Trek the High Peaks of the Julian Alps

Check into your hotel in the small alpine village of Kranjska Gora, near the Italian border. If you have time, wander around the stunning Lake Jasna, or stretch your legs on the trails of the Zelenci Nature Reserve. Meet up with your team and guide early evening and head out for dinner to hear more about the week ahead.

After a quick transfer to the trailhead at Planica, it's time to lace up and get ready for a steady incline type of day. You’ll climb 1000m as you trek through deep ravines and scale the rocky mountain walls to Slemenova Špica, before spending the night in the Poštarski dom na Vršiču mountain hut, your first taste of Slovenian mountain-side sleeping.

Up and out early today as you head off along the scenic Vršič pass, leading across the mountain slopes and along the Planja Saddle to Kriški Podi hut. You’ll pass three alpine lakes, each deep turquoise in colour and a favoured spot of the mighty Alpine ibex, eyes peeled and fingers crossed for a sighting.

Time to bag a summit as you head off along the trail, slowly making your way to the very top of Mt. Bovški Gamsovec (2391m). This craggy peak is one of the most underrated mountains in the Julian Alps, often forgotten in favour of its bigger sister, Mt Triglav (2863m). The views from the top stretch all the way to the famous north wall of Triglav, a good chance for you to weigh up the challenge ahead.

It's the big leg test today as you tackle the highest mountain in Slovenia, Mt Triglav (2863m). Those summiting will get decked out with helmets and via-ferrata gear early doors and take on the 3-4 hour round trip, traversing ladders and using fixed ropes all the way to the summit for 365 degrees views of the Triglav National Park. For those not keen, or without a head for heights, you can enjoy breakfast and some chilled time before the group get back. The rest of the day follows the most beautiful route in all of the Alps, through the Triglav Lakes Valley to the fairytale-esque mountain hut of Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih.

Today’s route takes you past Black Lake as you ascend the Bogatin Saddle, past former Italian military barracks built in the 1930s. It’s downhill from here, all the way to Lake Krn, the largest alpine lake in the Slovenian mountains and the perfect place to grab a sundowner.

Your last full day in the mountains today as you take on the summit of the spectacular Mt. Krn (2244m). Steeped in history, this mountain played an important role in WW1 and tunnels and bunkers can still be seen. Once reaching the summit you can see all the way to the coast (not a bad spot for a picnic), before descending through the Tolmin Gorge, a natural pathway carved into the rock by the mighty Tolminka River. You'll sleep in a hotel tonight, time for a shower maybe!

Today you'll hop on a train south and head to Bled. The lake is a popular swim spot in the summer and the lakeside beaches are perfect to kick back and reflect on your stomp across the Alps before heading to the airport for your flight home.