Overview
An exclusive retreat, based in the town of Bovec, Slovenia, a gem amongst the Julian Alps, known for its stunning beauty, nature and outdoor activities. Here. We'll be at the heart of breathtaking landscapes, and in a prime spot for kayaking and zip-lining in the Soča Valley famed for its emerald waters and rich biodiversity. We'll explore and hike trails, lakes, hidden waterfalls and delve into Slovenia's cultural heritage, through local culinary delights and a wine tasting experience. Our experiences allow you to explore a destination to its absolute fullest, with experts in the field, meet like minded solo travellers, enjoy an element of luxury with our own in-house chef and enjoy the benefits of an active but, rejuvenating experience with yoga and holistic practices in down time. This promises to be another memorable event that we cannot wait to host for you.
Programme
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Wed 25th: Arrivals
Upon arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport, you'll be picked up by our scheduled transfer and whisked to Bovec, our chosen base, nestled in Slovenia's Julian Alps. Offering easy access to both the Soca River and a plethora of hiking trails showcasing alpine vistas. Its central location positions us perfectly to explore some of Slovenias most picturesque landscapes, trails and cultural destinations.
Thur 26th: Relaxed hike to Parabola Waterfall
Today we'll relax in to the trip with a gentle morning flow, meditation and our first breakfast. Then we'll head for our first hike to Parabola Waterfall, a beautiful trail, starting from the village of Log pod Mangartom, picturesque minute village between some the peaks of the Julian Alps. Along the way, you'll have stunning views of the creek's crystal-clear waters and the surrounding mountains. The Parabola Waterfall is a natural wonder, with water cascading down rocky ledges into a deep pool surrounded by a green haven.
We'll eat lunch in a local restaurant and have the opportunity to head to an evening sunset viewpoint before heading back to our base for a dinner cooked by our in-house chef.
Fri 27th: Kayaking & Zipline, Soca Valley
This will be a day to remember, our guides will go through basic kayaking techniques and talk you through some history of of the valley. They'll then guide us to secret spots on Soca, far from crowds. Passing scenes from the chronicles of Narnia, Boka waterfall, an optional swim in one of the many emerald pools or just relax on the shore with the incredible backdrop.
We'll break for lunch and in the afternoon you'll have the choice to relax or an optional extra to head on a Zipline adventure through the picturesque Krnica valley below Kanin mountain. This experience begins with a scenic ride to the starting point, where you are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding Julian Alps and Bovec basin including emerald-green Soča River below.
Sat 28th: Wine tasting
A relaxed morning meditation, breath-work and stretch before enjoying a morning to explore or re-charge the batteries after an active day. Today we'll be taking a cultural and traditional wine tasting tour in Vipava Valley, between the Karst and the Trnovo forest plateau, a small village called Zalosce, right beside the river. A family tradition since 1956, the Solarjevi family farmhouse have taken full advantage of natural resources and have grown excellent varieties of grapevines. We will come together for an afternoon fragrances and flavours with a x3 course meal and wine pairing.
Sun 29th: Golden hour hike to Svinjak
An epic hike for our final day. The journey to Svinjak offers views of the surrounding mountains and the turquoise waters of the Soča River. We'll start from the village of Kal Koritnica, the trail winds through lush forests, gradually gaining elevation. As we ascend, the views become panoramic, with Kanin and Bovec basin dominating the views. For those keen to push to the summit (optional), the final stretch involves a small amount of scrambling but, the reward... a 360° breathtaking panorama of Julian Alps and its highest peaks, including Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia.
A rested afternoon before our final x3 course meal at Chalet Mala Vas.
Mon 30th: Departures
Checkout is at 10am. The group transport is arranged to take you to Venice Marco Polo airport at a designated time communicated in your welcome email that will be provided upon booking. Please contact us if you need any information prior to making a decision. Our hosts will be happy to help.
What's included
What's Included
Scheduled Airport Transfers
Accommodation
Breakfast & Dinners
All Programmed Activities
Yoga & Holistic Practices
Guided Hikes
Wine Tasting & Paired x3 course meal
Goody bag on arrival
What's Not Included
Flights
Any transfers outside of the programmed activities & Airport
Visa's and Travel Insurance
Lunch
Gallery
FAQs
How long is the retreat?
The duration of our retreat is 5 nights, 6 days. This period is designed to allow you to fully immerse yourself in the adventure and wellness activities, and truly disconnect and recharge.
What level of physical fitness is required?
On some of the programmed days we will be engaging in outdoor activities such as Kayaking and hiking so, a general level of fitness is required for this trip. However, an important part of Active Odyssey is to make our experiences accessible for everyone so, we try our best to support anyone that wishes to join this journey. Prior to the event we can help you with milestones and training guidelines to help prepare for your trip. Please get in touch if you would like to know more.
Our activities have some specific requirements. For the Kayaking you must have the basic skills of being able to swim and be a maximum of 110kg in weight. If you choose to zip-line (extra) the maximum weight is also 110kg.
Health and safety is our number one priority. If it is deemed that any person doesn't meet the health or fitness requirements to partake in a specific or activity it will be up to the companies discretion to make the final call on whether it is safe to do so. Please reach out to us with any concerns of questions about your participation.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing comfortable and appropriate clothing for hiking and kayaking, including swimwear, hiking clothing, comfortable shoes/trainers or boots suitable for the trails (ideally trail and gortex/waterproof), waterproof jacket, a small backpack (10-20L), a re-useable water-bottle or camel pack, sunscreen, a hat for sun protection, and any personal medication. We'll also provide a detailed packing list upon booking.
Can I attend the retreat alone, or do I need to be part of a group?
All Active Odyssey experiences are designed with solo travellers in mind. The purpose is for you to connect with other like minded people and create new bonds and friendships.
Booking your first solo trip can always be daunting but all of our hosts are there to make you feel welcome and support you on your own personal journey as well as bringing the group together through our activities.
One of our hosts would always be on hand prior to the event to chat through any reservations you may have and to help you feel more confident about joining this trip so, please do get in contact if you have any questions or you’d like to hear more about our experiences.
Are meals included? What type of food can I expect?
Breakfast and Dinners are included. Breakfast will be a mixture of continental and English/America with fruits, granola, pastries etc. Dinner will be cooked by our in-house chef. We pride ourselves on offering a variety of healthy, delicious, and locally sourced meals to suit every dietary need and preference. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or have specific dietary restrictions, we've got you covered.
8. What is the cancellation policy?
Can I cancel once I have booked?
If circumstances change and you wish to cancel your reservation you must advise Active Odyssey in writing via confirmed email as soon as reasonably possible. Any cancellation of the contract will be subject to the following cancellation charges.
The following cancellation policy applies:
> Less that 6 weeks - 100% of the cost of the retreat will be retained by Active Odyssey
> Less that 8 weeks - 50% of the total cost of the retreat will be retained by Active Odyssey
> Less than 12 weeks - 25% of the total cost of the retreat will be retained by Active Odyssey
> More than 16 weeks - Deposit payment will be retained by Active Odyssey
Please note, no refunds can be issued for no shows or early departures. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance in case of cancellation on your part
Is financial assistance available?
You will be offered options upon checkout to either pay your deposit and then pay your remaining balance 2 months prior to the retreat, there is also the option to pay in instalments and also potentially the option to pay through Klarna to spread out your monthly balance with interest charged (only available for certain rates and you must qualify for credit with them directly).
Are there any age restrictions?
Participants must be at least 18 years old to attend the retreat. There is no upper age limit, but participants should be in good health and capable of moderate physical activity.
How do I book my spot, and what are the payment options?
Checkout here by selecting your preferred room and adding it to your basket. Checkout with your preferred payment option.