Programme

Day 1

Individual arrival at Postumia (Postojna)

Overnight stay in *** star hotel

Day 2 

Postumia – holiday farm Hudičevec (20 km)

The initial walk follows the Slovenian geological trail

Starting early, you will be transferred by car to the world famous Postojna Caves, a vast and superb example of the hundreds of intricate caves systems that have been carved into the limestone hills over millions of years by Mother Nature in this unique world of Karst. The system covers a total of 21 km and this is the most extensive cave system in Slovenia. A guide will take you on a 1½ hour tour through a fairytale maze of gargantuan stalactites and stalagmites and a myriad of colours. Maybe you will manage to see also the oddly unique “human fish”, a mysterious creature that lives in dark pools inside the caves.  Then it’s on to the nearby village of Predjama where, the impenetrable fortress of Predjama castle is rocked dominantly in a crevasse halfway up a 123-metre cliff-face. In this spectacular relic of medieval architecture you will hear all about a vivacious and daring knight.  You continue your walk passing through gorgeous summer meadows with always an impressive backdrop of the Nanos Mountains. You will spend the night in a holiday farm situated in its shadow and will sample the delightful home cooking and sumptuous local wine.

(Note: the underground part of the walk is optional and with a supplement).

Day 3 

From the holiday farm Hudičevec to  Slap pri Vipavi (20 km)

Today awaits you a nice walk through a typical Carst landscape of pine tree forests, passing caverns and stone fenced fields.  After a hearty breakfast you will be transferred by vehicle to the village of Podnanos, which name literally means ‘under Nanos’. The village lies in the upper Vipava Valley, noted for its exquisite wines coming from fertile hills covered with vineyards. Podnanos is a classic example of a typical Primorska village built around the Church of Saint Helene. Dominating above the village is a well preserved defence tower from the days in which the Venetians ruled in this area. Youcontinue towards the small village of Slap. Along you way there are many interesting castles to visit. 

overnight stay in a 2* country inn.

Day 4 

2* country inn

From Slap pri Vipavi to Hruŝevica (18 km)

A walk with panoramic views of the vineyards that sprawl across the surrounding valley. Most part of the trail follows a well marked path and small country tracks running above the Vipava valley to the village of Štanjel. .

Main attractions: Slap pri Vipavi, a small hillside village, noted for establishing the first wine and fruit grower's school in Slovenia. You can visit a local artist and painter; try the nice food in the local hotel: delicious karst ham (pršut) combined with a tasty wine from one of the many nearby domestic cellars. On a hilltop overlooking the town is the magnificent Štanjel Castle, built to defend this area against the invading Turks. You could visis the castle and dine in the luxurious castle restaurant. Don't forget to sample the local Teran wine.

The region’s soil known as Terra Rosa (red soil) produces the ruby red Teran and Refošk wines. Slovenian wines are rarely exported, so sampling one in the heart of Karst is a rare occassion.

Overnight stay in ** country Inn 

Day 5 

From Hruŝevica to Tomaj (20 km)

Following a marked trail you head southwards to Kopriva, a small village lost among the sprawling array of vineyards.

This area is particularly famous due to its perfect climatic conditions, which make it an ideal place to prepare and air-dry the famous karst ham (Pršut).  This region is also well-known for its, now abandoned, quarry where much marble was mined used for the construction of palaces in Venice. In the nearby village of Kodrovi you’ll find an interesting row of unique Mediterranean-style houses with entrances into barrel –vaulted cellars. Your day will end in the pretty hillside village of Tomaj on the southern slope of Tabor hill. In the town friary there is a precious library containing books in 37 different languages, including some manuscripts dating back to the 16th century.

overnight stay in holiday farm

Day 6 

From Tomaj to Štorje (18 km)

Today you will walk through a hilly country side along small forest paths and trails, passing through the village of Šepulje where the Pršutarna Kras Sežana is located, a ham-drying facility, where the tradition of producing dry meat Karst delicacies has been handed out from generation to generation. Here you could make a guided tour and learn everything about the process of making this special karst ham. The soil around Tomaj is especially suitable for growing the Refošk grape which is used to produce the excellent Teran and Refošk wines. You will spend the night in the little town of Štorje. In the centre is a small shaft which indicates the beginning of a karst cave known as Mežnarjeva Jama.

Overnight stay in ** country Inn 

Day 7  

From Štorje to Lipica (Lipizza) and Trieste ( 20 km from which 10 km with a horse drawn carriage)

For your final day you will be transported by horse and carriage to the start of the walking path in Lipica. Lipica is one of the main tourist centers of the Slovenia's Karst region. It is the origin of the famous white Lippizzaner horses. The Lipica stud farm was established in 1580 by Charles II of Austria. Today the stud farm is fully functional and breeds the finest horses for haute-école riding. From Villa Opicina you can descend to Trieste by the famous cable car.

Day 8

Departure after breakfast

Period

every day from 7 April till 13 October

Level 2

Moderate. Walks in a hilly country side. Not too many level differences. Walks of 4-6 hours a day /12-20 km (an average of 3/4 km an hour)

Prices p.p. 2012

Per person in double room with breakfast     € 550,00 p.p.   

Supplement single room     € 130,00

Supplement half board     € 120,00

transfer p.p. from airport of Ljubjiana to hotel in Postumia    € 40,00

transfer p.p. from Trieste to Trieste airport     € 40,00

Transfer p.p. from Trieste airport to Postumia   € 40,00

Participants

Minimum two persons (travelling alone on request)