Hikes take travelers through hard-to-find orchards, vineyards, hillsides, and medieval villages across 3 countries in a well-paced 14 days.

In May-July, enjoy mild weather in the mountains and sunny coast. September-October offers warm coastal days with cooler weather in the mountains, and chances of rain.

This captivating odyssey journeys through the enchanting landscapes of Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro, offering a perfectly paced blend of rugged mountain summits, rich cultural experiences, and sparkling coastal exploration.

Legacy of Expertise: MT Sobek has been operating expertly crafted trips in Europe for over 50 years, utilizing deep local connections to provide an immersive experience.

Cross-Border Traverse: Hike through awe-inspiring landscapes of mountains, lakes, rivers, and islands across three countries in a well-paced 14-day itinerary.

Varied Multi-Adventure: Experience a balanced mix of steady mountain hiking, UNESCO-listed wonders from waterfalls to historic cities, and sea kayaking on the crystal-clear Adriatic.

Storybook Lodging: Stay in a unique mix of modern 4-star hotels and boutique countryside inns, including a renovated 15-room palace originally built in 1467.

The ideal windows for this Balkan traverse are from May to July and from September to October, offering a beautiful transition from alpine wildflowers to sunny coastal days. We design our departures during these months to balance mild mountain weather with the region's diverse microclimates, ensuring optimal conditions for both mountain summits and Adriatic paddling.

May to July - Alpine Spring: Enjoy mild weather in the mountains and a sunny coast, with a high chance of seeing dozens of delicate alpine flowers in bloom.

September - Warm Coastal Days: This window offers warm coastal conditions paired with cooler mountain air, perfect for hiking through orchards and vineyards during the harvest.

October - Quiet Trails: Experience the region with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures in the mountains, though you should be prepared for higher chances of rain.

The standard minimum age for this trip is 18. This itinerary is designed with adult travelers in mind, based on daily activity levels, accommodations, and overall group experience. Families or groups with younger children should check out our private departures .

This moderate-to-strenuous hiking trip earns its rating due to five solid Level 4 hiking days mixed with some easier hiking and touring days. You should be prepared for sustained ascents of up to 2,600 feet and trails that are often steep and rocky with uneven terrain. This trip also includes an island-hopping kayak tour with some open-water crossings lasting over an hour.

Elevation Gain and Loss: Expect an average elevation gain and loss of 1,500 feet per day, reaching peaks like Mt. Ilija at 2,564 feet of gain.

Varied Terrain: Hiking occurs on varied terrain, including rocky trails and loose scree that can be shifting and slippery, requiring consistent balance and sure-footedness.

Multi-Adventure Endurance: Participants must have the stamina for a two-hour continuous sea kayaking session, occasionally paddling against currents in choppy Adriatic waters.

We plan the itinerary carefully, but adjustments may be needed due to weather, trail conditions, or other factors. MT Sobek and our guides make thoughtful decisions when needed in real time to keep the experience safe and enjoyable, and any significant changes will be communicated as early as and as clearly as possible.

Unforeseen changes in logistics or transportation may impact specific accommodations, vehicle transfers, and the timing of activities. We ask that you arrive with a spirit of adventure and a willingness to be flexible.

Please consult with your Adventure Coordinator to confirm your departure is set to operate before booking non-refundable airfare. We strongly recommend arriving early to adjust to the time change.

Arrival: Arrive at Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU) no later than 2:00 pm on Day 1 to meet the scheduled group transfer.

Departure: Schedule your departing flight from Dubrovnik Ruder Boskovic Airport (DBV) any time after 2:00 pm on Day 14.

If arriving early in Ljubljana, we recommend the group hotel, Hotel Lev . For those extending their stay in Kotor, we suggest our group hotels, Hotel Vardar or Boutique Hotel Astoria Kotor . If staying in Dubrovnik post-trip, recommended options include Royal Neptun Hotel , Grand Villa Argentina , Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik , or Hotel Dubrovnik Palace . For an elevated experience in the historic heart of the city, consider The Pucic Palace .

Please book extra nights with these hotels directly. We recommend booking refundable rooms, as hotels on this itinerary are subject to change.

While the trip is activity-focused, it covers approximately 500 miles, so you should expect some drives of two to three hours. Most days involve shorter transfers of 20 to 45 minutes to connect trailheads and hotels.

This is a Level 4 hiking trip involving multiple days of moderate-to-strenuous activity with elevation gains averaging 1,500 feet daily. You should be an experienced hiker comfortable with four to eight miles of hiking on uneven, slippery terrain for many days.

Elevation Change: Daily elevation gain and loss averages 1,500 feet, peaking at 2,564 feet on the summit of Mt. Ilija.

Varied Terrain: Expect trails with loose rocky scree and steep, uneven sections that require strong balance and sure-footedness.

Steady Paddling: Sea kayaking requires the stamina to paddle continuously for up to two hours, sometimes against currents in choppy conditions. Good cardiovascular fitness and some core strength are recommended to fully enjoy this activity.

We recommend giving yourself at least six months to build a solid cardiovascular base before your trip. Focus on your cardio endurance and strength to handle the sustained ascents and descents and rocky trails of the Julian Alps and coastal ranges.

Cardio and Strength: Plan to hit the gym or go for a run three to five times a week Start out gradually and increase your aerobic training to four to five times each week, 40 to 60 minutes at a time. Your heart will thank you on those uphills! If you don't have hilly terrain nearby, you can train on stairs, a treadmill or stair machine. A training guide will also be included in your MT Sobek guest portal after booking.

Hiking: Get out on a hike at least one day per week. Hikes should gradually increase in duration every three to four weeks, with hikes ranging from three to six hours. Your training hikes should incorporate ascents and descents of 600-2,000 feet. In the absence of hills, work out on a stair machine at the gym, or use the stairs at a nearby building.

Pack Training: Hike with the daypack you plan to bring, starting with 10 pounds and adding weight in small increments as you get closer to departure.

Balkan cuisine is abundant and diverse, and is influenced by local natural resources, tradition, and neighboring countries Austria, Italy, Croatia, and Hungary. Despite a popular myth that Eastern European cuisine is basic, Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro enjoy a rich and varied selection of produce (such as wild berries, potatoes, leeks, lettuces, beans, tomatoes, olives, and grapes), sea and freshwater fish, and meats like pork, beef, duck and chicken. Mushrooms as well as locally grown marjoram, sage, and other herbs are also abundant, and dishes often include local wildflowers such as dandelion. There is a strong tradition of farm-to-table dining here.

Breakfasts: Served buffet-style at the hotels, you will have a range of cold cuts, cheese, eggs, fruit, yogurt, cereals, and pastries to choose from along with juice, coffee, and tea.

Lunches: Several picnic lunches are enjoyed at picturesque sites along your hike. This will usually include sandwich fixings, fruit, cookies, veggies, salads, cheese, and other snacks. Other times, lunches are enjoyed at local restaurants, cafes, or wineries in scenic locations.

Dinners: Taken either at your hotel or at a nearby restaurant, dishes typically include a beef, chicken, or fish main dish, a vegetarian option, green salads, and potatoes served a variety of ways.

Alcohol: A limited amount of beer and wine selected by your guides is included with welcome and farewell dinners, and additional alcohol is available for purchase.

Yes, we can accommodate many common restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets on this trip with advance notice. Let us know about your dietary restrictions and food allergies as soon as possible, so we can coordinate with guides, hotels, and restaurants. Please also list these on your Participant Information Form. While we do our best, regional limitations may affect some specialized requests.

Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. About a third of our travelers go solo, and single room inventory often books up quickly! You can find more information on solo traveler options here .

Regardless of the season, you must be prepared for mountain weather that can drop into the 30sF quickly. Bring moisture-wicking shirts and shorts for warm coastal days, and a rash guard for kayaking. Warm gloves and a hat are essential for cold mornings or windy conditions.

The weather varies significantly between high alpine elevations and the Mediterranean coast. While summer temperatures can reach the 80s° F, mountain conditions can drop into the 30s or 40s° F rapidly during wind or rain.

May to July: This period features mild mountain weather and sunny coastal days, with the Julian Alps alive with wildflowers.

September and October: Expect warm coastal days and cooler mountain air, with a higher chance of rain as you move into the autumn season.

Elevation Variability: Temperatures typically range between the 50s and 70s° F during the day, but wind can lower these significantly at altitude and as you head inland away from the coast.

All three countries use the 230V system. Slovenia and Montenegro use Type F adapters, while Croatia uses both Type C and Type F. A useful resource to see images of plug types is www.power-plugs-sockets.com . Check the voltage on your personal electronics chargers to determine if you need a voltage converter. You will have access to electrical outlets at every accommodation to charge your devices nightly.

Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations. We offer travel insurance with Arch RoamRight and will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please see our Travel Resources page for more information.

There are bathroom facilities available at some huts, but not generally on the trail. We follow "leave no trace" principles; guides will provide instruction on how to handle nature's call responsibly while outdoors.

Hotel Lev is ideally located near the old town, so guests can walk to Tivoli Park, Ljubljana Castle, the Central Market, Preseren Square, and other sights. The hotel boasts modern accommodations in a sleek building. It also features an a la carte restaurant, a breakfast room and a bar, as well as a wellness and fitness center.

A stroll away from the lake and the town center, the recently renovated Hotel Triglav has well-equipped guest rooms with the full range of amenities and beautiful lake views. Guests enjoy the many on-site facilities, including a piano bar, wine cellar, a fireplace lounge, and a modern spa center.

At this modern guesthouse, accommodation is basic and clean in small, private guest rooms with en suite bathrooms. There is also free Wi-Fi, TV, and air conditioning.

Just steps from the sea, Hotel Piran boasts traditional architecture, originally built in 1913. Small, clean, simply furnished rooms include an ensuite bath and a view of the sea. Taste the flavors of the Slovenian coast in the restaurant, and sample local vintages in the wine shop. Massage service is available to soothe aching legs.

Located in the charming medieval town of Bale in the southwestern Istrian peninsula, Hotel La Grisa is a delightful hideaway. Guest rooms come equipped with a seating area as well as A/C, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TV. Some rooms have a free-standing bathtub, while others come with a walk-in shower or corner bath.

Located at the entrance to the old town of Kotor, Hotel Vardar invites guests to sit on the terrace and look out on the historic main square. Spacious and comfortable rooms have all the modern amenities and city views across narrow lanes. An onsite restaurant, Turkish bath, sauna and massage service complete the experience.

Our groups are intentionally kept small to allow for a deeper experience with the people and wildlife you encounter on the way. It also allows us to take advantage of the many unexpected invitations and opportunities that would be impossible with larger groups.
 

Small Group Travel

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with friends, join one of our over 500 scheduled departures where you’ll travel in the company of like-minded adventurers. They love being engaged, energized, and inspired. Each with their own story to tell, they make fascinating and entertaining travel companions. You may just come home with a new travel buddy. Plus, with an average of 8 to 10 guests per scheduled group, you’ll have unparalleled access to your expert guides and the space to enjoy your adventure free from the limitations of a tour bus.
 

Private Adventures

Private adventures with MT Sobek are perfect for those travelers who enjoy the privacy and flexibility of traveling on their own but want the peace of mind that comes with having all the logistics handled by experts. Most of our itineraries can be made private. We offer hundreds of itineraries and dates that your group can easily take over, or, if the date you’re looking for isn’t available, we’ll make it happen for you. 
 

Custom Adventures

Whatever the occasion—family reunion, milestone celebration, an ultimate road trip with friends, we can make your dream trip happen. Experience MT Sobek’s blend of insider access and adventure style on an itinerary exclusively created for you and your family, colleagues, or friends. We have a dedicated team of Custom Trip Specialists. 
 

Solo Travelers

Small group travel is perfect for solo adventurers looking to explore with like-minded people. Right from your first meeting, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you start to bond with your fellow travelers. No matter where they come from, it turns out that simply having a shared love of travel really brings people together. Whether you’re on the trail, watching wildlife, or enjoying a meal around a family table, there are plenty of opportunities to share stories and talk about highlights from the day.

From luxury hotels to rustic lodging, deluxe camping to wilderness camping, check out our full range of accommodation styles. Some trips may include a combination of styles, expertly picked for the destination.

Hotels at the Heart of Adventure

Where else to stay when visiting the Grand Canyon but perched on the North Rim of this natural wonder? How better to appreciate the fjords of Norway than to slumber in a brightly colored fisherman’s cottage by the water’s edge? Or to spot the “Big Five” from your luxury safari camp’s private veranda? We seek out small boutique hotels and lodges that treat you to the “must-have” experiences of the region.

Luxury Hotels
Revel in pure luxury at our hand-picked 5-star hotels—some of the most exquisite properties on the planet. With excellent amenities and services, including restaurants and wellness facilities, these accommodations are consistently top-rated by guests and provide an ultimate pampered experience.
 

Comfortable Hotels
The majority of our properties include small hotels and inns with a local flair. Well-appointed with modern amenities, many are family-run, adding to their character and charm. In some destinations, properties are chosen for their proximity to National Parks, wildlife and nature and are more basic. 
 

Rustic Lodging
Our rustic lodgings category includes remote lodges, mountain huts, homestays, guesthouses, gers, and fixed Bedouin camps. These accommodations may include bunk rooms and shared bathroom facilities. They truly get you to the heart of the destination.
 

Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges
We work with the finest African safari camps and global eco-lodges to bring you an ultimate experience that embodies the romance of adventure travel. We choose award-winning and top-rated accommodations with excellent amenities and services, including beautifully appointed safari tents and cabins. 

Adventure Camping

The only way to experience some of our most remote mountain and river destinations is to camp. Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River—some of our most popular adventures—include at least five nights of camping. However, the type of camp set up can be different, depending on the destination’s remoteness and how easy it is to transport gear. Here are our three main camping styles.

Deluxe Camping

• Roomy tents
• Mattresses with linens
• Dining table and chairs
• Guides prepare meals
• All set up for you
   

Comfortable Camping

• Roomy tents
• Sleeping bags and pads
• Dining table and chairs
• Guides prepare meals
• Some camp work may be required
   

Wilderness Camping

• Trekking tents
• Sleeping bags and pads
• Guests help set up camp
• Guides prepare meals

Expedition Cruising

Over the years, we’ve found that adventure cruising aboard a nimble small ship or deluxe yacht gives our guests an intimate expedition-like experience with maximum flexibility. We can navigate narrow waterways, pull right into private coves, and get you onshore quickly. No waiting in long lines to get off the boat and no crowds once you get on shore!

Luxury Small Ship
Enjoy a luxurious 5-star cruise aboard modern vessels with elegant interior designs that enhance your onboard experience. Our luxury Galapagos ship, the Endemic, carry a maximum of 16 passengers, while polar expedition ships such as the Magellan Explorer carry up to 70 passengers. These ships include spas, bars, climate-control en-suite rooms, and an abundance of state-of-the-art equipment for ultimate cruising. Our guide to crew ratio is guide and crew service is world-class.
 

Comfortable Small Ship
Our comfortable 3 and 4-star ships are well-designed for relaxation and all equipped with modern amenities. Aboard you’ll enjoy en-suite amenities, air-conditioning, attractive dining, bar and lounge areas, and outdoor decks for viewing the scenery. Whatever star rating of ship you choose, you can be assured of the same world-class guide and crew team, and a first-rate experience.

Our adventures are categorized by activity levels from 1 to 5. Level 1 trips are the easiest, Level 3 trips are moderate, and Level 5 trips are our most strenuous—perfect for those seeking the ultimate challenge. We also offer new flexible trips featuring activities rated at Level 2 or Level 3, providing two activity options to match your preference on the day! For all trips, we encourage you to review the activity level and read the detailed activity overview for your chosen itinerary to ensure you’re fully prepared for your adventure.
 

Easygoing – Level 1

Our most relaxed style of travel. Come prepared with flexibility and a spirit of adventure. Activities may include game drives along dusty or bumpy roads, canoe rides or river floats, sailing, or walks of up to 30 minutes on flat terrain. Trail conditions may include cobblestones, pavement, gravel, or dirt paths. On some days you may be on your feet for much of the time.
 

Easy-to-Moderate – Level 2

Active trips are appropriate for most travelers. You don’t need any previous kayaking, hiking, or other experience, but should be in generally fit condition. Trips may include short hikes or walking of up to 3 hours at elevations below 6,000 feet, sea kayaking in protected waters, or river rafting on Class I-II rapids.
 

Multi-Level – Level 2 & 3

These flexible trips are perfect for travelers seeking a range of activity levels, from easy to moderate, with two options to suit your preference and energy on the day. This type of trip also enables you to travel with friends who are more, or less, active than you, and either start or end the activity together. For example, Level 2 guests may choose a 3-hour hike while Level 3 guests may choose a 6-hour hike. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a leisurely experience or a bit more of a challenge. No matter your choice, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery, unforgettable adventures, and plenty of time together as a group.
 

Moderate – Level 3

The majority of MT Sobek trips. These typically include 3 to 6 hours of physical activity per day, such as rafting or wilderness camping. Eight to ten-mile hikes can reach up to 10,000 feet and may include some steep ascents or descents. River rafting trips include Class III rapids and sea kayaking trips to visit protected waters.
 

Moderate-to-Challenging – Level 4

Trips for experienced travelers seeking full days of activity and a higher level of physical challenge. Hikes and treks of up to 14 miles and 4,000 feet of elevation gains and losses per day cover steep, sometimes rugged terrain, potentially into areas of exposure and elevations exceeding 10,000 feet. River rafting trips include Class IV-V rapids; sea kayaking trips include 4 to 5 hours of paddling per day in areas of open water with waves and tides.
 

Ultimate Challenge – Level 5

Our most demanding trips for guests seeking a physical challenge. Trips include trekking without vehicle support over steep, often rugged terrain at elevations over 10,000 feet. Daily hikes of up to 12 hours or more may include substantial altitude gains and losses into remote areas of wilderness. River rafting trips include Class IV-V rapids and areas where portaging is needed. Previous experience, as well as a completed physician’s certificate, is required.

We Are Committed to Sustainability

At MT Sobek, sustainability isn’t just a principle; it’s woven into the very fabric of how we operate. We don’t simply observe the world’s unique cultures and fragile ecosystems—we take an active role in their preservation. Supporting organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and community well-being is part of our DNA. Over the years, we have contributed over half a million dollars to conservation efforts and volunteered hundreds of hours to initiatives like Yosemite Facelift. Our programs work to ensure that the wild and beautiful places we visit will continue to thrive, with a special emphasis on sustainable practices and positive social impact. From funding reforestation projects to supporting local artisans, our commitment to sustainability goes hand-in-hand with unforgettable adventure.
 

Protect The Galapagos

MT Sobek is proud to support the Galapagos Conservancy by making an annual conservation investment to its Santiago Society program. Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, and collaborates closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos National Park, and many other institutions that are committed to the conservation of the entire archipelago.
 

Save the Tiger

MT Sobek guide Brian Weirum has made saving tigers his life’s mission and we are proud to support the Fund For the Tiger, raising over $300,000 to help tiger conservation in India and Nepal. The fund aims to address the threats faced by these majestic big cats and ensure their survival for future generations.
 

Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project

We are proud to work with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), based in Moshi, Tanzania, to improve the welfare and conditions for all Kilimanjaro porters. KPAP is an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC).
 

American Himalayan Foundation

Since our first treks in Nepal in 1969, Mountain Travel Sobek has worked with Himalayan communities to help support their way of life. We are also proud supporters of the American Himalayan Foundation which brings shelter, safety, education, health, and opportunity to people across the Himalaya. The AHF opens doors to education and health care, builds stronger communities, and works in a way that respects both tradition and innovation.
 

Dolma Ling Nunnery

As part of our philanthropic endeavors, we are proud supporters of the Tibetan Nuns Project at the Dolma Ling Nunnery & Institute in Dharamsala, northern India. The Tibetan Nuns Project provides education and support to refugee nuns from Tibet and to nuns from the Himalayan regions of India.
 

High Atlas Foundation

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) empowers Moroccan communities through sustainable development. Focused on education, women’s empowerment, and environmental stewardship, HAF fosters local leadership to drive impactful change. From planting trees to building schools, their initiatives improve livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage, creating lasting opportunities for underserved rural and urban populations.
 

Preserve Alaska

The Alaska Conservation Foundation is the only public foundation solely dedicated to conservation in Alaska. The ACF’s vision is for an inspiring Alaska that is naturally thriving, biologically and culturally diverse, rich in wildlands, bountiful in terrestrial and marine life, sustainable in its economic development and thoughtfully protected—forever. MT Sobek supports the ACF by sharing their mission and vision with generations of adventure travelers.

National Park Foundation

As the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation generates private support and builds strategic partnerships to protect and enhance America’s national parks for present and future generations. We are proud to support the National Park Foundation to help sustain over 400 national parks in the USA, preserving 85 million acres of the world’s most treasured landscapes, ecosystems, and historical sites. 

National Park Service

MT Sobek is proud to be an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service and a permitted outfitter under the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. We always follow Leave No Trace principles and seek to drive awareness of fragile ecosystems to help support their long-term sustainability.
 

Western Rivers Conservancy

MT Sobek is proud to support Western Rivers Conservancy, an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the vital rivers of the American West. With a shared passion for safeguarding the natural world, MT Sobek aligns with WRC’s mission to conserve critical habitats, secure public access to waterways, and ensure the sustainability of these lifelines for future generations. Together we’re working to make a meaningful impact on the preservation of our rivers.
 

Alianza Cero Basura

Alianza Cero Basura offers innovative solutions for sustainable living in Baja California Sur. It promotes waste reduction, recycling, and environmental education, providing tools and resources to empower communities. By fostering collaboration and eco-conscious practices, the hub inspires impactful change toward a zero-waste future.
 

Adventure Travel Conservation Fund

MT Sobek is proud to be a member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF), an international nonprofit focused on funding on-the-ground conservation projects around the world. The ATCF is committed to protecting wild destinations and provides members in the travel and outdoor industry an avenue to directly advance critical projects that protect people, species, cultures, and places.
 

Ride 4 a Woman

We are proud to support Ride 4 a Woman, a charitable organization that empowers the women of Bwindi, Uganda More than 300 women from 11 villages now use or work at the Ride 4 a Woman community center, where they can learn to pedal sew, weave baskets, dance, sing and drum; learning new skills, making a living and making it possible for their children to gain an education.
 

Community Rhino Conservation Initiative

We are proud to support the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative to help benefit the communities and wildlife of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The CRCI has re-introduced rhino to this part of Zimbabwe in a highly secure and sustainable way to eventually accommodate a viable population of free roaming black and white rhino.

Exito Planet Care Ambassador Carbon Offsetting

We are proud to work with Exito travel to book flights for our guests. Exito is a Planet Care Ambassador, committed to taking concrete steps to minimize travelers’ flight impacts on the environment by fully offsetting carbon emissions.