DAYHIKING IN THE JULIAN ALPS OF SLOVENIA
July 9-23, 2016
AT# 16__
Have you ever wondered what traveling and hiking in Slovenia would be like? Do you enjoy
alpine villages, beautiful scenery, delicious food, wonderful hiking and new adventures?
Then you should join us as we set off to explore the Julian Alps (named for Julius Caesar) in the
northwestern part of the country within yodeling distance of both the Italian and Austrian
borders. Here, the mountain culture has a Slavic flavor. One of our potential hikes will take us
to the top of a mountain where all three countries meet!
The northwestern corner of Slovenia, bordering Austria and Italy, is crowned by the Julian Alps.
The Slovenian mountainsides are laced with hiking paths, blanketed in deep forests, and
speckled with ski resorts and vacation chalets. Beyond every ridge is a peaceful alpine village
nestled around a quaint Baroque steeple. And in the center of it all is Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s
national symbol and tallest mountain.
Most of the Julian Alps are encompassed by Triglav National Park (Triglavski Narodni Park)
which is one of the largest national reserves in Europe. It is a pristine, visually spectacular
world of rocky mountains- the centerpiece of which
is Mount Triglav (2864m), the country’s highest
peak- as well as river gorges, ravines, canyons, caves,
rivers, streams, forests and Alpine meadows.
Visitors are pleasantly surprised to find Slovenia’s
rolling countryside dotted with quaint alpine villages
and the spires of miniature Baroque churches, with
breathtaking, snowcapped peaks in the distance. The
country has a funny way of making people fall in love with it. Slovenes are laid back, easygoing,
stylish and fun.
Slovenes brag that their country, with 56 percent of the land covered in forest, is Europe’s
second-greenest. We’ll take in all of this greenery, and learn to recognize the characteristic
Slovenian hayracks (recognized as part of the national heritage and now preserved).
Mount Triglav (Three Heads) stands watch over the Julian Alps, and all of Slovenia. Slovenes
say that its three peaks are the guardians of the water, air and earth. This mountain defines
Slovenes, even adorning the nation’s flag.
We’ll divide our time between Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and three alpine villages; the
Lake Bohinjska area, Kranjska Gora and Bovec.
The village of Kranjska Gora lies near the head of the Zgornjesavaska dolina, the Upper Sava
valley, and is an excellent center for walking and mountaineering. It is only a few kilometers
from both the Italian and Austrian borders, in the far north-west corner of Slovenia. The village
has a wonderful setting, surrounded by the northern mountains of the Julian Alps and the
Karavanke range, and it has managed to retain its attractiveness in spite of a well-developed
tourist infrastructure. The village is centered on the church, and the Tourist Information
Centre is close by. There are two or three small supermarkets, tourist shops and banks, as well
as a pharmacy, and health center.
The large village of Bovec lies in a wide flat basin called Bovska Kotlina at the foot of rombon,
which forms, along with the rest of the Kanin range, a steep, impressive mountain backdrop.
The valley lies at the confluence of two rivers, The Soca and the Koritnica; the former flows
west from its source high in the Trenta valley, and the latter comes down from the north. Steep
slopes rear up on every side, and Bovec even has its own “Matterhorn” – Svinjak, a mountain of
comparatively modest height but impressive profile which guards the head of the valley
between the two rivers. The Bovec area is steeped in history; this is the land that took the
brunt of the fighting during the First World War on the Soca front. Many of the local
settlements were evacuated and at least partially destroyed as the soldiers from both the
Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies took over hillside and pass. Local walks are littered with
old gun emplacements and fortifications.
ITINERARY:
July 9Depart USA on overnight flight to Ljubljana, Slovenia
July 10Arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia in the morning. Overnight at Best Western Premier Hotel Slon (or
similar)
Group evening meeting and possible afternoon city tour.
July 11- (B)
Sightseeing in Ljubljana, possibilities include river boat ride, castle tour, museums
Overnight at Best Western Premier Hotel Slon (or similar)
July 12- (B, D)
Continued sightseeing in Ljubljana
Overnight at Best Western Premier Hotel Slon (or similar)
July 13- (B,D)
Transfer in morning by bus to Lake Bohinj with afternoon walk around lake.
Overnight at Hotel Kristal www.hotel-kristal-slovenia.com
July 14- (B,D)
Hiking in Bohinj area, specific trails TBD at a later date
Overnight at Hotel Kristal
July 15- (B, D)
Hiking in Bohinj area, specific trails TBD at a later date
Overnight at Hotel
July 16- (B)
Transfer in morning by bus to Kranjska Gora, this will involve at least one change of bus.
Overnight at Hotel Vila Triglav Apartment Rozle www.rozle.si
July 17- (B)
Hiking in Kranjska Gora area and surrounding mountains.
Overnight at Hotel Vila Triglav Apartment Rozle
July 18- (B)
Hiking in Kranjska Gora area and surrounding mountains.
Overnight at Hotel Vila Triglav Apartment Rozle
July 19- (B,D)
Hiking in Kranjska Gora area and surrounding mountains.
Overnight at Hotel Vila Triglav Apartment Rozle
July 20- (B)
Transfer in morning by bus to Bovec at the western edge of the National Park.
Overnight at Hotel Dobra Vila Bovec www.dobra-vila-bovec.si
July 21- (B)
Hiking in the Bovec area in the shadow of Mount Triglav
Overnight at Hotel Dobra Vila Bovec
July 22- (B, D)
Hiking in the Bovec area in the shadow of Mount Triglav
Overnight at Hotel Dobra Vila Bovec
July 23- (B)
Transfer in morning by bus to Ljubljana for afternoon flight back home in USA
The hiking pace will be the SLOW, STEADY, MOUNTAIN GUIDES’ PACE; this is a pace that will
be used on every day hike, for intermediate and advanced intermediate. It is the pace used by
the European Alpine Guides, which they recommend at these altitudes for maintaining stamina.
This is a proven mountain hiker’s pace; if this is not your pace, then this trip may not be for
you.
We like to stop occasionally to enjoy the magnificent mountain views, look for animals, and
admire the alpine wildflowers, which should be plentiful, or take photographs. The first few
days will feature low-level hikes to acclimatize you carefully to the altitude. Thereafter, at
higher elevations the intermediate day hikes will range from 4 to 6 hours in length, with
elevation change (ups and downs) varying from 1500 ft. to 2000 ft. per day. The advanced
intermediate day hikes will range from 5 to 8 hours, with elevation change up to 3000 ft.
AMC Adventure Travel trips are led by volunteers
on a non-profit basis. Any monies left over after
trip expenses are covered will be refunded to the
participants. As leaders our goals for the group are
to have fun, stretch your skills, and savor a foreign
culture at reasonable cost and in the company of
other adventurers with similar interests. We
encourage your individual contributions, cooperation and good humor to enrich the group’s
experience. We expect you to participate as part of a group and abide by the leaders’ decisions,
and work towards the group having a good time. Be prepared to help your fellow hikers and
spend time with other participants on the trip. In doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the
maximum.
COSTS COVERED:
All accommodations at double occupancy in 2-3 star hotels in Ljubljana, Bovec and Bohinj.
We will be in 2-6 occupancy apartments in Kranjsky Gora
Bus travel from Ljubljana airport to/from our Ljubljana hotel
Local bus transfer from Ljubljana to our alpine villages and back
to Ljubljana
All breakfasts and 6 dinners, excluding dinner alcoholic
beverages and coffee/tea
Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
48 hour Tourist Card in Ljubljana
Bohinj Tourist card
AMC-AT program Expense Fee
Ski/cable lift cost when associated with a group hike/outing
AMC luggage tag
Expenses for 2 AMC Volunteer Trip Leaders (if minimum of 14 participants)
COSTS NOT COVERED:
Airfares from USA to Ljubljana, Slovenia return to U.S.A.
Lunches and snacks, 7 dinners
Alcoholic beverages, and dinner drinks other than plain tap water.
Individual (non-group) excursions and additional lifts, bus, rail, taxis, or car rentals
Optional day trips
Passport
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Items of a personal nature/souvenirs
SAFETY, RISKS AND HAZARDS:
As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies
have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work
with the leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should
be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not
limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and
transportation in vehicles, on foot, by boat, or on a bike. Aside from any personal medical
problems, participants should be aware of the possibilities of bug bites and possible exposure
to Lyme disease, dehydration, sun burn and other heat or cold related problems. You should
regularly use sun screen, take care to be adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips as
well as wind/rain gear, warm hat and gloves. The Alps are similar to the White Mountains of NH
in that it can snow at the higher elevations during any month of the year. Please carefully read
and sign the AMC Participant Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and
Indemnity Agreement and contact us if you have any questions. Participants’ understanding of
these risks and adherence to our policies and procedures can contribute to making this
experience rewarding.
GUIDE BOOK AND MAPS:
For those of you who like to have your own guide book and
maps of the area, we will be utilizing the Cicerone Guide: The
Julian Alps of Slovenia (2005 reprinted 2012) and using the
1:50,000 maps of Juliske Map, and Triglav National Park;
1:25,000 maps for Bovec, Bohinjsko, Triglav; 1:30,000
Kranjska Gora. Some of these can be obtained through
Amazon and Omnimaps websites, the larger scale maps may
only be available in Slovenia at the local Tourist Information
offices.
RESERVING A PLACE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
The land cost of the trip is $3,135.00, plus estimated airfare of $1,750-1,800. To reserve your
place, please contact the trip leader or co leader for an application, the Confidential Medical
Form and the Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement.
Once you have been approved for the Adventure Travel trip, you will be required to send to the
Leader your deposit of $1,000.00 made out to: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). $100.00 of
this initial $1,000.00 deposit is a non-refundable administration fee. Once we receive your
application and other forms and have approved you for the trip, we’ll send you additional
information on the trip, including planned hikes, equipment lists, and travel tips. The maximum
number of participants is 18, so apply early to reserve your place (the last trip in 2009 had a
waiting list).
PAYMENT 2 DUE:
$2135 due by March 1st, 2016
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: if not wanting to share a double room: $ 800 due with initial deposit
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel after being accepted for the trip, $100 is non-refundable, but if you cancel after
April 1, 2016 minimally $200 is nonrefundable, if (and only if) another person takes your place.
We will establish a waiting list. Should another person replace you, you will be charged only
the $200 cancellation fee. However, your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any
of the participants or the leaders. Thus, if you cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit the
$200 plus the per capita expenses already incurred and any other unpaid expenses for which
the trip cannot obtain a refund. You may forfeit the entire trip fee. Flight tickets once
purchased become your property and are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend
that you purchase travel insurance. Information on a company recommended by the AMC will
be sent to you.
PLEASE NOTE: The price of the AMC Adventure Travel trip is given in good faith based on
current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate increases will be
passed on to participants.
Conversely if the minimum number of participants does not sign up, the leaders reserve the
right to cancel the trip and refund the amounts paid. If the trip is full, we can put your name on
a waiting list, or return your deposit.
AIR COSTS (ESTIMATED $1750-1800):
Leaders will explore the best possible options for air travel – most likely on Air Canada or
Lufthansa, since they usually offer good connections. You will receive notification when we are
aware of a good fare. For this trip we estimate a range of $1750- 1800. We will assist you in
any way to make your reservations, but you should not make any booking on your own without
consulting the leaders. We will notify you with a list of acceptable flights once we know that we
have a confirmed trip. Once you purchase tickets, they are wholly owned by you.
FLIGHTS:
We recommend that you reserve flights on Lufthansa Air or United Airlines, from Boston or
New York JFK. Flights should leave the USA on July 9th, 2016 for arrival in Ljubljana, Slovenia on
July 10th, 2016. The return flights should leave Ljubljana on July 23rd, 2016.
Trip insurance is recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can interfere
with your plans. Trip insurance can be obtained through your travel agent or the leaders will
provide you with choices of approved trip insurance companies.
YOUR LEADERS:
LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN
Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips
in the White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has led adventure trip in
July of 2011, August 2012 and July/August to Austrian Alps. She has also lead Adventure travel
trips to Yosemite National Park, Azores Archipelago, Tuscany and Superior Hiking Trail in
Minnesota for the AMC. She has participated in numerous AMC Major Excursions to
Switzerland and Austria, involving hiking and cross country skiing. She has hiked in the Stubai
valley as part of a 2006 Major Excursion and hiked to 20 of the high Alpine Huts throughout
Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She has hiked all of the NH 4000 footers. Her interests
include hiking, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, travel, information volunteer
for AMC and introducing others to outdoor activities.
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005
(207) 294-6302, (207) 590-4431
ginette4000@yahoo.com
CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK
Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to
Yosemite National Park, Minnesota and Morocco. Anna leads trips in the White Mountains and
most recently led an excursion to Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and to Mt Rainier and Olympic
National Parks in Washington. Anna spends part of each summer backpacking as a Sierra Club
participant. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the world. Anna has
recently completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course.
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474
(781)-648-2492; (617)-429-2175
EMAIL ADDRESS:
annatp13@verizon.net