Julian Alps Summer Activity

When

Trips departing 24 & 31 July 2010; 07 & 14 August 2010

Stay

Hotel Hvala For 2010 we have a new base in the Soca Valley, the fabulous town of Kobarid and what we consider to be the best hotel in the valley, the Hotel Hvala. This 4-star hotel enjoys a central location in the small Slovenian town. The Hvala has been owned and run by two generations of the same family for 27 years so you'll find a warm and friendly welcome awaits you on arrival. It's by no means a large establishment with only 32 rooms so we consider ourselves very fortunate to have secured rooms at what is, without doubt, the best hotel in this stretch of the Soca Valley. All the rooms are en-suite with either a shower or bathroom with hair dryers. The bedrooms themselves have a mini-bar, satellite TV and telephone. There is a number of family rooms which are ideal for those with younger children and also rooms with balconies which are available on request. Additional facilities include a summer garden, sauna, cafe, bar and fish restaurant with a deservedly won reputation for excellence.

Price

from £795, (no additional activities), to £1045, (including 5 activities), per adult, and from £715 to £915 per child under 14 years sharing parent's room, or single parent's room). Included in the price: Return flights from Stansted to Ljubljana, return airport transfers, 7 nights hotel accommodation, as many activities as preferred (at a cost of £50 per activity), all equipment, tuition and supervision from fully qualified instructors, transfers to and from all the activities, services of Activities Abroad representative or local guide.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and introduction

You'll be met at Ljubljana Airport from where we transfer to our hotel in Kobarid. After settling in, we host an introductory dinner which will be followed by some fun and games (ideal for bonding!).

Day 2: Exploration trek

We transfer from Kobarid to Cadrg where our trek takes us through some simply jaw-dropping scenery culminating in a breathtaking view of the Polopg Valley and the church at Javorca.

On the way back, we stop at a small farmhouse for a picnic lunch comprising local organic produce. From there, we visit the remarkable and very beautiful Tolminka Gorges. We then return to town via a country path after a fabulous introduction to the Julian Alps.

Day 3: Canyoning

The Susec Canyon is very probably the best in the Soca Valley. With numerous slides and jumps as well as two spectacular 15m waterfalls it's an exhilarating combination of fun and excitement in a stunning natural setting. This evening, we host a traditional Slovenian dinner at the hotel followed by dancing to piano accordian music. It's a great way to immerse yourself in Slovenian tradition.

Day 4: Tubing and mini rafting

Tubing is just silly. You sit on a large rubber ring with a paddle and try to negotiate your way downstream. It's just about impossible but it's a laugh a minute and a huge favourite with our families.

This afternoon you take to the river again for a session in, slightly more technical but equally as fun, mini rafts. This always proves to be one of the most popular activities as it is great fun and is an excellent way to make your way down the rapids.

Day 5: Free day

Today is free to relax, explore or try additional activities (payable locally). Alternatively, the hotel will be offering a Slovenian Exploration which include the magnificent Postojna Caves (awesome!), Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj and either the Trenta Valley or the capital Ljubljana (payable locally).

Day 6: Kobarid treasure hunt

You will have had time to get to know Kobarid by now. It's a pretty place with two or three excellent restaurants, an award winning and remarkably moving World War One museum and the stunning Napolean Bridge which straddles one of the river Soca's most dramatic stretches. We've created a treasure hunt which is designed to explore everything Kobarid has to offer.

A riverside barbeque this evening accompanied by some great fun and games tops off a fabulous day in Slovenia.

Day 7: White water rafting

The River Soca provides an exhilerating contrast of white water rapids and stunning mountain scenery which you can admire during the calmer stretches. We'll include some fun and games as we race downstream as well as some river survival skills.

This evening after you have dried off, a farewell dinner will be served. Giving you plenty of opportunity to remember all the adventures which you've had during the week.

Day 8: Departure

All good things generally come to an end and so today you must leave Kobarid and return to Ljubljana Airport for your return flight home.

The Soca Valley is a very hard place to leave but you'll go with fabulous memories as well as some new friends. Oh and you can always come again next year!