll get the most out of every day. You'll Need To Be
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| Skill level |
1
Beginner No SUP experience is needed and our guides cover the basics before you hit the water. You do need to be able to swim 100m comfortably though as confidence in water is essential when you’re learning to balance on a board. 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
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| Travel |
The meeting points for this trip are Ljubljana Airport, Ljubljana City and Lake Bled. Alternative routes are available in our trip guide. |
| Not included |
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| Trip Code |
SLOBANSUPB |
The answers
Not at all. This trip is designed for beginners – our guides will teach you everything from basic balance to confident paddling technique. If you’re already comfortable on a board, you’ll love the alpine lake locations and technique refinement.
We can cater for most needs, though choices may be limited when working with local restaurants and farms. Vegetarians will have good options. Vegans are welcome, but be aware the choices will be restricted.
The one thing we can’t accommodate is coeliac or severe allergies. Part of your stay is at a family-run farmhouse where meals are cooked the traditional way, and while every precaution is taken, some meals are at local restaurants with a single kitchen, so we can’t guarantee zero cross-contamination.
For that reason this trip isn’t suitable if you’re coeliac or have a severe allergy. Get in touch before booking and we’ll point you towards a trip that works better.
You’ll be active 4-6 hours daily – paddling up to 9km and hiking 5-8km with elevation gain up to 550m. Think long walks with hills, plus the added challenge of balancing on water. If you can handle consecutive active days and don’t mind getting sweaty, you’ll manage fine.
Moderate means you’ll move your body every day, but with breaks and rests – you don’t need to be an athlete. To enjoy the week fully you’ll need a decent level of fitness. It’s not a walk in the park, but we’re not exactly climbing Everest.
We normally paddle in swimwear or sportswear with a hat and long-sleeved top for midday sun protection. If conditions are cooler, we provide shorty wetsuits. You’ll need aqua shoes or wetsuit booties with solid soles (not neoprene socks) for rocky conditions.
You must have hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail running trainers with good grip. This is for your safety and comfort on uneven, rocky terrain. No compromises on footwear.
Fly to Ljubljana where our transfer will meet you to make the one-hour drive to the start point of the trip. We offer three pick-up and drop-off points for the transfer on this trip. Please make sure your own travel plans align with these.
A group transfer is included on both the arrival and departure days. Timings change depending on the date of your trip so ensure you’re looking at the right adventure before booking your flights.
5 Nights
June and September
Arrival Day:
Ljubljana City Pickup: 09:40
Ljubljana Airport Pickup: 10:10
Lake Bled meeting point: 11:00*
Departure Day:
Lake Bled Drop off: 18:30
Ljubljana Airport Drop off: 19:20
Ljubljana City Drop off: 19:50
July and August
Arrival Day:
Ljubljana City Pickup: 09:55
Ljubljana Airport Pickup: 10:25
Lake Bled meeting point: 11:15*
Departure Day:
Lake Bled Drop off: 18:30
Ljubljana Airport Drop off: 19:20
Ljubljana City Drop off: 19:50
*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.
6 Nights
Arrival Day:
Ljubljana City Pickup: 09:40
Ljubljana Airport Pickup: 10:10
Lake Bled meeting point: 11:00*
Departure Days
Ljubljana Airport Drop off: 08:50
This trip ends in Ljubljana so we only offer a transfer back to the airport.
You can always fly in the day before or stay an extra night after. Ljubljana and Lake Bled both have good accommodation options. Alternative routes include flying to Venice and taking a 3-4 hour bus to Ljubljana.
Expect warm summer weather with substantial sun exposure, particularly July and August. Mountain weather can change quickly – you might get sunshine and rain in the same day. Your best bet is to pack layers and rain protection.
Absolutely. Mountain and lake conditions can be unpredictable, so our guides adjust daily plans to ensure the best (and safest) experience. None of our itineraries are set in stone – we’ll move things around to make the most of whatever conditions we have.
Slovenia is affordable, but budget around €15-30 per day for extras like ice cream, drinks, or souvenirs. Most places accept cards, but bring some cash for small vendors.
It’s either five or six nights, and that’s fixed, you can’t add a night to a five-night trip or take one off a six-night trip. Which one you get depends on the date, because some dates need an extra night in Ljubljana at the end to line up with flight schedules. Both options show in the booking widget with their own prices, so you’ll know before you book.
This trip runs with up to seven guests and two guides, so you get plenty of support and it’s easy to get to know everyone across the week.
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