Slovenia

Paddleboard and Hike Adventure

5 nights from £1800 • €2175 • $2270

Activities

6 days guided adventures

Accommodation

5 Nights at 3-star hotel and tourist farm

Level

Beginner friendly

Food

Delicious restaurant meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

7 new friends

Dates

Fly into Ljubljana, Slovenia

June - September

  • Stand Up Paddleboarding

    Learn how to SUP on beautiful emerald-coloured rivers and glacier lakes

  • Hiking

    Hike in the Julian Alps and discover hidden waterfalls

  • Vineyard tour!

    Discover great local wines

  • Triglav National Park

    Explore Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj in Slovenia's majestic Triglav National Park

  • Soca Valley

    Hike and paddle along the emerald green Soca River

  • Vipava Valley

    Explore this beautiful location and paddle along the Vipava River

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!

Locations

  • 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 theJulian Alps, immersing ourselves in the scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the region.

  • Hiking

    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.

  • Snowshoeing

    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.

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.

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated moderate.

    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.

  • 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.

  • Description text goes here

  • 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.

  • 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.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    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.

  • Day 2

    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.

  • Day 3

    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.

  • Day 4

    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.

  • Day 5

    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.

  • Day 6

    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.

Dates

    • Tue 10 June - Sun 15 June

    • Tue 1 July - Sun 6 July 

    • Tue 8 July - Sun 13 July 

    • Tue 22 July - Sun 27 July

    • Tue 12 Aug - Sun 17 August

    • Tue 19 Aug - Sun 24 August 

    • Tue 9 Sep - Sun 14 September

    • Tue 16 Sept - Sun 21 September 

Price

June

Twin Room £1800 (approx. €2175 / $2270)

Private Room £2050 (approx. €2475 / $2585)

All other dates

Twin Room £1900 (approx. €2295 / $2395)

Private Room £2150 (approx. €2600 / $2709)

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount dependant on your card provider’s conversion rate at time of payment and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

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

    • Flights

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Personal clothing

    • Drinks

  • Cancellations are effective from the date we receive your written notice via email. The following fees apply:

    • 100% of the trip cost if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip.

    • 30% of the trip cost if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip.

    Full terms and conditions are available for review before you book and make payment

Travel

  • More info coming soon!

  • London Gatwick to Ljubljana | Easyjet

    • LGW 06:25 ✈︎ 09:40 LJU

    • LJU 21:25 ✈︎ 21:25 LGW

    If you’d prefer to skip the early morning flight, we suggest taking the British Airways flight from London Heathrow the day before. You can spend a night in Ljubljana, and we’re happy to recommend hotels for your stay. The return flight to London Heathrow fits perfectly with our transfers.

    Arriving a day earlier: 

    London Heathrow to Ljubljana | British Airways

    • LHR 11:00 ✈︎ 14:15 LJU

    • LJU 21:25 ✈︎ 22:45

Packing List

    • 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

    • 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

    • Softshell/windproof jacket

    • 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!

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!