The Slovenian crossing: 7 days of adventure in Packcraft & Gravel
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationSlovenia / French Alps
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions67.28 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
Italian
French
English
In a few words
Between glacial lakes and alpine rivers , this 7-day cycling adventure immerses you in the heart of wild Slovenia . Following a route that blends gravel biking and packrafting , you'll explore diverse landscapes, from turquoise waters and deep forests to pristine valleys . From Ljubljana , you'll cycle to the shores of Lake Bled before navigating the calm, then more exhilarating, waters of the Bohinj , the Soča , or the more secluded Idrijca . Each day combines gentle exertion with playful exploration , alternating between bikeable sections and paddling on rivers reminiscent of fjords. Train and bus transfers allow you to break up the journey while discovering another side of the country. In the evenings, local hostels offer a warm welcome, perfect for relaxation and conversation. A rhythmic and original immersion, ideal for lovers of new outdoor experiences , curious to discover preserved nature through a fluid and varied itinerary , between gentle adventure , local encounters and wide Slovenian spaces .
The highlights
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Gravel and packrafting adventure in the heart of Slovenia's wild landscapes
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Sailing on the turquoise waters of Soča, Bohinj and Idrijca
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Immersion in local inns nestled between deep forests and unspoiled valleys
Photos
Sport
Level
Gravel biking
The expert's opinion
- Do you want to discover a new way to explore the great outdoors by combining cycling and packrafting?
- You are comfortable with 4 to 6 hours of activity per day, alternating between gravel riding and river navigation.
- You cycle between 5 and 40 km per day with elevation gains of up to 600 m, without needing advanced technical skills.
- Do you want an adventure that balances effort, pleasure, and discovery, in the diverse landscapes of Slovenia?
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Majority river class : Class 2 - some simple rapids
Gravel
- Average distance/day: 25 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 314 m
- Average daily descent: 284 m
Management
Italian
French
English
My name is Lou, and I'm a certified mountain guide (AMM), kayak instructor, climbing instructor, and cycling instructor. I'm passionate about nature, adventure, and exploration, and it's always a pleasure for me to take you through mountains and rivers. Through play and hands-on experience, my goal is to gradually guide you towards independence!
See you soon on the water or in the mountains.
Program
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First paddle strokes on Lake Bled
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Majority river class Class 1 - calm river
- Activity Gravel
- Distance 5 km
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Early morning arrival in Ljubljana to meet the guide and the rest of the group, before traveling by train to Lesce . A short bike ride to warm up, followed by a walk along the Sava River . The afternoon is dedicated to a first introduction to packrafting on a calm stretch of the river. The route continues gently to Lake Bled , famous for its clear water and iconic island. A peaceful paddle offers a different perspective on this iconic location. Check-in and overnight stay in a local hostel .
Day 1 -
From the shores of Lake Bohinj to the rushing waters of the valley
- Activity Gravel
- Distance 27 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you'll cycle to Lake Bohinj , following the Sava Bohinjka valley along a pleasant cycle path, between alpine villages and with mountains as a backdrop. A packrafting excursion on the lake offers the chance to discover its calm waters, overlooked by the peaks of Triglav National Park . The adventure continues with a leisurely paddle down the river to Bohinjska Bistrica , where you'll spend the night by the water.
Day 2 -
From the forests of Podmelec to the edge of the Soča valley
- Activity Gravel
- Distance 35 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A short train transfer takes you to Podmelec , the starting point for a beautiful day of cycling . You'll ride through wooded hills and along winding roads before reaching Tolmin , the gateway to the famous Soča Valley . The route then follows the emerald-hued river to the village of Robidišče , just a stone's throw from the Italian border. Enjoy a peaceful end to the day and spend the night in a mountain inn .
Day 3 -
Navigation between whitewater and hidden rivers
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A full day dedicated to packrafting , paddling down two rivers with very different atmospheres. You begin on the Soča , with its clear, invigorating waters , alternating between calm stretches and small rapids in an open, rocky landscape. The more secluded and secluded Idrijca then takes over for a more peaceful descent through unspoiled nature. You end the day in Most na Soči , a charming riverside village, where you spend the night.
Day 4 -
Between wild rivers and deep forests
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Activity Gravel
- Distance 23 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A short bus transfer takes you to the Idrijca River , which you'll descend by packraft for a 10km stretch. Renowned for its biodiversity , this river offers a peaceful setting between wooded cliffs and crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, you'll hop back on your gravel bikes for a ride through the region on forest tracks and back roads , far from the hustle and bustle. You'll reach the village of Dvor at the end of the day for a relaxing evening at the hostel.
Day 5 -
Sporty crossing to the gates of Škofja Loka
- Activity Gravel
- Distance 42 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This day offers the longest gravel cycling stage, with 42km and approximately 800m of elevation gain . The route winds through hills and forests , offering beautiful views of the Slovenian landscape. At the end of the day, the arrival in Škofja Loka , an ancient medieval town with colorful streets , marks a change of scenery. You'll have free time to explore the town or simply relax before the final stage.
Day 6 -
Final paddle strokes before returning to Ljubljana
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Activity Gravel
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 80 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, you'll return to the Sava Bohinjka River for a last packraft descent , between wooded banks and mountain reflections. You'll then hop back on your bikes for a gradual return to Ljubljana , marking the end of this adventure. Arriving in the city offers a contrast to the past few days, while continuing the thread of the journey through Slovenian lakes, rivers, and valleys .
Day 7
Note
Walking and activity times are given as a guide and may vary depending on the weather and the pace of the group.
Accommodation
Lake Bled House Bed & Breakfast
Hostel pod Voglom
Prenočišče ARTUR
Guest House Kmečki Hram
Turistična kmetija Megušar
Access
Go to the starting point
From the terminal in Ljubljana
- Regular shuttles/buses between the airport and the city centre.
- Taxis & private hire vehicles are available at the airport exit.
- Airport to city center transfer time: ~35 to 45 min depending on traffic.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by an expert guide in whitewater and gravel navigation.
- Accommodation in guesthouses or hotels in shared rooms
- Breakfasts from day 2 to day 7 and lunches from day 1 to day 7 (a kitty is available to prepare picnics with the group)
- Packrafting equipment: packraft, paddles, life jacket and thermal suits
- Gravel riding equipment: the gravel bike, the helmet, and the weights
- Train and bus travel is included from the beginning to the end of your stay.
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point in Ljubljana
- Evening meals are not included to allow you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.
- Anything not mentioned under "Price includes"
Options
- Additional night before the stay : CHF137.22 / person
- Additional night after the stay : CHF137.22 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
