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SUP in the Soca Valley, Slovenia. Photo: Host/Wajdusna
4.8
| 45 reviews

SUP, Hike and Paraglide in Slovenia

Get off the beaten track and explore the wilder side of Europe’s adventure capital

Duration

3 nights

Annual Leave

2 days off work

Group Size

Up to 8 people

Season

Jun-Sep

Location

Slovenia

Meeting Point

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport

Classic Accommodation

Hotel · Guesthouse

Customer Reviews

(45)

4.8

Difficulty

Easy

From

From

What's it like?

4.8
| 45 reviews
Paragliding was the absolute highlight of t...
November 2023
Christina
Fantastic trip, highly recommended! Beautif...
September 2022
Victoria
Fantastic trip, highly recommended! Beautif...
September 2022
Victoria
Fantastic trip, highly recommended! Beautif...
September 2022
Victoria
this was a fantastic trip. Both of the host...
August 2022
Kayleigh
this was a fantastic trip. Both of the host...
August 2022
Kayleigh
this was a fantastic trip. Both of the host...
August 2022
Kayleigh
I had such an amazing time in Slovenia. So...
July 2022
Lorna
I had such an amazing time in Slovenia. So...
July 2022
Lorna
I had such an amazing time in Slovenia. So...
July 2022
Lorna
Absolutely brilliant hosts who took us to s...
August 2019
Leena
Before the trip, the weather was looking re...
August 2019
Carrina
Before the trip, the weather was looking re...
August 2019
Carrina
Before the trip, the weather was looking re...
August 2019
Carrina
Our host Jani was super friendly and was al...
July 2019
Jackie
SUP in the Soca Valley, Slovenia. Photo: Host/Wajdusna
Vipava Valley Paragliding, Slovenia. Photo: Host/Wajdusna
Urban SUP in Slovenia
Kranjska Gora hike, Slovenia. Photo: Host/Wajdusna
Soca Valley

Kick things off with an urban SUP experience through the heart of Ljubljana – one of Europe’s greenest and most photogenic cities

Head to the mountains and hike through the stunning Soča Valley, Slovenia’s adventure playground

Spend two nights in wine country, complete with hiking and a tandem paragliding experience that you’ll never forget

Day 1

Welcome to Slovenia!

SUP in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Photo: Host/Wajdusna

Stand Up Paddleboarding

2hrs

Fly to the picturesque city of Ljubljana, famous for its green spaces and captivating architecture and head to your hotel in the city centre. Your local guide will meet you there and take you on your first paddleboarding adventure down Ljubljanica river, where you will glide through the heart of the city, passing castles, city life, and iconic sights like the Dragon Bridge. After the tour Ljubiljana is yours to explore, whether it's checking out the famous Triple Bridge, wandering Prešeren Square, or dinner in the city.

Day 2

The Soča Valley

SUP in Slovenia

Hiking

1.5hrs

Stand Up Paddleboarding

3hrs

Take a scenic road trip to the lovely Soča Valley and explore the vivid waters of the Emerald River by SUP. Paddle between narrow canyon walls and float across wide-open pools – your guide will even challenge you to some SUP yoga (and photograph the varying results). If you want more adrenaline, why not try some cliff jumping? Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then hike through the dramatic Tolmin Gorge – be sure to check out Bear’s Head Rock and the view from Devil’s Bridge. Finish the day in the beautiful Vipava Valley, where you’ll check into a charming guesthouse and indulge in wine and dinner at a local farm.

Day 3

Hike and paraglide the Vipava Valley

Paraglide in Slovenia

Hiking

3hrs

Paragliding

20-30mins

Sleep in and enjoy a relaxing morning in the countryside, then depending on the conditions, either hike or take a tour of the valley, stopping at villages, farms and vineyards. In the afternoon, hike from the village of Ajdovščina to the top of Gora (780m). No need to walk back to town, as you strap in with a paragliding guide, fly across wine country and get some epic views of the Alps and the Adriatic Sea.

Day 4

Križna Cave

Ljubljana, Slovenia. Photo: GettyImages-1353143172

Relax over breakfast, pack your things and then head out for a subterranean adventure in the Križna Cave where you'll raft and walk through tunnels to find the ancient remains of cave bears. Return to Ljubljana with time to explore some more beautiful spots along the way and head back to the airport in time for your flight home.

Included

Guides

Professional, English-speaking local guides

Accommodation

1 night hotel, 2 nights at a local farm

Meals

A delicious breakfast each day

Transfers

To and from the airport and everything in-between

Equipment

All the equipment you'll need on and off the water

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Some meals as described

Travel insurance

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 3

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Food in Slovenia is very diverse with lots of influence from neighbouring countries. In addition to traditional Slovenian foods like meat stews and dandelion salads, you can also find plenty of Italian food and other international cuisine. A continental breakfast is included each morning and lunches and dinners are up to you - your guide will provide advice on the best spots for you to try.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form

What is the accommodation like?

Ljubljana

You'll stay at the modern and recently opened Holiday Inn in Ljubljana in twin share rooms. It’s very popular among outdoorsy people, who stop in Ljubljana to grasp urban adventures like you will. The hotel has a garden and terrace and is a short walk away from all the main sights.

Vipava Valley

Kraljič Farmstay is part of a family farm property situated in a quiet village, surrounded by vineyards. You will stay in a twin-share room with a private bathroom. The friendly owners will prepare a tasty breakfast from local ingredients.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge - see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking - this is subject to availability and can be limited depending on guesthouse availability.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Ljubljana Airport, Ljubljana

11:00 on Day 1

Ends

Ljubljana Airport, Ljubljana

19:00 on Day 4

Transfers

Your adventure begins at Ljubljana Airport (LJU) with your airport transfer at 11:00. If you’re not able to join the group transfer, you can easily get to the start point via a 25-minute taxi ride or the public bus. You will meet your guide and fellow adventurers at the Holiday Inn in Ljubljana.

At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Ljubljana Airport (LJU) at 19:00, and we recommend booking any flight that departs after 21:00. Alternatively, you can be dropped off in Ljubljana city centre: just let your host know.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Ljubljana from airports across the UK and Europe.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • All equipment for SUP (board, paddle, shorty wetsuit), paragliding and caving (boots and head torch)

What do I need to bring?

  • Swimsuit
  • Board shorts and swim shirt (optional, but easier than full-body sunblock)
  • Towel
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
  • Hiking shoes
  • Comfortable, breathable trousers and shirt for hiking and caving
  • Jumper or other warm layer
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Water bottle
  • Bug spray
  • Personal first aid kit
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Per Person

Post-trip accommodation in Ljubljana (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Post-trip accommodation in Ljubljana (Single)

Per Night

Post-trip accommodation in Ljubljana (Twin/Double))

Payable Before Departure

Post-trip accommodation in Ljubljana (Twin/Double))

Per Night

Christina(November 2023)

Paragliding was the absolute highlight of this trip (it is weather dependent, so not always guaranteed to happen, but the guides made clear that they'd change the itinerary to accommodate the best weather opportunity for this activity). Lots crammed in to 4 days.... we had the additional bonus of a trip to Lake Bled and Bohinj on the final day! Beautiful country. Bit of a challenge in some places for veggie/vegan options. Quite a lot of time spent in the minibus travelling to different parts of the country, but for many of the group this gave a perfect nap opportunity! The SUPing is suitable for complete beginners (as I was).It felt like the guides worked hard to ensure we had the best experience and changed the itinerary accordingly (due to weather conditions for paragliding and a slight change with SUP route due to recent flooding). The caving is a bit touristy- nothing physically challenging about that, but all the other activities were great.

Clare(November 2023)

Excellent trip - Slovenia is beautiful, the hosts were all excellent, food great and activities loads of fun. The caving isn't 'caving' in the sense I was expecting, it was more exploring a cave. Really pleased I went and have already booked my next MBA trip!

Tom(October 2023)

This was my first MBA tour and it exceeded my expectations. The activities, organisation, food/wine and accommodation were all excellent. The local tour guides were fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable and made sure everyone had a great time. Slovenia is a beautiful country and the paragliding a big highlight!

Cerys(October 2023)

This was a truly amazing experience, action packed without being to strenuous. Great food, great guides and great holiday full stop

Anna(June 2023)

This was my first MBA tour and I would definitely recommend. The guides were really knowledgeable, ensured everyone did all the activities despite v changeable weather conditions and made sure everyone had a great time

Jackie(June 2023)

Amazing experience with a fabulous group & our guides Iris & Simon were incredible! Despite the dodgy weather, we just went with the flow & we got to do all the activities. A fair bit of driving, but we got to see so much of Slovenia, which is beautiful. Excellent trip!

Sanna(May 2023)

Highly recommend this trip! We had friendly and knowledgeable local hosts for every part of the trip - all of whom do their job with passion for the tourism industry and huge pride in showing you their country. They also created a nice group dynamic were everyone is hands on and not afraid to get a bit muddy and wet in the caves or on the SUP board! You will see a lot of the country in just a few days - including some "secret" local spots! Our trip was in May, so few to no tourists in the places we visited both the sights and the local restaurants as soon as you get outside of Ljubljana. It's action packed but very doable at all levels of fitness but long days so be prepared! Definitely coming back to Slovenia again!!!

Sheila(May 2023)

Excellent tour. Highly recommended. We did so much in such a short time!

Clare L.(September 2022)

Fantastic trip, highly recommend!

Victoria(September 2022)

Fantastic trip, highly recommended! Beautiful country and excellent activities, perfect mix of city and countryside. The local hosts are brilliant and make everything flow perfectly. However it's worth asking if you're finding flights tricky - I ended up paying for an extra night in Slovenia before the trip, and one at the airport the night before that, to get a flight that arrived before the start time. Only to find someone else turned up after the start time (on the flight I could have got, but assumed was too late).

Helen(August 2022)

Fabulous friendly hosts and views with even better paragliding I suspect as location and day changed due to fires - we did it Sunday over the lakes from top of the cablecar and chairlifts. Food was also fabulous but only breakfast included so additional costs. Good accurate kitlist. Except maybe suggest insect repellent! First hotel little far out! So good walk to centre if stayed there extra night. Fair bit driving.

Janice(August 2022)

This was a great trip, Spela provided some pre arrival hike information which I used to explore the local area. She went above and beyond to make sure the paddleboarding, cliff jumping and swimming was a sucess. She even noticed I could paddle a bit and traded up my SUP to a sport so I could practice on a new piece of kit. We transferred over to a new host, Veronika who was our hiking expert and she was very knowledgeable about the local area, taking us to historical places and a vinyard with wine tasting. She also did her upmost to keep us happy when the paragliding was postponed due to poor weather and drove us to another valley to ensure we jumped. I would highly recommend this trip, Slovenia wasn't on my travel radar before but these two guides and the amazing bunch of people I met on the trip made me love the country.

Kayleigh(August 2022)

this was a fantastic trip. Both of the hosts were excellent, the paddleboarding was well executed by a professional company and covered two beautiful areas. all tutoring was included so you don't have to be an expert before you go. the hiking required medium level fitness, but they allowed us to go at our own pace and was very rewarding once we reached the top. the host for the hiking was very patient and took us to some beautiful areas for stunning views of slovenia. the caving was so interesting and the paragliding was fantastic. overall a brilliant trip with fantastic people, a great way to see Slovenia. would highly recommend.

Joanna(July 2022)

I can’t recommend this trip highly enough; great guides, fantastic activities and stunning landscapes.

Lorna(July 2022)

I had such an amazing time in Slovenia. So many experiences packed into a few days. Our guides looked after us brilliantly; well organised activities, the best food, comfortable accommodation and little extras along the way. I learnt so much from them about their beautiful country. I loved every part of the trip.

Laura(September 2021)

Excellent trip. Our guides Spela and Jani were super friendly and knowledgeable. There was a lot to fit into 3 days but all the activities were great fun. Would highly recommend Slovenia and MBA to anyone looking for unique and unforgettable experiences!

Catharine(September 2019)

Scenery and activities were great.

Elena(September 2019)

Hosts are super nice and friendly. They were very supportive and helped me when I left my stuff by mistake in the hostel we left. The best adventure ever! Highly recommend! Time spend is planned super nice: you are always busy with something cool but not too much to be exhausted!

Ali(September 2019)

Slovenia is beautiful; the whole trip was really well organised; we were well looked after and the guides were very friendly, helpful and accommodating before, during and after the trip

Emma(August 2019)

Wonderfully organised trip with fab activities and superb guides.

Leena(August 2019)

Absolutely brilliant hosts who took us to see the best parts of Slovenia! Even the weather wasn't on our side every day our host made sure that we were able to do everything that was planned and we had the best of time. Group size is perfect and all the activities were awesome. Will definitely book another trip through Much Better Adventures.

Carrina(August 2019)

Before the trip, the weather was looking really bad. I was worried that we would miss out of the activities because of it. However, the hosts worked really hard to move the itinerary around to ensure we still did as much as possible, which was brilliant that they were so flexible!

Jackie(July 2019)

Our host Jani was super friendly and was always thinking about how to provide the group with the best experience. He took us to his favorite spots and restaurants. He also has a great conversation :). Spela was also our host and she was really great too! She helped everyone learn to paddleboard and I felt like she made sure everyone had fun.

Vivienne(June 2019)

The trip was amazing, the hosts Jani and Amanda treated us like friends and went the extra mile for us.

Samantha(September 2018)

Jani and Spela were great hosts - super friendly, obviously care (and know) a lot about Slovenia, its people and its food, and made everything run smoothly even when the weather played up!

Ashleigh(September 2018)

Jani was very friendly and knowledgeable. He went out of his way to ensure we had a good experience and taught us a lot about Slovenia and the Vipava Valley. I would highly recommend a trip with Jani, he is a great guide and we can’t wait to come back.

Kristina(September 2018)

Jani was an excellent host and took us to some amazing places. He was very flexible and bent over backwards to make our trip amazing.

Emma(August 2018)

Paddling through the Soca river was stunning. Had such giggles as we tried to do various tricks and turns on the board. The beer on the paddle board was a welcoming touch. Paragliding is something I have never done and was incredible although we missed out on a mornings hike as we had to change locations of where we would be launching from due to weather.

Rhona(August 2018)

The variety of activities, especially paragliding was great! The country is beautiful. Definitely coming back.

Carley(August 2018)

Fabulous people, good food, gorgeous countryside, and amazing activities. The guides were so passionate about showing us their country and everything ran smoothly throughout, even when there were delays due to flights etc. Paragliding was phenomenal - we made it up to 1500 metres and that 360 view of the Adriatic on one side, and the peak of Mount Triglav on the other was very special! thanks so much to Jani, Spela, Miha and all the guides on this trip!

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 66kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

A good level of fitness is needed to enjoy up to 3 hours of uphill hiking. You also need to know how to swim. Other than that, all you need is an adventurous spirit!

Ljubljana is the only European capital to allow urban SUP. The water is calm, clear and clean and it’s a great place to learn the basics while getting a different view of the city. Don't worry, everyone can do it without falling into the water. The Soča River is larger and wilder, but you’ll stick to calm sections that are perfect for SUP. It’s incredibly scenic and fun and there are loads of opportunities to play around and perfect your balance.

The Tolmin Gorge trail leads through narrow canyons and follows the bright-blue water of the river. The path is well-maintained, so you can focus on the beautiful scenery around you. In the Vipava Valley, you'll hike along the edge of the Trnovo Plateau. The trail is good and there’s no rush, so you can hike at your own pace and stop whenever you need to.

Križna Cave is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved caves in Europe. It’s open to the public, but unlike most tourist caves there are no paved paths or strong lights. Instead you’ll board a raft and float across an underground lake, then don boots and head torches to explore a tunnel where the remains of cave bears were found in the 19th Century.

You’ll tandem paraglide with a highly qualified and experienced guide. All you have to do is strap in, relax and enjoy the sensation of flying like a bird over the surrounding wine country. If you suffer from motion sickness, you may feel it a little during this activity.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

The area you'll be visiting has a lovely Mediterranean climate that's warm and sunny most days. From June to September temperatures average 23 – 28 °C during the day, cooling off to 16 – 19 °C at night.

Paragliding depends upon suitable weather conditions. If the forecast suggests the weather is likely to be unsuitable at the time of your flight, your host will reorder activities on your itinerary. In addition, this itinerary has some contingency time built into day 4 which can be also used to reschedule the paragliding, if required. In the unlikely event that poor weather conditions prevent paragliding from taking place at all during your trip, your host will either supply an alternative activity or refund the activity, depending on the circumstances.

Sure. On Days 2 and 4, you can leave it securely in your host's van and on days 1 and 3, you can leave it in your room.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

April 2024

Thursday • 11th April 2024

to Sunday • 14th April 2024
Guaranteed to run
Last Minute - 1 spot left at 10% off

Thursday • 9th May 2024

to Sunday • 12th May 2024
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 16th May 2024

to Sunday • 19th May 2024
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 24th May 2024

to Monday • 27th May 2024
Guaranteed to run
Last Minute - 1 spot left at 10% off

Thursday • 6th June 2024

to Sunday • 9th June 2024
Guaranteed to run
Hurry, only 3 spaces left

Thursday • 13th June 2024

to Sunday • 16th June 2024
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 20th June 2024

to Sunday • 23rd June 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Thursday • 4th July 2024

to Sunday • 7th July 2024
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 11th July 2024

to Sunday • 14th July 2024
Guaranteed to run
Hurry, only 3 spaces left

Thursday • 18th July 2024

to Sunday • 21st July 2024
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 1st August 2024

to Sunday • 4th August 2024
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 15th August 2024

to Sunday • 18th August 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Friday • 23rd August 2024

to Monday • 26th August 2024
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 29th August 2024

to Sunday • 1st September 2024
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 5th September 2024

to Sunday • 8th September 2024
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 12th September 2024

to Sunday • 15th September 2024
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 24th April 2025

to Sunday • 27th April 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 8th May 2025

to Sunday • 11th May 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 15th May 2025

to Sunday • 18th May 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 22nd May 2025

to Sunday • 25th May 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 5th June 2025

to Sunday • 8th June 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 12th June 2025

to Sunday • 15th June 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 19th June 2025

to Sunday • 22nd June 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 3rd July 2025

to Sunday • 6th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 10th July 2025

to Sunday • 13th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 17th July 2025

to Sunday • 20th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 31st July 2025

to Sunday • 3rd August 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 21st August 2025

to Sunday • 24th August 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 28th August 2025

to Sunday • 31st August 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 4th September 2025

to Sunday • 7th September 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 11th September 2025

to Sunday • 14th September 2025
Guaranteed to run
Private trip

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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