Austria, Italy & Slovenia Alpe Adria Hiking Tour
The Best Trails from the Alps to the Adriatic
- Available: June, July, September
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Luxury Hotels, Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
4-16 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Take in the best of the Alpe Adria, a 43-stage trail system through spectacular wilderness
- Soak up the fascinating culture of three different countries, Austria, Italy and Slovenia
- Enjoy postcard-worthy views of the Grossglockner summit, the turquoise Soca River, and the romantic seaside town Trieste
Itinerary
Arrive in Salzburg
Day 1
Start your journey in Salzburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Austria, if not the whole Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mozart's birthplace, and the setting for The Sound of Music movie, Salzburg has a charming baroque Old Town with a formidable fortress looming above. Meet with your group at 5pm for orientation and welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Hotel-Salzburg, Austria
Meals: Dinner
Set Out on the Alpe Adria Trail
Day 2
After a scenic 2-hour drive from Salzburg, reach Hohe Tauern National Park to take the inaugural hike amidst its alpine meadows and peaks. Enjoy a typical Austrian lunch and then transfer to the village of Heiligenblut at the foot of Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak at 12,461 feet - a perfect starting point for the Alpe Adria experience.
Accommodation: Hotel Laerchenhof-Heiligenblut, Austria
Accommodation: The SagritzerwirtActivity: 5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 3-hours total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head Toward the Pasterze Glacier
Day 3
Hike the first stage of the Alpe Adria trail, beginning in the village of Heiligenblut and ascending towards the mighty Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier. Wind your way through forests, past waterfalls, along lakes and on steep hairpin bends. End the hike with panoramic views from Franz Josef Hohe, and take a 40-minute shuttle ride back to the village. In the evening, try local dishes featuring lamb and beef, which is especially tender as local farmers take their cattle up to 6,000-foot-high alpine pastures.
Accommodation: Hotel Laerchenhof-Heiligenblut, Austria
Accommodation: The SagritzerwirtActivity: 6 hours/7 miles with 3,500' elevation gain & 600' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Around Lake Millstatt & to Mount Steinerner Tisch
Day 4
Explore the area around Lake Millstatt, starting with a scenic hike to Steinerner Tisch, a massive stone table that sits 6,000 feet above the lake with stunning panoramic views. Legend has it that giants once lived in the grass-covered mountains here. Stop at the local high alpine farm to sample some of the products. In the afternoon, check into the hotel on the shores of Lake Milstatt, to enjoy a peaceful sunset and local wine.
Accommodation: Naturhotel Alpenrose-Millstatt, Austria
Activity: 4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 2.5 hours total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the Path of Love
Day 5
Take in fabulous views as you climb the so-called Path of Love to the Garnet Gate, an impressive Cubist sculpture at the summit that overlooks Lake Milstatt. The hike across lush alpine meadows along the Millstätter Alpe Ridge is a feast for the senses. Afterward, enjoy freshly baked bread with local spreads and salami.
Accommodation: Naturhotel Alpenrose-Millstatt, Austria
Activity: 5-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1-hour total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Three Countries & a Mountaintop Sanctuary
Day 6
Today experience how the Alpe-Adria trail connects Austria, Italy and Slovenia. Leave Austria for a 1.5-hour drive to Italy to take a gondola ride up to the start of a hike along the charming pilgrims' path to the church of Maria Lussari on Monte Lussari (5872'), and then towards a rocky amphitheater just below Cima del Cacciatore. After lunch with a view, return by gondola and do an enjoyable 1.5-hour hike in the woods along Laghi di Fusine, wrapping it up with gelato. Head towards Slovenia for well-deserved rest near the picturesque ski village of Kranjska Gora.
Accommodation: Hotel Spik-Gozd Martuljek, Slovenia
Activity: 4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain
Transportation: 2-hours total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Up the Highest Mountain Pass in Slovenia
Day 7
This morning, hike up to Vršic (5,285'), the highest mountain pass in Slovenia with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. On the climb along the scenic alpine trail, you might come across some mountain sheep. Later on, descend into the Soca Valley, following the stream of the turquoise-green Soca River to the town of Bovec. Overnight in a charming hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Sanje ob Soci-Bovec, Slovenia
Activity: 5-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
Transportation: 2-hours total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Soca Valley & Triglav National Park
Day 8
Today hike in the Soca Valley, following the Soca River through unspoiled parts of Triglav National Park. Famous for the WWI Battle of Isonzo vividly described in Ernest Hemingway's novel, A Farewell to Arms, Soca is now known as a playground for hikers, cyclists, and water enthusiasts. After sampling local cheeses, end the day amongst the vineyards with some fresh-cut prosciutto and a glass of local red.
Accommodation: Hotel Gredic-Goriska Brda, Slovenia
Activity: 2-3 hours/3.2 miles hiking with 70' elevation gain & 300' elevation loss
Transportation: 2-hours, 45 minutes total private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike in the Valley of Rosanda & End up in Trieste
Day 9
Last but not least, head back to Italy for a 2-hour hike in the Valley of Rosanda. This unique natural reserve is known for its karst landscape and mild Mediterranean climate. End the tour in Trieste, a fascinating city that has been on a crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and German culture for over 2000 years. For the final night together, enjoy a farewell feast of local Italian specialties.
Accommodation: Hotel Savoia Excelsior-Trieste, Italy
Activity: 2 hours/3.1 miles hiking with 660' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Trieste
Day 10
Depart from Trieste Airport, or take a train, shuttle, or taxi to the airport in Venice.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,695 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementCheck for AvailabilityConfirmed
- $6,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementGoing FastConfirmed
- $6,695 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
8 to 9 guests from $6,895 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $7,195 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
6 to 7 guests from $7,495 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $7,295 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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June, July, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Miha Klanjscek
Miha is a seasoned guide with more than 15 years' experience leading groups through the Balkans-one of the most culturally, architecturally and geographically diverse regions in the world! Miha first fell in love with the nature and cuisine of the region after spending youthful summers exploring the Mediterranean. He enjoys several outdoor pursuits, including mountain biking, trail running, and trekking in the Slovenian Alps. An adventurer by heart, you can hardly find a better person to show you Istrian wine routes, Slovenian hiking trails, and lively Italian piazzas. Meet Miha on MT Sobek's adventures in the region.

Primoz Kadunc
Primoz is a licensed mountain guide with a degree in organizational management, which he very much puts into practice while leading trips! Primoz guides MT Sobek's Istria to Venice and Alpe Adria trips and has a passion for the whole Balkan region-with a special fondness for the Slovenia Alps. In his spare time, Primoz enjoys rock climbing, scuba diving, sailing, exploring new Alpine trails on foot. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Serbo-Croatian.

Ivana Bole
With guiding experience of more than a decade, Ivana has specialized in presenting her home country of Slovenia to visitors from all over the world. Besides being a professional guide, you might find her elbows deep in soil taking care of her plants or working in the garage on one of her vintage cars. As an English double major in linguistics and literature, her language skills are top notch, spiced with a bit of an Aussie twang which stuck with her since the time she spent down under. Her love for travel took Ivana to all corners of the world, from RV road tripping in the southern USA, trekking in Patagonia, camper vanning through New Zealand, 4x4 camping trip in South Africa or a motorcycle tour across the islands of Indonesia.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. This is a moderate hike with moderate elevation gain. You should be comfortable hiking 7-10 miles per day over 4-8 hours. Average daily elevation gain is about 1,600 feet per day.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
6 hours/7 miles with 3,500' elevation gain & 600' elevation loss
Day 4
4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & loss
Day 5
5-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain
Day 7
5-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
Day 8
2-3 hours/3.2 miles hiking with 70' elevation gain & 300' elevation loss
Day 9
2 hours/3.1 miles hiking with 660' elevation gain & loss
Accommodations
Upscale city hotels, family-run inns, and alpine estates, all renowned for superb hospitality, full amenities, and top service.
Weather
The weather in the Alps is always unpredictable. We could encounter snow in the morning and sun in the afternoon. Bring layers and warm clothes.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
You will be met at the airport by an MTS representative and transferred to our hotel in the center of Salzburg.
What happens if my flights are delayed en route?
Please contact your guides at the phone number listed on the trip's Final Bulletin, sent to you 30 days prior to the trip's start date. Our guides will help you to join the group and arrange transfers if necessary.
How does this trip compare to your Tour du Mont Blanc trip?
Our Alpe Adria hike is much easier than our Tour du Mont Blanc trip. There is much less elevation gain and loss, and the days are shorter.
Can I wear trail shoes/cross training shoes on this trip?
No, we highly recommend hiking boots with ankle support for this trip.
What is the food like in this region of the world?
The food is healthy, delicious and diverse. Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and choices of meat, and poultry. On night 7 we eat at Hisa Franko, rated one of the top 50 restaurants in the world by Diner's Club.
If I want to take a break from hiking, can I skip a day on this trip?
You are welcome to skip a day of hiking, but you must be willing to travel in our van along with the guide(s) as they support the group and transfer luggage to the next night's hotel.