Soca Valley and Kranjska Gora Day Tour from Ljubljana

The Soča Valley and its emerald river

The Soča River is famous for its unusual turquoise colour, which comes from the clear glacial water flowing over pale limestone. It rises in the Trenta valley, runs for around 140 kilometres and finishes in the Adriatic. On this Soča Valley day tour from Ljubljana you follow the river through steep-sided valleys, stopping at viewpoints and bridges where the colour is at its best.

The valley also has a serious history, because the Isonzo Front of the First World War ran through it, and your guide explains how soldiers lived and fought here. Anyone asking is the Soča Valley worth visiting will find that a long day trip from Ljubljana gives a good overview, though many travellers return for a longer stay to raft, kayak or walk.

The Vršič Pass, Slovenia's highest mountain road

The Vršič Pass climbs to 1,611 metres between the Sava and Soča valleys, with fifty numbered hairpin bends that give the road its reputation. It was built during the First World War by Russian prisoners of war. Near the top stands the Russian Chapel, a wooden memorial built in 1916 for fellow prisoners killed by an avalanche, and it is still tended today.

The views from the pass take in the limestone walls of Triglav National Park. The pass can be closed by snow in colder months, and your guide checks conditions before departure, adjusting the route if needed. In summer, the air at the top is noticeably cooler, so bring a light jacket and a camera for a very photogenic drive.

Kranjska Gora and Lake Jasna

Kranjska Gora is the main alpine resort of north-west Slovenia, about 85 kilometres from Ljubljana, close to the Austrian and Italian borders. In winter it is a busy ski destination, and in summer it becomes a base for cycling and hiking. On this Kranjska Gora day trip from Ljubljana you have time to walk the main street, see the church and enjoy the mountain air.

Just outside the town lies Lake Jasna, a pair of small lakes at the foot of the Vršič road with a statue of Zlatorog, the golden-horned chamois of local legend. The water is clear and the setting is peaceful, making it a favourite photo stop. Your guide points out the best place to stand for the mountain reflection.

Kozjak Waterfall near Kobarid

Kozjak Waterfall is a short cascade of about fifteen metres that drops into a hidden pool inside a narrow limestone gorge. A path of roughly fifteen minutes each way follows the river, crossing small wooden bridges before the view opens into a rocky amphitheatre. The entrance fee is included in your tour, so you can walk straight in.

The setting feels like a secret hollow in the mountain, and on a warm day the spray cools you. Wear shoes with grip, as the rocks can be slippery, and bring a light jacket for the shade. Photographers like it in the middle of the day when the light reaches the water. It is the walking highlight of the tour and is easy for most visitors.