Swim Slovenia's Most Iconic Lakes

This two-day swimming challenge will take you across two of the most breathtaking lakes in Europe.

Test your stamina and perfect your technique, as you swim the emerald-green waters of Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled, in awe of their enchanting surroundings.

With experienced former professional athletes and coaches by your side, you’re in for a weekend of making new friends, achieving new goals and experiencing untouched nature at its best.

This unique adventure challenge includes:

• 2 days guided swimming
• Moon-lit hike to Pokljuka plateau
• Mala Ojstrica hike
• 1-night hotel accommodation
• Local, certified guide and swimming coach
• Breakfasts and evening meal
• Local transfers
• All taxes, insurances and licenses relative to the trip

**Perfect for: **
Swimming fanatics looking to push themselves for new achievements in astonishing, tranquil surroundings.

Saturday: Lake Bohinj – let the challenge begin

You will be picked up from your hotel at 09:00 this morning and taken to meet your guide before continuing the 30-minute drive to Lake Bohinj.

Your first challenge this weekend is to swim 2km across the crisp, pristine waters of this beautiful lake. Bohinj sits shaded by the forest like a hidden gem waiting for visitors looking for a serene retreat.

If you fancy really putting yourself to the test, you’ll have the option to swim the 4km length of the lake; with surroundings as charming as this, you’ll be very tempted.

This idyllic lake sits at the foot of the Julian Alps, which seem to rise out of the turquoise lake itself. Your body may be reaching its limit, but the calmness of this tranquil setting is sure to keep you going.

Recover with lunch by the lake before heading off to Pokljuka plateau, just a 45-minute drive away. This forested plateau sits in the Julian Alps and has some intriguing mountain paths that make for an enchanting night hike.

Tonight, you will stay at a hotel in Pokljuka; just moments out the door and you’ll be in the complete tranquillity of gentle moonlight peeking through the tall pine trees. Your night hike will take an easy path to the Javornik mountain meadows which is a truly magical spot for some star gazing.

1-2 hours of swimming, 2 hours hiking

Sunday: Lake Bled – round two

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take the short drive to yet another astounding lake (30-minute drive).

Lake Bled is known throughout the world for its magical beauty, and you’re about to plunge into its refreshing waters.

Once again, with the healing atmosphere to keep your body going, you will challenge yourself to swim the 2km width of this lake’s emerald-green waters; 4km if you’re up for the swim back too.

Feeling refreshed and exhausted all at the same time, you’ll flop onto the grass by the lake for a spot of lunch. The afternoon is yours to do as you wish; take a stroll through the charming town of Bled; visit the ancient church that sits like a fairytale castle on an island in the centre of the lake, or enjoy a hike up to Mala Ojstrica.

The hike up Mala Ojstrica is a steep but short one, and when you conquer the many iron steps carved into the ancient rocks, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the captivating Lake Bled. From this viewing plateau, you can see the fascinating ancient church which sits on its islet, and the medieval castle that clings to the rocky cliffside, on a backdrop of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps – your camera and selfie stick is a must.

As the day comes to an end, you will be dropped off at Ljubljana Airport for your evening flight home; feeling a sense of achievement and simply itching for someone to ask, "how was your weekend?".

1-2 hours swimming, 30-minute Mala Ojstrica hike

On Saturday evening, you will stay half-board at the Jelka Hotel, situated in the unspoiled nature of Pokljuka plateau.

You will stay in a double room with views out over the forest or valley. The rooms have been designed using beautiful natural materials, giving you the sense of being a part of nature, even when you’re indoors.

Each room has its own bathroom, TV, and free WiFi. The hotel has a Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, jacuzzi, and onsite restaurant where you will enjoy your breakfasts and evening meal.

Slovenia’s extraordinary Lake Bohinj is truly a hidden gem. Located at the foot of the Julian Alps, which seem to rise out of the lake itself, Lake Bohinj is 4.35 km long and 1 km wide. The crisp and pristine waters are surrounded by spectacular views and shaded forests. For any swimmers looking for a quiet and serene retreat, Bohinj is an ideal destination.

Lake Bled is known throughout the world for its magical beauty and healing atmosphere. Plunge into Bled’s refreshing waters for a long idyllic swim before relaxing in the grass by the lake. Although the lake is something really special, Bled has plenty more to offer; take a stroll through the charming town and sample Bled’s traditional dessert, Kremšnita, a delicious vanilla and custard cream cake; or take a boat to the ancient church that sits on an island in the centre of the lake. Whether you are a seasoned swimmer or training for your first competition, Bled is a wonderful swimming location.

Start point?
With an early start on day one, your host suggests you arrive the day before the trip and stay overnight at a hotel in Bled. You will be picked up from your hotel at 09:00 Saturday morning.

Finish point?
You will be dropped off at Ljubljana Airport. You are free to book any flight that departs after 20:00. Your host will be in touch before your trip to finalise details.

Getting there and away?
Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is served by regular inexpensive flights. You can get any flight that suits you, but make sure they fit the times above to take advantage of the included transfers. Your host will contact you before you leave to check your arrival and departure plans.

Your host suggests the Easy Jet flight from London Stansted to Ljubljana, arriving at 16:10 Friday evening. The return flight to London Stansted departs at 21:55 Sunday evening.

For extra financial protection against unforeseen circumstances, we recommend you book your flights using a credit card.