Having collected your hire car you will take the short drive to Ljubljana, a majestic city whose name incorporates the Slovenian word for love (hence the vast array of love hearts you will see around the city). Depending on the time of your arrival we recommend heading out to soak up the city's charm with a stroll along the riverbank which is bustling with cafes and a welcoming aura. Don't forget to say 'hi' to the Dragon on the bridge; a keeper of the city and one of the city's many famous landmarks. You may wish to visit the old town filled with stunning Art Nouveau architecture and colourful buildings of the Mestni trg and wooden shop fronts. You may also wish to head up to Ljubljana's most prominent landmark, the castle, which stands high above the bustling streets below.

In the evening you will have plethora of restaurants to choose from, offering modern Slovenian cuisine. The evenings bring another level of charm to the city with locals and tourists alike coming to enjoy alfresco dining in the warm summer nights.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before embarking on the scenic drive to enchanting Velika Planina, to begin your first walk of the week. Home to traditional shepherds' villages, it appears time has stood still, creating a magical mountain atmosphere and a calming contrast to city life. The plateau is the largest herdsmen settlement in Europe, with traditional huts dotted across the lush green landscape like gems on a garment. Your route will take you on a journey of discovery through quaint huts to reveal panoramic views of the Julien Alps, stopping to sample the local produce of cheeses as you go.

Returning to Ljubljana you will have another opportunity to delight in the welcoming atmosphere over dinner in one of the many restaurants.

This morning you say farewell to the city and make your way to towards Triglav National Park and its famed lake - Lake Bled. Known as the emerald jewel of Slovenia this inviting lake is home to possibly one of the most photographed island churches in the world; the Assumption of Mary Church. You have a choice of walks today, your first being a gentler option around Lake Bled offering endless beauty and the perfect opportunity to take a dip in the lake's warm thermal fed waters at the lido.

Your second, more strenuous option is to continue driving towards Bohinj via the Pokljuka Plateau where you can enjoy its unique pastoral atmosphere with a hike up Mount Visevnik. This will provide you with far reaching views to neighbouring Mount Triglav, along the Bohinj Valley and the Southern Julien Alps and is simply stunning!

Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy the day relaxing in Bled, visiting the region's medieval cliff-top castle or taking a plenta boat across Lake Bled to visit the Assumption of Mary Church. The advantage of a drive and hike trip is that you can choose how to spend your day for ultimate flexibility.

Today you will venture to the summit of Mount Vogel in the heart of the Triglav National Park. Taking the scenic cable car you will gain a glimpse of the beauty you will be rewarded with on today's walk. Your route from the cable car takes you along the ridges of Mount Sija and on to Mount Vogel, providing simply breathtaking views across to Mount Triglav and Slovenia's largest lake, Lake Bohinj. Take time to soak in the beauty before making your way back to the cable car station to begin your descent to Lake Bohinj, where you can cool off with a swim in the crystal clear waters or perhaps enjoy a coffee in a nearby café with a slice of delicious Bled cream cake.

Today offers a choice of walks in the Bohinj Valley before your drive on to the stunning Soca Valley. Your first option is to enjoy a gentle walk along the shores of Lake Bohnij, allowing the opportunity to take a short boat ride across the lake and a short climb up to the Pec viewpoint. Your second option is a more challenging hike exploring the Vogar Plateau, accompanied by panoramic views to summit Prsivec (1,761m).

When you complete your chosen walk for the day you will make your way to the Soca Valley. Along the way you may wish to make a stop at Tolmin Gorge, the lowest point of the Triglav National Park but with dramatic scenery to match that of the high peaks. We recommend booking your tickets in advance.

Arriving at your home for the next 3 nights you will have time to unwind and enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Enjoy your first breakfast in the heart of the Soca Valley, before embarking on a walk between two countries. Your route today will ascend through woodlands of poplars, chestnut and green alder trees and across meadows to reach the summit of Mount Matajur, marking the border with Italy. Here you will discover the unique church of Christ the Redeemer sitting proudly upon the mountain and your efforts are rewarded with far reaching views over Italy and the Julien Alps as far as the Adriatic. When you have finished taking in the beauty of the mountains and, of course, tiptoeing over into Italy, you make your descent to the valley where you can look forward to ending your day with a dip in the natural pools of the nearby Nadiza River.

Today is a day of two halves as you explore the area's beauty and turbulent WWI history. In the morning you can look forward to exploring the fairy-tale landscape of Dreznica, nestled beneath the imposing Mount Krn and distinguished by the village's large church of St Heart of Jesus. Your route will take you through this charming historic hamlets and to idyllic streams and waterfalls against the majestic alpine backdrop. You may often see paragliders soaring overhead as you walk, thanks to the favourable wind conditions the valley provides.

In the afternoon you will depart the village of Kobarid to discover more about the darker side of the area's history. You will see the series of trenches and tunnels which remain dotted in the valley as scars from WW1, alongside the shepherd's huts. Making your way to the emerald-coloured Soca River you will cross the suspended bridge and the Neapolitan Bridge for some of the best views of this magnificent natural wonder.

Returning to your accommodation you can enjoy a final dinner in the Soca Valley and raise a glass to a fantastic week in Slovenia, the heart of Europe.

Enjoy a final relaxing breakfast in the Soca Valley before making your way back to Ljubljana to return your hire car and begin your onward journey.