From 39 EUR
Refreshment Tour
Duration
09:30 – 13:30
Language
English
Tour season
June - September, On request
Meeting point
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Group size
2-8
Price includes:
Licensed tourist guide
Sightseeing as desired and information on the surrounding areas
Organization
Transportation in an airconditioned car/van
Parking and other fees
Not included in the price:
Food and drinks
Travel and activity insurance
Any other items not mentioned as included
Premium Half-Day Nature Escape from Ljubljana
Exclusive Pekel Gorge & Lake Podpeč Experience
Have you ever visited a European capital where you can enjoy a refreshing outdoor adventure in pristine nature – and still return in time for a relaxed afternoon exploring the old town?
Welcome to Ljubljana, where boutique travel meets untouched nature.
This carefully curated half-day experience is designed for travelers who value comfort, authenticity, and flexibility. We pick you up in Ljubljana and take you just 30 minutes outside the city to one of Slovenia’s best-kept secrets – Pekel Gorge (“Hell Gorge”), a spectacular natural canyon carved by crystal-clear alpine waters.
A Hidden Natural Gem Near Ljubljana
Pekel Gorge is one of the most scenic hiking destinations in central Slovenia. In summer, the gorge offers a pleasantly cool microclimate – the perfect escape from the city heat. Waterfalls cascade into emerald pools, where you can refresh yourself under natural rock formations.
The well-maintained and secured trail leads from 350 m to 650 m above sea level, passing five waterfalls in total. Some sections are more adventurous (ladders, steel cables, secured climbs), but everything is professionally guided and adapted to your comfort level.
Our advantage? Flexibility.
Whether you’re an active couple, a family with children, or experienced hikers looking for a challenge – we adjust the route, pace, and difficulty to your preferences. If you prefer a lighter version, we hike to the impressive 16-meter second waterfall and enjoy a relaxed experience.
Relaxation at Lake Podpeč
After the hike, we continue to Lake Podpeč, a unique karst sinkhole lake on the edge of the Ljubljana Marshes (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here, you can swim, relax by the water, or simply enjoy the peaceful landscape away from tourist crowds.
This combination of waterfalls, swimming spots, scenic hiking trails, and UNESCO landscapes makes the tour one of the most diverse half-day outdoor experiences near Ljubljana.
Why This Tour Feels Different
This is not a standard group excursion.
✔ Small boutique groups (max. 8 guests)
✔ Premium guiding with local experts
✔ Flexible itinerary adapted to your wishes
✔ Hidden locations only locals know
✔ Optional activity extensions
✔ Authentic local atmosphere
We want you to feel like a friend discovering Slovenia with us – not like a tourist following a flag.
Tour Details
Difficulty: Moderate to moderately demanding (fully adjustable)
Hiking distance: approx. 4 km
Elevation gain: approx. 260 m
Swimming opportunities: Yes (seasonal)
Location: 30-40 minutes from Ljubljana
Optional Upgrade: Discover Ljubljana from the Water
If you wish to extend your day, we recommend combining this experience with our premium “City From the Water” tour. Choose between canoeing or SUP on the Ljubljanica River and explore Ljubljana’s charming old town from a unique water perspective.
(Surcharge applies for add-on activity.)
Perfect For
• Active travelers staying in Ljubljana
• Couples looking for a romantic nature escape
• Families who want flexible outdoor activities
• Guests seeking authentic Slovenian experiences
• Visitors who prefer boutique, small-group tours
Discover Authentic Slovenia – Beyond the Crowds
Slovenia offers much more than the usual tourist attractions. This tour combines hidden natural gems, outdoor adventure, swimming, scenic hiking, and UNESCO heritage landscapes – all within half a day.
If you are looking for a premium half-day tour from Ljubljana that blends adventure, comfort, and flexibility, this experience was designed for you.
Itinerary
Meeting point:
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Start of picking up in Ljubljana
Pekel Gorge
Lake Podpeč
City from the Water tour (optional - surcharge)
Jo D2024-09-04Verified Wonderful day sampling some of Slovenia’s beauty Tadej was an amazing guide and we had a wonderful day with him. Two short very steep hikes, rowing a boat around the Lake Bled island, feet dipped in a freezing lake and a wonderful lunch of smoked trout - these were the highlights of our day. Tadej was accommodating of our request to try to rent a boat and knew where to send us. What a great day! Take sneakers / hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, water and a big smile with you! Kim B2024-08-16Verified Amazing tour around Slovenia This is a well rounded tour of important sights around Slovenia with a very knowledgeable guide. Tadej is passionate and a very good guide with great insights about Slovenia in general. He even gave us recommendations about things to do when we were back in the city center. We had a great day, saw some amazing sites, and learned a lot. If you have to pick a tour, this is the one you should do. Olivia F2024-07-22Verified Fun trip! Good sightseeing, hiking, food, learned a lot from the tour guide! The trip was great! It was our first time in Slovenia, and our tour guide talked us through a lot of history, geography, and interesting facts. We visited lots of beautiful sights, did some fun hikes, and saw cool ski jumping and cross country ski facilities. We "swam" (for about five seconds before we got cold) in an alpine lake, ate some great cake, and got some great lunch. Tadej was a great host, he's friendly, knowledgeable, flexible about our plans and hiking abilities, and kept the trip fun and interesting. Would definitely recommend this trip if it's your first time in Slovenia or if you just want to see more of the western/mountainous part of the country. rolex0072024-07-04Verified Can't wait to continue tour with Tadej! We went on a private tour with Tadej--and couldn't be happier! I emailed Tadej abut what our interests were, what we would like to see (gave a Tadej a list), asked what was do-able, etc. Tadej had a Plan A and Plan B, in case of weather. We had a van, which was huge, very roomy, very clean, and comfortable. Tadej arranged it so that we saw things efficiently--yet we never felt rushed or anything. If there was something that I wanted to do, it was, "Go for it!" with Tadej. I liked Tadej explaining to us what we were seeing along the way--what building was what, the history of Slovenia and the places we visited, oriented us, etc. We started with JASNA LAKE, a very beautiful man-made lake with beautiful emerald-green water for a photo op. By it was a stream with running cold water from the mountains. I put on my water shoes and stepped into the stream briefly. It was also here that we saw an injured baby fox ambling along the stream which Tadej reported. We moved onto:- PLANICA--where I climbed up the grassy ski jump for a short bit;- ZELENCI NATURE RESERVE (marshes, birdsong, bubbling water due to volcanic activity--so much in one place--easy walk on dirt, then on boardwalk in marsh area); and- Peričnik WATERFALL, which was the highlight of highlights--as we were enjoying everything Tadej was showing and explaining to us. Tadej helped me over any tricky (high and/or slippery*) spots. --Tadej told us that everyone who hiked behind the waterfall had said that it was worth it! :) --Tadej was very convincing. I am glad that Tadej didn't let us be lazy. :) My partner said that he really enjoyed the hike and going behind the waterfall. --I was amused. Tadej showed us the two hikes that were on the Info Board, one going behind the waterfall, and one going to the top of the waterfall, which was strenuous (said so in description on Info Board)--and said to us, We are NOT going there. Tadej filled my water bottle and even carried it for me.** *Both my partner and I wore hiking boots. My partner's pair was probably a little lighter. One does get quite wet from the spray. --I did. And it was really fun. --I wore a light windbreaker*** with a hood. (I put on the hood when we got closer to the waterfall.) ***Which dried quickly. **When we were at JASNA LAKE, it looked like it might rain. Tadej took an umbrella with him, just in case. --I left my umbrella in the van when Tadej said that the umbrella he was carrying was for me, in case it rained. - I have read about VINTGAR GORGE and wanted to hike it--just a part of it (b/c of time). It was a 2-hour one-way hike, Tadej told me. But Tadej said that he will still ask for me if it was possible to only do a short walk. (--Tadej said that no one has ever asked that before, but he will ask very nicely.) --Tadej had also suggested another gorge earlier. I don't know if it would have been the same. The people at Vintgar said no (rightly, though I was hopeful)--and were very nice about it. --But even walking to the Ticket Office, it was already very scenic and beautiful, with the water on my right.- We stopped by LAKE BLED for a photo op at Tadej's favorite spot--and had the famous Bled cream cake. --We had not known that there was a famous Bled cream cake had Tadej not told us. Tadej said that the cake was huge. So I was going to share one with Tadej. But when it arrived at the table, I wanted my own, the whole thing. :) I had ordered it with wine--b/c it looked so nice in the picture in the menu--but I don't really drink. I would say, skip the wine, and just have the cake! :) --It's so light--and, for me, I really liked that it was not too sweet. We capped the day with the cream cake--and, of course, I had to put my feet into the Lake. --We could have continued the tour--as I had listed more stuff--and Tadej had suggestions (based on my list and seeing my interests). --If we/I had any energy left--and we/I did--but, alas, we had to move on to our next destination. If we ever get back, I hope to continue the tour from where we left off--and, of course, with Tadej! --I would not go with any other guide and/or company! :) ayrtonnette2024-06-16Verified Great experience Had an excellent day with very beautiful landscapes. The lakes, the waterfall, I was amazed by this nature, pure joy.Magnificent landscapes.Too bad we couldn't do the Zelenci reserve.A guide, Ben, very competent, helpful and helpful during the slightly complicated passages on the hikes.If you have little time there, I recommend this outing. Forb8042024-04-18Verified Fabulous Tour-Fantastic Guide The was a fantastic tour and Tadej was a wonderful, knowledgeable and kind guide. We had a a fabulous time. Strongly recommend JB2024-04-09Verified Truly magical, beautiful & nurturing Slovenian Nature experience !! Lovely locations , very well versed, experienced and informed guidance on culture, food, sports, terrain, climate & possibilities to explore. The tour includes 2 beautiful hikes with breath taking views and for a willing to explore novice , I was really encouraged, included, motivated and supported and well taken care off , with total ease. Tadej made the whole experience very nurturing , memorable and also gave us space & time to explore on our own . Had great & fun group members made it wonderful! Rob2024-04-07Verified Hills in the sunshine What a ride out, a good few big hills up, but time for 5 descents in the time! Great guide and highly recommended. Excellent bikes and all round experience Fiona D2023-11-05Verified Slovenia in a nutshell This was the highlight of our holiday. Tadej was a fantastic host and the experiences were breathtaking - lakes, snow, waterfalls and hikes / this one had it all. Highly recommend! Tra-king2023-11-05Verified A long weekend holiday. The best tour we done in Slovenia our Guide Tadej is so informative and friendly that we feel like hangging out with our old friend .beautiful views good company good service ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I highly recommend this tour ❤️❤️❤️
Frequently Asked Questions
– Comfortable clothes and sport (hiking) shoes
– A jacket or a sweater is advisable, since the temperatures varies in the gorge
– Swimsuit and a towel
– Bottled water is recommended
– We make sure that everybody can join the tour, no matter the fitness level
– Not recommended for travelers with back problems
– Not wheelchair accessible
– Tour may operate in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
– Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
This trip is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund. In this case we operate in poor weather, we have a right to change the itinerary if we believe that some places/service cannot be seen/used during bad weather.
We will inform you where your pick-up point will be after booking. We will try to pick you up as close to your accommodation as possible. This applies to your drop-off location as well. Once the booking is complete, we will send all needed information to organize pick up arrangements.
Note: If you are booking within 24 hours of the tour/activity departure time, we cannot guarantee hotel pick -up. Please bear in mind that we have multiple pick-up points, so it may take up to 15-20 minutes for the guide to get to you.
Usual pick-up locations:
- Grand Hotel Union
- Main train station Ljubljana
- B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park
- Slovenian Tourist information center (Krekov trg 10)
- Levstikov trg
- Hostel Celica
- City hotel
- Hotel Lev
- Hotel Intercontinental
- Hotel Cubo
- M Hotel
Easy as this:
- Fill the enquiry form that you can find at every trip on our website
- You can pay in advance with credit card or with cash on the day of the trip. If you are paying with cash, please send a inquiry on or contact email.
- We send you confirmation of booking and all the important information regarding your trip or activity
- Enjoy the day
If you need to cancel or reschedule your trip for any reason, simply call or send us an email. Every cancellation of day trips/activity made up to 24 hours before departure is free of charge. But if you cancel the day trip less than 24 hours before departure none of the payment will be refunded.
In case of refund, you will be refunded within 72 hours after your cancellation.
If you have some special requests:
– You would like to visit some other parts of Slovenia
– You would like us to organize you a private trip
– You would like to try some other activity
Do not hesitate and contact us. All the contact information can be found HERE.
If you did not find anything that would suit your wishes on our website, we recommend the following agencies. We are cooperating closely with them and you can be sure that you will be in good hands. A great experience awaits you.
- Mountain bike trips and active holidays in Slovenia: http://www.outdoor-mania.com
- Mountain bike tours in Koroška region: http://ridgelinetrails.si
- Outdoor adventures on Bled: https://www.adventure-rafting.com
- One day or multiday trips in other parts of Slovenia: https://www.slovenian-wander.com





